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COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. 


WEBSTER'S 

HOME, SCHOOL AND OFFICE 

DICTIONARY 


ILLUSTRATED 


Based Upon the Principles Set Forth by 

NOAH WEBSTER, LL.D. 

Containing a Reference Library of Often- 
Sought-For Facts, Colored Plates and Monotones 


Revised and Brought Up to Its Present State of Perfection by 

ROBERT ARROWSMITH, Ph.D. 

Late Professor in Teachers' College; Associate Editor of Harper's Classical 

Dictionary, The New International Encyclopaedia, Harper's Latin Dictionary, 

Etc., Etc. 

Originally Produced, After the Best and Latest Authorities 
on Language, Under the Chief Editorship of 

Harry Thurston Peck, Ph.D.,Litt.D.,LL.D. 

(Late Anthon Professor in the Columbia University) 


ASSISTED BY THE FOLLOWING EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS 

Frederic Taber Cooper, LL.B., Ph.D. John C. Rolfe, Ph.D. Professor in the 

Late Professor in the New York University of Pennsylvania. 

University; Editor of the Forum, etc. Robert Gordon Grant, A.M., Ph.D. 

Charles F. Johnson, Ph.D. Professor Heidelberg University. 

in Trinity College, Hartford, Conn. Lilian H. du Bois. Instructor in the 

C. L. Meader, Ph.D. Professor in the Wharton Combined School, Phila- 

University of Michigan. delphia. 

J. S. P. Tatlock, Ph.D. Asst. Professor Alfred W. Lawson. Editor of Aircraft. 

in the University of Michigan. Julian Chase, Ph.B. Editor of Motor. 

This Dictionary is no^ published by the original publishers of Webster's Dictionary, or by their successors, 

but by the 

NATIONAL PRESS ASSOCIATION 

9 and 11 East 37th Street 

NEW YORK 

1916 


,V\)^ 


Copyright, 1912, by Frank E. Wright 
Copyright, 1916, by Frank E. Wright 


MAR 24 1916 

i>C!.A428227 



14 TOPAZ (Biazil) 


6 AMETHYST 


I.UPYK1UUT, IblO, BY F. E WRIGHT 

PRECIOUS GEMS AS THEY ARE FOUND 





COPYRIGHT, 1912, BY F. E. WRIGHT. 

RARE BIRDS OF BRILLIANT PLUMAGE 


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:OPYRIGHT, 1914, F. E. WRIGHT 

POSTAGE STAMPS OF VARIOUS NATIONS 


KEY TO FIG. I 

A THE GREAT ARTERIAL TRUNK 

B THE GREAT BRANCH 

C. THE LEET CAROTID ARTERY 

D. THE LEET SUBCLAVIAN ARTERY 

E. THE TWO ILIAC ARTERIES 

F. THE GREAT VEIN 
(ASCENDINGVENA CAVA) 

G THE GREAT VEIN 

(DESCENDING VENACAVA 1 ) 



FIG4 

SECTION OF THF HE" ART 



KEY TO FIG. 4 

THE GREAT VEIN (oucendingvlnac 

2 THE GREAT VEIN (ascending vena cava) 

3 UPPER PART OE THE CAVITY OE THE RIGHT AURICLE 

4 UPPER PART OE THE RIGHT VENTRICLE 
5. THE THREE POINTED VALVE 

6 VALVES AT THE ORIEICE OF THE PULMONARY ARTERY 



FIG. 5 
SECTION OF AIR TUBE 


■F I G. I PLAN OF THE ARTERIES 


FIG. 3 

THREE VALVES 
AT THE COMMENCEMENT 
OE THE PULMONARY 
ARTERY 


FIG. 2 

SECTION OF VEIN 

(SHOWING VALVES) 


COPYRIGHT, 1913, BY F. E. WRIGHT 

CIRCULATION OF THE BLOOD 



COPYRIGHT, 1912, BY F. K. WRIGHT. 

CANADA GAME BIRDS 



COPYRIGHT, 1913, BY F. E. WRIGHT. 

PRINCIPAL EDIBLE GRAINS 


PREFACE 

THIS dictionary is an abridgement from the Standard 
work on the English language by America' s greatest 
lexicographer, Noah Webster, LL. D., revised and 
brought up to date so as to include practically all of 
the terms in the English vocabulary which are in ordinary use, 
as well as many technical terms which would be required only 
by the engineer, architect or advanced student. 

The special aim of the publishers has been to present in this 
one volume a standard desk dictionary of sterling merit, and to 
this end no expense has been spared to secure the most com- 
petent editorial staff and most attractive form of typography. 
A special merit of the book is its clear, distinct type, which 
represents a distinct advance over the usual desk dictionaries 
which are set in type so small as to be practically illegible to 
many people. The definitions will be found to be concise, 
accurate and up to date, and the text is enlivened by a number 
of beautifully colored engravings. 

Following the vocabulary will be found a Reference Library 
containing among other items a Glossary of Aviation Terms and 
a Glossary of Automobile Terms, a complete Table of Synonyms 
and Antonyms, an extended Dictionary of Commercial and 
Legal Terms, together with a veritable treasury of often-sought- 
for facts not ordinarily included in a work of this nature. 

The Editors. 


TABLE OF CONTENTS 


Principles of Grammar 

Orthography 

Etymology 

Syntax 

Punctuation Marks and their Meanings 

Versification, Forms and Rules 

Key to Abbreviations 

Key to Pronunciation 

Dictionary of the English Language 

Synonyms and Antonyms 

Foreign Words, Phrases, Maxims and Quotations 

Dictionary of Commercial and Legal Terms 

Glossary of Aviation Terms 

Glossary of Automobile Terms 

Wealth of the World 

Money in Circulation in the United States 

Electoral Vote 

Time Difference 

The Armies of the World 

The Armies of the United States 

The Navies of the World 

" National Insurance " 

Warship Tonnage, Various Nations 

American (Volunteer) System of Military Service 

Business Men's Camps 

Students' Camps 

Boy Scouts Movement in the United States 

United States Naval Advisory Board 

The Swiss System of Military Service 

The German System of Military Service 

The Australian System 

Boy Scouts in Foreign Countries 

Presidents of the United States 

Names of the States and their Meaning 

Nicknames of the States and the Reason 

Nicknames of Famous Personages 

Decisive Battles of the World and Their Results 

Metric System of Weights and Measures 

Value of Foreign Coins 

Facts about the Earth 

Wedding Aniversaries 

Legal Holidays in the Various States 

United States Census 

PROFUSELY ILLUSTRATED WITH 
FULL PAGE COLOR PLATES AND MONOTONES 


PRINCIPLES OF GRAMMAR 

GRAMMAR (from the Greek ypd^ua "a letter of the alphabet") is 
the art of speaking, reading, and writing correctly. It is comprised in 
tour main divisions: 

1. Orthography, which treats of letters, syllables, separate words, 
and spelling. 

2. Etymology, which explains and describes the sources from which 
the words of our language come, together with their classes and 
modifications. 

3. Syntax, which treats of the relation, agreement, government, 
and arrangement, of words in sentences. 

4. Prosody, which treats of the laws of poetry, of poetic prose, and 
in general of Versification. The study of punctuation, manner of utter- 
ance, and poetical figures, is closely allied with Prosody, 


I. ORTHOGRAPHY 

Orthography (from the Greek 6p6oypa<pia. "correct writing") is the 
art of accurate and approved spelling (Anglo-Saxon, speD . and is of 
essential importance in the study of the English language. It cannot be 
acquired wholly by means of rules, since the requisite number of rules 
would be an impossible burden; nor is it a more practicable method 
to learn the spelling of a few score words by rote. A few general 
principles, however, easily remembered, and based upon custom and 
tradition, will prevent any person from writing in a way that calls 
attention to his carelessness in spelling. These are given below and, if 
carefully studied, will be found more useful than a long treatise on the 
subject. 

The following words ought to begin with capital letters: 

The first word of every sentence. 

The first word of every line of poetry. 

All names, including pronouns, applied to God. 

Proper nouns. 

Adjectives derived from proper nouns. 

The names of the days of the week. 

The names of holidays. 

The names of the months. 

The pronoun "I". 

Any leading name which the author wishes to make emphatic. 

TThen a word ending in silent e is increased or augmented by a 
suffix beginning with a vowel, the e is omitted: as. give, giving: sense, 
sensible: fame, famous: cure, curable. The e is changed into i before 
fy and ty; as. pure, purity, purify: active, activity. When the silent e 
is preceded by v. c. or g soft, it is usually retained before able and ous; 
as peace, peaceable; courage, courageous. The present tendency how- 

5 


6 PRINCIPLES OF ENGLISH GRAMMAR 

ever is to drop the e in words where it is preceded by v, as move, mov- 
able; love, lovable. The e is also retained before ful, less, ly, ment, ness, 
some, ty;~ as, peaceful, nameless, wisely, excitement, whiteness, whole- 
some, surety. 

It is an established rule in the English language that words which 
end with the vowel e, and lengthen the sound of a preceding vowel (as 
in file, write, endure), should drop the e on receiving a termination and 
becoming a derivative, if that termination begin with a vowel (as er, 
ed, ing, ance). Thus file — filer, not fileer, filing; endure, enduring, 
endurance, not endureance. But in cases where the e affects the sound 
of a preceding consonant it forms an exception; as in a word with a 
soft g, or where, in juxtaposition with another e, it forms one long 
vowel; thus, singe, singeing; see, seeing. 

Monosyllabic words ending in a single consonant, not preceded by a 
long vowel, and words of more than one syllable ending in a single 
accented consonant, and of course not preceded by a long vowel, double 
the final consonant in all the derivatives which are formed by a termina- 
tion beginning with a vowel; as fit, fitted, fitteth, fitting; bar, barred, 
barreth; abet, abetted; compel, compelled. Without this doubling of the 
final consonant, the vowel in the accented syllable of the primitive word 
(that is the e in abet) would be pronounced wrongly in the derivative 
(abetted, etc.), namely, with its long sound — fited, bared, abeted. Hence 
the reason why verbs having the long sound of a vowel do not double 
the last consonant; as feared, defiled, bloated. 

Words ending in a single consonant, but not having the accent on 
the last syllable do not double the final consonant in derivatives; as 
limit, limited; civil, civiZity; enter, entered. 

A word ending in II usually drops one I on becoming part of a com- 
pound word; as all, always; fill, fulfil; full, fruitful; till, until. But 
there are some exceptions to this rule; as recall, refill, uphill; which 
retain the orthography of their monosyllabic roots. 

Words ending in y, preceded by a consonant, change the y into i on 
receiving an augment; as holy, holier; happy, happiness; pity, pitied. 
Exceptions — before ing, ish, and s, the y is retained; as flying, babyish, 
for pity's sake; also in dryness, slyly, shyness. 

When the y is preceded by a vowel, it is retained; as boy, boyish; 
day, days; joy, joyful. Exceptions — gaiety, said, paid, laid. 

II. ETYMOLOGY 

By 

Clarence L. Meader, Ph.D. 

Professor in the University of Michigan 

Etymology in its broadest sense is a science which aims to give 
account of a nation's vocabulary, by discovering and describing the 
elements of words, by determining their changes in sound and meaning, 
and by tracing out the sources of borrowed words. 

All living languages are in a state of continual flux. An American 
of to-day pronounces far differently from an Englishman of Chaucer's 
or King Alfred's time. Not only the sounds, but also the meanings of 
words vary, perhaps over even wider ranges. New meanings arise 
and old ones are forgotten. Thus Old English sa?lig, which formerly 
meant "fortunate, happy," has become modern silly. In two other ways 


PRINCIPLES OF ENGLISH GRAMMAR 7 

the language is continually altered and enriched: (1) by the rise 
of secondary derivatives, e. g., Byronism, motor-cycle, and (2) by bor- 
rowing from foreign languages, e. g., chauffeur, from contemporary 
French. These borrowings and changes have the effect through their 
gradual accumulation of entirely transforming a language. 

The changes in inflectional forms, depending both on sound changes 
and on psychological motives, have been equally extensive. To illus- 
trate, Old English possessed six case forms of the word moon: Mona^,, 
monetises, monaft . monelSas, monefia, mone^um. These have now been 
reduced to two, month and months (month's and months' being merely 
orthographic variations). The ideas formerly expressed by case, tense, 
mood and personal endings are now conveyed by adverbs, prepositions, 
auxiliary verbs, order of words and other means. It should be here 
remarked, not only that such changes in sounds and inflections have 
affected all native English words, but that borrowed words, on becoming 
naturalized, are affected in like manner. Furthermore, phonetic changes 
do not take place capriciously or arbitrarily, but in accordance with 
regularly operating laws. To illustrate, O. E. a (long) becomes modern 
English 6, and this will regularly hold true of O. E. long a vowels not 
preceded by a w. This regularity of sound changes is of the greatest 
importance to the etymologist. [The creation of new words through 
phonetic changes is discussed below.] 

The ultimate sources of these changes are the variations of sound 
and meaning in the speech of the individual. In each individual much 
variation of pronunciation is occasioned in one and the same word 
from hour to hour and from day to day by the state of his emotions, 
by the stress,- pitch, rapidity, and loudness of utterance, by chance 
physiological and anatomical conditions, and by other numerous and 
fluctuating factors. However, the desire to make one's self understood, 
the instinct of imitation, the fear of ridicule, the training of the muscu- 
lar movements of the organs of speech, along with other conditions, pre- 
vent the sudden rise of excessive changes of either form or meaning. 
Thus is preserved a close general resemblanc in the speech of all the 
members of the same linguistic community. This constitutes a dialect. 
The boundaries of such communities (some very large, others very 
small) are primarily determined not by physico-geographical conditions, 
although these often play a large part, but by social interests — political, 
economic, commercial, religious, etc. In America in the nineteenth cen- 
tury with its railways, telephones and other means of rapid communica- 
tion, its books and newspapers, and its schools in which a standard 
language is taught, dialect areas are large and their boundaries vague. 
Residents of Boston, New York, Chicago, New Orleans and San Fran- 
cisco notice comparatively few striking differences in each other's 
speech. But in England in earlier days, as also to a large extent at 
the present time, dialects covered relatively small areas and were very 
pronounced. Under favorable conditions the lines of demarcation be- 
tween adjacent dialects become so sharp and the changes in each pro- 
ceed so far, that the speech of one community becomes unintelligible 
to the others. In this way new languages, the French, Spanish, Portu- 
guese, and Italian, for example, arose from Latin dialects, and thus 
English developed from the Old Germanic. 

The rate of linguistic change depends upon a variety of factors. 
Race mixture (due to migration or conquest), the growth of culture 
and material civilization, and close social contact with foreign nations 


■8 


PRINCIPLES OF ENGLISH GRAMMAR 


(commonly the result of more intimate commercial relations) are among 
the most important of these factors. We may now observe how these 
conditions together with others have affected the development of the 
English vocabulary. 

In the dim dawn of prehistoric Europe, perhaps in the Bronze Age, 
we can discern traces, faint but certain, of the existence of communities 
now called the primitive Indo-Europeans. They spoke a language from 
which were derived most of the living European languages and many 
of those now spoken in Asia. We know something of the life of this 
people. We know also that from time to time they sent offshoots to (1) 
Southwestern Asia and Asia Minor, (2) Greece, (3) Italy, (4) France 
and the British Isles, (5) Germany and (6) the Slavonic lands. Isolated 
from their kindred and doubtless commingling with other peoples, the 
dialects of these offshoots developed into new languages:* (1) Aryan, 
from which Sanskrit and Old and Modern Persian arose, (2) primitive 
Greek, the parent of Ancient and Modern Greek, (3) primitive Italic, 
the parent of Latin, from which came the Romance tongues, (4) primi- 
tive Celtic, the source of modern Welsh, Irish and Scotch-Gaelic, (5) 
primitive Germanic, and (6) primitive Balto-Slavic, which has yielded 
Russian, Polish, Lettish, etc. Primitive Germanic, like the other 
branches, broke up into sub-dialects as the community speaking it ex- 
panded, and still newer languages, — Gothic, Scandinavian, German and 
English, — blossomed forth, as shown in the following outline: 


Prim. Germ.. 


f Gothic 
Old Norse 


f Danish, Swedish 
1 Norwegian, Icelandic 




fOld High German 
Old West. Germ.) 

[Old Low German 
Such are the genetic relations of English. 


'Mod. High German 


Old and Mod. Saxon 
Old Franconian 
Dutch, Flemish 
Old and Mod. Frisian 
^Old and Mod. English 

Three Old English tribes, dwelling in the coast lands, both north 
and south of the Elbe, crossed the sea in the fifth and sixth centuries 
and permanently occupied the island of Britain. The Jutes settled 
chiefly in Kent, the Saxons elsewhere, south of the Thames and in Mid- 
dlesex and bussex, the Angles north of these, extending as far as the 
Forth. The Angles split up into two dialect groups, the northern (North- 
umbrian) and southern (Mercian). After the year 827 the West Saxon 
attained considerable ascendancy as a literary language, chiefly in con- 
sequence of the conquests of Ecgberht (802-839) and the literary efforts 
of Alfred (died 901). In the fifteenth century the dialect of London, 
which stood rather closer to the Mercian (or Central) English, became 
a standard literary and official language, in consequence of the ad- 
ministrative and commercial importance of the metropolis, the inter- 
mediate character and location of the dialect between north and south, 
the widespread influence of the writings of Chaucer and Wyclif, and 
the introduction of printing, London being the center of the publish- 

*Many of these languages and some groups of languages are not mentioned here. 


PRINCIPLES OP ENGLISH GRAMMAR 9 

ing business. This standard English has for a long time been gradu- 
ally leveling the modern descendents of the above-mentioned dialects. 
American English is one form of it. 

When we turn to the consideration of the non-Germanic and non- 
Latin elements of our language, we meet with two historical facts of 
great importance: (1) these words, with comparatively few exceptions, 
came in after the year 1500; (2) they reached us by two entirely differ- 
ent channels: (a) colonization and commerce, (b) the study of foreign 
literatures. 

Although English commerce was encouraged by various circum- 
stances from the beginning of the twelfth century on, yet it was not 
until the early sixteenth century that England was in a position to 
come forward as a strong rival of Portugal, Spain and the Netherlands. 
The discovery of the West Indies in 1492 and of a sea route to India 
in 1498, the establishment of the East India Company in 1600 and the 
foundation of Jamestown and Plymouth were followed by a rapid develop- 
ment of commerce; and since 1800 England has maintained her rank 
as the foremost commercial nation in the world. The opening up of the 
extensive foreign relations entered upon by England since 1500 has 
greatly enriched our vocabulary. Most of our borrowed Spanish words 
and quite a number of Sanskrit and Persian words (as makarajah, pun- 
dit, durbar) came in by this route. The more important non-Indo-Euro- 
pean languages that have contributed are: the native languages of 
North and South America (e. g., tomahawk and raccoon, from Algon- 
quin; cacao, coyote, tomato, from Mexican; llama, from Peruvian; cay- 
enne, from Brazilian) and the native languages of Asia and the Pacific 
islands (examples: tea, from Chinese; jinriksha, from Japanese; boom- 
erang and kangaroo, from Australian; tattoo, from Tahitian). There 
are also some words from African languages. These words have come 
to us, either directly or (quite as commonly) indirectly, through the 
mediation of Spanish (in the case of many Mexican, West Indian and 
Arabic words) and other tongues. If we exclude a large number of 
geographical proper names, these words are seen to be mainly nouns, 
the names of various commercial commodities, or of local plants and 
animals. 

On the other hand, it has been chiefly through the study of the 
Greek and Italian literatures, to which the English have assiduously 
devoted themselves for some four hundred years, that these languages 
have contributed to our vocabulary. About 80 Italian words have 
reached us directly in this way, and some 1,400 fairly common Greek 
words. In addition to these there are, of course, several thousand 
technical scientific (especially medical) terms derived from Greek. 

From Skeat's etymological dictionary we learn that there are about 
14,000 primary words in English, while the entire number of words 
recorded in a recent Dictionary is about 325,000. Exclude from this last 
number the numerous technical terms, and the majority of the residue 
are derivatives and compounds of a portion of this 14,000. This state- 
ment will convey some impression of the important part played by the 
processes of secondary derivation and compounding, the principal forms 
of which are as follows: 

(1) Reduplication and iteration, as in the excited imperative, 
come, come! 

(2) Compounding of formerly distinct words. Compound words 
are usually, if not always, designations of some one non-homogeneous 


10 PRINCIPLES OF ENGLISH GRAMMAR 

object, quality, action, state or relation. Of the component parts of the 
word, one is commonly a designation of some specific, prominent quality 
of the object, action, etc.; the other a more general characterization. 
Less commonly the two elements are strictly coordinate. The unity of 
the object, action, etc., themselves provides the psychological basis for 
the unity of the compound. Illustrations: tuool-dress, bred-n-buttr 
(=bread-and-butter) , Hay-Pauncefote-treaty. The following examples 
illustrate the variety of combinations of various parts of speech that 
occur: even-tide, oak-tree, Tues-day, blood-shedding, alder-man, two-fold, 
self-confidence, self-confident, ivash-tub, sea-sick. 

(3) Secondary derivation by prefixes and suffixes. No sharp line 
can be drawn between this type of word-formation and composition. 
The psychological processes underlying them have much in common, 
but analogy plays a less prominent part in composition. In fact, prefixes 
and suffixes are in part derived from previously independent words. In 
English there are about three hundred prefixes derived from divers 
sources, but many (perhaps two hundred) of these, like v in van, are 
no longer felt as such; and many more have ceased to be employed in 
forming new derivatives. Tin- and ante- are still freely used. English 
suffixes are so numerous and varied in form that a systematic classifica- 
tion of them is impossible. Many go back to primitive Indo-European 
times, some grew up in the primitive Germanic period, others are more 
recent, and not a few are of Latin and Greek origin. Suffixes, like 
prefixes, tend to fuse more and more closely with the fundamental word, 
and, eventually, consciousness of them as distinct elements is lost, as in 
o-ther, ev-er, daw-n, dar-k. 

(4) In transforming old words and begetting new ones, shifts of 
meaning and sound changes always operate simultaneously. So lord 
and lady are the end results of such changes wrought in the Old English 
words, hlaf-ord (formerly hlaf-weard), literally "bread-warder," and 
hlaf-dige, lit. "bread-kneader." The four most important specific types of 
sound change are: (1) loss of sounds, as hlaford, (2) vowel-gradation, 
which is seen in fall, fell and give, gave, (3) mutation, or umlaut, which 
is the cause of the variations in man, men, goose, geese, choose, choice, 
(4) vowel heightening and breaking, as the change of a to a, a to e, and 
that of e to I. 

III. SYNTAX 

By John S. P. Tatlock, Ph.D. 
Professor in the University of Michigan. 

All living languages change. Among races without the steadying 
influence of civilization and literature they change rapidly; so rapidly 
in Polynesia, it is said, that a traveller returning to an island after 
an absence of years has scarcely been able to recognize the language. 
Only the lack in the eighteenth century of the scientific and historical 
habit of mind accounts for the extraordinary proposal of Dean Swift, 
that "Some method should be thought on for ascertaining and fixing our 
language forever, after such alterations in it as shall be thought requi- 
site." While the most changeful elements in language are pronunciation 
and vocabulary, Syntax, too, submits to the universal law. 

By observing the development of the language during some thirteen 


PRINCIPLES OF ENGLISH GRAMMAR 11 

hundred years, we can see the direction of the change. In general it 
has been toward the simple, the reasonable and the useful. On the 
whole, rules have become fewer, less arbitrary, but more invariable. 
Tseless distinctions have been discarded, constructions alike in func- 
tion have become alike in form, means have become better adapted to 
ends. Among the happiest changes has been the disappearance (in the 
thirteenth century) of the three grammatical genders among nouns, 
and (in the fifteenth century) of the inflection of adjectives and of their 
distinctions in forms according as they refer to definite or indefinite 
'objects. In particular, the tendency has been away from a synthetic and 
toward an analytic structure; that is, the relations of words are now 
shown less by their form and more by their position and the use of 
particles. This is almost pure gain. Though it requires more words 
than the older structure, the words are shorter and easier to learn and 
use. The increased fixity in order is not great enough to involve mon- 
otony or real loss of expressiveness, and unquestionably has brought 
a gain in clearness and ease of use. 

We have seen how, by the general law of the universe, the forces 
which have made the English language what it is are steadily making 
it other than it is. Change it must, but it may change more rapidly or 
less, and in general the less rapidly the better, for many reasons. It 
is a curious fact that at present the changes which might be most 
beneficial are in general not those which are tending to take place. 
Change does not occur unopposed, and the forces aiding conservatism 
are many. Among the chief is the social stigma attaching to notice- 
able departures from the received forms of the language; though it 
is singular that the fear of this stigma often capriciously strains at 
the gnat and swallows the camel, making those whose shalVs and wills 
are hopelessly at odds needlessly careful to pronounce at all as two 
words. Perhaps equally important is the steadying influence of earlier 
literature. Other influences are the example of the older members of 
the community, patriotism (especially in England), the fear of not being 
understood, the historical sense, and a general feeling for the indecency 
of wanton disregard of what is established. All these tend to offset the 
charm of novelty. 

More concretely, the basis of conservatism in syntax as elsewhere is 
to be found in the rules of grammar and in the trend of good usage, 
which means the practice of the best writers and speakers. Here is 
the living solidity which keeps linguistic filibustering from carrying 
all before it. Here, if anywhere, is to be found the answer when a par- 
ticular form is questioned. If the decree of grammar and usage in regard 
to syntax is clear, no arguments from analogy or reason avail, for living 
speech is not a matter of ideal but of reality. Here the function of 
dictionaries and books of grammar and rhetoric is to codify good usage 
with full knowledge and intelligence, and all their authority in regard 
to syntax is a derived authority. Further, the authority of good usage 
rests not in isolated instances but on general tendency. The fact that 
sporadic cases of "the split infinitive" (e. g., "to perfectly understand") 
are to be found from Anglo-Saxon times down, does not make it gen- 
erally justifiable (though occasionally it may be hard to avoid); any 
more than Byron's "there let him lay," and Shelley's "Be thou me, im- 
petuous one," justify "It is me," and "Lay down, sir!" 

It may have been noticed that this discussion has recognized two 
points of view toward syntax, one scientific and one aesthetic, the one 


12 PRINCIPLES OF ENGLISH GRAMMAR 

impartially observing change and the other usually opposing it. Many 
older writers on the subject tended to be so dogmatic as to be poor 
guides for the uninstructed, and modern purely scientific grammarians 
do not pretend to be guides. A rational attitude toward the matter 
requires us to hold the balance between the two, and the greatest help 
to doing so is an intelligently historical point of view; for history both 
loves the past and recognizes that it is past, interprets the present yet 
knows it is not final. Without wide reading a knowledge of the history 
of the language and a knowledge of the speech-usages of other parts 
of the English-speaking world, the judicious person will hesitate to be 
dogmatic about idioms and unusual constructions. In particular, this 
point of view is desirable in those in positions of authority, writers of 
text-books, and teachers. It prevents venerable and serviceable idioms 
from being condemned because they are not easy to parse, and personal 
or national whims and antipathies from being erected into canons.* 
It promotes a generous and vital attitude toward questions of usage, 
shows that many are not questions of right and wrong but of better 
and worse, that the requirements of formal and informal writing and 
talking are all and have always been different, and discourages not only 
slovenliness but also priggishness and dogmatism. The practical effect 
of the historical attitude can hardly be better summed up than in the 
familiar words of Pope's Essay on Criticism: 

"In words, as fashions, the same rule will hold; 
Alike fantastic, if too new, or old; 
Be not the first by whom the new are try'd, 
Nor yet the last to lay the old aside." 

IV. PUNCTUATION 

Punctuation is the art of pointing written composition in such a 
manner as may naturally lead to its proper meaning, construction, and 
delivery; and it thus indicates the several pauses, or rests, between sen- 
tences, and parts of sentences, according to their proper quantity or pro- 
portion, as they are expressed in just and accurate pronunciation. 

The following are the- principal stops or pauses in a sentence, viz., 
the comma (,), the semicolon ( ; ), the colon ( : ), the period, or full point 
(.), the note of admiration or, exclamation (!), and the note of interro- 
gation (?). 

The comma (,) is a pause in reading, or slight break in sense, and is 
mostly used to distinguish nouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs; as, "It 
is very difficult to make fine pictures, handsome statues, good music, 
good verses." It likewise prevents ambiguity in the sense: as, "Episto- 
lary writing, by which a great part of the commerce of human life is 
carried on, was esteemed by the Romans a liberal and polite accomplish- 
ment." When an address is made to a person, answering to the vocative 
case in Latin, a comma is placed before and after the noun: as, "Com- 
mune with thyself, man, and consider wherefore thou wast made." 

The semicolon ( ; ) is a pause somewhat longer than the comma, and 
is used to distinguish the different members or parts of a sentence: as, 
"A vain hope flattereth the heart of a fool; but he who is wise pursueth 
it not. Be grateful to thy father, for he gave thee life; and to thy 
mother, for she sustained thee." 

* Between alternative colloquial forms like someone else's and someone's else one may have 
his preference; yet he is not justified in being dogmatic. 


PRINCIPLES OF ENGLISH GRAMMAR 13 

The colon ( : ) is a pause in reading of still greater length, and 
shows the preceding sentence to be perfect and entire, only that some 
remark, further illustration, or other matter connected therewith, is 
subjoined: as, "He who giveth away his treasure wisely, giveth away his 
plagues: he who retaineth its increase, heapeth up sorrow." 

The period, or full point (.), indicates a complete or temporary rest 
of the voice, and denotes a full and perfect sentence, which is always dis- 
tinguished by this point: as, "A noble spirit disdaineth the malice of for- 
tune. His greatness of soul is not to be cast down." 

The note of admiration (!) is used to express wonder, or exclama- 
tion: as, "Who art thou, man! who presumest on thine own wisdom?" 

The note of interrogation (?) is used to show when a question is 
asked: as, "What day of the month is this?" It likewise distinguishes a 
real question from a sentence in the imperative mood: as, "Do you hear 
me?" 

Besides the above points, there are other marks made use of in books 
and writing as references, or to point out something remarkable or 
defective: as, 

Accent (') placed over a vowel, or the last consonant of a syllable, 
shows the stress of the voice, in pronouncing a word, to be on that 
syllable over or immediately before which it is placed. 

Apostrophe ('), is a comma placed over a word, to denote the omis- 
sion of a letter, for the sake of a quicker pronunciation: as, plac'd for 
placed, ne'er for never. 

Asterism, or asterisk (*) a star, and Parallel (||), direct to some 
note at the foot of the page. 

Obelisk or Dagger (t), refers likewise to some note in the margin, 
&c; and in dictionaries it commonly shows the word to be obsolete. 

The Index, or Hand ( (£2p~), points to some very remarkable passage. 

Breve ( v ) over a vowel, denotes that it sounds short. 

Circumflex ("), or ("), is placed over a vowel to denote a long syl- 
lable: as, Euphrates, or Euphrates. 

Diaeresis ("), consists of two points placed over one of two conjoin- 
ing vowels, thus dividing them into two syllables 1 : as, aerial. 

Hyphen (-), is a short line to join syllables or words together. 

Hakron (marked ~) over a vowel shows this vowel to be long. 

Parenthesis, marked thus ( ), serves to include a sentence which 
might be omitted, without any prejudice to the general meaning; not- 
withstanding it may be necessary for the explanation thereof: as, "Par- 
don me (added she, embracing me), I now believe what you say." 

Dash ( — ), is used when the sense breaks off abruptly, or is tem- 
porarily suspended and continued after a short interruption. A double 
dash, at beginning and end of an introduced phrase, is now frequently 
employed in place of the parenthesis. 

Bracket, or Crotchet, thus [ ], includes such a word from the sentence 
as serves to explain the word immediately preceding: as, "A treatise of 
[concerning] English Grammar." 

Paragraph (T[), denotes the beginning of a new subject. The 

pause here may be greater than a period. 

Section (§), is used to divide a chapter into less particular argu- 
ments. 

Ellipsis, marked thus ( ), or ( ), denotes that part of a word 

is left out: as. K g, for King. 

Caret ( a ) , is placed underneath a line to show that some letter, 


14 PRINCIPLES OF ENGLISH GRAMMAR 

word or sentence is left out by mistake, and must be inserted exactly in 
that place. 

Quotation ("■), is a double comma reversed at the beginning of a 
line, which shows that a passage is quoted, or transcribed, from some 
author in his own words. 

V. VERSIFICATION AND PROSODY 

By Charles F. Johnson, A.M., Ph.D. 
Professor in Trinity College, Hartford, Connecticut. 

A poem is a structure, but it is more than a structure, it is an 
organism. The writer puts into it a portion of his own spiritual vital- 
ity, so that, as Dr. Johnson says, "poetry pleases by exhibiting an idea 
more grateful to the mind than things themselves afford." 

A collection of words constituting a verse or line of poetry is easily 
recognizable from its structure. For example, the words, 

"A sensitive plant in a garden grew," 
would be declared verse at once by the reader because they mark time. 
In reading it we naturally make four beats, instinctive movements of the 
hand or head. On looking further we see that all the lines of the poem 
have the same peculiarity and we conclude that this is the general 
law of the verses of that poem, though sometimes the beats are not so 
marked as in the opening line. The beats coincide with the syllables 
"sen," "plant," "gard" and "grew," which we recognize at once as the 
accented syllables. But if we write: 

"A sensitive plant grew in a garden" 
we see at once here is not a poetical line though we might surmise 
as before that the "sensitive plant" meant a human soul, and "the gar- 
den" human society, or the world. The symbolical or suggested mean- 
ing is not affected, but the structure is destroyed. 

The Accent and the Foot 

The Latin and Greek critics, in whose languages much fine poetry 
was written, considered that the syllables were long and short; they 
regarded duration rather than force as marking them. They recog- 
nized that the short syllables were associated with the long syllables 
just as we recognize accented syllables as agglutinated to unaccented 
ones to form feet. To these feet they gave names, as trochee — a long and 
short syllable, imabus — a short and long, spondee — two long syllables, 
dactyl — a long followed by two shorts, anapest — two shorts followed by a 
long, and a few other combinations. They also considered that the 
time occupied in enunciating a short syllable was half that required 
by a long one. These names are retained in English prosody for con- 
venience; an iambus is an unaccented syllable followed by an accented 
one, and so forth. The term, "foot" is retained for the agglutinated 
syllables constructing a metrical unit. The old marks (- w ) for long 
and short are also used in English prosody, though they mean accented 
and unaccented. English from its earliest history is preeminently an 
accented language, and accent as applied to it means stress or force, 
not pitch, as it meant when used by the Greeks. The regular feet are 
the iamb (~ -), the trochee (.- w ), the anapest ( w w -), the dactyl 


PRINCIPLES OF ENGLISH GRAMMAR 15 

(- w w ), the amphibrach ( w - w ). A single long syllable may 
constitute a foot if followed by a pause, rhetorical or grammatical, or 
at the end of a line, where a pause (very short) is always to be made. 
The spondee ( — ) is substantially out of the question, though, since 
monosyllables are nearly all accented, two accents may fall together, as 
"far down," in the line. Then one of these takes the principal accent 
and throws the other into comparative obscurity, according to the re- 
quirements of the beat. For the same reason the pyrrhic ( w w ) and the 
tribrach ( w w w ) have no place. Nor have the four-syllable feet like the 
Ionic ( — w w ). When a line of verse can be scanned as Ionics it 
will be found that the natural reading marks trochees or anapests if 
some of the syllables are evidently acoustically unimportant. 

Stress is practically the same as accent, but is usually applied to 
cases where a weak accent is reinforced to make the beat evident, as 
in the case where two accented monosyllables come together and one 
must be given the leadership. Even when the meaning requires a 
slow and distinct enunciation of each syllable so as to give a spondaic 
effect, it will be found that one syllable still carries the metrical accent 
and that these stresses are nearly, perhaps absolutely, spaced in time. 

The Line 

The feet can be combined in many ways to make lines of poetry. 
The most common is the five-accent iambic line, of which the best 
exemplar is Pope. Lines are individualized in the pages of a book by 
special printing, in reading, by a short pause at the end, which is 
frequently marked by a rhyme. The shortest line may be taken as one 
of two accents, though single words may be printed as a refrain. The 
favorite metre of Burns consists of three four-accent lines, a two-accent 
line, another four-accent line, and a two-accent line terminating the 
stanza or group of lines: 

"Ev'n thou | who mournst | the Dai | sy's fate, 
That fate | is thine | — no dis | tant date, 
Stern Rti | in's plow | share drives, | elate, 
Full on | thy doom." 
The feet in the above are iambic. 
Hood's "Bridge of Sighs" is in lines of two accents: 
"one more, un | fortunate, 
Weary of | breath, 
Rashly im | portunate, 
Gone to her | death." 

Here the feet are of three syllables, dactyls and amphibrachs, except 
the terminals "breath" and "death," which with the following pause 
have the temporal value of iambics. 

Three-accent lines are found in the second and fourth line of ballad 
metre and the "Common metre" of hymns, the other two lines of the 
stanza being marked with four accents. The hymn: 
"From Green | land's i | cy mountains 
From in | dia's cor | al strand." 

is an example of three-accent lines. 

The four-accent line is very frequently used by poets. When seven 
syllables are used, the last bears a heavy accent and with the pause is 
equivalent to a trochee: 


16 PRINCIPLES OF ENGLISH GRAMMAR 

"Am I j loved as | once were | they, 
in the [ old im | passioned j way?" 
The lines might be scanned as iambics by taking the first foot to be 
the single long syllable, but it seems more consonant with the natural 
rhythm to consider the final syllables with the pause as making up the 
time. If a line is regarded as beginning with a single syllable, -it is 
called "acephalous," if, as ending with a single syllable, "catalectic." 
The five-accent line is the most common for sustained verse. Used 
by Shakespeare and Milton without rhyme, it is known as blank verse 
and consists for the most part of ten syllables, and the beat is iambic. 
Used with coupled rhymes by Pope and many others it is known as the 
heroic couplet: 

"Should such | a man \ , too fond | to rule | alone, 
Bear like j , the Turk | no broth | er near | the throne." 

The above quotation shows, too, how, when two monosyllables bear- 
ing normally accents of about equal importance, as ''Should such," "too 
fond," "bear like," come together, either of them can be made to carry 
the rhythmical accent to suit the general character of the metre whether 
trochaic or iambic. 

The six-accent line is found in the Alexandrine which closes the 
Spenserian stanza of the "Faerie Queen," "Adonais," "Childe Harold" 
and other poems. This, however, as well as the seven-accent verse, is 
apt to split up in normal reading into two shorter lines, as grammatical 
or rhetorical considerations almost invariably divide the time into 
clauses at the end of a foot. 

The prevalent foot gives the rhythmical character to the line. 
If iambic, the line is normally dignified, if trochaic, the line is lively, 
if of three-syllable feet, it may be expressive of either emotion, rhetori- 
cally eloquent, as in Hood's "Bridge of Sighs," or merry, as in his "Miss 
Kilmansegg." Very musical effects are obtained in fortunate instances 
in the use of either foot as the norm, but this depends on the sequence 
of syllable sound, rather than on the sequence of accents. 

As rhythm is the basis of verse and as the accents mark the rhythm, 
it is evident that the accented syllables are far more important than 
the unaccented ones or the pauses that divide them. Therefore, if care 
is taken not to bring two strongly accented syllables into juxtaposition, 
trochees can be found in iambic lines and the reverse, a dactyl can 
readily fill the place of an anapest, or two-syllable and three-syllable 
feet can be interchanged. None but poets who can detect at once a mis- 
placed accent which breaks the rhythm can use this license. Examples 
of this "equivalence" are found in Milton's "L' Allegro" and "II Pense- 
roso," in Coleridge's "Christabel," in Shelley's "Sensitive Plant" and 
many other poems. 

Rhyme 

Since the day of Chaucer, rhyme, coming into England from France 
and Italy, has generally marked the ends of lines. A true rhyme im- 
poses identity of the vowel sound of the last accented syllables and its 
consonant and identity of the following unaccented syllable, if there 
be any, and dissimilarity of the consonants preceding the accented 
syllable. "Flowers" and "Hours" are a rhyming pair, and so are 
"Sorrow" and "To-morrow." As our vowel sounds grade so finely 
similarity is allowed, but identity is the rule. The rule is so far 


PRINCIPLES OF ENGLISH GRAMMAR 17 

relaxed as to allow an unaccented terminal to take the rhyme as 
"Eternity" and "Me." As the function of the rhyme is to make a pleas- 
ing echo to individualize the line, and to add to the artistic complexity 
of the structure, there is no reason for insisting on the letter of the 
law, nor have poets ever done so. 

The Stanza 

The stanza is a group of lines as the line is a group of feet, and 
may be called the metrical paragraph. As the accent beat, the number 
of feet in the lines, the number of lines in the stanza, and the position 
of the rhymes may all vary, the possible combinations are infinite, from 
the couplet to the fourteen-line sonnet. Chaucer, in the fourteenth 
century, imported stanzaic forms from France and Italy. Lyrical stanzas 
were imitated from the French of Ronsard and the other "Pleiads"' in 
the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. Mr. Swinburne in the nine- 
teenth, showed an astonishing genius in inventing new stanzas of great 
beauty, many of them of the anapestic and dactylic movement. The 
standards are the sonnet in both forms — Italian and English — ballad 
measure, the heroic couplet, and the octo-syllabic couplet. In the Pope 
heroic couplet the lines are usually grammatical phrases, so that a pause 
or mark of punctuation comes at the end. These are known as "end- 
stopt" lines and give the poem a crisp, epigrammatic character. In 
most lyrical verse and in the usage of Keats and others in the five- 
accent line, the grammatical structure does not coincide with the metri- 
cal structure, but the word at the end of the line is bound up with 
the word at the beginning of the next line. This is known as "over- 
flow verse," and has a more careless and fluent movement. 

• What has been said applies only to the mechanics of verse. The art 
is exercised for the most part instinctively, as the primitive men struck 
the rhythmic accents correctly in their communal choruses and dances. 
But artistry has added new elements in the long course of time. The 
syllables which carry the accents and the syllables between them are 
elements of human speech; vowel sounds closed by consonants. As such 
they have their own beauty enhanced by orderly succession. They may 
vary in pitch, they may be prolonged or shortened. They fill the bare 
accented outline with ornament, which may be called color or music 
by way of analogy to other arts. Furthermore, the words are symbols 
of things and ideas and are surrounded with an aura of associations. 
When these harmonize in some indefinable manner with the underlying 
rhythmical beat the effect is far greater than any that can be pro- 
duced by prose. The poetic structure then becomes organic and living 
and exemplifies in the fullest the art not only of versification, but of 
poetry. But there can be no poetry without versification. Poetic prose, 
as in Coleridge's "Cain," may have a loose rhythm of its own and some 
of the suggestive glamour of poetry, but it is not poetry except in a 
borrowed sense, as architecture is "frozen music." The regular rhythmic 
beat, old as man and elemental as gravitation, is wanting, and that is 
the base of poetry. The superstructure erected on another base becomes 
itself a different thing, not poetry but poetic prose. 


A LIST OF 

ABBREVIATIONS USED IN THE VOCABULARY OF THIS DICTIONARY. 


adj. = adjective. 

adv. = adverb. 

comp. = comparative. 

conj. = conjunction. 

def . art. = definite article. 

indef. art. = indefinite article. 

interj. = interjection. 

n. =noun. 


pi. = plural. 

p.p. =perfect participle, 
p.pr. = present participle, 
prep. = preposition, 
p.t. =past tense, 
superl. = superlative, 
v. i.=verb, intransitive, 
v. t. =verb, transitive. 


= is the sign of equality. 


Key To Pronunciation 


a as 

in fade, aid, eight, fare, where. 

a ' 

' arm, father, calm, half, laugh. 

a ' 

1 at, had, ran, shall, parrot. 

aw ' 

' awl, fall, walk, war, aught, fought 

e ' 

' mete, we, see, near, marine, tier. 

e 

' her, author, bird, word, murmur. 

e 

' met, men, merry, kitchen, bury. 

I ' 

1 mite, mine, height, my. 

i ' 

1 fit, pin, division, busy, abuss. 

5 ' 

1 home, load, snow, tableau. 

6 ' 

' form, cord, orb, abhor, cross. 

o ' 

' not, torrid, ontology, what. 

55 ' 

' moon, move, tomb, rule. 

00 ' 

' book, woman, wolf, full, push. 

u • 

' mute, union, new, hewn, yours. 

u ' 

' hut, drum, dull, current. 

oi ' 

' oil, joy, ouster. 

ou ' 

' house, how, owl. 

ch ' 

1 church, much, match. 

g 

1 good, give, dig, dagger. 

kh ' 

1 pibroch (Scotch guttural sound). 

ng ' 

c ring, tongue, function, bank. 

th ' 

; thine, those, breathe. 

th ' 

' thin, worth, sympaf/iy. 

eh ' 

' azure, fusion, provision. 


18 


A 


A (a or a), the first letter in nearly 
every alphabet in the world, the 
chief exceptions being the Old Ger- 
manic (Runic), where it stood in the 
fourth place, and the Ethiopic, 
where it is the thirteenth letter. It 
was possibly in its earlier form a 

Eictograph, representing an ox's 
ead; but recent research has made 
this doubtful. 

a (a), indef. art. (contraction of an), 
one; any: used before words begin- 
ning with a consonant or the 
aspirate h. 

aback (a-bak') , adv. backward ; pressed 
back against the mast: said of sails; 
by surprise. 

abacus (ab'a-kus), n. a contrivance 
of beads or balls strung upon rods 
or wires: used for arithmetical com- 
putation by the Chinese, and called 
by them swan pan. The abacus was 
probably at first developed from the 
ten digits of the human hand, which 
was a natural counting-board; the 
slab crowning a column or pil- 
lar. 

abaft (a-baft'), adv. & prep, at, to- 
wards, or in the direction of the 
stern of a ship; astern. 

abandon (a-ban'dun), v.t. to give up; 
desert or forsake utterly; give up all 
claim to; yield one's self: n. unre- 
straint ; freedom of manner. [French.] 

abase (a-bas'), v.t. to humble or de- 
grade; debase morally; dishonor. 

abash (a-basb/), v.t. to put to con- 
fusion; confound or make ashamed 
by consciousness of guilt or error. 

abate (a-bat'), v.t. to lessen; sup- 
press: v.i. to decrease; moderate. 

abatis, abattis (ab'a-tis), n. a ram- 
part of felled trees. 

abattoir (a-bat-war'), n. a slaughter- 
house. 

abbess (ab'es), n. the lady-superior of 
a convent or nunnery. 


abbey (ab'i), n. [pi. abbeys (ab'biz)l, 
an establishment for religious devo- 
tees of either sex, renounced to celi- 
bacy and seclusion from the world. 

abbot (ab'ut), n. the male superior or 
head of an abbey. 

abbreviate (ab-bre'vi-at), v.t. to 
shorten, as by contraction of a word, 
or the omission of words in a sen- 
tence ; reduce the quantity to its low- 
est terms. 

abdicate (ab'di-kat), v.t. renounce, 
give up, or withdraw from; to re- 
linquish the crown in favor of a 
successor. 

abdomen (ab-do'men), n. the belly; 
the cavity containing the digestive 
apparatus or viscera; the posterior 
segment or third division of the body 
of an insec^ 

abduce (ab-dtis'), v.t. to draw away by 
persuasion or argument; draw aside 
by an abductor muscle. 

abduct (ab-dukt'), v.t. to carry off by 
stealth or force; kidnap. 

abeam (a-bem'), adv. at right angles 
to the keel of a ship. 

abed (a-bed'), adv. in bed; to bed. 

aberration (ab-er-ra'shun), n. the 
act of departing from the usual 
path, type, or standard; mental de- 
rangement. 

abet (a-bet'), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. abetted, 
p.pr. abetting], to encourage; to aid 
or assist in the performance of an 
act, usually of a criminal nature; to 
incite, or instigate. 

abeyance (a-ba'ans), n. held or kept 
back; held over; a state of suspen- 
sion. 

abhor (ab-hor'), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. ab- 
horred, p.pr. abhorring], _ to hate, 
loathe, execrate, abominate; be 
strongly averse to. 

abhorrent (ab-hor'rent), adj. detest- 
able, hateful, repulsive. 

abide fa-bid'), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. abode, 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
2 hue, hut ; think, then. 


ABILITY 


20 


ABSCOND 


p.pr. abiding], to await, endure, with- 
stand, tolerate: v.i. to dwell, reside, 
continue, stand firm. 

ability (a-bil'i-ti), n. power to per- 
form; skill to achieve; capability 
for carrying out; capacity to devise; 
receive, retain, or make use of; 
physical or moral strength; talents 
or gifts, in a special or general de- 
gree; wealth; means. 

abject (ab'jekt), adj. worthless; mean; 
low; despicable; in a sunken or de- 
graded condition. 

abjure (ab-jur'), v.t. to renounce upon 
oath; forswear allegiance to; repu- 
diate or recant. 

ablation (ab-la/shun) , n. the act of 
removal or carrying away. 

ablative (ab'la-tiv), n. the sixth case 
in Latin nouns, expressing chiefly 
separation and instrumentality and 
sometimes place. 

ablaut (ab'lout), n. vowel change, as 
in do, did. 

ablaze (a-blaz'), adv. or adj. on fire; 
well alight; in a blaze; eager; in- 
flamed with desire; resplendent. 

able (a'bl), adj.^ possessed of power, 
means, or ability; qualified, compe- 
tent; bodily or mentally strong; 
legally authorized or entitled. 

ablution (ab-lu'shun) , n. a washing 
or cleansing of the body by water; 
moral purification. 

abnegation (ab'ne-ga-shun), n. renun- 
ciation; self-denial. 

abnormal (ab-nor'mal) , adj. irregular; 
deformed; unnatural; departure 
from a type, standard, or rule; 
exceptional; out of the common. 

abnormity (ab-nor'mi-ti) , n. [pi. 
abnormities (ab-nor'mi-tiz)], deform- 
ity; irregularity. 

aboard (a-bord'), adv. on or within a 
vessel: prep, into a ship. 

abode (a-bocT), n. a place of continued, 
residence; a dwelling; a habitation; 
residence generally. 

abolish (a-borish), v.t. to efface; do 
away with; put an end to. 

abolition (ab-6-lish'un) , n. the act of 
abolishing; the state of being abol- 
ished; the annulment or abrogation 
of decrees, rites, customs, &c. 

abominable (a-bom'i-na-bl), adj. hate- 
ful; odious; offensive; unclean. 

abominate (a-bom'i-nat) , v.t. to ab- 


hor; regard with feelings of disgust 
or hatred. 

aboriginal (ab-o-rij'i-nal), adj. orig- 
inal; primitive; existing from the 
beginning: n. the species of animals 
or plants presumed to have orig- 
inated within a given area. 

aborigines (ab-o-rij'j-nez), n.pl. the 
first or primitive inhabitants of a 
country; the native or indigenous 
animals or plants of any geograph- 
ical area. 

abortion (a-bor'shun), n. untimely 
birth; miscarriage; that which falls 
short of maturity by arrest of de- 
velopment. 

abortive (a-bor'tiv), adj. born imper- 
fect; arrested in development; with- 
out issue or result. 

abound (a-bound'), v.i. to have in 
plenty or abundance; to exist in great 
numbers or quantity (followed by in). 

about (a-bout'), adv. around; on every 
side ; circuitously ; near to ; intending : 
prep, concerned in; relating to. 

above (a-buv'), adv. in a higher place; 
overhead; in heaven; before; besides: 
prep, superior; beyond; in excess of. 

abracadabra (ab-ra-ka-dab'ra), n. a 
spell or^ conjuring word; any mean- 
ingless jargon. [Latin.] 

abrasion (ab-ra'zhun), n. the act of 
wearing or rubbing away; a chafe. 

abreast (a-brest'), adv. side by side; 
in line with; opposite to; at the 
same level. 

abridge (a-brij') , v.t. to curtail, shorten, 
condense, epitomize. 

abridgment (a-brij 'ment), n. the 
state of being contracted or cur- 
tailed; an epitome. 

abroach (a-broch'), adv. & adj. letting 
out; placed in position for yielding 
the contents. 

abroad (a-brawd'), adv.^ widely; ex- 
pansively ; beyond the limits of house 
or country; wide of the mark. 

abrogate (ab'ro-gat), v.t. to abolish, 
annul, or repeal by authority. 

abrupt (ab-rupt'), adj. broken; ter- 
minating suddenly; steep; precip- 
itous; rough; unceremonious. 

abscess (ab'ses), n. [pi. abscesses 
(ab'ses-ez)], a collection of morbid 
matter or pus in the tissues of the 
body. 

abscond (ab-skond'), v.i. to flee or 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


ABSENCE 


21 


ACCENT 


retire in haste from the place of 
one's residence or post of duty; quit 
the country in secret. 

absence (ab'sens), n. the state of being 
absent; the period of being absent. 

absent (ab'sent), adj. not present; 
away; wanting; regardless; ab- 
stracted: (ab-sent'), v.t. to retire or 
keep away from. 

absolute (ab'so-lut), adj. free as # to 
condition; perfect in itself; unlim- 
ited in power; fixed, irrevocable; 
despotic; positive: n. the will or 
power of the Almighty. 

absolution (ab-so-lu'shun) , n. the act 
of absolving from the consequences 
of sin. 

absolve (ab-solv'), v.t. to release or set 
free ; clear of crime or guilt ; to forgive 
or remit. 

absorb (ab-sorb'), v.t. to drink in; 
imbibe; suck or swallow up; engross 
or engage wholly. 

absorbency (ab-sor' ben-si), n. capac- 
ity for absorbing. 

absorbent (ab-sor'bent), adj. absorb- 
ing: n. the capacity for absorbing; 
anything which absorbs or takes in 
nutritive matter; a vessel in the- 
body; a substance capable of ab- 
sorbing or withdrawing gases or 
moisture from the air. 

absorption (ab-sorp'shun), n. the proc- 
ess or act of absorbing; the state of 
being absorbed; entire occupation of 
the mind. 

abstain (ab-stan'), v.t. to forbear; 
refrain; hold aloof: keep away from. 

abstemious (ab-ste'mi-us), adj. mod- 
erate and sparing in the use of food 
and drink; non-indulgent. 

abstergent (ab-ster'jent) , adj. pos- 
sessing cleansing or purging proper- 
ties: n. that which cleanses or purges; 
a detergent. 

abstinence (ab'sti-nens), n. the act or 
practice of abstaining; self-denial; 
partial or total forbearance from the 
use of food or drink. 

abstract (ab-strakt'), v.t. to take or 
draw away ; _ separate ; purloin or 
steal; epitomize; separate from and 
consider apart. 

abstract (ab'strakt), n. an epitome; 
a summary or abstract comprising 
the essence or principal parts of a 
larger work: adj. considered or con- 


ceived apart from its concrete or 
material nature. 

abstraction (ab-strak'shun) , n. the 
act of separating or drawing away ; 
the state of being withdrawn or ab- 
stracted; concentration of mind or 
attention. 

abstruse (ab-stroos'), adj. obscure; 
hidden; difficult of comprehension; 
profound. 

absurd (ab-serd'), adj. contrary to 
reason or sense; ridiculous. 

absurdity (ab-ser'di-ti) , n. [pi. ab- 
surdities (ab-ser'di-tiz)J, the state of 
being absurd; that which is absurd. 

abundant (a-bun'dant), adj. plentiful; 
fully sufficient; abounding. 

abuse (a-buz')i v.t. to use ill; treat 
rudely or wrongfully; to defile or 
violate; use violent or abusive lan- 
guage towards; vituperate. 

abuse (a-bus'), n. ill-treatment; the 
excessive or injudicious use of any- 
thing; insult; violation. 

abusive (a-bu'siv), adj. practicing or 
containing abuse. 

abutment (a-but'ment) , n. that which 
borders upon something else; the 
solid structure which supports the 
extremity of a bridge or arch. 

abyss (a-bis'), n. a bottomless gulf; 
that which is unfathomable. 

academy (a-kad'e-mi), n. a private 
school or seminary for the teaching 
of the higher branches of education; 
a school for instruction in special 
subjects; an association or society of 
men eminent in literature, science, 
and art ; a building devoted to aca- 
demic purposes. 

accede (ak-sed'). v.i. to come or attain 
to; to agree or yield to. 

accelerate (ak-sel'er-at) , v.t. to hasten; 
to cause to move or progress faster; 
quicken the speed of ; bring nearer in 
time. 

accent (ak'sent), n. the stress laid by 
the voice upon a particular syl- 
lable of a word, so as to render 
it more prominent than the rest; 
the mark or character used in 
writing and printing to express the 
manner of pronouncing a word; 
a peculiarity of utterance or ex- 
pression distinguishing the language 
of different parts or districts of the 
same or a foreign country; the em- 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me. merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


ACCENTUATE 


22 


ACCORD 


phasis placed upon certain notes of 
a bar of music: v.t. to express the 
accent, or denote the vocal division 
of a word by stress or modulation 
of the voice; to pronounce; mark or 
accent a word in writing by use of 
a sign; dwell upon or emphasize, as 
a passage of music. 

accentuate (ak-sen'tii-at) , v.t. to 
speak; pronounce or mark with an 
accent ; give prominence to in speak- 
ing or writing; lay stress upon. 

accept (ak-sept'), v.t. to take or receive 
with approbation; entertain; agree 
to, or acquiesce in; understand or 
receive in a particular sense ; to agree 
or promise to pay. 

acceptance (ak-sep'tans), n. the act 
of accepting; the fact of being ac- 
cepted, or received with approba- 
tion; the subscription to a bill of 
exchange; the bill accepted or the 
sum contained in it. 

acceptation (ak-sep-ta/shun), n. the 
act of accepting, or state of being 
accepted or acceptable; the meaning 
or sense of a word or statement in 
which it is to be understood. 

access (ak'ses), n. admittance or ap- 
proach to a person or place ; means 
of approach or admission; addition 
or increase; the recurrence of fits or 
paroxysms in diseases. 

accessible (ak-ses'i-bl) , adj. capable 
of being approached; easy of access; 
attainable. 

accession (ak-sesh'un) , n. a coming to, 
as by succession or by right ; entrance 
or attainment ; the act of acceding by 
assent or agreement ; increase or aug- 
mentation; the acquirement of prop- 
erty by improvement, growth, or 
labor expended; the attack or com- 
mencement of a disease. 

accessory (ak-ses'o-ri), adj. [pi. acces- 
sories (ak-ses'o-riz)], aiding; contrib- 
uting to some result or effect : n. one 
who aids in the commission of a fel- 
ony; an accomplice; that which is in 
the nature of an appendage. 

accident (ak'si-dent) , n. an event 
which is unexpected, or the cause of 
which was unforseen; a contingency, 
casualty, or mishap; a property of 
a thing which is not essential to it. 

accidental (ak-si-den'tal), adj. hap- 
pening by chance or unexpectedly; 


fortuitous; non-essential; connected 
with, but not necessarily belonging 
to: n. that which happens unex- 
pectedly; an adjunct, or non-essen- 
tial part or quality; a sharp, flat, or 
natural introduced into a piece of 
music to lower or raise the note 
before which it is placed. 

acclaim (ak-klam'), v.i. to shout ap- 
plause: n. a shout of joy or praise; 
acclamation. 

acclamatory (ak-klam 'a-to-ri), adj. 
expressing joy or applause by ac- 
clamation. 

acclimation (ak-kli-ma'shun) , n. the 
process of acclimatizing, or the state 
of being inured to a foreign climate; 
acclimatization. 

acclivity (ak-kliv'i-ti), n. [pi. acclivi- 
ties (ak-kliv'i-tiz)], an ascent or up- 
ward slope of the earth; the talus of 
a rampart. 

accommodate (ak-kom'mo-dat), v.t. 
to adapt or make fit or suitable; ad- 
just, settle; supply or furnish; do a 
favor to; lend money for the con- 
venience of a borrower: v.i. to be 
conformable to. 

accompaniment (ak-kum'pa-ni- 
ment), n. something which is added 
to, or attends the original or princi- 
pal thing by way of ornament, or for 
the sake of harmony. 

accompany (ak-kum'pa-ni), v.i. to 
keep company with; escort; join in 
movement or action; perform the 
accompaniment in a composition for 
voice and instrument. 

accomplice (ak-kom'plis), n. an asso- 
ciate or companion in crime. 

accomplish (ak-kom'plish), v.t. to 
bring to completion, or to an issue; 
fulfill; attain as the result of exer- 
tion. 

accomplishment (ak-kom'plish- 
ment), n. the completion of an act 
or undertaking; fulfillment; an ac- 
quirement or qualification in art or 
manners. 

accord (ak-kord'), v.t. & v.i. to be in 
agreement with; reconcile; agree; 
give; grant; concede; to adjust or 
bring to agreement; to be in corre- 
spondence or harmony; agree in 
pitch and tone: n. agreement; uni- 
son; concurrence of will or opinion; 
harmony. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; tbink, then. 


ACCORDION 


23 


ACKNOWLEDGMENT 


accordion ak-kord'i-un), n. a small 
wind instrument, having keys and 
metallic reeds, and worked by means 
of a bellows, after the fashion of a 
concertina. 

accost (ak-kost'). v.t. to draw near, or 
come face to face with; speak to; 
salute : n . the act of accosting ; manner. 

account ak-kount'). V.t. to reckon 
or hold to be; compute; count: v.i. 
to assign an explanation [with for]; 
take into consideration: relate: n. 
a reckoning: a financial statement 
or memorandum: a narrative: any- 
thing in the form of a statement, 
written or verbal: reason or con- 
sideration; profit: advantage: esti- 
mation: consequence: importance. 

accountable ;ak-kqimt'a-bl . adj. an- 
swerable; responsible; liable to be 
called to account. 

accredit (ak-kred'it), v.t. to give credit 
to: have confidence in: authorize; 
stamp with authority: to believe and 
accept as true. 

accrescent (ak-kres'sent\ adj. increas- 
ing: growing. 

accretion (ak-kre'shun. n. increase by 
natural growth; the addition of 
external parts: the growing together 
of parts or members naturally sepa- 
rate. 

accrue (ak-kroo'>. v.i. to come to_ hap- 
pen or result to naturally as an incre- 
ment, as of profit or loss. 

accumulate (ak-ku'mu-lat), v.t. to 
collect or bring together; amass; 
heap up: v.i. to increase in size, 
number, or quantity. 

accuracy (ak'ku-ra-si . n. the quality 
of being accurate; exactness or cor- 
rectness. 

accurate ''ak'ku-rat), adj. in exact 
conformity with the truth ; free from 
error: precise. 

accursed :'a-ker'sed), or accurst 
'a-kerst'). p. adj. under or subject to 
a curse: doomed to destruction; de- 
testable: execrable. 

accusation (ak-ku-za'shun). n. a 
charge or imputation of wrong-doing ; 
the act of accusing or imputing. 

accusative (ak-ku'za-tiv), adj. accus- 
ing: n. the objective case, denoting 
the object of the verb: in Latin, the 
fourth case of the noun. 

accuse Cak-kuz'), v.t. to charge with 


guilt or blame: make or bring an 
imputation against. 

accustom ak-kus'tum), v.t. to habit- 
uate or familiarize by custom or use. 

ace (as), n. [pi. aces (as'ez)], a unit; 
in playing cards and dice, a card 
or die marked with a single pip; a 
very small quantity. 

acentric a-sen'trikj, adj. away from 
the center; having no center. 

acephalous a-sef'a-lus.. adj. head- 
less: without a leader: an ovary of 
a plant that has its style springing 
from the base instead of the apex. 

acerbity a-ser'bi-ti . n. [pi. acerbities 
a-ser'hi-tia ]. sourness: sharpness; 
harshness or severity of temper or ex- 
pression. 

acetose as'e-tos), or acetous as'e- 
tus), adj. of the nature of vinegar: 
sour; causing acetification. 

acetylene (a-set'i-len). n. a brilliant 
illuminating gas. produced by sub- 
jecting calcium-carbide to the action 
< f water. 

ache (akj. n. pain, more or less contin- 
uous: v.i. to suffer, or be in pain. 

achieve (a-chev'). v.t. to perform, carry 
out. accomplish; to gain or bring to 
a successful issue by an effort: v.i. to 
bring about a desired result. 

achievement ( a-chev 'ment;. n. the 
act of achieving: accomplishment ; 
that which is achieved or accom- 
plished: an escutcheon or armorial 
shield, also called a hatchment. 

achromatic (ak-ro-mat'ik), adj. free 
from coloration: transmitting light 
without decomposition. 

acid (as'id), adj. sour and sharp or 
biting to the taste, as vinegar: n. 
anything sour: the name applied to 
a large number of compounds con- 
taining one or more atoms of hydro- 
gen which may be displaced by a 
metal. 

acidity ''a-sid'i-ti^. n. the quality of 
being acid or sour. 

acknowledge (ak-nol'ej), v.t. [p.t. & 
p.p. acknowledged, p.pr. acknowl- 
edging], to admit or own to be true; 
recognize; confess; admit the receipt 
of. 

acknowledgment (ak-norej-ment), 
n. the act of acknowledging; the ad- 
mission or recognition of a truth; 
confession; the expression of appre- 


are, arm. at. awl ; me. merge, met : mite, mit : note, north, not : boon, book : 
hue. hut : think, th^n. 


ACME 


24 


ACTUAL 


ciation of a favor or benefit con- 
ferred; a receipt. 

acme (ak'me), n. the highest point; the 
utmost reach ; the crisis of a disease. 

acock (a-kok'), adv. in a cocked or 
turned up manner. 

acolyte (ak'o-llt) or acolyth (ak'o- 
lith & -lith), n. the highest of the 
minor orders in the Roman Catholic 
Church, ranking next below the sub- 
deacon. 

aconite (ak'o-nit), n. the plant wolf's- 
bane or monk's-hood; the drug pre- 
pared from the plant. 

acorn (a/korn), n. the fruit of the oak; 
a conical piece of wood affixed to the 
spindle above a vane, to keep the 
vane from being blown off. 

acoustics (a-koos'tiks) , n. the science 
of sound ; the study of the effects of 
sound upon the organ of hearing. 

acquaint (ak-kwant'), v.t. to famil- 
iarize or make one's self conversant 
with; furnish information. 

acquaintance (ak-kwant'ans) , n. the 
state of being acquainted with a 
person or subject; personal knowl- 
edge less than friendship; a person 
with whom one is acquainted. 

acquiesce (ak-kwi-es') , v.i. to agree; 
comply passively; assent [followed 
usually by in]. 

acquiescence (ak-kwi-es'ens) , n. the 
act of submitting; silent assent; 
neglect to take legal proceedings, so 
as to imply consent. 

acquire (ak-kwir'), v.t. to gain or ob- 
tain possession of by one's own 
physical or intellectual exertions. 

acquisition (ak-kwi-zish'un) , n. the act 
of acquiring; the object acquired. 

acquit (ak-kwif), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. 
acquitted, p.pr. acquitting], to re- 
lease; set free; discharge; to pro- 
nounce not guilty. 

acquittal (ak-kwit'al) , n. the act of 
releasing or acquitting; the state 
of being acquitted; the judicial pro- 
nouncement of "not guilty." 

acre (a'ker), n. & superficial measure of 
land containing, in Great Britain, the 
United States and the British Colo- 
nies, 4,840 sq. yds. 

acrid (ak'rid), adj. sharp or biting 
to the taste; pungent; irritating; 
stinging: n. an acrid or irritant 
poison. 


acrimonious (ak-ri-mo'ni-us) , adj. 
bitter; caustic; stinging. 

acrimony (ak'ri-mo-ni) , n. sharpness 
of temper; bitterness of expression. 

acrobat (ak'ro-bat), n. a performer on 
the tight-rope; one who practices 
tumbling, vaulting, trapezing, &c. 

acropolis (a-krop'o-lis), n. the highest 
. part or citadel of a Grecian city, as 
that of Athens, hence a citadel. 

across (a-kros'), adv. & prep, from side 
to side; transversely; adversely; 
athwart; intersecting at an angle. 

acrostic (a-kros'tik) , n. a composition, 
usually in verse, in which the first 
or last letters of the lines, or other 
letters, taken in order, form a motto, 
phrase, name, or word. 

act (akt), n. an action; process of do- 
ing; a decree, edict, or enactment; 
the judgment of a court; a formal 
writing; one of the principal divi- 
sions of a drama ; a thesis maintained 
by a candidate for a degree at a 
university: v.t. to do; perform; play, 
as on the stage; set in motion: v.i. to 
exert force or energy. 

action (ak'shun), n. the state of be- 
ing active, as opposed to rest; the 
effect of one body upon _ another 
(used in sing.) ; an act or thing done 
(used in pi.); a suit instituted by 
one party against another in a court 
of law; the gesture or deportment 
of a speaker ; the performance of a 
function; effective motion, as of ma- 
chinery; the appearance of anima- 
tion, &c, given to figures; an engage- 
ment on sea or land, less important 
than a battle. 

actionable (ak'shun-a-bl), adj. giving 
grounds for an action at law. 

active (ak'tiv), adj. endowed with or 
exercising the power or quality of 
action; constantly active; the per- 
formance and not the continuance 
of an action; lively, moving freely; 
acting quickly. 

activity (ak-tiv'i-ti) , n. [pi. activities 
(ak-tiv'i-tiz)], energy; the state of 
action. 

actor (ak'ter), n. one who acts or 
performs; a stage-player; a proctor 
or advocate in civil causes. 

actress (ak'tres), n. a woman actor. 

actual (ak'tu-al), adj. real; existing; 
present. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ;. 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


ACTUARY 


25 


ADMINISTRATION 


actuary _(ak'tu-a-ri), n. [pi. actuaries 
(ak'tu-a-riz)], a registrar or clerk of 
a court; one who is skilled in life 
assurance and similar computations. 

actuate (ak'tu-at), v.t. to move or 
incite to action. 

acumen (a-ku'men), n. quickness of 
perception; penetration; insight; dis- 
crimination. 

acute (a-kut'), adj. sharp-pointed; 
intellectually sharp; quick of per- 
ception ; severe, as pain or symptoms 
attending a disease; high in pitch. 

adage (ad'aj), n. an ancient proverb, 
or pithy saying. 

adamant (ad'a-mant), n. a substance 
of extreme hardness; the diamond: 
adj. formed of adamant; hard. 

adapt (a-dapt'), v.t. to make to cor- 
respond; fit by alteration or adapta- 
tion. 

adaptation (ad-ap-ta'shun) , i n. the 
act of adjusting or adapting; the 
state of being adapted; that which 
is adapted. 

add (ad), v.t. to join, unite, sum up; 
increase; affix. 

adder (ad'er), n. the popular name for 
the viper. 

addict (ad-dikt'), v.t. to devote or give 
one's self up to ; to practice sedulously 
(usually in a bad sense) . 

addition (ad-dish 'un) , n. the act or 
process of adding together; increase; 
the result of addition; the thing 
added; the adding or uniting of two 
or more numbers in one sum; a title 
added to a name, denoting rank, as 
esquire; a dot placed at the side of 
a note to indicate the lengthening of 
the sound by one-half. 

additional (ad-dish'un-al) , adj. added ; 
supplementary. 

addle (ad'l), n. & adj. rotten, as eggs 
that are barren or putrid: v.t. to 
make corrupt or putrid, as eggs: v.i. 
to become addled. 

address (ad-dres'), v.t. to straighten; 
to bring into line; to arrange; redress, 
as wrongs, &c; to direct; speak or 
write to; get ready; consign: n. a 
speech delivered or written ; manners 
and bearing; tact; adroitness; the 
attention of a lover. 

adduce (ad-dus'), v.t. to bring forward 
or cite in proof or substantiation of 
what is alleged. 


adenoid (ad'e-noid), n. one of the two 
soft glands in the throat. 

adept (a-dept'), adj. well skilled: n. 
(a'dept) , one who is fully proficient or 
skilled in an art. 

adequate (ad'e-kwat), adj. equal to re- 
quirement or occasion ; fully sufficient. 

adhere (ad-her'), v.i. to stick fast; 
become firmly attached to. 

adhesive (ad-he'siv), adj. holding fast; 
gummed for use; sticky. 

adieu (a-du'), n. [pi. adieus, adieux 
(a-duz')L a farewell; good wishes 
at parting: inter j. goodby; farewell. 
[French.] 

adjacent (ad-ja'sent), adj. near; close 
to. 

adjective (ad'jek-tiv), n. a word used 
with a substantive or noun to ex- 
press the quality or attribute of the 
thing named, or to limit and define 
a thing as distinct from something 
else. 

adjoin (ad-join'), v.t. to unite or join: 
v.i. to lie next to. 

adjourn (ad-jern'), v.t. to put off to 
another day. 

adjournment (ad-jern'ment), n. the 
act of adjourning; the postponement 
of a meeting. 

adjudge (ad-juj'), v.t. to determine in 
a controversy. 

adjudicate (ad-ju'di-kat) , v.t. to try 
and determine a case as a court. > 

adjunct (ad'jungkt), n. something 
added to another thing, but not an 
essential part of it. 

adjure (ad-jur'), v.t. to command on 
oath under pain of a penalty; to 
charge solemnly. 

adjust (ad-just'), v.t. to fit, or make 
exact; to make correspondent; to 
make accurate. 

adjustment (ad-just'ment), n. the act 
of adjusting. 

adjutant (ad'ju-tant), n. a regimental 
staff-officer who assists the com- 
manding officer. 

administer (ad-min'is-ter) t< v.t. to 
manage as chief agent or minister, as 
a king, president, or judge; direct 
the application of the laws; dis- 
pense; to cause to be taken, as med- 
icine; to give, as an oath or a sacra- 
ment. 

administration (ad-min-is-tra'shun) , 
n. the act of administering, as gov- 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


ADMIRABLE 


26 


ADZE 


ernment, justice, medicine, a sacra- 
ment, or an intestate's estate; the 
ministry. 

admirable (ad'mi-ra-bl), adj. worthy 
of admiration; excellent. 

admiral (ad'mi-ral), n. the chief com- 
mander of a fleet; a naval officer of 
the highest rank. 

admire (ad-mir'), v.t. to regard with 
strong approval. 

admissible (ad-mis'i-bl), adj. worthy 
of being admitted. 

admission (ad-mish'un), n. the power 
or permission to enter; the granting 
of an argument. 

admit (ad-mit') , wi. [p.t.&p.p. admit- 
ted, p.pr. admit 'ting], to permit to 
enter; allow in argument; receive. 

admixture (ad-miks'tur) , n. a com- 
pound of substances mixed together. 

admonish (ad-mon'ish) , v.t. to reprove 
gently; warn; instruct. 

ado (a-doo'), n._ bustle; trouble. 

adobe (a-do'ba), n. unburnt brick 
dried in the sun, used for building 
in Central America and Mexico. 
[Spanish.] 

adolescent (ad-o-les'ent) , adj. growing 
to maturity. 

adopt (a-dopt'), v.t. to choose or take 
to one's self, as a child, an opinion, or 
a course of action. 

adoption (a-dop'shun) , n. the act of 
adopting ; the state of being adopted ; 
voluntary acceptance ; admission into 
more intimate relations. 

adore (a-dor'), v.t. to pay divine hon- 
ors to; honor highly; love intensely; 
admire greatly: v.i. to offer wor- 
ship. 

adorn (a-dorn'), v.t. to beautify; dig- 
nify; ornament; embellish. 

adown (a-doun'), adv. & prep, down- 
ward; down. 

adrift (a-drift'), adj. & adv. floating at 
random. 

adroit (a-droit'), adj. exhibiting skill; 
dexterous. 

adulation (ad-u-la'shun) , n. inter- 
ested praise; flattery. 

adult (a-dult'), adj. grown up to full 
age, size, and strength: n. a man or 
a woman. 

adulterate (a-dul'ter-at) , v.t. to cor- 
rupt by baser admixture: adj. cor- 
rupted by baser admixture. 

adultery (a-dul'ter-i) , n. [pi. adulteries 


(a-dul'ter-iz)], violation of the mar- 
riage-bed. 

adumbrate (ad-um'brat), v.t. to shad- 
ow forth ; give a faint resemblance of. 

advance (ad-vans'), v.i. to go forward: 
v.t. to further; to make a payment of 
beforehand: n. improvement; an 
addition to or rise in value; an over- 
ture (usually used in pi.) ; a loan; 
payment beforehand. 

advancement (ad-vans'ment), n. fur- 
therance; progress; promotion. 

advantage (ad-van'taj), n. a state of 
advance or forwardness; a benefit; 
the first point gained after deuce. 

advent (ad'vent), n. a coming or ar- 
rival. 

adventure (ad-ven'tur) , n. an event 
the issue of which is determined by 
chance: v.t. to hazard or risk. 

adverb (ad'verb), n. a word used to 
modify the sense of a verb or adjec- 
tive. 

adverbial (ad-ver'bi-al) , adj. of the 
nature of an adverb. 

adversary (ad'ver-sa-ri), n. [pi. adver- 
saries (ad'ver-sa-riz)], an opponent. 

adversative (ad-yer'sa-tiv), adj. ex- 
pressing opposition. 

adverse (ad-vers'), adj. opposed to; 
contrary; unfortunate; inimical. 

adversity (ad-ver'si-ti) , n. a state of 
things adverse; the reverse of pros- 
perity; misery. 

advert ( ad-vert'), v.i. to turn one's 
attention to; refer. 

advertise (ad'ver-tiz), v.t. to turn the 
attention of others to; announce; 
publish. 

advertisement (ad-ver'tiz-ment) , n. 
a notice in a public print; an an- 
nouncement. 

advice (ad-vis'), n. an opinion given 
for the practical direction of con- 
duct; information given by letter; 
counsel. 

advisable (ad-vi'za-bl) , adj. fit to be 
advised; prudent; expedient. 

advise (ad-viz'), v.t. to offer an opinion 
to; counsel; inform. 

advocate (ad'vo-kat), n. one called to 
the aid of another; one who pleads 
the cause of another. 

adze or adz (adz), n. a cutting tool 
having a curved blade at right angles 
to the handle, used for dressing tim- 
ber by ships' carpenters, coopers, &c. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


AERATE 


27 


AFTER 


adze- plane, a tool for molding and 
rabbeting. 

aerate (a/er-at), v.t. to combine or 
charge with carbonic-acid gas, or 
with air. 

aerial (a-e'ri-al), adj. belonging to the 
air. 

aero (a'er-o), adj. a word descriptive 
of aeronautical subjects, as aero- 
club. 

aerodrome (a'er-o-drom) , n. a field or 
shelter for aeroplanes. 

aero -dynamics (a-er-o-di-nam'iks) , n. 
the science which treats of air in 
motion. 

aarogram (a'er-o-gram) , n. a wireless 
telegraphic message. 

aeronaut (a'er-5-nawt) , n. an aerial 
navigator; a balloonist, or aviator. 

aeronautics (a-er-o-naw'tiks) , n. aerial 
navigation. 

aeroplane (a'er-o-plan) , n. a flying 
machine, distinguished from an air- 
ship or balloon. 

aerostat (a'er-o-stat) , n. a balloon; a 
flying machine. 

aery and aerie (er'i), n. an eagle's 
nest; a brood of eagles or hawks. 

aesthetic or esthetic (es-thet'ik), adj. 
pertaining to aesthetics. 

afar (a-far'), adv. at, to, or from, a 
distance. 

affable (af'a-bl), ad;.- easy to be ad- 
dressed; courteous. 

affair (af-far'), n. that which is done, or 
is to be done; business. 

affect (af-fekt'), v.t. to produce an 
effect upon; seek by natural affin- 
ity; assume the appearance of; pre- 
tend. 

affectation (af-ek-ta'shun) , n. the 
assuming a manner which is not 
one's own. 

affection (af-fek'shun) , n. having the 
feelings affected; inclination; attach- 
ment ; fondness ; disease. 

affectionate (af-f ek'shun-at) , adj. hav- 
ing affection; kind. 

afferent (af'fer-ent), adj. conveying 
inwards or to a part. 

affiance (af-fi'ans), n. trust; a mar- 
riage contract : v.t. to betroth. 

affidavit (af-i-da'vit) , n. a sworn state- 
ment in writing. 

affiliate (af-fil'i-at) , v.t. to assign a 
child to its father; connect with 
in origin; connect with a parent 


society: v.i. to be intimately con- 
nected or associated (followed by 
with). 

affinity (af-fin'i-ti) , n. [pl._ affinities 
(af-fin'i-tiz)], nearness of kin. [Affin- 
ity is relationship by marriage: con- 
sanguinity, relationship by blood.] 
Physical or chemical attraction. 

affirm (af-ferm'), v.t. to assert strongly: 
v.i. to confirm, as a judgment, decree, 
or order, in an appellate court; 
aver. 

affirmative (af-f er'ma-tiv) , n. that 
which affirms: adj. relating to, or 
containing, an affirmation; positive. 

affix (af-fix'), v.t. to fix to; attach: n. a 
letter or syllable added to the end of 
a word; a suffix. 

afflatus (af-fla'tus), n. a breath or 
blast of wind; inspiration. 

afflict (af-flikt'), v.t. to cause pro- 
longed pain to body or mind; dis- 
tress. 

affliction (af-flik'shun), n. prolonged 
pain of body or mind; distress. 

affluence (af'lii-ens), n. an abundant 
supply, as of thoughts, words, riches; 
wealth. 

afford (af-ford'), v.t. to supply; pro- 
duce; yield; be capable of bearing 
the expense of. 

affray (af-fra/), n. the fighting of two 
or more persons in a public place to 
the terror of others. 

affright (af-frif), v.t. to frighten; ter- 
rify; alarm; confuse. 

affront (af-frunt'), v.t. to confront, 
oppose face to face; insult designedly. 

afghan (af'gan), n. a crocheted or 
knitted soft wool blanket or carriage- 
robe. 

afield (a-feld'), adv. to, in, or on, the 
field; astray. 

aflame (a-flam'), adj. & adv. in flames; 
ablaze. 

afloat (a-flot'), adj. & adv. floating; in 
circulation; unfixed; adrift. 

afoot (a-foot'), adv. on foot; astir. 

afraid (a-frad'), adj. frightened. 

afresh (a-fresh'), adv. again; anew. 

aft (aft'), adj. & adv. towards the 
stern. 

after (after), adj. next, subsequent, 
later: prep, behind in place; in suc- 
cession to ; later in time ; in imitation 
of; according to; next in rank or 
excellence; m proportion to; in pur- 


ate, arm, at, awl; me, merge, met; mite, mit ; note, north, not; boon, book; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


AFTERMATH 


28 


AHEAP 


suit of: adv. behind; subsequent in 
time or place: n. the future. 

aftermath (after-math), n. a second 
mowing in a season. 

afternoon (af-ter-noon'), n. the part 
of the day between noon and even- 
ing. 

afterward (after-ward), or after- 
wards (-wardz), adv. at a later time; 
subsequently. 

again (a-gen'), adv. a second time; in 
return; further; anew. 

against (a-gensf), prep, opposite to; 
in opposition to; contrary to one's 
inclinations. 

agape (a-gap'), adj. & adv. gaping; 
with the mouth wide open in a state 
of expectation or astonishment. 

agate (ag'at) , n. a semi-precious stone ; a 
variety of chalcedony ; Scotch pebble. 

age (aj), n. a particular period of time 
in life or in history; time: v.i. to grow 
old visibly. 

agency (a'jen-si), n. operation; action; 
an establishment for the purpose of 
doing business for another. 

agent (a'jent), n. one who acts, espe- 
cially for another; an active power 
or cause. 

agglomerate (ag-glom'er-at), v.t. to 
gather into a heap; accumulate. 

agglutinate (ag-glu'ti-nat), v.t. to glue 
together: adj. glued together. 

aggrandize (ag'gran-diz), v.t. to make 
great or greater in power, rank, or 
riches; augment. 

aggravate (ag'gra-vat), v.t. to add to a 
load; be troublesome; intensify. 

aggregate (ag'gre-gat) , v.t. to collect 
or bring together; gather into a mass 
or body; accumulate: n. total; mass; 
a mass formed by the union of sim- 
ilar particles : adj. formed into a mass 
or total. 

aggress (ag-gres'), v.t. to attack; begin 
a quarrel or controversy. 

aggressive (ag-gres'iv), adj. unjustly 
attacking. 

aggrieve (ag-greV), v.t. to bear heavily 
upon; oppress. 

aghast (a-gast'), adj. struck with sud- 
den astonishment, or terror. 

agile (aj'il), adj. easily driven about; 
active in body; nimble. 

agility (a-jil'i-ti), n. nimbleness. 

agitate (aj'i-tat), v.t. to stir violently; 
discuss; excite; revolve in the mind; 


disturb; keep constantly before the 
public. 

aglow (a-glo'), adj. & adv. in a glow; 
glowing. 

aglutition (ag-lu-tish'un), n. inability 
to swallow. 

agnomen (ag-nS'men), n. an addi- 
tional name or epithet, as "Milton, 
the poet." 

agnostic (ag-nos'tik) , n. one who 
denies that man possesses any 
knowledge of the ultimate nature of 
things; one who neither affirms nor 
denies the existence of a personal 
Deity: adj. pertaining to the agnos- 
tics or their teachings; expressing 
ignorance. 

ago (a-go'), adj. gone; past (used 
always after the noun) : adv. in past 
time (used only in the phrase "long 
ago"). 

agog (a-gog'), adj. & adv. in agitation 
or expectation; eager. 

agony (ag'o-ni), n. [pi. agonies (ag'6- 
niz)], extreme pain; anguish. 

agrarian (a-gra'ri-an), adj. relating to 
land, or to land-tenure; growing wild 
in the fields: n. one who is in favor of 
a redistribution of land. 

agree (a-gre'), v.i. to harmonize phys- 
ically, mentally, or morally; to ac- 
cord. 

agreeable (a-gre'a-bl) , adj. pleasing to 
the mind or senses. 

agreement (a-gre'ment), n. harmony 
of opinions or feelings; concord of 
one word with another in gender, 
number, case, or person; a com- 
pact ; a contract ; mutual under- 
standing. 

agriculture (ag'ri-kul-ttir) , n. the 
science and art of cultivating fields 
by the plow, &c; tillage; farming. 

aground (a-grouncT). adj. & adv. on 
the ground; the situation of a ship 
whose bottom touches the ground; 
stranded. 

ague (a'gu), n. an intermittent fever; 
the cold fit of the intermittent 
fever. 

ah (a), inter j. an exclamation expres- 
sive of sudden emotion. 

aha (a-ha/), inter j. an exclamation ex- 
pressive of satisfaction or irony. 

ahead (a-hed'), adv. in the front; for- 
ward. 

aheap (a-hep'), adv. in a heap. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


AHEM 


29 


ALIBI 


ahem (a-hem'), interj. an exclamation 
to call attention. 

ahoy (a-hoi'). interj. a term used in 
hailing a vessel. 

aid (ad), v.t. to assist; support: n. help; 
assistance. 

aigret (a'gret) or aigrette (a-gret'), n. 
the small white heron; a plume 
arranged in imitation of the feathers 
of the heron, worn on helmets, and as 
an article of women's head-attire; a 
feathery crown of seed. 

ail (al), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. -ed, p.pr. -ing], 
to give or cause pain: v.i. to feel pain; 
be afflicted with pain. 

aim (am), v.i. [p.t. & p.p. -ed, p.pr. 
-ing], to endeavor alter; direct at 
something; seek: n. a purpose; an 
endeavor. 

air (ar), v.t. to expose to the air; dry 
thoroughly, as clothes; to exhibit 
ostentatiously: n. the fluid which 
we breathe; the atmosphere; external 
manner; appearance; bearing; a mel- 
ody. 

air-craft (ar-kraft), n. a machine for 
aerial navigation. 

airship (ar'snip), n. a steerable bal- 
loon. 

aisle (II), n. the passage leading to 
chancel or altar of a church; or to 
the platform of any hall. 

ajar (a-jar'), adj. & adv. slightly turned 
or opened, as a door; out of harmony. 

akimbo (a-kim'bo), adv. with the 
hands on the hips and the elbows 
turned outwards. 

akin (a-kin'), adj. & adv. of kin; related 
by blood; allied by nature. 

alabaster (al'a-bas-ter) , n. a white 
marble-like mineral; a box made of 
alabaster, in which the ancients held 
ointments: adj. made of, or trans- 
parent like, alabaster. 

alack (a-lak'), interj. an exclamation 
expressive of blame, sorrow, or sur- 
prise. 

alacrity (a-lak'ri-ti) , n. eager readi- 
ness; joyous activity; briskness. 

alarm (a-larm'), v.t. arouse to a sense 
of danger; strike with apprehension 
of danger: n. a call to arms; a warn- 
ing of danger; the apprehension of 
danger. 

alas (a-las'), interj. an exclamation 
expressive of unhappiness. 

alb (alb), n. a white priestly vest- 


ment worn at the celebration of the 
Eucharist in the Roman Catholic 
Church and in some Anglican 
churches. 

albatross (al'ba-tros), n. a sea-bird 
allied to the petrel, inhabiting the 
Pacific and Southern Oceans. 

albeit (awl-be'it), conj. although; even 
though; notwithstanding. 

albino (al-bi'no or al-be'no), n. a per- 
son with white skin and hair and 
pinkish eyes; a man, animal, or plant 
abnormally white in color. 

album (al'bum), n. a blank book in 
which to insert autographs, photo- 
graphs, stamps, monograms, &c. 

albumen (al-bu'men), n. the white of 
an egg; the nutritious farinaceous 
matter stored up with the embryo 
of an animal or plant. 

alchemy (arke-mi), n. the chemistry 
of the Middle Ages; the professed art 
of transmuting the baser metals into 
gold. 

alcohol (al'ko-hol), n. pure or rectified 
spirits of wine; the spirituous or 
intoxicating element in fermented 
liquors; rectified spirits; a class of 
compounds of the same type as 
spirits of wine. 

alcove (al'kov), n. a recess in a room 
or a garden; a bower. 

alderman (awl'der-man) , n. [pi. alder- 
men (-men)], in English and Ameri- 
can cities and boroughs a magistrate 
next in dignity to the > mayor; also, in 
Great Britain, certain members of 
county councils elected by those 
bodies. 

ale (al), n. a liquor made from an infu- 
sion of malt by fermentation. 

alert (a-lert'). adj. on the watch; 
active: n. an alarm; a sudden at- 
tack. 

algae (al'je), n.pl. one of the great divi- 
sions of cryptogamic plants, includ- 
ing seaweeds and kindred fresh-water 
plants. 

algebra (al'je-bra), n. the science of 
calculation by letters and general 
symbols. 

alias (a'li-as), adv. otherwise [named]: 
n. [pi. aliases (ali-as-ez)], another 
name; an assumed name. 

alibi (al'i-bi), n. the plea of having 
been elsewhere when the alleged act 
was committed. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


ALIEN 


30 


ALLOPATHY 


alien (a'li-en), adj. belonging to an- 
other: n. a foreign-born resident of 
a country in which he is not nat- 
uralized. 

alienate (a'li-en-at) , v.t. to estrange, as 
the affections ; transfer to another, as 
property. 

alienist (a/li-en-ist) , n. a physician who 
makes a special study of diseases 
affecting the brain or nervous system. 

alight (a-HtO, v.i. to dismount; to 
descend and settle; to come upon 
accidentally: adj. lighted; lighted-up; 
in a flame. 

align (a-lin'), v.t. to lay out or adjust 
by a line: v.i. to form or fall into a 
line. 

alike (a-llk'), adj. like one another: 
adv. in like manner; similar. 

aliment (al'i-ment), n. food; the 
necessaries of life generally; an al- 
lowance for support by decree of 
court: v.t. to make provision for 
the maintenance of; make provision 
for the support of parents or children 
respectively. 

alimentary (al-i-men'ta-ri) , adj. per- 
taining to food ; nutritious. 

alimony (al'i-mon-i) , n. means of liv- 
ing ; an allowance made by decree of 
court to a wife out of her husband's 
estate on separation, or pending an 
action for the same. 

alive (a-hV), adj. having life; in a state 
of action; sprightly; sensitive; 
thronged. 

alkali (al'ka-ll), n. [pi. alkalis & -ies], 
one of a class of caustic bases, as 
soda, potash, having the common 
properties of being soluble in water 
and in alcohol, combining with fats 
to form soap, neutralizing acids and 
forming salts with them, and chang- 
ing the tint of many vegetable color- 
ing-matters. (Opposed to acid.) 

all (awl), adj. the whole quantity of, 
as substance, duration, extent, 
amount, or degree; the whole num- 
ber of, collectively, as individuals, 
particulars, or parts; every, as with 
kind; any, used after a preposition 
or verb: pron. the whole; the whole 
quantity or amount; total; aggre- 
gate: n. a whole; an entirety; one's 
entire possessions: adv. wholly; en- 
tirely; completely. 

All-hallowe'en (awl-hal-o-en') , n. the 


evening before All Saints' Day, the 
first of November. 

Allah (al'la), n. the Arabic name for 
the Supreme Being, in use among the 
Mohammedans. 

allay (al-la'), v.t. to quiet or calm; 
assuage; appease; abate; mitigate; 
relieve; as pain or grief. 

allege (al-lej'). v.t. to produce or ad- 
duce as argument, plea, or excuse; 
affirm; declare; assert. 

allegiance (al-le'jans), n. the tie or 
obligation of a subject to his sover- 
eign or government; fealty; fidelity 
to a cause or person. 

allegory (al'e-go-ri) , n. t [pi. allegories 
(al'e-go-riz)]; a figurative representa- 
tion in which the meaning is conveyed 
symbolically. A famous example of 
an allegory is Bunyan's "Pilgrim's 
Progress." 

alleviate (al-le'vi-at), v.t. to lighten; 
lessen; make easier; mitigate. 

alley (al'i), n. [pi. alleys (al'iz)], a 
passage; a way (generally narrow); 
a lane. 

alliance (al-li'ans), n. the state of 
being allied; relation or connection 
by birth or marriage; union between 
nations. 

Allies, The (a-liz'), n. in the European 
War, 1914-1915, the nations of the 
Triple Entente — Great Britain, 
France, Russia — together with 
Serbia, Montenegro, Japan and Italy. 

alligator (al'i-ga-ter), n. the American 
crocodile. 

alliteration (al-lit-e-ra'shun) , n. the 
repetition of the same initial letter 
in closely-succeeding words, or in 
words directly following each other, 
as "apt alliteration's artful aid," and 
"Begot by butchers but by bishops 
bred," said of Cardinal Wolsey. 
Alliteration preceded rhythm in 
Anglo-Saxon verse, and it is still 
effectively used, as by Swinburne 
and Kipling. The best alliteration 
is one that involves the repetition 
of consonants rather than of 
.vowels. 

allocate (al'o-kat), v.t. to assign or 
allot; distribute, as in equal or pro- 
portionate parts or shares. 

allopathy (al-op'a-thi) , n. a method of 
treating disease by inducing an ac- 
tion opposite to the disease it is 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


ALLOT 


31 


ALTER 


sought to cure; opposed to homeop- 
athy. 

allot (a-lof), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. allotted, 
p.pr. allotting], to distribute or di- 
vide, as by lot; apportion, as shares; 
assign or grant for a specific pur- 
pose. 

allotment (a-lot'ment), n. the act of 
allotting; that which is allotted; a 
portion of land assigned or allotted. 

allotropy (a-lot'ro-pi) , n. the capa- 
bility shown by certain chemical 
elements to assume different forms, 
each characterized by peculiar quali- 
ties, as the occurrence of carbon in 
the form of the diamond, charcoal, 
and plumbago, respectively. 

allow (a-lou'), v.t. to grant, yield; 
admit; deduct; permit; approve: 
v.i. to make concession or provision 
(followed by for) . 

allowable (a-lou'a-bl) , adj. that may 
be allowed; permissible; lawful; 
praiseworthy; acceptable. 

allowance (a-lou'ans), n. the act of 
allowing; admission; concession; a 
definite sum granted; sanction or 
approval; abatement or deduction: 
v.t. to put upon allowance; limit to 
a fixed expenditure or consumption 
of money or food. 

alloy (a-loi'), v.t. to combine; to form a 
compound, by fusion, of two or more 
metals ; reduce in standard or quality 
by mixture, as with a metal of baser 
value; debase: n. a compound of two 
or more metals ; an admixture of evil 
with good. 

allude (a-liid'), v.t. to compare: v.i. 
refer or make an allusion indirectly 
(with to). 

allure (a-liir'), v.t. to tempt by the offer 
of something good, real or apparent; 
entice; attract. 

allusion (a-lu'zhun) , n. a casual refer- 
ence; a comparison or reference by 
symbol or metaphor. 

alluvium (a-lu'vi-um) , n. [pi. alluvia 
(a-lu'vi-a)], a deposit of mingled sand 
and clay (mud), or of alternating 
layers of sand and clay, of river origin. 

ally (a-li'), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. allied, p.pr. 
allying], td" unite by marriage, treaty, 
league, or confederacy; bind or con- 
nect by friendship or resemblance: 
n. [pi. allies (a-liz')J. 

lac (awl'ma-nak), n. a year-book 


or calendar giving the order of the 
days of the week and month, astro- 
nomical data, tide-tables, ecclesias- 
tical festivals and fasts, and other 
varied information. 

Almighty, n. the omnipotent God. 

almond (a'mund), n. the kernel of the 
fruit of the almond-tree; anything 
resembling the almond in shape. 

almoner (al'mun-er), n. one who dis- 
penses or distributes alms or charity ; 
an alms-purse; a pouch or purse 
which in early times was suspended 
from the girdle. 

almost (awl'most), adv. nearly; very 
nearly; well-nigh; all but. 

alms (amz), n.sing. [used sometimes as 
n.pl.] the act of relieving by chari- 
table aid; that which is bestowed in 
charity. 

aloft (a-16ff), adv. on high; far above 
the earth ; at the mast-head, or on the 
higher yards or rigging. 

alone (a-lon'), adj. & adv. without or 
apart from another; single or singly; 
only; separately; by itself. 

along (a-long'), prep. & adv. by the 
length; lengthwise; in a line parallel 
with the length; onward. 

aloof (a-loof), adv. at a moderate 
distance but within sight; purposely 
keeping apart. 

aloud (a-loud'), adv. with raised voice; 
loudly; with a great noise; 
audibly. 

alpaca (al-pak'a), n. a mammal, closely 
allied to the llama, a native of the 
Andes of Chili and Peru ; the fabric 
constructed from the long, soft, silky 
wool of the alpaca. 

alphabet (al'fa-bet), n. the letters 
of a language arranged in the cus- 
tomary order; the first rudiments of 
any branch of knowledge. 

already (awl-red'i), adj. quite ready; 
fully prepared : adv. by, at, or before, 
a specified time. 

also (awl'so), adv. & conj. wholly so; 
in like manner; likewise; further, or 
in addition to. 

altar (awl'tar), n. a raised place, 
structure, or elevation, whether of 
earth or stone, for the offering of 
sacrifices or burning of incense; the 
Communion-table; a place of wor- 
ship. 

alter (awl'ter), v.t. to effect some 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit : note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hiie, hut ; think, then. 


ALTERATION 


32 


AMBER 


change in; modify or vary; change 
entirely or materially. 

alteration (awl-ter-a/shun) , n. the act 
of altering or changing; the change 
or modification effected. 

alterative (awl'ter-a-tiv) , adj. produc- 
ing change; having the power to alter: 
n. a medicine which restores the 
healthy functions of the body. 

altercation (al-ter-ka'shun), n. the 
act of wrangling; warm contention 
in words; a dispute. 

alternate (al'ter-nat), v.t. to perform 
by turns; cause to succeed by turns; 
exchange reciprocally: v.i. to take 
place by turns (followed by with) : 
adj. by turns; following each other 
in reciprocal succession; succeeding 
each other by turns on opposite sides 
of a stem. 

alternative (al-ter'na-tiv) , adj. giving 
the choice of two things: n. the op- 
tion or choice of two possibilities, so 
that if one be rejected the other must 
be accepted. 

although (awl-^o'), conj. granting 
that; though; even if; notwithstand- 
ing. 

altitude (al'ti-tud), n. space extended 
upward; height; highest point or 
degree; the elevation of a celestial 
body above the horizon; the perpen- 
dicular distance from the base of a 
figure to the summit or to the side 
parallel to the base. 

alto (al'to), adj. high: n. the contralto; 
the tenor violin or viola. [Italian.] 

altogether (awl-too-gef/i'er), adv. 
wholly; completely; without excep- 
tion; conjunctly; entirely. 

altruism (al'troo-izm) , n. the prin- 
ciples inculcated by Comte, and in- 
volving the sacrifice of self in the 
interests of others: opposed to ego- 
ism. 

alum (al'um), n. a double sulphate 
formed of aluminum and some other 
element, usually an alkaline metal. 

aluminum(a-lu'mi-num) or alumin- 
ium (al-u-min'i-um) , n. a bluish- 
white, light, sonorous, ductile, malle- 
able metal. 

alumnus (a-lum'nus), n. [pi. alumni 
(a-lum'ni)], the graduate of a univer- 
sity; one educated at a school, col- 
lege, or university. [Latin, meaning 
"a foster-son."] 


always (awl'waz), adv. constantly; 
ever; regularly at intervals; contin- 
ually. 

am (am), 1st vers. sing, indie, mood of 
the verb to be. See be. 

amain (a-man'), adv. with force or 
violence; suddenly; at once. 

amalgam (a-mal'gam), n. any me- 
tallic mixture or alloy of which 
mercury is the chief constituent; a 
mixture or compound of different 
things. 

amalgamate (a-mal'ga-mat) , v.t. to 
alloy mercury with another metal; 
mix to form a compound: v.i. to 
blend, combine, as one race with 
another. 

amanuensis (a-man-u-en'sis) , n. [pi. 
amanuenses (a-man-u-en'sez)], one 
who is employed to write at the dic- 
tation or direction of another; a sec- 
retary. 

amaranth (am'a-ranth), n. an im- 
aginary flower said by poets to be 
unfading; a plant of the genus am- 
arantus; a color-mixture in which 
magenta is the chief ingredient. 

amass (a-mas'), v.t. to collect into a 
heap ; gather together in great quan- 
tity or amount; accumulate. 

amateur (am-a-ter'),n. one who culti- 
vates an art or pursues a study from 
love or attachment, and without 
reference to gain or emolument: adj. 
applied to the work or productions 
of an amateur as opposed to pro- 
fessional. 

amatory (am'a-to-ri), adj. relating to 
or expressive of love. 

amaze (a-maz'), v.t. to confound or 
stun with fear, surprise, or wonder; 
astonish: n. astonishment; confu- 
sion; perplexity. 

amazement (a-maz 'ment), n. the 
state of being amazed; astonish- 
ment; perplexity arising from sudden 
surprise. 

ambassador (am-bas'a-der) , n. an 
accredited representative of a sov- 
ereign or state at the court of an- 
other; a diplomatic agent of high 
rank; a representative or agent of 
another charged with a special mis- 
sion. 

amber (am'ber), n. a yellowish fossil 
resin found on the shores of the 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit : note, north, not ; boon, book 
hue, hut : think, then. 


AMBERGRIS 


33 


AMORPHOUS 


Baltic: adj. made of amber; amber- 
colored. 

ambergris (am'ber-gres), n. a very 
valuable morbid secretion from the 
intestines of the sperm-whale, usu- 
ally found floating in tropical seas: 
used in perfumery. 

ambidextrous (am-bi-deks'trus) , adj. 
able to use both hands alike; unusu- 
ally clever. 

ambient (am'bi-ent), adj. surround- 
ing; investing. 

ambiguity (am-bi-gu'i-ti) , n. [pi. am- 
biguities (am-bi-gu'i-tiz)], double or 
dubious signification; vagueness. 

ambiguous (am-big'u-us) , adj. doubt- 
ful; equivocal. 

ambition (am-bish'un) , n. a seeking 
for preferment; a consuming desire 
to achieve some object or purpose, as 
to gain distinction, influence, &c. 

ambitious (am-bish'us) , adj. having 
ambition; aspiring. 

amble (am'bl), v.i. to move with a 
peculiar pace, as a horse, by lifting 
the two feet on one side together: 
n. at an easy pace. 

ambrosia (am-bro'zhi-a), n. anything 
exquisitely pleasing to taste or smell ; 
a genus of weeds allied to the worm- 
wood. 

ambrotype (am'bro-tip) , n. a photo- 
graphic process by which the light 
parts of a photograph are produced 
in silver, the dark parts showing as a 
background through the clear glass. 

ambulance (am'bu-lans) , n. a field 
hospital ; an ambulance cart or wagon 
for the conveyance of the sick and 
wounded. 

ambuscade (am-bus-kad') , n. a stra- 
tegic disposition of troops in ambush. 

ambush (am'boosh), n. a lying in wait 
to attack by surprise: v.t. to place in 
ambush to surprise an enemy ; way- 
lay: v.i. to lie in wait for the purpose 
of attacking by surprise. 

ameliorate (a-me'li-or-at) , v.t. to 
make better: v.i. to grow better; 
improve. 

amen (a-men' & a/men'), adv. verily: 
inter j. so be it; literally true. [He- 
brew and liturgical.] 

amenable (a-me'na-bl) , adj. easy to 
lead; submissive; liable. 

amend (a-mend'), v.t. to free from 
fault; improve; correct. 


amendment (a-mend 'ment), n. the 
removal of faults; the alteration of 
a bill before Parliament; a counter- 
motion at a public meeting. 

amends (a-mendz'), n.pl. compensa- 
tion for loss or injury; reparation. 

amenity (a-men'i-ti) , n. [pi. amenities 
(a-men 'i-tiz)], pleasantness, as of 
climate or demeanor; geniality. 

amercement (a-mers'ment) , n. an 
arbitrary fine left to the discretion 
of a court. 

American (a-mer'i-kan) , adj. belong- 
ing to, or characteristic of, 
America. 

amethyst (am'e-thist) , n. a violet- 
purple variety of quartz or rock- 
crystal. [Greek.] 

amiable (a'mi-a-bl), adj. friendly; 
worthy of love; lovable. 

amicable (am'i-ka-bl), adj. friendly; 
peaceable. 

amid (a-mid') or amidst (a-midst'), 
prep, in the middle of; among. 

amiss (a-mis'). adj. wrong; faulty: adv. 
wrongly; that misses the mark. _ 

amity (am'i-ti), n. friendly relations; 
friendship. 

ammonia (a-mo'ni-a), n. a trans- 
parent, pungent volatile gas, used in 
medicine and the arts; spirits of 
hartshorn. 

ammunition (am-u-nish'un) , n. pow- 
der, balls, &c, used in charging fire- 
arms of all kinds; military stores: 
adj. supplied to troops as equipment, 
&c. 

amnesia (am-ne'si-a) , n. loss of mem- 
ory. [Greek.] 

amnesty (am'nes-ti), n. an act of ob- 
livion for political offenses ; a general 
pardon: v.t. [p.t. & p.p. amnestied, 
p.pr. amnestying], to grant pardon 
to. 

amoeba (a-me'ba), n. [pi. amcebas (a- 
me'baz) & -bae ('be) ] , a genus of micro- 
scopic organisms consisting of a mass 
of protoplasm which moves about in 
fresh-water ponds by means of finger- 
like processes with which it grasps its 
food. 

among (a-mung') or amongst (a- 
mungst'), prep. & adv. mixed with; 
surrounded by; amidst. 

amorous (am'5r-us), adj. fond of the 
opposite sex; loving. 

amorphous (a-mor'fus), adj. formless; 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


AMOUNT 


34 


ANATHEMA 


irregularly shaped ; uncrystallized ; 
anomalous; unorganized. 

amount (a-mount/), v.i. to mount up 
to; be equivalent or equal to: n. the 
totality; sum. 

ampere (am-par'), n. the unit of 
measurement of the strength of an 
electrical current. [French.] 

Amphibia (am-fib'i-a), n.pl. the 
fourth division of vertebrates, inter- 
mediate between fishes and reptiles, 
which in their early state breathe by 
gills. 

amphitheater, -re (am-fi-the'a-ter) , 
n. a double theater; a theater with 
seats all round the arena; a circus. 

amphitype (am'fi-tip), n. a photo- 
graphic process which simultaneously 
produces negatives and positives. 

ample (am'pl), adj. full; large; abun- 
dant. 

amplify (am'pli-fi), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. 
amplified, p.pr. amplifying], to make 
large: v.i. to speak or write diffusely; 
expand. 

amplitude (am'pli-tud), n. the angular 
distance of a celestial body at rising 
or setting from the eastern or western 
points of the horizon; an angle on 
which the value of some mathemati- 
cal function depends; the distance 
which a particle moves in performing 
a complete vibration. 

amputate (am'pu-tat), v.t. to lop off 
in pruning; to cut off a limb; dis- 
member. 

amuck (a-muk' or amok), adj. or adv. 
(used only in the phrase, to run 
amuck), running about armed, in a 
state of frenzy, attacking all that 
come in the way, or committing 
indiscriminate slaughter. [Malay.] 

amulet (am'u-let), n. a charm worn to 
protect against evil; a talisman. 

amuse (a-muz'), v.t. to occupy the 
attention pleasantly; beguile; enter- 
tain; divert. 

amusement (a-muz'ment), n. that 
which amuses; a pastime. 

an (an), indef. art. any; each. [An is 
properly an adj., and is used before 
nouns of the singular number only; 
also before a word having an initial 
vowel and silent h (see H). [An has 
a distributive force in such expres- 
sions as "once an hour"; "a dime an 
ounce."] 


anachronism (an-ak'ron-izm) , n. an 
error in the order of time, hence any 
error in the misplacement of persons 
or events in point of time. 

anaconda (an-a-kon'da), n. the spe- 
cific name of a large South American 
boa, and loosely applied to any large 
snake which crushes its prey. 

anaemia, anemia (a-ne'mi-a), n. de- 
ficiency or low condition of the blood. 

anaesthetic, anesthetic (an-es-thet'- 
ik), adj. pertaining to loss of the 
sense of feeling: n. a drug which 
produces insensibility. 

anagram (an'a-gram), n. a word or a 
sentence constructed out of another 
by the transposition of the letters 
contained in the second; a word ob- 
tained by reading the letters of an- 
other word backwards. 

analect (an'a-lekt), n. [pi. analects 
(an'a-lekts) &analecta (an-a-lek'ta)], 
a passage or extract from a published 
work : pi. a collection of such extracts 
from different authors. 

analogy (a-nal'o-ji) , n. [pi. analogies 
(a-nal'o-jiz)], agreement, resem- 
blance, or correspondence in relations 
between different objects; the infer- 
ence as to general agreement which 
is derived from similarity in certain 
essential particulars; equality of 
mathematical ratios; conformity of 
its parts to the general rules and 
structures of a language. 

analysis (a-nal'i-sis), n. [pi. analyses 
(a-nal'i-sez)], the resolution of a com- 
pound into its constituent parts ; the 
method of determining the nature of a 
compound by resolution into its con- 
stituent parts ; the resolving of prob- 
lems by reducing the conditions that 
are in them to equations; a synopsis. 

analyze (an'a-llz), v.t. to separate or 
resolve; determine the nature of a 
compound by resolution of its con- 
stituent parts. 

anapaest or anapest (an'a-pest), n. a 
foot comprising two short syllables 
followed by one long syllable. 

anarchy (an'ar-ki), n. non-existence or 
incapability of governmental rule; a 
lawless condition of society; the 
theory of individual liberty. 

anathema (a-nath'e-ma), n. [pi. anath- 
emas (a-nath'e-maz)], the curse ac- 
companying excommunication pro- 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


ANATOMY 


35 


ANGRY 


nounced by a religious assembly or 
convocation ; an imprecation or curse ; 
the thing or person held to be ac- 
cursed. [Greek.] 

anatomy (a-nat'o-mi),n. [pi. anatomies 
ia-nat'o-miz)], separation by dissec- 
tion of the various parts of a body, 
with a view to the examination and 
determination of their structure and 
relations; the art or science of dissec- 
tion; a descriptive account of the 
parts of an organic body; a withered 
or emaciated person. 

ancestor (an'ses-ter), n. a forefather 
or progenitor, on the side of father or 
mother, from whom one is descended 
in direct line; one who held previous 
possession. 

ancestry (an'ses-tri) , n. the line of 
one's descent traced from a period 
more or less remote; the personages 
comprising such lineage; lineage. 

anchor (ang'ker), n. an iron imple- 
ment of varying form, but generally 
having two curved and pointed arms 
terminating at one end of a shank, to 
the other extremity of which is af- 
fixed a cable, used to secure a floating 
vessel to the bottom; that on which 
dependence is placed for security or 
stability; a metallic clamp securing a 
tie-rod connecting opposite walls: 
v.t. to affix by an anchor; grapple; 
hold fast. 

anchovy (an'cho-vi), n. [pi. anchovies 
(an'cho-viz)], a diminutive fish 
abounding in the Mediterranean, 
and especially esteemed for its pe- 
culiar flavor, used for pickling and 
as a sauce. 

ancient (an'shent), adj. of or per- 
taining to the early history of the 
world; of past tknes or remote 
ages; of great age or antiquity: n. 
one who lived in ancient times: pi. 
the people of classic times; the Jew- 
ish elders; the governing body of an 
Inn of Court [English] : n. formerly a 
flag or ensign; a ship's pennant. 

ancillary (an'sil-ar-i), adj. attendant 
upon; accessory; subservient. 

and (and), conj. the copulative joining 
words and sentences. And is some- 
times used emphatically by way of 
contrast, as "there are orators and 
orators," i.e. two very different kinds. 

andirons (and'I-ernz), n.pl. metal 


standards used for open fires, to 
support the logs; fire-dogs. 

anecdote (an'ek-dot), n. a brief nar- 
rative of an entertaining character; 
a terse and pithy account of some 
detached incident, chiefly personal 
or biographical. 

anelectrode (an-e-lek'trod), n. the 
positive pole of agalvanic battery. 

anemone (a-nem'o-ne), n. [pi. anem- 
ones (a-nem'o-nez)], the wind-flower 
or wood-anemone ; a sea-anemone, a 
marine zoophyte. [Greek.] 

anemoscope (a-nem'o-skop), n. an 
apparatus for _ exhibiting the direc- 
tion of the wind. [Greek.] 

aneroid (an'e-roid), adj. having no 
liquid. 

aneurism (an'u-rizm), n. a local swell- 
ing or dilation of an artery at a point 
where the coat is thinned or weak- 
ened by disease. [Greek.] 

anew (a-nu'), adv. afresh; over again; 
in a new manner or style. 

angel (an'jel), n. a messenger of God; 
one of an order of spiritual atten- 
dants who form a connection between 
heaven and earth, as from God to 
mankind; a spirit of evil, as a fallen 
angel; the presbyter in the Early 
Christian Church residing in some 
particular city (Rev. ii. 8); an Eng- 
lish gold coin, value about $2.50, 
struck in the reign of Edward IV., 
and impressed with the figure of the 
archangel Michael. 

angelus (an'je-lus), n. a devotional 
exercise in commemoration of the 
Incarnation, during which the Ave 
Maria is twice repeated: said morn- 
ing, noon, and night; the bell which 
is rung to announce the time of such 
devotions. [Latin.] 

anger (ang'ger), n. excessive emotion 
or passion aroused by a sense of 
injury or wrong; wrath: v.t. to pro- 
voke to resentment; excite to wrath; 
enrage. 

angle (ang'gl), n. the inclosed space 
near the point where two lines meet ; 
a sharp or projecting corner; the 
inclination of two lines which meet 
at a point called the vortex; v.i. to 
fish with a hook and line: v.t. -to fish 
for. 

angry (ang'gri), adj. inflamed with 
anger ; provoked ; feeling resentment ; 


ate. arm, at. awl; me, merge, met: mite, mit ; note, north, not; boon, book 
3 hue, hut ; think, then. 


ANGUISH 


36 


ANOMALY 


wrathful; showing anger; fierce; 
inflamed. 

anguish (ang'gwish), n. intense pain 
or grief; acute suffering, bodily or 
mental. 

anhydrous (an-hi'drus) , adj. without 
water: applied to minerals in which 
the water of crystallization is not 
present. 

aniline (an'i-lin), n. a base used in the 
formation of many rich dyes obtained 
from coal-tar, but more extensively 
from benzole ; adj. of or pertaining to 
aniline. 

animadversion (an-i-mad-ver'shun) , 
n. the act of observing; capacity for 
perception; censure; criticism. 

animadvert (an-i-mad-verf), v.i. to 
give the mind to; pass comment or 
stricture upon; criticise. 

animal (an'i-mal), n. an organized 
living body, sentient, mobile, and 
locomotive; an inferior being; a 
brute: adj. of or belonging to animals. 

animalcule (an-i-mal'kul), n. one of a 
class of minute or microscopic organ- 
isms abounding in water and infu- 
sions; an infusorian. 

animate (an'i-mat), v.t. to impart life 
to; to inspire with energy or action; 
enliven: adj. endowed with animal 
life; full of spirit and vigor. 

animation (an-i-ma'shun), n. the act 
of giving life or spirit; the state of 
being animated; vivacity. 

animosity (an-i-mos'i-ti) , n. [pi. ani- 
mosities (an-i-mos'i-tiz)], hostility; 
hatred; active enmity. 

animus (an'i-mus), n. a hostile spirit, 
or purpose; hostility. 

ankle (ang'kl), n. the joint or articula- 
tion connecting the foot with the leg. 

annals (an'alz), n.pl. a description, 
history, or chronicle issued from time 
to time, and comprising the events of 
each year in order of sequence; 
chronicles. 

anneal (an-nel'), v.t. to heat or fix by 
heat; temper and render malleable; 
bake or fuse. 

annex (an-neks'), v.t. to add or affix at 
the end; subjoin or connect; purloin: 
n. (an'neks), that which is added; 
an addition. 

annihilate (an-m'hi-lat), v.t. to reduce 
to nothing; wipe out of existence; 
destroy. 


anniversary (an-i-ver'sa-ri) , n. [pi. 
anniversaries (an-i-ver'sa-riz)], trie 
recurrence in each year of the date of 
an event; the annual commemora- 
tion of an event : adj. recurring once 
in every twelve months; yearly. 

annotate (an'o-tat), v.t. to mark or 
note by way of explanation or criti- 
cism, as a book. 

announce (an-nouns'), v.t. to proclaim 
or make known, formally, or in a 
public manner; pronounce by judicial 
sentence; proclaim. 

announcement (an-nouns'ment), n. 
the act of announcing; that which is 
announced; a proclamation. 

annoy (an-noi'), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. -ed, 
p.pr. -ing], to vex or trouble by 
repeated acts; harass or discompose 
by petty injury or opposition: v.i. 
to be troubled, vexed: n. the feeling 
of discomfort caused by an injury or 
vexation. 

annoyance (an-noi'ans) , n. the act of 
annoying or causing vexation; the 
state of being annoyed; the thing or 
act which annoys. 

annual (an'u-al), adj. once in twelve 
months; yearly; of or belonging to 
a year; published once a year; com- 
pleted in a year; lasting or living only 
for a year or season, as an annual 
plant: n. an anniversary mass said 
for a deceased person; the fee paid 
for such a mass. 

annuity (an-nu'i-ti) , n. [pi. annuities 
(an-nu'i-tiz)], the payment of a sum of 
money by periodical or yearly install- 
ments during the life-time of the an- 
nuitant. 

annul (an-nul'), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. an- 
nulled, p.pr. annulling], to maKe void, 
abolish, or obliterate, as a law, decree, 
or compact. 

annunciate (an-nun'shi-at) , v.t. to 
make known officially or publicly; 
announce. 

anode (an'od), n. the path of the elec- 
tric current from the positive to the 
negative pole; the positive pole. 

anodyne (an'5-din), adj. assuaging 
pain: n. a drug which relieves 
pain. 

anoint (a-noinf), v.t. to pour oil upon, 
in a religious ceremony; consecrate. 

anomaly (a-nom'a-li) , n. deviation 
from the natural order; the angular 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


ANON 


37 


ANTICIPATE 


distance of a planet from its peri- 
helion. [Greek.] 

anon (a-non'), adv. soon; straightway; 
again. 

anonymous (a-non'i-mus) , adj. bear- 
ing no author's name; nameless. 

another (a-nuth'er), adj. & pron. one 
more; not the same; some one else. 

answer (an'ser), v.t. to swear in oppo- 
sition to; to reply to a charge; a 
counterstatement : n. a response or 
rejoinder; a reply to a charge; a 
solution, as of a mathematical prob- 
lem. 

answerable (an'ser-a-bl), adj. liable to 
give answer; responsible. 

ant (ant), n. a small social insect of the 
hymenopterous order. 

antagonism (an-tag'o-nizm) , n. the 
active opposition of two opponents 
or opposing forces; hostility. 

antagonist (an-tag'o-nist) , n. a com- 
petitor in any sphere of action; an 
opponent. 

antagonize (an-tag'o-nlz), v.t. to op- 
pose; hinder; counteract; contend 
against; compete with: v.i. to act 
in opposition; neutralize. 

antarctic (ant-ark'tik), adj. opposite 
to arctic; pertaining to the south- 
polar regions; southern. 

antecede (an-te-sed'), v.t. to precede 
or go before in time or space. 

antecedent (an-te-se'dent), adj. pre- 
ceding: n. the substantive or noun 
to which a relative or other pronoun 
refers; the part of a conditional prop- 
osition upon which the other de- 
pends: pi. the previous events of a 
person's life. 

antechamber (an'te-cham-ber) , n. an 
apartment next the principal room, 
where persons wait for audience; an 
outer room. 

antedate (an'te-dat), v.t. to carry back 
to an earlier period; anticipate: n. a 
date earlier than the actual date. 

antediluvian (an-te-di-lu'vi-an), adj. 
of or pertaining to the world before 
the Flood; belonging to very ancient 
times; antiquated: r.. one who lived 
before the Flood. [Latin.] 

antelope (an'te-lop) , n. the name given 
to numerous species of deer-like 
ruminants, intermediate between the 
deer and the goat, with cylindrical, 
ringed horns. 


antemeridian (an-te-me-rid'i-an), adj. 
preceding noon. Often written A.M. 

antemetic (ant-e-met'ik) , adj. allay- 
ing vomiting: n. a medicine possess- 
ing this property. 

antenatal (an-te-na'tal) , adj. before 
birth. 

antenna (an-ten'a), n. [pi. antennae 
(an-ten'e)], the jointea horns or 
feelers upon the heads of insects and 
Crustacea. 

antepenult (an-te-pe'nult) or ante- 
penultima (an-te-pe-nul'ti-ma) , n. 
the last syllable but two of a word. 

anterior (an-ter'i-er) , adj. more to the 
front; former. 

anteroom (an'te-room), n. a room 
before, or forming an entrance to, 
another; an antechamber. 

anthem (an'them), n. a composition 
from the Scriptures or liturgy set to 
sacred music. 

anther (an'ther), n. the summit of the 
stamen of a flower containing the 
pollen or fertilizing dust. 

anthology (an-thoro-ji), n. a collec- 
tion of choice poems, epigrams, and 
fugitive pieces by various authors ; a 
hymnal. 

anthracite (an'thra-sit) , n. a non- 
bituminous coal which burns with- 
out smoke; blind-coal; glance-coal; 
stone-coal; hard-coal. 

anthrax (an'thraks), n. [pi. anthraces 
(an'thra-sez)], a carbuncle, or malig- 
nant boil; the splenic fever of sheep 
and cattle, caused by the presence of a 
bacillus in the blood and tissues ; the 
carbuncular disease caused in man 
by inoculation from affected sheep 
and cattle. [Greek.] 

anthropoid (an'thro-poid) , adj. re- 
sembling man: n. one of the higher 
apes resembling man. [Greek.] 

anthropology (an-thro-poro-ji), n. 
the science of man, considered zoo- 
logically or ethnographically. 

anthropomorphism (an-thro-po-mor'- 
fizm), n. the ascription of a human 
form and attributes to the Deity, or 
to supernatural beings. 

antic (an'tik), adj. grotesque: n. a 
clown; a trick; a grotesque ges- 
ture. 

anticipate (an-tis'i-pat), v.t. to take 
beforehand ; use in advance ; look for 
as certain; deal with beforehand: v.i. 


ate, arm, at, awl; me, merge, met; mite, mit ; note, north, not; boon, book; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


ANTICIPATION 


38 


AORTA 


to treat of something before the 
proper time. 

anticipation (an-tis-i-pa'shun) , n. the 
act of taking beforehand; expecta- 
tion; hope; preconception. 

anticlimax (an'ti-kll-maks) , n. a 
ludicrous descent in thought and 
expression; bathos. 

antidote (an'ti-dot), n. a substance 
which acts medicinally as a counter- 
active to the effects of poison or 
disease; that which annuls or tends 
to prevent the evil effects of any- 
thing else; a remedy. 

antimony (an'ti-mo-ni) , n. a white 
lustrous metal, entering largely into 
medicinal preparations and various 
important alloys, such as pewter and 
Britannia-metal. _ 

antinomy (an-tin'o-mi), n. [pi. antino- 
mies (an-tin'o-miz)], the opposition 
of one law or part of a law to another ; 
or the opposition of man to any law. 

antipathy (an-tip'a-thi), n. [pi. antip- 
athies (an-tip'a-thiz)], natural aver- 
sion ; an instinctive dislike ; the object 
of aversion (followed in composition 
by to, against, between, and for). 

antiphonetic (an-ti-fo-net'ik), adj. 
similar in sound; applied to words 
which rhyme. 

antiphony (an-tif'o-ni), n. [pi. antiph- 
onies (an-tif'o-niz)], the alterant or 
responsive rendering of psalms or 
chants by a dual choir ; a musical set- 
ting of sacred verses arranged for al- 
ternate singing. 

antipodes (an-tip'o-dez), n.pl. those 
who, residing at opposite sides of the 
globe, have their feet directly op- 
posed; the two portions of the earth's 
surface which are exactly opposite 
to each other; the direct opposite of 
a person or thing. 

antiquary (an'ti-kwar-i) , n. one who 
is attached to ancient things, and is 
learned in their history; one who 
collects antiquities for the purpose of 
study. 

antiquity (an-tik'wi-ti) , n. [pi. an- 
tiquities (an-tik'wi-tiz)], great ag> ; 
ancientness; early ages; the people 
or races of ancient times ; that which 
belonged to, or survives from, ancient 
times; a relic. 

antiseptic (an-ti-sep'tik) , adj. de- 
structive to the germs of disease or 


putrefaction: n. a substance that acts 
as a preventive to putrefaction. 

antislavery (an-ti-sla'ver-i) , adj. op- 
posed to slavery: n. opposition to 
slavery. 

antistrophe (an-tis'tro-f e) , n. in the 
ancient Greek chorus, the alternat- 
ing part immediately following the 
strophe and sung in moving to the 
right, the strophe having been sung 
when moving to the left. 

antithesis (an-tith'e-sis), n. [pi. an- 
titheses (an-tith'e-sez)], opposition; 
contrast; expression by contrast or 
opposition of words or sentiments. 

antitoxin (an-ti-toks'in) , n. a serum 
used hypodermically as a preventive 
of, or cure for, diphtheria. # 

antler (ant'ler), ni the individual 
branches of a stag's horns; the horn 
in its complete condition. 

antonym (an'to-nim), n. a word of 
opposite meaning. 

anus (a'nus), n. the terminal portion 
of the rectum; the excremental ori- 
fice. 

anvil (an'vil), n. an iron block used 
for the hammering and shaping of 
metals. 

anxiety (ang-zl'e-ti) , n. [pi. anxieties 
(ang-zi'e-tiz)], a condition of mental 
uneasiness arising from fear or solic- 
itude. 

anxious (ang'shus), adj. deeply con- 
cerned; very solicitous; apprehen- 
sive. 

any (en'i), adj. & pron. one, indeter- 
minately, unlimited; some, an indef- 
inite number, quantity, or degree: 
adj. one indefinitely; (pi.) some: 
pron. one; anyone; (pi.) some: adv. 
to any extent; at all; in any degree 
(used with comparatives, as "any 
better"). 

anybody (en'i-bod-i) , n. any person. 

anyhow (en'i-hou) , adv. in any way or 
manner; in any case; at any 
rate. 

anything (en'i-thing) , n. any object 
as distinguished from a person; 
aught. 

anyway (en'i-wa), adv. in any man- 
ner. 

anywhere (en'i-hwar), adv. in any 
place. _ 

aorta (a-6r'ta), n. [pi. aortad (-te)], the 
chief artery or main trunk of the 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


APART 


39 


APOTHECARY 


arterial system, opening from the 
left ventricle of the heart and sup- 
plying all parts of the body, except- 
ing the lungs, with arterialized 
blood. , , . T j- 

Apache (a-pa che), n. American Indian 
of a group of tribes in the Southwest; 
dangerous Parisian ruffian. 

apart (a-parf), adv. separately; aside; 
asunder. 

apartment (a-part'ment) , n. a room 
or part of a divided building: pi. a 
set or suite of two or more rooms of 
a house set apart as lodgings. 

apathy (ap'a-thi), n. [pi. apathies 
(ap'a-thiz)], lack of feeling; want of 
passion or emotion; indifference. _ 

ape (ap), n. a tailless monkey having 
teeth in number and appearance as 
man; a silly mimic; a fool. The 
family of the apes includes the gorilla, 
chimpanzee, orang-outang, &c: v.t. 
to imitate servilely; mimic, as an ape 
mimics man. 

aperient (a-pe'ri-ent) , adj. gently laxa- 
tive; opening the bowels: n. a mild 
laxative medicine. 

aperture (ap'er-tur), n. an opening; 
a perforation or passage; the space 
between two intersecting right lines; 

apex (a'peks), n. [pi. apices (ap'i-sez) 
& apexes (a'pek-sez)], the point, tip, 
or summit of anything. 

aphasia (a-f a'zi-a) , n. loss of the power 
of speech, or the appropriate use of 
words, due to disease or injury to the 
brain. [Greek.] 

aphelion (af-e'li-on), n. [pi. aphelia 
(af-e'li-a)], that point in the orbit of a 
planet or a comet which is farthest 
from the sun. 

aphorism (af'o-rizm), n. a concise and 
pithy statement of a rule or precept; 
a maxim. 

apiary (a'pi-a-ri), n. [pi. apiaries (a'pi- 
a-riz)], a place where bees are kept; 
a bee-house. 

apiece (a-pes'), adv. to or for each; 
each; severally. 

apocrypha (a-pok'ri-f a) , n.pl. used as 
a sing, with pi. apocryphas (a-pok'- 
ri-f az), a writing, or something, of 
doubtful authorship ; certain writings 
received by some Christians as an 
authentic part of the Holy Scriptures, 
but rejected by others, as for instance 
Judith, Ecclesiasticus, etc. 


apodosis (a-pod'o-sis), n. the latter 
portion, or consequent clause, of a 
conditional sentence. 

apogee (ap'o-je), n. that point in the 
orbit of a planet which is most dis- 
tant from the earth. 

apologize (a-pol'o-jiz), v.i. to make an 
apology or excuse; to express regret 
or make amends for anything said or 
done, on one's own behalf or that of 
another: v.t. to write a defense of; to 
defend. 

apologue (ap'o-log), n. a moral fable; 
a fiction or allegory embodying a 
moral application, as iEsop's 
Fables. 

apology (a-pol'o-ji), n. [pi. apologies 
(a-pol'o-jiz)], a vindication or excuse; 
something spoken, written, or offered 
in defense or extenuation; an explana- 
tion by way of amends. 

apoplexy (ap'o-plek-si) , n. the sudden 
loss of consciousness and motive 
power, resulting from the rupture of 
a brain-vessel. 

apostate (a-pos'tat), n. one who has 
forsaken or apostatized his faith or 
party; one who renounces his pro- 
fession after having been in holy or- 
ders: adj. false; traitorous; rene- 
gade. 

a posteriori (a pos-te-ri-o'ri) , reason- 
ing founded on observation of facts, 
effects, or consequences, by means of 
which the causes are reached. 

apostle (a-pos'l), n. one charged with 
a high mission; one of the twelve 
persons, especially selected by Christ 
to propagate His gospel (Luke vi. 
13) ; one who performed apostolic 
functions, as St. Paul (I Cor. i. 1); 
the first missionary who plants the 
Christian faith in any region; one 
who labors with special success as a 
moral or social reformer. 

apostrophe (a-pos'tro-f e) , n. a break- 
ing off in a speech to address directly 
a person or persons who may or may 
not be present; the omission from a 
word of one or more letters, such 
omission being indicated by the sign 
O ; the sign (') so employed in writ- 
ing or printing. 

apothecary (a-poth'e-ka-ri) , n. [pi. 
apothecaries (a-poth'e-ka-riz)], one 
who prepares and dispenses medi- 
cines and drugs for profit ; one who is 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


APOTHEGM 


40 


APPLICATION 


licensed to prescribe; a pharma- 
cist. 

apothegm (ap'o-them), n. a pithy- 
saying, embodying a wholesome 
truth or precept. Also spelt apoph- 
thegm. 

apotheosis (ap-o-the'o-sis),n. [pi. apo- 
theoses (ap-o-the'o-sez)], deification; 
the god-like personification bestowed 
upon deceased emperors under the 
Roman Empire; excessive honor paid 
to a distinguished person; canoniza- 
tion. 

appal (ap-pawl'), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. ap- 
palled, p.pr. appalling], to frighten; 
depress or discourage by fear; dis- 
may; terrify. 

apparatus (ap-a-ra'tus), n. sing. & pi. 
an outfit of tools, utensils, or instru- 
ments adapted to the accomplish- 
ment of any branch of work, or for 
the performance of an experiment or 
operation; a set of such appliances; 
a group or set of organs concerned in 
the performance of a single function. 
Also, apparatus criticus (kri'ti-cus) . 

apparel (a-par'el), n. clothing; ves- 
ture; garb, or dress; the equipment 
of a vessel: v.t. [p.t. & p.p. appareled, 
p.pr. appareling], to clothe or adorn; 
furnish or fit out. 

apparent (ap-par'ent) , adj. open to 
view; capable of being readily per- 
ceived or understood; evident; seem- 
ing, but not real 


of becoming visible; the object seen; 
a phenomenon; an apparition; sem- 
blance; outward show; the act of 
coming before the public; coming 
into court; look; bearing or 
aspect. 

appease (ap-pez'), v.t. to allay; as- 
suage; quiet; satisfy; pacify. 

appellate (ap-pel'at), adj. pertaining 
to appeals; having cognizance of ap- 
peals: n. the person appealed against 
or called upon to appear. 

appellation (ap-e-la/shun) , n. the 
name, title, or designation by which 
a person or thing is called or known; 
the act of appealing. 

append (ap-pend'), v.t. to attach, 
hang, or suspend; subjoin or add to, 
as an accessory part; annex. 

appendage (ap-pen'daj), n. something 
appended or attached as a part of; 
something added as an adjunct. 

appendix (ap-pen'diks) , n. [pi. appen- 
dixes (ap-pen'dik-sez) & appendices 
(ap-pen'di-sez)], that which is added 
as supplemental; the vermiform ap- 
pendage or blind gut. 

appertain (ap-er-tan'), v.i. to belong 
or pertain to, as by relation or cus- 
tom. 

appetite (ap'e-tit), n. the desire for 
gratification of some want, craving, 
or passion that is natural or acquired; 
the relish for food induced by keen- 
ness of stomach. 


apparition (ap-a-rish'un), n. a visible applaud (ap-plawd'), v.t. to praise; 


object; an appearance of something 
not real or tangible; a ghost or spec 
ter; the first appearance of a lumi 


express approval or approbation by 
clapping of the hands or acclama- 
tion. 


nary after obscuration: opposed to applause (ap-plawz'), n. the expres- 
sion of approval by clapping; appro- 
bation openly shown by acclama- 
tion. 
apple (ap'l), n. the round fleshy fruit 
of the apple-tree, and its numerous 
cultivated varieties; any fruit re- 
sembling an apple, as pineapple. 


occultation. 
appeal (ap-pel'), v.t. to transfer or 
refer to a superior court or judge; 
to refer to another person or tri- 
bunal; entreat, call for, or invoke 
aid, sympathy, or mercy: n. a call 
or invocation for aid or sympathy; 


the right of appeal; a summons to appliance (ap-pli'ans) , n. the act of 

applying; that which is used with, or 
as a part of, something else. 

of a cause from an inferior to a application (ap-li-ka'shun) , n. the act 


answer a charge; a call or reference 
to another; recourse; the removal 


superior court, the latter having the 

{)ower to revise the decision of the 
ower tribunal. 
appear (ap-peV), v.i. to be or become 

visible; come before; seem. 
appearance (ap-per'ans), n. the act 


of applying, putting to, or on; the 
thing applied ; the applying or reduc- 
ing to practice ; the practical demon- 
stration of a principle; the act of 
requesting; request; mental assidu- 
ousness. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


APPLY 


41 


APRON 


apply (ap-pli'). v.t. [p.t. & p.p. applied, 
p.pr. applying], to place one to 
another; lay on; put into practice; 
devote to a particular purpose; refer 
or ascribe as fitting to a person or 
thing; address or direct; fix the mind 
upon: v.i. to suit; have connection 
with or reference to; make applica- 
tion to. 

appoint (ap-point'), v.t. to fix; settle; 
found; make fast; establish by de- 
cree; assign or ordain; fix the time 
and order of; furnish or equip: v.i. 
to decree; ordain; determine. 

appointment (ap-point'ment), n. the 
act of appointing; the assigning to 
an office or trust; the state of being 
appointed; the position or office 
assigned or held; a stipulation; an 
engagement; an arrangement to 
meet by mutual agreement; an 
ordinance or decree established by 
authority; furniture or equipment. 

apportion (ap-por'shun) , v.t. to assign 
by equal or proportionate division; 
distribute or set out in just propor- 
tions. 

apposite (ap'o-zit), adj. proper; fit; 
pertinent ; well-adapted. 

apposition (ap-o-zish'un) , n. the act 
of adding; addition by application, 
or placing together; the placing of a 
second noun in the same case in 
juxtaposition to the first, which it 
characterizes or explains, as John 
the Baptist. 

appraise (ap-praz'), v.t. to set a price 
upon; value; estimate the worth of, 
as by a licensed appraiser. 

appreciate (ap-pre shi-at), v.t. to 
value; estimate the worth of; esteem 
highly; prize; be sensible of; raise in 
value. 

appreciation (ap-pre'shi-a/shun) , n. 
the just valuation, or proper esti- 
mate of worth or merit; a rise in 
value. 

apprehend (ap-re-hend') , v.t. to take 
or lay hold of; seize; arrest; take a 
mental hold of; anticipate or expect: 
v.i. to incline to belief; form a con- 
ception. 

apprehension (ap-re-hen'shun) , n. the 
act of seizure or laying hold of; 
arrest; the act of conceiving; per- 
ception; anticipation of evil; fear or 
distrust of the future. 


apprehensive (ap-re-hen'siv), adj. ca- 
pable of apprehending; quick to 
learn, or grasp; fearful of evil; 
anxious for the future. 

apprentice (a-pren'tis), n. formerly, 
one bound or articled by indenture 
to serve a certain number of years 
to learn some trade or craft ; a novice 
or tyro: v.t. to put under the care of 
a master for instruction in some 
trade or craft. 

apprize (a-priz'), v.t. to give notice to; 
inform. 

approach (ap-proch'), v.i. to draw or 
grow near; approximate: v.t. to re- 
semble, come near to: n. access. 

approbation (ap-ro-ba'shun), n. the 
act of approving; commendation. 

appropriate (ap-pro'pri-at), v.t. to 
take to one's self in exclusion of 
others; claim or use, as by an ex- 
clusive right; set apart or assign to 
a particular use; annex a benefice 
to a religious corporation: adj. pecu- 
liar; fit; apt. 

appropriation (ap-pro-pri-a'shun) , n. 
the act of assigning to one's self, or 
to a particular use or person; appli- 
cation to a special use or purpose; 
the annexation of a benefice to a 
religious corporation. 

approval (ap-proov'al), n. approba- 
tion; sanction; ratification; con- 
sent. 

approve (ap-proov'), v.t. to prove, test, 
or demonstrate; ratify; pronounce 
efficient or sufficient; be pleased or 
satisfied with; commend: v.i. to ex- 
press approval [usually followed by 
of]. 

approximate (ap-prok'si-mat) , v.t. to 
bring or carry near; cause to ap- 
proach: v.i. to draw near; approach 
closely: adj. near in resemblance or 
position. 

appurtenance (ap-per'te-nans), n. 
that which belongs or relates to 
something else; an adjunct or ap- 
pendage; that which belongs to, or is 
accessory to, an estate or property. 

April (a'pril), n. the fourth month of 
the year; named from the Greek 
goddess, Aphrodite. 

a priori (a pri-o'ri), from something 
prior; reasoning that proceeds from 
antecedent to consequent. 

apron (a'prun), n. a portion of cloth. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


A PROPOS 


42 


ARCHER 


leather, or other material, worn as 
a protective or ornamental covering 
to the front of the person ; a leathern 
covering for the legs, used in driving ; 
the vent-cover of a cannon; the 
curved timber placed above the fore- 
most end of a ship's keel; a platform 
at the entrance to a dock. 

a propos (a pro-po'), adv. to the pur- 
pose; to the point; opportunely; in 
respect (followed by of) : adj. season- 
able; happy. Written also apro- 
pos. 

apse (aps), n. [pi. apses (ap'sez)], a po- 
lygonal or semicircular recess termi- 
nating the choir or other portion of a 
church. 

apt (apt), adj. suitable; pertinent; 
appropriate; liable; inclined; ready; 
expert; quick of apprehension. 

aptitude (ap'ti-tud), n. capacity for 
anything; fitness; tendency; readi- 
ness in learning. 

aquarium (a-kwar'i-um), n. [pi. 
aquaria _ (a-kwar'i-a) & aquariums 
(a-kwar'i-umz)], a tank or globe for 
the keeping and cultivation of 
aquatic plants and animals; a series 
of such receptacles. 

aquatic (a-kwat'ik), adj.^ pertaining 
to water; growing or living in or 
upon water; performed in or upon 
water, as sports: n. an animal or 
plant inhabiting water: pi. aquatic 
sports. 

aqueduct (ak'we-dukt) , n. a structure 
in the form of a conduit or artificial 
channel for conducting water from 
a source, as for the supply of a large 
city. 

aqueous (a'kwe-us), adj. of the na- 
ture of, or abounding in, water; 
watery; formed in or by means of 
water. 

aquiline (ak'wi-lin & -lin), adj. be- 
longing to or resembling an eagle; 
curved, as the beak of an eagle. 

arable (ar'a-bl), adj. fit for the plow; 
suited to the purposes of cultivation. 

arbiter (ar'bi-ter), n. an umpire or 
judge; an arbitrator. 

arbitrary (ar'bi-trar-i), adj. depending 
on the will of the arbiter; discretion- 
ary; capricious; imperious. 

arbitrate (ar'bi-trat), v.i. to act as 
arbiter; to settle a dispute, as an 
umpire; mediate. 


arbor (ar'ber), n. a bower; a shaded 
nook or walk. 

arborescent (ar-bo-res'ent) , adj. tree- 
like. 

arc (ark), n. a curved line or any part 
of a curve forming the segment of a 
circle ; the portion of a circle described 
by the sun or any heavenly body in 
its apparent passage through the 
heavens. 

arcade (ar-kad'),^- a series of arches 
supported by pillars; an arched gal- 
lery, or promenade, lined with 
shops. 

arch (arch), n. structure of brick or 
masonry, the component wedge- 
shaped parts of which follow a curved 
line; any curvature having the form 
of an arch: v.t. to cover with an arch 
or arches; to bend or curve into the 
form of an arch: v.i. to form an arch 
or arches; curve: adj. chief; of the 
first rank; cunning; crafty; shrewd; 
waggish; mischievous; roguish; spor- 
tive; coy. 

archaeology or archeology (ar-ke-ol'- 
o-ji), n. the science of antiquities; 
the study of prehistoric remains, or 
the relics of the earlier races of man- 
kind, as the Ugro-Finnic, the Egyp- 
tian, the Phoenician, the Assyrian, 
the Greek, and the Roman. _ 

archaic (ar-ka/ik), adj. pertaining to a 
remote period; characterized by an- 
tiquity; old-fashioned; antiquated. 

archaism (ar'ka-izm), n. antiquity 
of style or use; an antiquated, old- 
fashioned, or obsolete word, expres- 
sion, or idiom. 

archangel (ark-an'jel), n. an angel of 
the highest order. 

archbishop (arch-bish'up) , n. a chief 
bishop, one who supervises the 
bishops in his province, and also 
exercises episcopal authority in his 
own diocese. 

archdeacon (arch-de'kn) , n. dignitary 
ranking next below a bishop, and one 
who acts as his vicar or vicegerent. 

archduchess (arch-duch'es) , n. the 
wife of an archduke; a daughter of 
the Emperor of Austria. 

archduke (arch-duk'), n. a prince of 
the imperial house of Austria. 

archenemy (arch-en'e-mi) , n. a chief 
enemy ; Satan. 

archer (ar'cher), n. a bowman; one 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


ARCHETYPE 


43 


ARK 


skilled in the use of the bow and 
arrow. 

archetype (ar'ke-tip), n. the original 
type or pattern upon or after which 
a thing is made; a model; the original 
or fundamental type-structure from 
which a natural group of plants or 
animals are assumed to have de- 
scended; the original manuscript 
from which all copies or all of a set 
of copies were made. Such a group 
is called a "family." 

archipelago (ar-ki-pel'a-go) , n. [pi. 
archipelagoes & -gos (ar-ki-pel'a- 
goz)], any sea or body of salt water 
interspersed with numerous islands; 
the island-group itself. [Greek.l 

architect (ar'ki-tekt), n. one versed 
in the art of building and the various 
styles of architecture; one who plans 
or designs buildings and superintends 
their construction, hence one who 
forms or designs. 

architecture (ar'ki-tek-tur), n. the 
science or art of building; the method 
or style of building; construction; 
workmanship. 

architrave (ar'ki-trav) , n. the lowest 
division of an entablature, or that 
part which rests immediately on the 
column. 

archive (ar'kiv), n. [pi. archives (ar'- 
kivz)], a record preserved as evi- 
dence: pi. the place where public or 
state records are kept ; state or public 
documents, _ or records of historical 
value pertaining to a nation or to a 
family. 

arctic (ark'tik), adj. pertaining to the 
region of the north pole; polar; 
northern; frigid. 

ardent (ar'dentj, adj. hot; burning; 
fiery; warm; glowing; passionate; 
eager; zealous; vehement. 

ardor far'der), n. heat in a physical 
sense; warmth of affection or pas- 
sion: eager desire; zeal. 

arduous (ar'du-us), adj. steep; hard to 
climb; attended with great labor or 
exertion; difficult. 

are (ar), pres. tense pi. of the verb to be. 
See be. 

are (ar), n. the unit of French super- 
ficial or square measure containing 
100 sq. meters or 1076.44 English 
sq. ft. 

area (a're-a), n. [pi. areas (a're-az)], 


any plane surface having bounds, 
whether natural or artificial, as the 
floor of a hall, &c; any defined ex- 
tent of land-surface; the sunken 
space situated at the base of a 
building and separating it from the 
street; the superficial contents of 
any space or figure; extent; range; 
scope; a compass of ore allotted to 
miners. 

argosy (ar'go-si) , n . [pi. argosies (ar'go- 
siz)], a large richly-freighted mer- 
chant-vessel. 

argue (ar'gu), v.i. to show or offer 
reasons in support of, or in opposi- 
tion to, a proposition, opinion, or 
measure; to reason, dispute, discuss; 
contend in debate: v.t. to debate or 
discuss; prove_or evince. 

argument (ar'gu-menth n. that which 
is advanced in support or proof with 
a view to persuade or convince the 
mind; a discussion, controversy, or 
debate; the subject of a discourse or 
writing; an abstract or summary of 
a book._ 

aria (ar'e-a & ar'i-a), n. an air; a 
melody or tune for single voice with 
accompaniment; a solo part in a 
cantata or oratorio, lV:c. [Italian.] 

arid (ar'id), adj. dry; parched up; 
barren. 

aright (a-rit'), adv. rightly; in a right 
way or form; without sin or error. 

arise (a-riz'), v.i. [p.t. arose, p.p. arisen, 
p.pr. arising], to mount up or ascend; 
to come into view; rise or get up; 
spring up; come into existence or 
action; originate. 

aristocracy (ar-is-tok'ra-si) ,_ n. [pi. 
aristocracies (ar-is-tok'ra-siz)], gov- 
ernment by persons of the highest 
rank in a state; the nobility or chief 
persons in a state. 

arithmetic (a-rith'me-tik) , n. the 
science of numbers; the art of com- 
putation by figures. [Greek.] 

ark (ark), n. the repository of the 
Covenant, or tables of the Law, in 
the Jewish Tabernacle (Exod. xxv), 
and subsequently placed m the Tem- 
ple of Solomon (I Kings viii) ; the 
vessel in which Xoah and his family 
were preserved during the Deluge, 
hence a place of safety or refuge; a 
large boat used for transporting pro- 
duce on American rivers. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


ARM 


44 


ARSENAL 


arm (arm), n. the limb of the human 
body which extends from the shoul- 
der to the hand ; the anterior or fore- 
limb of any vertebrate animal; any 
projecting or diverging organ or part 
of a main body or trunk, as the 
tentacle of a star-fish, the branch of 
a tree, an inlet of the sea, &c. ; might; 
power; support. 

arm (arm), n. a weapon; a branch of 
the military service: v.t. to furnish 
or equip with weapons of offense or 
defense; fortify or provide against; 
furnish with an armament: v.i. to fit 
one's self with arms, or take to one's 
self means of defense. 

Armageddon (ar-mag'ed-don), n. a 
famous battlefield mentioned in Rev. 
xvii. 16; used figuratively by Theo- 
dore Roosevelt in politics. 

armament (ar'ma-ment), n. a body of 
forces equipped for war, either mili- 
tary or naval ; the cannon and small 
arms collectively of a warship or 
fortification; the number and weight 
of guns of a war-vessel. 

armistice (ar'mis-tis), n. a temporary 
cessation of hostilities agreed upon 
by opposing forces; a truce. 

armor (ar'mer), n. defensive arms; 
protective covering for the body in 
battle; the steel plating of a warship. 

armory (ar'mer-i), n. [pi. -ries, (-riz)J, 
a place for arms or the assemblage of 
soldiers ; a manufactory of arms. 

army (ar'mi), n. [pi. armies (ar'miz)], 
a body of men trained and equipped 
for war, and organized in regiments, 
brigades, or similar divisions under 
proper officers; a great number or 
multitude; an organized body of per- 
sons engaged in moral warfare. 

arnica (ar'ni-ka), n. a genus of peren- 
nial herbs; the mountain tobacco: 
from the roots or flowers of a species 
of this herb a valuable external rem- 
edy for bruises is made. 

aroma (a-ro'ma), n. [pi. aromas (a-ro'- 
maz)l, the odor exhaled by plants 
or other substances, generally of an 
agreeable or spicy nature; perfume; 
fragrance. 

arose (a-roz'), pt. of arise. 

around (a-round'), adv. in a circle; on 
every side; roundabout: prep, about; 
on all sides; encircling; encompass- 
ing. 


arouse (a-rouz'), v.t. to excite or stir 
to action; put in motion that which 
is at rest; awaken from sleep or a 
state of inactivity; stimulate; ani- 
mate. 

arraign (a-ran'), v.t. to summon or set, 
as a prisoner at the bar of a court to 
answer to a charge; censure publicly; 
impeach; indict. 

arrange (a-ranj'), v.t. to put in proper 
order or sequence ; classify ; adjust or 
settle; adapt; group. 

arrangement (a-ranj 'ment), n. the 
act of putting in proper form or 
order; that which is ordered or dis- 
posed; the method or style of dispo- 
sition; a preparatory measure; prep- 
aration; settlement; classification; 
adjustment; adaptation. 

array (ar-ra/), n. order; the grouping 
or arrangement of a body of men 
as drawn up for battle; an orderly 
collection or series of things impos- 
ingly displayed ; dress arranged on the 
person; apparel: v.t. [p.t. & p.p. -ed, 
p.pr. -ing], to place or dispose in 
order; marshal; deck or dress. 

arrear (ar-reV), n. the state of being 
behind-hand; that which is undone, 
outstanding, or unpaid. 

arrest (ar-rest'). v.t. to stop or stay; 
check or hinder the action or motion 
of; seize, take, or apprehend by legal 
authority; seize and fix, as the eye or 
attention: n. the act of seizing; stop- 
page or holding back by force or 
restraint; the state of being seized or 
detained by legal authority. 

arrive (ar-riv'), v.i. to come to or 
reach, as a destination; reach a 
point or stage; gain or compass an 
object; attain to a state or result 
[with at], 

arrogance (ar'ro-gans), n. an un- 
due degree of self-importance; an 
exorbitant claim to dignity, rank, 
or esteem; a lordly contempt of 
others. 

arrogate (ar'ro-gat), v.t. to assume 
or lay claim to unduly, or with pre- 
sumptuous pride. 

arrow (ar'ro), n. a slender, pointed 
missile weapon, usually feathered and 
barbed, and made to be shot from a 
bow. 

arsenal (ar'se-nal), n. a magazine for 
the storage of arms and military 


ate, arm, at, awl; me, merge, met; mite, mit; note, north, not; boon, book; 
hue, hut ; think, Men. 


ARSENIC 


45 


ASBESTOS 


stores for land or naval service, or 
their manufacture. 

arsenic (ar'se-nik), n. an element of 
steel-gray color and brilliant luster, 
and exceedingly brittle, occurring 
usually in combination. 

arsis (ar'sis), n. that part of a foot upon 
which the metrical accent is now 
placed. Formerly it was defined in ex- 
actly the opposite way. (See thesis.) 

arson (ar'sn), n. the malicious firing of 
any building, agricultural produce, 
ship, &c, belonging to another, or 
one's own property, with the intent 
to defraud an insurance office. 

art (art), 2nd pers. sing, indie, mood, 
pres. tense, of the verb to be. [Art is 
used only in solemn or poetic style.] 
(See be.) 

art (art), n. the employment of means 
to the accomplishment of some end; 
the skilful adaptation and applica- 
tion to some purpose or use of 
knowledge or power acquired from 
Nature; a system of rules and estab- 
lished methods to facilitate the per- 
formance of certain actions; famil- 
iarity with such principles, and skill 
in applying them to an end or 
purpose, as of a practical, useful, or 
technical character; opposed to sci- 
ence; one of the fine arts; the fine 
arts collectively; the power or qual- 
ity of perceiving and transcribing the 
beautiful or aesthetical in Nature, as 
in painting or sculpture; practical 
skill; dexterity; knack; cunning; 
artifice: pi. the branches of learning 
included in the prescribed course of 
academic study. 

artery (ar'ter-i), n. [pi. arteries (ar'- 
ter-iz)], one of a system of tubes or 
vessels which convey the blood from 
the heart to all parts of the body. 

artful (art'fool), adj. cunning; 
skilful. 

artichoke (ar'ti-chok) , n. a plant with 
thistle-like foliage, and bearing large 
terminal flower-heads, the lower por- 
tion of which, consisting of a fleshy 
receptacle covered with thick scales, 
is used as food; the tuberous root of 
an American sunflower (Helianthus 
tuberosis), used as a substitute for 
potatoes. 

article (ar'ti-kl), n. a distinct portion 
or member; a single clause, item, or 


particular, as in a formal agreement 
or treaty; a concise statement; a 
prose composition, complete, in itself, 
in a newspaper, magazine, or work of 
reference; a material thing, as one of 
a class; an item; a point of duty, 
faith, or doctrine; one of the words 
(an [a before consonant-sounds], the 
indefinite article, and the, the 
definite article [see a, an, <fc the]) used 
before nouns or substantives to 
define or limit their application; a 
jointed segment connecting two 
parts of a limb or body; v.t. to bind 
by articles of covenant or stipulation ; 
specify. 

articulate (ar-tik'u-lat) , v.t. to joint; 
unite by means of a joint; to form 
words; utter in distinct syllables; 
speak as a human being: v.i. to unite 
or form an articulation (with) ; utter 
articulate sounds; speak with dis- 
tinctness: adj. jointed; formed with 
joints; segmented; characterized by 
syllabic division; uttered with dis- 
tinctness. 

artifice (ar'ti-fis), n. an artful or crafty 
device; an ingenious expedient; a 
trick or stratagem; a manoeuvre. 

artificial (ar-ti-fish'al) , adj. made or 
contrived by art; produced by hu- 
man skill or labor; feigned; unreal; 
assumed; affected; not genuine or 
natural. 

artillery (ar-til'ler-i), n. cannon; great 
guns; ordnance of all kinds, with its 
equipment of carriages, men, and 
material ; the officers and men form- 
ing the artillery division of an army; 
the science which treats of the use or 
management of ordnance. 

artisan (ar'ti-zan), n. one skilled in 
any art or trade; a mechanic; a 
handicraftsman. 

artist (ar'tist), one skilled in any 
branch of high art, as music, paint- 
ing, sculpture, poetry, &c. 

artless (art'les), adj. lacking art; un- 
skilful; devoid of cunning; simple; 
natural ; undesigning ; unaffected ; 
ingenuous. 

as (az), conjunct.adv. proportionate to; 
comparable to; like. 

as (as), n. [pi. asses (as'sez)], a Roman 
weight equivalent to the libra or 
pound. 

asbestos (as-bes'tos) or asbestus 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


ASCEND 


46 


ASPIRATE 


('tus), n. a fibrous variety of horn- 
blende, separable into flexible fila- 
ments and flax-like appearance and 
silky hister, and possessing the prop- 
erty of being incombustible. 

ascend (as-send'), v.i. to take an up- 
ward direction; mount; go up; rise; 
to proceed from an inferior to a su- 
perior; rise from a lower to a higher 
pitch or tone: v.t. to go or move up- 
ward upon; climb; gD upward along. 

ascension (as-sen'shun), n. the act of 
moving upward; a rising; the ascent 
of our Lord to heaven; the rising of 
a star or point above the celestial 
horizon. 

ascent (as-sent'), n. the act of rising; 
an upward movement; the act of 
climbing : the way or means of reach- 
ing a height; an acclivity; an upward 
slope. 

ascertain (as-ser-tan') , v.t. to make 
certain; find out or determine defi- 
nitely by test or examination. 

ascetic (as-set'ik), adj. exceedingly 
rigid in the exercise of religious du- 
ties and mortification of worldly 
desires: n. one who renounces the 
world and devotes himself to reli- 
gious exercises; one who subjects 
himself to severe disciplinary meth- 
ods of living; a hermit; a recluse. 

ascribe (a-skrib'), v.t. to attribute, 
impute, or refer; assign; attribute. 

aseptic (a-sep'tik), adj. free from the 
germs of disease or putrefaction ; not 
liable to putrefy : an aseptic substance. 

ash (ash), n. the name popularly ap- 
plied to trees of the genus Fraxinus, 
many of which supply valuable tim- 
ber; the wood of the ash-tree: adj. 
pertaining to, or like, the ash; made 
of ash. 

ash (ash), n. [pi. ashes (ash'ez)], the 
residue of plant or animal substance 
remaining after subjection to red- 
heat: pi. the waste of burned coal; 
the remains of a human body when 
cremated; hence a corpse. _ 

ashamed (a-shamd'), p. adj. affected 
or touched by shame; cast down or 
dejected by conscious guilt; abashed 
by a sense of indecorum; reluctant 
through fear of shame [followed by 
an infinitive]. 

ashore (a-shor'), adv. on shore; to the 
shore; on land. 


aside (a-sid'), adv. on or to one side; 
out of a given direction ; apart ; away 
from: n. a speech or utterance not 
intended for the present company; 
a remark made by an actor on the 
stage, and assumed to be heard only 
by the person for whom it is in- 
tended. 

ask (ask), v.t. to request; seek to obtain 
by words; petition or beg for; claim 
or demand; expect or require; inquire 
respecting; interrogate; invite: v.i. to 
prefer by request ; inquire after. 

askance (a-skans') or askant (a- 
skant'), adv. sideways; obliquely; 
awry; from the corner of the eye; 
aslant. 

asleep (a-slep'), adj. & adv. sleeping; 
in a state of slumber; dormant. 

asp (asp), n. a small venomous snake 
of Egypt; the common viper, or 
adder, of Europe; a royal symbol of 
ancient Egypt. 

asparagus (as-par'a-gus), n. a plant 
having tender edible shoots. 

aspect (as'peckt), n. visual or mental 
appearance; look; mien; air; outlook 
or prospect; the relative position of 
the planets as viewed from the earth ; 
appearance. 

aspen (as'pen), n. a species of poplar 
whose leaves have the property of 
trembling in the slightest breeze; adj. 
pertaining to the asp-tree; quivering 
like an aspen-leaf. 

asperity (as-per'i-ti) , n. [pi. asperities 
(as-per'i-tiz)], roughness of surface; 
roughness or harshness of sound; 
sourness; bitterness of taste or tem- 
per. 

asperse (as-pers'), v.t. to besprinkle; 
injure in reputation by calumny; 
slander. 

asphalt (as'falt), n. a compact, brittle 
variety of native bitumen, employed 
for the purpose of paving, roofing, 
and cementing: v.t. to lay or cover 
with asphalt. 

asphyxia (as-fik'si-a) , n. the condition 
of lifelessness occasioned by suspen- 
sion or interruption of respira- 
tion. 

aspirate (as'pi-rat), v.t. to pronounce 
with a full breathing; to prefix the 
sound of the letter h: n. the sound of 
the letter h, as in horse; the mark 
or sign used to denote the sound: 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


ASPIRE 


47 


ASSIZE 


adj. pronounced with the audible 
breath. 

aspire (as-pir'), v.i. to seek after or 
desire with longing; yearn for that 
which is better or nobler; rise or 
ascend; to soar: v.t. to breathe to, 
or into; breathe forth; soar to. 

ass (as), n. a quadruped of the genus 
Equis, allied to the horse, usually 
employed in its domesticated state 
as a beast of burden; a dull, stupid 
fellow. 

assail (as-sal'), v.t. to fall upon or 
attack with vehemence; attack with 
argument or abuse. 

assassin (as-sas'sin), n. one who slays 
treacherously or by covert assault; 
one who kills, or attempts to kill, 
secretly as the agent of another or 
others, or for reward; formerly one 
of a band of Syrian fanatics (hash- 
hashin), who committed murder at 
the command of their chief, in the 
hope of winning heaven. 

assault (as-sawlt'), n. an attack with 
violence by physical means; an on- 
slaught; an attack by military force; 
a violent attack by moral force; an 
attempt or threat to do bodily 
violence or injury to another; the 
charge of an attacking party on a 
fortified position: v.t. to attack vio- 
lently; storm, as by armed force; 
attack by moral force ; attack a forti- 
fied position by a sudden charge. 

assay (as-sa/), n. the act or process of 
determining by analysis the quan- 
tity or proportion of any one or 
more metals in a metallic compound, 
ore, or alloy, especially the standard 
purity of gold or silver coin or bul- 
lion; the substance or metal to be 
assayed: v.t. [p.t. & p.p. -ed, p.pr. 
-ing], to subject to analysis; to de- 
termine the quantity or proportion 
of one or more of the constituents of 
a metal. 

assemble (as-sem'bl), v.t. to collect 
or gather together in one place or 
body; congregate: v.i. to meet or 
come together; convene. 

assembly (as-sem'bli), n. [pi. assem- 
blies (as-sem'bliz)], a collection or 
company of persons brought together 
in one place, and for a common ob- 
ject; a meeting; a congregation. 

assent (as-sent'), v.i. to admit as true; 


concede; agree to; consent: n. the 
act of agreeing to; consent; acquies- 
cence; approval; concurrence. 

assert (as-sert'),v.£.to maintain; declare 
positively, or with assurance; aver; 
affirm ; defend or vindicate ; declare. 

assertion (as-ser'shun) , n. the act of 
asserting; that which is asserted; 
positive declaration; allegation; 
maintenance or defense. 

assess (as-ses'), v.t. to fix or determine, 
as damages; fix, rate, or set a certain 
charge upon, as a tax; estimate or 
value officially for the purpose of 
taxation. 

assets (as'sets), n.pl. the property, 
whether real or personal, of a de- 
ceased person which is subject by 
law to the discharge of his debts and 
legacies ; the property or effects of an 
insolvent debtor which are available 
for the satisfaction of his creditors; 
the entire property of a trader or 
company of traders. 

asseveration (as-sev-er-a'shun) , n. a 
solemn affirmation or declaration, as 
upon oath. 

assiduous (as-sid'u-us), adj. constant 
in application; devotedly attentive. 

assign (as-sln'), v.t. to appoint, mark 
out, apportion, make over; fix; desig- 
nate for a specific purpose ; point out 
exactly; to transfer or make over to 
another, as for the benefit of credi- 
tors : n. an appurtenance ; one to whom 
property or interest is assigned by 
will or deed. 

assignment (as-sm'ment), n. a setting 
apart, allotment, or appointment to 
some particular person or use ; trans- 
fer of title or interest; the deed of 
writing effecting such a transfer^ 

assimilate (as-sim'i-lat) , v.t. to bring 
into conformity or agreement with 
something else; convert or incor- 
porate into organic substance; ab- 
sorb or appropriate, as nourishment : 
v.i. to be converted into or become 
incorporated with the substance of 
the animal body. 

assist (as-sisf), v.t. to help; aid; give 
support to; attend: v.i. to lend help 
or aid. 

assize (as-slz'), n. [pi. assizes (as-siz'ez)l, 
a court or session of justice for the trial 
by jury of civil or criminal cases; the 
sessions held periodically in each 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


ASSOCIATE 


48 


ASTRINGENT 


county of England by judges of the 
High Court [usually in the pi.]; the 
time or place of holding the assize 
[usually in the pi.]. 

associate (as-so'shi-at), v.t. to unite; 
join with; connect; accompany, as 
a companion, friend, or confederate: 
v.i. to unite in company; keep com- 
pany; unite in action: adj. joined in 
interest, object, or purpose; sharing 
office or employment, as a colleague 
or partner; connected by habit, 
function, or sympathy: n. a com- 
panion; a confederate; an ally; one 
belonging to a society or institution, 
usually of a lower grade than a Mem- 
ber or Fellow. 

assonance (as'so-nans), n. resem- 
blance of sound; a species of rhyme 
which consists in the use of the same 
vowel-sound in the last syllable of 
words having different consonants. 
Assonance is common in Spanish 
poetry in place of rhyme. 

assort (as-sort'), v.t. to divide or 
separate into lots according to ar- 
rangement; to classify; arrange: 
v.i. to agree; suit; be in accordance 
with. 

assortment (as-sort'ment), n. the act 
of assorting or placing out; a classi- 
fied collection of articles or goods of 
a varied character. 

assuage (as-swaj'), v.t. to soften; 
mitigate, allay, lessen, satisfy, or 
appease. 

assume (as-sum/), v.t. to take to; 
take in or into; take upon one's 
self; arrogate or appropriate; take 
for granted; take in appearance; 
pretend to possess: v.i. to be arro- 
gant; presume; claim more than is 
one's due; give a legal undertaking; 
pretend; usurp. 

assumption (as-sump'shun), n. the 
act of assuming or taking to or upon 
one's self; taking for granted; the 
thing supposed; a postulate; the 
taking up of a person to heaven; 
a verbal or unsealed contract. 

assure (a-shur'), v.t. to make sure or 
certain; to inspire confidence by 
declaration or promise; secure to 
another; insure, or covenant for in- 
demnity in event of loss or death. 

astay (a-sta'), adv. said of an anchor 
when, on heaving it, the cable makes 


an acute angle with the level of the 
water. 

asterisk (as'ter-isk) , n. the mark (*) 
used in printing as a reference to a 
marginal passage or footnote ap- 
pended to the text, or to indicate 
letters or words omitted (***): v.t. 
to mark with an asterisk. 

astern (a-stern'), adj. & adv. at or 
toward the hinder part of a ship; 
behind a ship. 

asthma (ast'ma & as'ma), n. a respir- 
atory disease, chronically recurrent 
and attended by difficulty of breath- 
ing, with a wheezing cough and a 
sense of great constriction in the 
chest. 

astigmatism (as-tig'ma-tizm) , n. a de- 
fect in the structure of the eye causing 
variation of the focus of the crystal- 
line lens. 

astir (a-ster'),adv. or adj. on the move; 
active; stirring. 

astonish (as-ton'ish) , v.t. to strike 
with sudden wonder; surprise; 
amaze. 

astonishment (as-ton'ish-ment), n. 
the state of being astonished; amaze- 
ment. 

astound (as-tound'), v.t. to strike 
with amazement; shock; alarm; 
stun. 

astraddle (a-strad'l), adv. with one 
leg on each side of something; 
astride. 

astragalus (as-trag'al-us) , n. [pi. 
astragali (as-trag'a-li)], the ball of 
the ankle-joint; the lower bone into 
which the tibia articulates. 

astrakhan (as'tra-kan), n. the skins 
of young lambs with curly wool, ob- 
tained from Astrakhan, a district 
in Russia; an imitation with a pile 
resembling this wool or fur. 

astral (as'tral), adj. pertaining to the 
stars ; starry ; star-shaped ; pertaining 
to a super-sensible substance pre- 
sumed by occulists to pervade the 
regions of space and to enter into the 
composition of all bodies. 

astray (a-stra'), adv. out of the right 
way; wandering. 

astride (a-strid'), adv. with the legs 
wide apart; astraddle. 

astringent (as-trin'jent) , adj. binding; 
contracting, opposed to laxative: n. 
a substance or medicine that pro- 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


ASTROLABE 


49 


ATROPHY 


duces contraction of the tissues and 
checks discharges. 

astrolabe (as'tro-lab), n. an instru- 
ment formerly employed for taking 
the altitude of the sun or stars; a 
stereographic projection of the sphere 
on the plane of the equator or a 
meridian. 

astrology (as-trol'o-ji), n. predestina- 
tion by the stars; the art anciently 
pursued of foretelling or forecasting 
the future of mankind, by reference 
to the influence supposed to be 
exerted by the stars in their various 
aspects and relative positions upon 
the course of human destiny. [Greek.] 

astronomy (as-tron'o-mi) , n. the 
study of the heavenly bodies; the 
science which treats of their mag- 
nitude, motions, relative positions, 
and all connective phenomena. 

astute (as-tiit'), adj. shrewd; keenly 
penetrating; sagacious; cunning; 
crafty. 

asunder (a-sun'der), adv. apart; sepa- 
rately; into parts. 

asylum (a-si'lum), n. [pi. asylums 
(a-si'lumz)], a sanctuary or place of 
refuge wherein formerly criminals 
and debtors might find immunity 
from arrest; an institution for the 
care or relief of the aged, destitute, 
or afflicted. 

asymmetry (a-sim'e-tri) , n. lack of 
symmetry or proportion between the 
parts of a thing. 

asyndeton (a-sin'de-ton) , n. a figure 
of speech which omits connectives, 
as "I came, I saw, I conquered." 
The same as parataxis. 

atavism (at'a-vizm), n. the reversion, 
or tendency to revert, to the ances- 
tral type of a species; resemblance 
to a remote ancestor, exhibited by 
a certain organism; the recurrence 
of any peculiarity or disease from 
which an ancestor in remote genera- 
tions has suffered. 

ataxia (a-tak'si-a) , n. irregularities in 
the functions of the body or in the 
course of a disease. 

ate (at), p.t. of eat. 

atheism (a'the-izm), n. disbelief in the 
existence of a God. 

athirst (a-therst'), adj. thirsty; in 
want of drink. 

athlete (ath'let), n. a competitor for 


a prize in public games; one trained 
to contend in feats of physical 
prowess; one possessed of great 
physical strength. [Greek. 1 

athletics (ath-let'iks), n. any system 
of athletic training by gymnastic 
exercises or outdoor sports; athletic 
exercises collectively. 

athwart (a-thwawrt') , prep, across; 
from side to side: adv. crosswise; 
obliquely ; across the course or direc- 
tion of a ship. 

atilt (a-tilt'). adv. & adj. in the posi- 
tion or with the action of a person 
making a thrust; tilted. 

atlas (at 'las), n. [pi. atlases (at'las-ez)], 
a collection of maps in a volume; 
a work in tabulated form; a large 
size of drawing-paper. 

atmosphere (at'mos-f er) , n. the aeri- 
form fluid surrounding the earth, 
composed of a mechanical mixture 
of 79 parts by volume of nitrogen 
with 21 parts of oxygen, and a 
trace of carbonic acid and argon, 
with a varying proportion of aque- 
ous vapor, ammonia, ozone, and 
organic matter ; the gaseous envelope 
surrounding any of the heavenly 
bodies; the influence, mental and 
moral, exerted on a person by his 
environment. [Greek.] 

atoll (a-tol'), n. a coral island having 
the form of an outer ring of coral 
surrounding a basin or lagoon. 

atom (at'um), n. an ultimate indivis- 
ible particle of matter. [Greek.] 

atone (a-ton'), v.i. [p.t. & p.p. atoned, 
p.pr. atoning], to make reparation 
or amends, as for injury done or 
implied; expiate; make satisfaction 
for; reconcile. 

atonement (a-ton'ment) , n. repara- 
tion or satisfaction offered or made 
in return for injury; expiation of 
wrong or sin by suffering; the 
recompense for sin typified by the 
sufferings and death of Christ; 
reconciliation. 

atrocity (a-tros'i-ti), n. [pi. atrocities 
(a-tros'i-tiz)], enormous wickedness; 
abominable cruelty. 

atrophy (at'ro-fi), n. a wasting, or 
diminution in bulk, of the body, or 
any part of the body arising from 
lack of nourishment; the degenera- 
tion of an organ or part: v.i. [p.t. & 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


ATTACH 


50 


AUDIENCE 


p.p. atrophied, p.pr. atrophying], to 
waste away; to dwindle. 

attach (at-tach/), v.t. to fasten, or fix, 
to or on; bind; connect with or 
appoint to; connect by ties of affec- 
tion; to take, or seize, by legal 
authority: v.i. to adhere. 

attack (at-tak'), v.t. to assault; fall 
upon with force; assail with intent 
to overcome or to damage, discredit, 
or bring into ridicule; begin to affect 
or act upon, as disease: v.i. to make 
an onset or attack: n. the* act of 
attacking in any sense of the word. 

attain (at-tan'), v.t. to achieve; gain; 
compass; accomplish: v.i. to reach; 
come, or arrive at. 

attainder (at-tan'der), n. the act of 
attainting, or the state of being 
attainted; an act, formerly in opera- 
tion, for the deprivation of all civil 
rights and of power to inherit 
or transmit property: applied 
to persons under sentence of 
death or outlawry for treason 
or felony. 

attempt (at-tempt'), v.t. to make an 
effort to accomplish; try; endeavor 
or essay to perform; try to win or 
seduce; attack, or invade: n. a trial, 
essay, or endeavor; an effort to gain 
a point; an attack or assault. 

attend (at-tend'), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. -ed, 
p.pr. -ing], to wait upon; accompany 
or be present with; serve or look after 
in any capacity; be present at; ac- 
company or follow: v.i. to pay heed 
or regard to ; listen ; be in attendance 
wpon. 

attendance (at-ten'dans), n. the act 
of attending; waiting on; presence; 
the persons attending; retinue. 

attention (at-ten'shun), n. the act of 
applying the mind to anything; 
consideration or regard for any 
person or thing; a mark or act of 
civility or courtesy; care for the 
comfort of others; an officer's com- 
mand to assume the attitude of 
attention. 

attentive (at-ten'tiv), adj. heedful; 
full of attention; intent; mindful; 
regardful of the wishes of others. 

attenuate (at-ten'u-at) , v.t. to make 
thin or slender; weaken or reduce; 
thin out by dilution; rarefy: v.i. to 
become thin, slender, or fine; lessen: 


adj. made thin; dilute; rarefied; 
tapering; slender. 
attest (at-test'), v.t. to bear witness 
to; certify as being genuine or true, 
especially in an official sense; give 
proof of; manifest. 

attic (at'tik), n. an uppermost room 
in a house immediately beneath the 
roof; a garret. 

attire (at-tir'), v.t. to dress; clothe; 
array ; adorn : n . dress ; clothes ; habit ; 
garb; the horns of a stag, employed 
as a heraldic bearing. 

attitude (at'ti-tud), n. bodily position 
or posture ; the bearing assumed by a 
person or body of persons indicative 
of feeling, opinion, &c. 

attorney (at-ter'ni), n. [pi. attorneys 
(at-ter'nez)], one legally qualified to 
act for another in the transaction of 
private business, or in the manage- 
ment, prosecution, or defense of 
actions at law. 

attract (at-trakt'), v.t. to draw to or 
towards ; cause to approach ; draw by 
moral influence; allure; entice. 

attractive (at-trak'tiv), adj. having 
the power or tendency to attract; 
alluring; inviting: n. that which 
attracts, allures, or charms. 

attribute (at-trib'ut), v.t. to_ ascribe, 
impute, assign: n. (at'tri-but) , that 
which is attributed, as quality ; trait ; 
property; a characteristic; an at- 
tributive adjunct or adjective; that 
which may be predicated of any 
subject. 

attrition (at-trish'un) , n. the act of 
wearing by rubbing; abrasion; grief 
for sin from fear of punishment. 

attune (at-tun'), v.t. to put in tune; 
bring into accordance or harmony. 

auburn (aw'burn), adj. reddish-brown. 

auction (awk'shun), n. a public sale 
of property or effects conducted on 
the principle of the highest bidder 
becoming the purchaser of any par- 
ticular lot put up for sale; the prop- 
erty or effects offered for sale by 
auction: v.t. to sell by auction. 

audacity (aw-das'i-ti), n. [pi. audaci- 
ties (aw-das'i-tiz)], boldness; daring; 
spirit ; presumptuousness ; impu- 
dence; effrontery. 

audible (aw'di-bl), adj. capable of 
being heard. [Latin.] 

audience (aw'di-ens), n. the act of 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


AUDIT 


51 


AUTOGRAPH 


hearing; admittance to a hearing or 
formal interview with one of high 
position; an assembly of hearers. 

audit (aw'dit), n. official examination 
and verification of claims or accounts 
with vouchers and the attendance of 
witnesses to effect a settlement; a 
receipt of rent at stated times: v.t. 
to examine and adjust, as accounts 
or claims: v.i. act as auditor. 

auditorium (aw-di-to'ri-um), n. [pi. 
auditoria (aw-di-to'ri-a) & audi- 
toriums (aw-di-to'ri-umz)], the space 
in a theater or other public building 
assigned to the audience. 

auditory (aw'di-t5-ri), adj. pertaining 
to hearing, or to the sense or organs 
of hearing: n. an audience; a place 
or space allotted to hearers ; an audi- 
torium. 

auger (aw'ger), n. a tool for boring 
holes. 

aught (awt), n. anything; any part: 
adv. in any way; at all. 

augment (awg-ment'), v.t. to increase; 
to enlarge in size or extent; to add 
an augment to: v.i. to grow larger; 
increase in size and strength: n. 
increase; enlargement; a vowel pre- 
fixed, or a lengthening of the initial 
vowel. 

august (aw-gusf) , adj. grand ; invested 
with grandeur and dignity; majestic; 
. of a nature to inspire reverence. 

August (aw'gust), n. the eighth month 
of the year; named after the 
Roman emperor, Augustus, be- 
cause it had been a lucky month 
for him. 

aunt (ant) , n. the sister of one's father 
or mother. 

auricle (aw'ri-kl), n. the external ear; 
that part of the ear which projects 
from the head; one of two chambers 
of the heart which receive the blood 
from the veins and transmit it to the 
ventricle or ventricles. [Latin.] 

aurora (aw-ro'ra), n. [pi. auroras 
(aw-ro'raz) & aurorse ('re)], the rising 
light of the morning; the dawn of 
dayspring. [Latin.] 

auscultation (aws-kul-t a/shun), n. 
tapping with short, sharp blows; a 
method of detecting chest disease 
by observing the sounds arising in 
the part, either by applying the ear 
directly to the chest or thorax. The 


stethoscope is also used for the same 
purpose. 

auspicious (aws-pish'us) , adj. having 
promise of success or happiness; 
propitious; prosperous; fortunate. 

austere (aws-ter'), adj. sour; harsh; 
rough to the taste; severe; rigid in 
character or mode of living; severely 
simple. 

authentic (aw-then'tik) , adj. genuine; 
original; duly authorized; true; trust- 
worthy; vested with all due formali- 
ties, and legally attested. 

authenticity (aw-then-tis'i-ti) , n. the 
quality of being authentic; author- 
ity. 

author (aw'ther), n. the beginner or 
prime mover of anything; an efficient 
cause; an originator; a creator; one 
who composes or writes a book; a 
composer. 

authority (aw-thor'i-ti) , n. [pi. au- 
thorities (aw-thor'i-tiz)], power or 
right to act or command ; dominion ; 
jurisdiction; power derived from 
opinion, respect, or reputation; influ- 
ence; justification or support for 
statement or action; a person in- 
vested with power to act or com- 
mand. In pi. the government; the 
constituted authorities. 

authorize (aw'ther-iz), v.t. to vest 
with authority ; give a right to act or 
command; empower; legalize; estab- 
lish or confirm by authority. 

auto (aw'to), n. an abbreviation in 
common use for automobile. 

auto, prefix meaning self; of one's self; 
of itself. 

autobiography (aw-to-bi-og'ra-fi) , n. 
[pi. autobiographies (aw-to-bi-og'- 
ra-fiz)], a biography, account, or 
character-sketch of a person written 
by himself. 

autocar _ (aw'to-kar), n. a carriage 
containing within itself the mach- 
inery necessary for its own pro- 
pulsion. 

autocracy (aw-tok'ra-si) , n. [pi. autoc- 
racies (aw-tok'ra-siz)], absolute, un- 
controlled authority ; supremacy ; 
government by one invested with 
absolute and uncontrolled authoritv. 

autograph (aw'to-graf ) , adj. _ self- 
written; in one's own handwriting: 
n. a person's own handwriting; an 
original manuscript or signature: 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
4 hue, hut; think, then. 


AUTOMATIC 


52 


AVOID 


v.t. to reproduce by autography; to 
sign or write one's autograph. 

automatic (aw- co-mat 'ik), adj. hav- 
ing the power of self-motion or self- 
action; of the nature of an autom- 
aton; independent of the will. 

automaton (aw-tom'a-ton), n. [pi. 
automata (aw-tom'a-ta) & automa- 
tons (aw-tom'a-tonz)], that which 
possesses the power of spontaneous 
movement without consciousness; a 
self-acting machine. 

automobile (aw-to-mo'bil) , adj. self- 
moving. 

automobile (aw'to-mo-bel, aw-to-mo- 
bel', or aw-to-mo'bil), n. a self -mov- 
ing vehicle; motor-carriage. 

autonomy (aw-ton'o-mi) , n. [pi. au- 
tonomies (aw-ton'o-miz)], the power 
or right of self-government ; the state 
of political independence. 

autopsy (aw'top-si), n. personal obser- 
vation ; ocular demonstration ; a post- 
mortem examination. 

autumn (aw'tum), n. the season be- 
tween summer and winter, beginning 
astronomically at the autumnal equi- 
nox, about September 22nd, and 
ending at the winter solstice, about 
December 23rd ; the period of decline 
or decay. 

auxiliary (awg-zil'i-a-rl) , adj. helping; 
aiding; assisting; subsidiary: n. [pi. 
auxiliaries (awg-zil'i-a-riz)], a helper; 
an assistant; a confederate or ally; 
aid of any kind; a verb which helps 
to form the moods and tenses of other 
verbs: pi. foreign troops in the service 
of a nation at war. 

avail (a-val'), v.i. to be of use, value, 
or service; give profit: v.t. to turn to 
profit or advantage: n. use; means 
towards an end; advantage to an 
object: pi. proceeds or profits. 

avalanche (av'a-lanch) , n. the sudden 
descent of a mass of compact snow 
or ice from the higher parts of a 
mountain; a fall of rocks or earth 
from the heights of a mountain; 
anything that overwhelms by sud- 
denness and irresistible force. 

avarice (av'a-ris), n. an inordinate or 
insatiable desire of gain; covetous- 
ness; cupidity; greediness. 

avast (a- vast'), interj. stop! cease! 
hold! [Nautical term.] 

avatar (av-a-tar') or avatara (av-a- 


ta'ra), n. the descent of a deity to 
earth in an incarnate form; a mani- 
festation or embodiment; the trans- 
ference of one personality to another. 
[Hindu.] 

avaunt (a-vawnt' & a-vant'). interj. 
begone! depart! an exclamation of 
contempt or abhorrence. 

ave (a've & a've), interj. hail! farewell! 
n. an Ave Maria; a salutation. 
[Latin.] 

avenge (a-venj'), v.t. to exact punish- 
ment or satisfaction for wrong or 
injury done to one's self or another: 
v.i. to execute vengeance; to receive 
satisfaction for injury by the punish- 
ment of the offender or offenders, by 
law or otherwise. 

avenue (av'e-mi) , n. a way or means of 
approach to a place, a passage-way, 
drive, or alley bordered by trees lead- 
ing to a house; a broad roadway or 
street planted with trees. [French.] 

aver (a-ver'), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. averred, 
p.pr. averring], to affirm positively; 
declare to be true ; verify. 

average (av'er-aj), n. any charge addi- 
tional to the cost of freightage: v.t. 
to find the mean, as of unequal sums 
or quantities; reduce to a mean; 
assign proportionately. 

averse (a-vers'), adj. unwilling; un- 
favorable; having a repugnance or 
disinclination to. 

aversion (a-ver'shun) , n. opposition 
or repugnance of mind; antipathy; 
fixed dislike; hatred; the object or 
cause of dislike or repugnance. 

avert (a- vert'), v.t. to turn aside or 
away; turn or ward off; prevent. 

aviary (a'vi-a-ri), n. [pi. aviaries (a'vi- 
a-riz)], a house, large cage, or in- 
closure for the keeping and rearing 
of birds in confinement. [Latin.] 

aviation (a'vi-a-shun), n. the art of 
flying. . 

aviator (avi-a-ter), n. a flying ma- 
chine; one who operates a flying 
machine; a bird-man. 

avidity (a-vid'i-ti), n. greediness; 
eagerness; strong appetite. 

avocation (av-o-ka'shun) , n. a subor- 
dinate or occasional occupation, as 
contradistinguished from vocation. 

avoid fa- void'), v.t. to keep away from; 
to phun: v.i. to become vacant or 
void. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, n6rth, not ; "boon, book ; 
hue, hut; think, then. 


AVOIRDUPOIS 


53 


AZURE 


avoirdupois (av-er-du-poiz'), n. a 
French word used to describe a sys- 
tem of weights in which one pound 
contains 16 ounces: used generally 
for all commodities except precious 
metals, gems and drugs; weight. 

avow (a-vou'), v.t. to declare openly; 
acknowledge frankly; to admit and 
justify. 

await (a-wat'), v.t. to wait for; look 
for or expect; be ready for. 

awake (a-wak'), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. awoke, 
awaked, p.pr. awaking], to arouse 
from sleep, or from any state resem- 
bling sleep; put into action; infuse 
new life into: v.i. to cease to sleep; 
bestir one's self: adj. not sleeping; 
roused from sleep or inactivity; in a 
state of vigilance or action. 

award (a-wawrd'), v.t. to adjudge; 
assign Dy judicial sentence, or arbi- 
tration; bestow in consideration of 
merit; to determine or make an 
award: n. a judgment; a decision; a 
sentence; the decision of arbitrators 
on points submitted to them; the 
document containing such decision; 
that which is awarded or assigned. 

aware (a-war'), adj. on guard; watch- 
ful; apprised; cognizant; conscious; 
vigilant. 

away (a-wa'), adv. absent; at a dis- 
tance; out of; off; in another direc- 
tion; continuously: inter j. begone! 
depart! 

awe (aw), n. reverential fear; the 
feeling or emotion inspired by the 
contemplation of something sublime ; 
reverence: v.t. to inspire with feel- 
ings of reverential respect or fear; 
restrain by fear or respect. 

awful (aw'ful), adj. inspiring or im- 
pressing with profound fear or rev- 
erence; of an appalling nature; 
solemn. 

awhile (a-hwlT), adv. for a period of 
time. 

awkward (awk'werd), adj. wanting 
dexterity; unskilful; ungraceful or 
ungainly in shape, movement, or 
manners; clumsy. 

awl (awl), n. a pointed instrument for 
piercing. 

awn (awn), n. the beard or bristle-like 
appendage of the outer glume of 
wheat, barley, and numerous 


awning (awn'ing), n. a covering of 

canvas or other cloth stretched upon 
a frame and used as a shelter from 
wind or sun. 

awoke (a-wok'), p.t. of awake. 

awry (a-ri'), adj. or adv. turned or 
twisted toward one side; errone- 
ous. 

axe or ax (aks), n. a tool or instru- 
ment of steel, or iron with a steeled 
edge, attached to a handle, used for 
the hewing of timber and chopping 
of wood. 

axil (ak'sil), n. the angle formed by 
the upper side of an organ or branch 
with the stem or trunk to which it ia 
attached. 

axilla (ak-sil'a), n. [pi. axillse (ak-sil'e)], 
the armpit, or cavity in the junction 
of the arm and shoulder; the axil of 
a leaf. 

axiom (ak'si-um), n. an indisputable 
self-evident truth ; a proposition em- 
bodying a truth at once obvious and 
incontrovertible ; an established prin- 
ciple in an art or science. 

axis (ak'sis), n. [pi. axes (ak'sez)], the 
straight line, real or imaginary, 
passing through a body, upon or 
around which such body revolves, or 
is supposed to revolve; a straight 
line drawn through the center of a 
bilateral symmetrical figure, as the 
spinal column; the central line of 
any symmetrical body; the stem or 
central column of a plant, round 
which the organs or parts are dis- 
posed ; the central region of a moun- 
tain chain. 

axle (ak'sl), n. the spindle, or portion 
of the axle-tree, which is inserted in 
the hub of the wheel, and on which 
the wheel revolves. 

ay or aye (a), adv. always; forever; 
continually. 

aye or ay (a or I), adv. or inter j. yes; 
yea; even so; indeed: n. [pi. ayes 
(iz)], the affirmative votes in a parli- 
amentary division; the members so 
voting. 

azure (azh'ur & a'zhur), adj. like the 
blue of the sky; cerulean: n. the clear 
blue of the sky; any pigment of this 
color; the blue tint expressed in 
heraldry by horizontal shading. 
[Arabic-French.] 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


B 


B, the second character in the alphabet 
of all European peoples except the 
Russian (Cyrillic), and those derived 
from it. Originally it is supposed to 
have been a pictograph representing 
a crane, and this was certainly true 
in the Egyptian hieroglyphics. 

baa (ba), v.i. to cry, as a sheep; bleat: 
n. the cry or bleating of a sheep. 

bab (bab), n. a fishing bob: v.i. [p.t. & 
p.p. babbed, p.pr. babbing], to fish 
with a bob. 

babble (bab'bl), v.i. to utter indistinct 
or imperfect sounds; prattle; talk 
childishly; murmur continuously: 
v.t. to utter; prate; repeat unintelli- 
gently; tell secrets: n. unmeaning or 
foolishtalk; a confused murmur. 

babe (bab), n. [pi. babes (babz)], an 
infant or young child of either sex. 

babel (ba/bl), n. a confused mingling 
of sounds; a scene of confusion. 

baboon (ba-boon'), n. the popular 
name of a large division of monkeys, 
which inhabit Africa and Arabia, 
and are characterized by a long dog- 
like snout, large canine teeth, great 
head, rudimentary tail, large callosi- 
ties on the hips, and capacious cheek 
pouches; an epithet of contempt. 

baby (ba'bi), n. [pi. babies (ba'biz)], 
an infant of either sex; a small 
child: adj. pertaining to an infant 
or young child: v.t. [p.t. & p.p. 
babied, p.pr. babying], to treat or 
fondle like a baby or young child; 
to keep dependent. 

baccalaureate (bak-a-law're-at) , n. 
the degree of Bachelor of Arts, 
Science, &c: adj. pertaining to the 
degree of Bachelor. 

baccarat (bak-a-ra/), n. a French card 
game played between a banker and 
an unlimited number of bettors with 
one or more packs of cards. 

bacchanal (bak'a-nal) or bacchana- 
lian (bak-a-na'li-an) , adj. indulging 


in or characterized by drunken 
revelry; drunken: n. a votary of 
Bacchus; a drunken reveler; a 
drunken feast. 

bachelor (bach'el-er), n. one who has 
taken the lowest university degree in 
any faculty; an unmarried man. 

bacillus (ba-sil'us), n. [pi. bacilli 
(ba-sil'i)], a genus of microscopic veg- 
etable organisms commonly known 
as bacteria, having slender rod-like 
jointed bodies or filaments, and pos- 
sessing the power of constant move- 
ment, present in many ferments, in 
all stages of putrefaction, and asso- 
ciated with the earliest stages of 
malignant or zymotic disease. 

back (bak), n. the hinder part of the 
body in man, or in other animals 
the upper portion; the whole region 
of the spine, extending from the 
base of the neck to the buttocks; 
the dorsal region of a fish; that 
which is opposed to the front; the 
rear or hinder part of anything; the 
part of a tool or weapon opposed to 
the edge: adj. lying or being behind 
or in the rear, as to time, situation, 
or direction ; in a backward direction : 
adv. into or toward the rear; to or 
toward a former or original place, 
state, or time; in a state of hindrance 
or restraint; in withdrawal or re- 
tirement; away; in return; again: 
v.t. to furnish with a back or back- 
ing ; second or support ; bet or wager ; 
sign or indorse; put backward or 
cause to recede: v.i. to move or go 
backward. 

backbite (bak'bit), v.t. [p.t. backbit, 
p.p. backbit & backbitten, p.pr. 
backbiting], to slander or speak evil 
of in absence: v.i. to censure absent 
persons. 

backbone (bak'bon), n. the bone of 
the back; the vertebral column of 
animals; that which serves as a 


ate, arm, 


at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


BACKER 


55 


BAKE 


backbone; hence, firmness or deci- 
sion of character. 

backer (bak'er), n. one who sustains 
or abets another; especially one who 
bets in favor of a person or animal 
in a contest. 

backslide (bak-slloV). v.i. [p.t. back- 
slid, backslided, p.p. backslid, back- 
slidden, backslided, p.pr. backslid- 
ing], to slide back; fall off or away 
from; apostatize. 

backward (bak'werd), adj. directed 
to the back or rear; unwilling; re- 
luctant; hesitating; slow: adv. with 
the back foremost, toward the back; 
in a contrary or reverse manner. 

bacon (ba/kn), n. hog's flesh salted or 
pickled and dried, usually in smoke. 

bad (bad), adj. [compar. worse, superl. 
worst], the opposite of good; evil; ill; 
wicked; depraved; vicious; perni- 
cious; corrupting; hurtful; offensive; 
noxious, physical^ or morally; de- 
fective; worthless; unhappy; unfor- 
tunate. 

badge (baj), n. a mark, sign, or token, 
or cognizance to denote the occupa- 
tion, allegiance, association, or 
achievements of the person by whom 
it is displayed ; the mark or token of 
anything. 

badger (baj'er), n. a plantigrade car- 
nivorous mammal, of nocturnal 
habits; an artist's brush of bad- 
ger's hair; a loose woman who de- 
coys men into her rooms for the pur- 
pose of robbing them: v.t. to worry or 
annoy, as a badger when baited; 
pester; persistently assail. 

badinage (bad'i-naj & ba-de-nazh') , n. 
light or playful raillery or banter. 

baffle (baf'l), v.t. to elude or circum- 
vent by artifice or the interposition 
of obstacles; foil or check; defeat; 
frustrate; thwart. 

bag (bag), n. a sack; a pouch; a wallet; 
a receptacle for holding anything; 
that which is contained in a bag, or 
the result of a day's sport; a sack or 
receptacle in animal bodies, contain- 
ing a fluid or other substance; a 
definite quantity of certain com- 
modities: v.t. to enclose in a bag; 
secure or capture, as game; steal: v.i. 
to bulge ; hang down like a full bag. 

bagatelle (bag-a-tel') , n. a trifle; a 
game played on a nine-holed board, 


baized and cushioned, with a cue and 
nine balls. [French.] 

baggage (bag'aj), n. the tents, cloth- 
ing, utensils, &c, of an army or ex- 
peditionary force on the march; the 
trunks, bags, and other impedimenta 
or baggage of a traveler: n. an im- 
moral woman ; a coquettish or frolic- 
some girl. 

bagpipe (bag'pip), n. a shrill-toned 
musical instrument, consisting of a 
leathern wind-bag from which air is 
forced by the performer's elbow 
into pipes, one (the chanter) giving 
the melody. [Commonly used in 
pi.} 

bah (ba), inter j. an exclamation ex- 
pressing incredulous contempt or 
disgust. 

bail (bal), v.t. to set free or liberate 
from arrest on security for reappear- 
ance; to deliver, as goods, in trust, 
on contract expressed or implied that 
the person entrusted shall return or 
account for the same: n. the person 
or persons who provide security for 
the release of a prisoner ; the security 
tendered, or accepted. 

bail (bal), v.t. to free from water by 
dipping; to ladle out with a bucket 
or other utensil, as in a boat: n. 
a bent or arched handle of a pail or 
kettle; a half -hoop supporting the 
cover or tilt of a wagon; one of the 
two small sticks, 4 in. long, which 
are laid across the tops of cricket 
stumps. 

bailiff (ba/lif), n. a sheriff's officer who 
serves processes, &c; any subordi- 
nate civil officer; an overseer or 
under-steward on an estate. 

bairn (barn), n. & child. [Scottish.] 

bait (bat), v.t. to harass or provoke, 
as by the setting on of dogs ; worry ; 
torment, for sport; annoy persist- 
ently; prepare a hook, trap, or snare 
by covering it with food or other 
substance; give food and drink to 
upon a journey: n. any substance 
used to entice or allure fish or other 
animals with a view to capture; 
an allurement; temptation; refresh- 
ment taken on a journey. 

bake (bak), v.t. to cook or prepare food 
by subjection to dry heat in a closed 
place, as an oven; to dry and harden 
by heat: v.i. to do the work of baking; 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


BALANCE 


56 


BALSAM 


become hard by heat: n. the result of 
baking, as a clam bake. 

balance (bal'ans), n. an instrument 
for determining the weight of bodies ; 
a pair of scales ; a steel-yard ; a spring 
balance; the act of weighing men- 
tally; equilibrium; equipoise; equal- 
ity;' an equality between the two sides 
of an account; the excess shown on 
either side; the sum or weight neces- 
sary to make two unequal sums or 
weights equal: v.t. to weigh; compare; 
bring to a state of equipoise ; keep in 
equilibrium; poise; equal or make 
equal; counterbalance; adjust or set- 
tle; to examine and compare ac- 
counts: v.i. to have equal weight; 
be in equipoise. 

balcony (bal'ko-ni), n. [pi. balconies 
(bal'ko-niz)], a platform or gallery 
projecting from the wall of a build- 
ing, enclosed by a balustrade or 
parapet. [Italian.] 

bald (bawld) , adj. without the natural 
or usual covering to the head or 
summit; unadorned; bare; literal; 
undisguised; having a white spot or 
patch on the head ; bald-faced. 

balderdash (bawl'der-dash) , n. a non- 
sensical jumble of words ; silly talk or 
writing; a worthless mixture. 

baldric or baldrick (bawl'drik), n. 
a broad belt, often richly _ orna- 
mented, worn round the waist, or 
over one shoulder and across the 
breast. 

bale (bal) , n. a large bundle or package 
of goods: v.t. to make up into a bale 
or bales ; to lade out as water. 

bale (bal), n. woe; calamity; mis- 
chief. 

baleful (bal'fool), adj. replete with 
deadly or malign influence; full of 
woe; direful; predicative of disaster. 

balk or baulk (bawk), n. a strip or 
ridge of land left unplowed; a thick 
heavy piece of timber; a barrier 
or check: v.t. to thwart, check, or dis- 
appoint: v,i. to stop short, or swerve; 
to signify the position of herring or 
pilchard shoals from a height, and in- 
dicate that position to the fishermen. 

ball (bawl), n. a round body; any mass 
resembling a sphere ; a spherical body 
used for play ; a bullet ; any roundish 
part of the body ; a game played with 
a ball; the globe or earth: v.t. to make 


into a. ball: v.i. to form or gather into 
a ball. 

ball (bawl), n. a dance; a social assem- 
bly of persons of both sexes for the 
purpose of dancing. 

ballad (bal'ad), n. a short narrative 
poem, adapted for reciting or sing- 
ing. Also ballade. 

ballast (bal'ast)^ n. weighty material 
carried by a ship to ensure stability; 
sand carried in the car of a balloon 
to steady it; gravel or rubble filling 
the space between the sleepers of a 
railway ; that which imparts stability 
to the character: v.t. to place ballast 
in or on; impart steadiness to. 

ballet (bal'a), n. a theatrical represen- 
tation in which a story is told, and 
actions, characters, and passions 
represented by gestures, accom- 
panied by music and dancing; the 
company of persons who perform the 
ballet. [French.] 

balloon (bal-loon'), n. a large bag of 
prepared silk or other material, 
which, when inflated by hydrogen 
gas or heated air, ascends and floats 
in the atmosphere; the so-called 
air : ship of Count Zeppelin is a 
series of balloons fastened together 
to form one enormous balloon; a 
round vessel with a short neck used 
in distillation. 

ballot (bal'ot), n. a ball, ticket, or 
paper by which a vote is registered; 
the system of secret voting by the 
use of balls, tickets, or papers; elec- 
tion by secret vote; also the total 
number of votes cast or recorded: 
v.i. to vote or decide by secret vote. 

balm (bam), n. the oily aromatic 
exudation of certain trees or shrubs, 
used for healing or soothing ; balsam ; 
anything which heals or soothes. 

balmoral (bal-mor'al) , adj. & n. the 
name given to various strong articles 
of dress, as a petticoat, or laced 
boots. [From the Scottish palace of 
Balmoral.] 

balmy (bam'i),^'. having the qualities 
of balm; soft; fragrant; refreshing. 

balsam (bawl'sam), n. an oily, aro- 
matic, resinous substance obtained 
from certain trees or shrubs, and used 
medicinally or in perfumery; balm; 
the name applied to several trees, 
shrubs, or plants yielding balsam, as 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


BALUSTRADE 


57 


BANKRUPT 


the balsam-tree; anything soothing 
or healing. [Greek.] 

balustrade (bal-us-trad'), n. a series 
of small columns or pilasters, sur- 
mounted by a top-rail or coping, 
serving as a parapet or protective 
railing, staircase 1 <fcc. [Italian.] 

bamboo (barn-boo'), n. the name of 
certain tropical grasses having thick- 
jointed stems of exceeding hardness, 
and attaining to a height of from 20 
to 120 ft.; a stick or cane: v.t. to flog 
with a bamboo rod. [Malay.] 

ban (ban), n. in feudal times a public 
proclamation, or summons to arms; 
an edict of proscription or interdic- 
tion; prohibition; excommunication; 
curse; anathema: v.t. [p.t. & p.p. 
banned, p.pr. banning], to curse; to 
interdict or prohibit; to place under 
a ban. 

banal (ban-al'), adj. commonplace, 
trifling. 

banana (ba-na/na), n. a tropical her- 
baceous plant, closely allied to the 
plantain ; its soft, luscious fruit, which 
furnishes a nutritious and important 
article of food in tropical countries. 

band (band), n. that which binds to- 
gether; that which connects; that 
which encircles, supports, or re- 
strains; a fillet; strap; tie; shackle 
or fetter; collar; ligature; a driving 
belt; a company of persons united 
by a common object; a body of sol- 
diers; a company of musicians form- 
ing an orchestra, a military or other 
band: v.t. to unite in a troop, com- 
pany, or confederacy [with together]: 
v.i. to associate or unite for some 
common purpose. 

bandage (ban'daj), n. a roller of cotton 
or other material used in dressing 
and binding up wounds, &c; a band 
or ligature: v.t. to dress or bind with 
a bandage. 

bandana or bandanna (ban-dan'a), 
n. a large silk or cotton handker- 
chief, dyed red, blue, or yellow, with 
white or yellow spots; a style of 
calico printing in imitation of the 
bandana. 

bandit (ban'dit), n. [pi. bandits (ban'- 
dits) & banditti (ban-dit'i)], an out- 
law ; a brigand ; a robber ; a highway- 
man. 

bandoline (ban'do-lin), n. a gummy 


perfumed substance used for impart- 
ing a gloss to the hair or for fixing it 
in position. 

bandy (ban'di), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. ban- 
died, p.pr. bandying], to throw or 
beat to and fro, as a ball in play; 
give and take in conversation: v.i. 
to contend; strive: n. a club bent at 
the end for striking a ball ; a hockey- 
stick; a game played with such a 
club, commonly called hockey: adj. 
bent; having a bend or crook out- 
ward. 

bane (ban), n. that which causes ruin 
or destruction; hence a deadly 
poison, vice, or sin; a disease (rot) in 
sheep. 

baneful (ban'fool), adj. poisonous; 
pernicious. 

bang (bang), v.t. to beat, as with a 
club or cudgel; thump; handle 
roughly: v.i. to make a loud noise; 
thump violently: n. a heavy blow; a 
loud, sudden noise: adv. with a sud- 
den, violent blow. 

bangle (bang'gl), n. an ornamental 
ring worn upon the wrists and ankles 
in India and Africa; a ring-bracelet. 

banish (ban'ish), v.t. to exile; expel 
from the country as a punishment; 
drive away; dispel from the mind. 

banishment (ban'ish-ment), n. the 
act of expelling or driving away; the 
state of being expelled. 

banister or bannister (ban'is-ter) , n. 
corrupt forms of baluster. 

banjo (ban'jo), n. a musical instru- 
ment, of from five to nine strings, 
having a neck like a guitar, and a 
circular body covered in front with 
tightly-stretched parchment. 

bank (bangk), n. a heap, mound, or 
ridge of earth; any steep acclivity; 
an elevation or rising ground beneath 
the sea or at the mouth of a river, 
forming a shoal or shallow; a bench 
for rowers; a tier of oars: v.t. to en- 
close, defend, or fortify with a bank; 
pile or heap up. 

bank (bangk), n. an establishment for 
the custody, loan, exchange, or issue 
of money; the office of a banking 
company ; in certain games of chance, 
the fund held against the table: v.t. 
to deposit money in a bank: v.i. to 
have an account with a banker. 

bankrupt (bangk'rupt) , n. a person 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


BANNER 


58 


BARD 


legally declared to be unable to dis- 
charge his liabilities; an insolvent 
debtor: adj. unable to meet one's 
obligations; insolvent: v.t. to make 
or render insolvent: v.i. to exhaust 
one's financial credit; become insol- 
vent. 

banner (ban'er), n. a piece of cloth or 
silk attached to a pole or staff, and 
usually worked with some device or 
motto, heraldic or emblematical; an 
ensign, standard, or flag of a country, 
state, or order. 

bannock (ban'uk), n. a thick cake 
made of oatmeal, barley-meal, or 
pease-meal, and baked on an iron 
plate or griddle. [Scotch.] 

banns (banz), n.pl. the announcement 
in church of an intended marriage. 

banquet (bang'kwet), n. a sumptuous 
entertainment or feast: v.t. to treat 
with a feast or rich entertainment: 
v.i. to regale one's self sumptu- 
ously. 

banshee (ban'she), benshie (ben 'she), 
or benshi, n. the female fairy of 
Scotch and Irish legends, whose visit 
foretells death. [Gaelic] 

bantam (ban'tam), n. a diminutive 
breed of domestic fowl : adj. pertain- 
ing to the bantam; diminutive; con- 
sequential. 

banter (ban'ter), v.t. to rail at; good- 
humoredly; attack jestingly; make 
fun of: n. humorous raillery. 

baptism (bap'tizm) , n. the application 
of water by an authorized adminis- 
trator, in the name of the Holy 
Trinity, to a person, by sprinkling, 
effusion, or immersion, constituting 
the sacrament or rite by which he 
is initiated into the visible church of 
Christ. 

baptize (bap-tiz'), v.t. to administer 
the rite of baptism to; admit to the 
Christian Church by the ceremonial 
application of water; christen. 

bar (bar), n. a piece of wood, metal, 
or other solid matter, long in propor- 
tion to its thickness ; anything which 
impedes or obstructs; a bank of sand, 
gravel, &c, obstructing navigation 
at the entrance to a harbor or mouth 
of a river; the railing enclosing the 
space occupied by counsel in courts 
of justice; the place in court where 
prisoners are stationed for trial, or 


sentence; the members of the legal 
profession collectively, entitled to 
plead in court ; any tribunal ; the por- 
tion of a hotel, &c, where liquors are 
served out; a band or stripe; a line 
drawn vertically through the staff 
of a piece of music, dividing it into 
equal measures of time ; the space and 
notes enclosed by two such lines; an 
ordinary, similar to, but narrower 
than, a fess, and filling one-fifth of 
the heraldic field: v.t. [p.t. & p.p. 
barred: p.pr. barring], to fasten with 
a bar; to hinder; obstruct; ex- 
clude. 

barb (barb), n. that which resembles 
a beard in lower animals; a hair or 
bristle ending in a double hook; the 
sharp point projecting backwards 
from the extremity of an arrow, fish- 
hook, &c: v.t. to furnish with barbs. 

barb (barb), n. a horse of the Barbary 
breed, remarkable for speed, endur- 
ance, and docility; a short-beaked 
pigeon of a breed originally brought 
from Barbary. 

barbarian (bar'ba'ri-an) , n. a for- 
eigner; a man in a rude, savage state; 
an uncivilized person; a cruel, savage, 
brutal man: adj. pertaining to sav- 
ages; rude; uncivilized; inhuman. 

barbarism (b^x 'ba-rizm) , n. an offense 
against purit-^ of style or language; 
an uncivilized state or condition; a 
savage action; an outrage. 

barbarity (bar-bar'i-ti) , n. [pi. bar- 
barities (bar-bar'i-tiz)], the state of 
being uncivilized; cruelty; inhuman- 
ity; an act of savage cruelty. 

barbarous (bar'ba-rus) , adj. uncivil- 
ized; rude and ignorant; contrary to 
pure idiom; savage; cruel; ferocious; 
inhuman; wild. 

barbecue (bar'be-ku), n. a frame on 
which all kinds of meat or fish are 
roasted or smoke-dried; the carcass 
of an ox, hog, &c, roasted whole; 
a social or political entertainment 
at which animals are roasted and 
eaten whole: v.t. to dress and roast 
whole. [West Indian.] 

barber (bar'ber), n. one whose occu- 
pation is to shave the beard and cut 
and dress the hair: v.t. to shave and 
dress the hair of. 

bard (bard), n. a poet and singer 
among the ancient Germans and 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


BARE 


59 


BARROW 


Celts, and held in high esteem. 
The word is in modern times used 
with a certain contempt. 

bare (bar), adj. naked; with the head 
uncovered; unconcealed; simple; un- 
furnished; threadbare; poor; mere: 
v.t. to divest of covering. 

barefaced (bar'fast), adj. with the face 
uncovered; undisguised; shameless; 
impudent. 

bargain (bar'gan), n. an agreement or 
contract between two or more parties 
with reference to the sale or transfer 
of property; that which is acquired 
or sold at a low price; an advanta- 
geous purchase: v.i. to make a con- 
tract or agreement: v.t. to sell or 
transfer for a consideration. 

barge (barj), n. a flat-bottomed vessel 
employed in loading and unloading 
ships, and for the conveyance of 
goods on rivers and canals; a vessel 
of state. 

bark (bark), v.i. to utter a sharp, short 
sound, as the cry of a dog; to cough: 
n. the sound or cry emitted by dogs. 

bark (bark), n. the exterior layer or 
rind of woody stems or trunks , 

bark or barque (bark), n. a three- 
masted vessel. 

barley (bar'li), n. the grain grown and 
used chiefly for malting; the plant 
which yields the grain. 

barm (barm), n. the foam rising upon 
beer or other malt liquors when 
fermenting, and used as leaven in 
bread-making; yeast. 

barn (barn), n. a covered building for 
the storage of grain or other farm 
produce. 

barnacle (bar'na-kl), n. a cirriped 
crustacean, often called the Goose- 
barnacle, found adhering in groups 
or clusters to rocks or to the bottoms 
of ships, &c. ; an official who holds 
tenaciously to his post: n.pl. an in- 
strument which nips a horse's nose 
to hold him while being shod, bled, 
or dressed. 

barometer (ba-rom'e-ter) , n. an in- 
strument for measuring the weight 
or pressure of the atmosphere: used 
for indicating changes of weather, 
or to determine the altitude of any 
place. 

baron (bar'un), n. the title of an 
English peer of the lowest rank, 


next below a viscount; formerly the 
title of the judges of the Court of 
the Exchequer. 

baronet (bar'un-et), n. a title of 
hereditary rank or degree of honor 
next below a baron and above a 
knight, but conferring no seat in the 
House of Lords. He is styled 
"Sir" and his wife "Lady." 

barouche (ba-roosb/), n. a roomy, 
four-wheeled carriage with a folding 
or falling top. 

barrack (bar'ak), n. a large building, 
or series of buildings, for the lodg- 
ment of soldiers and officers: j>l. 
a building or several buildings in 
an enclosure where a body of men 
are lodged. 

barrel (bar'el), n. a vessel or cask, 
cylindrical in form, bulging in the 
middle, made of wooden staves 
bound with hoops, and having flat 
ends or heads; the quantity which a 
barrel should contain; anything re- 
sembling a barrel in shape ; a drum or 
cylinder; a metallic tube. 

barren (bar'en), adj. incapable t of 
producing its kind; unproductive; 
unfruitful; sterile; lacking; devoid; 
profitless; empty: n. an unproductive 
tract of land. 

barricade (bar-ri-kad') , n. a fortifica- 
tion constructed in haste of such 
materials as are nearest to hand, 
and which will serve to obstruct the 
progress or attack of an enemy, or 
shield a besieged party; any bar or 
obstruction: v.t. to obstruct or stop 
up ; fortify or enclose by a barricade. 

barrier (bar'i-er), n. anything which 
hinders or obstructs; an obstacle to 
progress, approach, or attack; an 
enclosing fence or boundary wall; a 
limit or boundary. 

barrister (bar'is-ter) , n. in England, 
a member of the legal profession 
qualified to plead at the bar; in 
Scotland, an advocate; counselor at 
law. 

barrow (bar'o), n. a frame covered with 
boards and furnished with handles at 
both ends, or with a pair of wheels 
and handles or shafts at one end; a 
hand-barrow; a shallow box, with a 
single wheel and handles and sup- 
ports; a wheel-barrow; a mound of 
earth or heap of stones forming an 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


BARTER 


60 


BAT 


ancient or prehistoric grave, con- 
structed in various forms. 

barter (bar'ter), v.i. to traffic or trade 
by exchanging one commodity for 
another: v.t. to give in exchange: n. 
trafficking by exchange of commodi- 
ties; the thing given in exchange. 

barytone or baritone (bar'i-ton) , adj. 
intermediate between bass and tenor, 
as the male voice or instrument: n. 
a person with a voice having this 
range; a word having the last sylla- 
ble unaccented: v.t. to leave the last 
syllable unaccented. 

basalt (ba-sawlt' & bas'awlt), n. an 
igneous rock of greenish black color, 
and composed of feldspar, augite, 
titaniferous iron, and frequently 
olivene. 

base (bas), adj. worthless; spurious; of 
mean spirit; morally abject; deep or 
grave in sound (commonly bass). 

base (bas), n. the part of a thing on 
which it rests; a foundation or 
groundwork; that which combines 
with an acid to form a salt; the line 
or surface forming that part of a 
figure on which it is supposed to 
6tand; a fortified fine from which 
the operations of an army proceed; 
the lower part of a heraldic field*. 
v.t. to lay a foundation. 

baseball (bas'bawl), n. a game of ball 
played by nine on a side ; a ball used 
in playing baseball. Baseball is 
said to have been derived from the 
old English game of rounders. 

basement (bas'ment), n. the lowest 
part of a structure; the lowest story 
of a building. 

bash (bash), v.t. to strike heavily; to 
knock out of shape. [English.] 

bashful (bash 'fool) , adj. easily discon- 
certed; modest to excess; aiffident; 
shy. 

basic (ba'sik), adj. pertaining to a 
base; fundamental; performing the 
office of a base in a salt. 

basilica (ba-sil'i-ka) , n. [pi. basilicas 
(ba-sil'i-kaz)], in ancient Rome, a 
public hall of rectangular shape used 
for judicial assemblies; a church 
built on such a plan, especially the 
early Christian churches in Italy. 

basilisk (bas'i-lisk) , n. a fabulous 
creature, variously conceived as a 
kind of serpent, lizard, or dragon, 


and sometimes identified with the 
cockatrice; the name of a lizard 
with an inflatable crest: adj. per- 
taining to the basilisk; penetrating 
or malignant. 

basin (ba'sn), n. a circular vessel for 
holding water or other liquid ; a pond, 
or dock, or other reservoir for water; 
the area drained by a river; a set of 
strata or stratified formations occu- 
pying a basin-shaped depression in 
older rocks. 

basis (ba'sis), n. [pi. bases (ba'sez)], a 
foundation; the groundwork or fun- 
damental principle of anything. 

bask (bask), v.i. to lie in warmth; be 
exposed to genial heat; be at ease: 
v.t. to warm by continued exposure 
to heat. 

basket (bas'ket), n. a vessel made of 
rushes, or other flexible material, 
plaited or interwoven; as much as a 
basket will hold. 

bass or basse (bas), n. the name of 
various edible fishes allied to the 
perch. 

bass (bas), adj. low; deep; grave: n. 
the lowest part in the harmony of a 
musical composition ; the lowest male 
voice, ranging from D below the bass 
staff to D or E above it; one who 
sings bass. 

bastard (bas'tard), n. a child born 
out of wedlock; an animal of in- 
ferior quality or breed; a coarse 
brown sugar made from syrup pre- 
viously boiled: adj. begotten and 
born out of matrimony; spurious. 

baste (bast), v.t. to beat with a stick; 
to drip or pour melted fat or butter 
on meat while roasting; to sew 
slightly, or fasten with long stitches, 
as in dressmaking. 

bastion (bas'chun), n. an earthwork 
faced with brick or stone, projecting 
from the angles of a rampart, and 
having two flanks and two faces. 

bat (bat), n. a heavy stick or club; 
the flattened club used in cricket, 
and the rounded bat used in base- 
ball; a batsman; a part of a brick 
with one end whole; a plate # of 
flexible gelatine used to print im- 
pressions on glaze ; bituminous shale : 
v.t. [p.t. & p.p. batted, p.pr. batting], 
to hit or strike: v.i. to use or wield 
a bat in cricket or baseball. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, nOrth, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


BAT 


61 


BAZAAR 


bat (bat), n. an insectivorous mammal 
furnished with wings formed by a 
membrane stretched between the 
elongated fingers, legs, and tail. 

batch (bach), n. the quantity of bread 
baked at one time; a quantity of 
anything produced at one operation; 
a group or collection of similar things. 

bate (bat), v.t. to lessen or reduce; 
deduct. 

bath (bath), n. [pi. baths (bsUhz)], the 
act of washing or immersing the 
body in water, or exposing it to any 
other fluid or vapor; a vessel holding 
water for bathing; a building fitted 
up for bathing purposes; a medium 
through which heat is applied to a 
body; a vessel containing a solution 
for treatment of an object by immer- 
sion. 

bathe (bath), v.t. to subject to a bath; 
immerse in water or other liquid; to 
suffuse or moisten with a liquid; 
immerse or surround with anything 
analogous to water, as vapor or light : 
v.i. to take a bath. 

bathos (ba'thos), n. a ludicrous de- 
scent from the elevated to the com- 
monplace in writing or speech. 

battalion (ba-tal'yun), n. a body of 
infantry usually forming a division 
of a regiment. 

batten (bat'n), v.i. to grow or become 
fat: thrive at the expense of others. 
(With on.) 

batten (bat'n), n. a narrow strip or 
scantling of wood used for various 
purposes; a strip of wood used to 
fasten the edges of a tarpaulin to 
the deck of a ship: v.t. to fasten or 
form with battens. 

batter (bat'er), v.t. strike with heavy, 
repeated blows, so as to bruise, shat- 
ter, or demolish; injure or impair: v.i. 
to make an attack by heavy 
blows. 

battery (bat'er-i), n. [pi. batteries 
(bat'er-iz)], the act of battering or 
beating; a body of cannon, with its 
complement of officers, men, and 
equipments, for field operations; any 
raised work or parapet where guns 
are mounted and gunners screened; 
a number of Ley den jars connected 
for charging and discharging sim- 
ultaneously; an apparatus for gen- 
erating voltaic electricity. 


battle (bat'l), n. a fight between op- 
posing forces; a combat; a contest 
or struggle for mastery: v.i. to con- 
tend in fight; struggle (followed by 
against, with), battle-piece (bat'l- 
pes), n. a painting, poem, or writ- 
ing descriptive of a battle, battle- 
royal (bat'l-roi'al), n. a match in 
which more than two game-cocks 
are engaged, battleship (bat'l- 
ship), a warship of the first-class, 
formidably armed and equipped. 

bauble (baw'bl), n. any showy piece 
of finery; a child's cheap trinket: 
n. the staff formerly carried by a 
court jester, or king's fool. 

bawd (bawd), n. a person who keeps 
a house of prostitution; one who 
procures women for lewd purposes, 
or acts as agent in illicit inter- 
course. 

bawl (bawl), v.i. to cry out with a 
loud, full, and sustained sound; 
vociferate: v.t. to proclaim loudly: 
n. a loud prolonged cry. 

bay (ba), v.i. to bark as a dog, with a 
deep sound, as hounds in the chase: 
v.t. to bark at; to pursue with bark- 
ing so as to bring to bay: n. the deep- 
toned prolonged bark of a dog. 

bay (ba), adj. red or reddish, approach- 
ing to chestnut [applied to horses]: 
n. a horse of sucn color. 

bay (ba), n. a recess in the shore of 
a sea or lake; the expanse of water 
between two capes or headlands; a 
recess or opening in walls; a place 
or receptacle for depositing or stor- 
ing coal; the fore part of a ship 
between decks; the laurel-tree, noble 
laurel, or sweet-bay; an honorary 
garland or crown, composed of woven 
laurel leaves, bestowed as a prize 
upon successful poets and conquerors, 
hence [pi.] fame. 

bayonet (ba'6-net), n. a dagger-like 
instrument constructed to fix^ on 
to the barrel of a rifle; if long it is 
called a sword-bayonet: v.t. to stab 
or drive with a bayonet. 

bayou (bi'oo), n. [pi. bayous (bi'ooz)], 
in the Southern United States, the 
outlet of a lake, or one of the delta 
streams of a river; a sluggish water- 
course. 

bazaar or bazar (ba-zar'), n. in the 
East, a market-place or exchange; 


ate, arm, at, aw! ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


BE 


62 


BEARD 


a hall or series of rooms with stalls 
for the sale of goods; a sale of fancy 
articles in aid of some charity; a 
fancy fair. 

be (be), v.i. [p.t. was, p.p. been, p.pr. 
being], to exist; have existence in 
fact, physical or mental; include or 
involve as a result; bring; produce; 
come about; become; remain; sig- 
nify; answer to. 

beach (bech), n. [pi. beaches (bech'ez)], 
the portion of the shore of the sea 
or of a lake which is washed by the 
waves; the strand; shingle; v.t. to 
run or haul up (as a vessel or boat) 
upon a beach: v.i. to land on a 
beach. 

beacon (be'kn), n. a signal of warning 
or guidance, on sea or land ; formerly 
a fire lighted on a hill or high tower 
to signal danger or assemble troops, 
&c: v.t. to light up, as a beacon; 
furnish with beacons: v.i. to serve as 
a beacon. 

bead (bed), n. a little perforated ball 
of any suitable material, intended to 
be strung with others and worn as 
an ornament or used to form a 
rosary; any small globular body; a 
drop or bubble; a small knob of 
metal at the end of a gun-barrel 
used as a sight; a narrow rounded 
molding; an astragal: v.t. to ornament 
with beads or beading. 

beadle (be'dl), n. a messenger or crier 
of a court; a parish officer with vari- 
ous subordinate duties connected 
with a church or vestry. [English.] 

beagle (be'gl), n. a small hound, for- 
merly used for hunting hares. 

beak (bek), n. the bill of a bird; the 
horny jaws or mandibles of other 
animals; anything which is pointed 
or shaped like a beak; the metal- 
sheathed prow of an ancient galley 
intended to pierce the vessels of an 
enemy; the powerful ram of steel 
forming part of the bow of modern 
war- vessels; in English slang, a 
police magistrate. 

beaker (be'ker), n. a large drinking 
cup or vessel with a wide mouth; an 
open-mouthed glass vessel with a 
projecting lip. 

beam (bem), n. a long piece of timber 
or iron used horizontally or vertically 
to support the rafters of a building; 


one of the principal horizontal tim- 
bers of a building or ship ; the ex- 
treme breadth of a ship; the shank 
of an anchor; the oscillating lever 
which transmits motion in a steam- 
engine; a cylinder of wood around 
which, before weaving, the warp is 
wound; the pole of a carriage; the 
main part of a plow to which the 
handles are secured; the bar of a 
balance w T hich suspends the scales; 
the principal stem of a deer's horns 
which bears the antlers; a collection 
of parallel rays of light emitted from 
the sun or other luminous body: v.t. 
to send forth, as rays of light: v.i. to 
shine. 

bean (ben), n. the smooth, kidney- 
shaped seed of many leguminous 
plants; the plant itself; the popular 
name of other seeds or fruits resem- 
bling true beans. In English slang, 
coins. 

bear (bar), v.t. [p.t. bore, bare, p.p. 
borne, p.pr. bearing], to support, 
hold up; carry or convey; suffer or 
endure; be answerable for; possess, 
wear, or use; have in or on; contain; 
cherish ; carry in the mind ; admit or 
be capable of ; show or exhibit ; bring 
forth or produce: v.i. to be capable 
of supporting; be fruitful; to bear, 
press, or weigh upon or against ; tend ; 
relate; take effect; be situated. [N. 
B. — When used passively bear (to 
produce) has as its p.p. born, as an 
infant _was born.] 

bear (bar), n. a plantigrade carniv- 
orous mammal, belonging to the 
genus Ursus, the three best known 
species of which are: the brown or 
black bear of Europe, the grizzly 
bear of North America, and the 
polar bear of the Arctic regions; the 
name of two constellations in the 
northern hemisphere, called the 
Great Bear and the Little Bear; one 
who attempts to depreciate the value 
of stock in order to buy cheap; 
opposed to a bull; a rude, uncouth, 
or brutal person: v.t. to endeavor to 
lower the price of. 

beard (berd), n. the hair that grows 
on the chin, lips, and adjacent parts 
of the human face: anything which 
resembles a beard ; the awn of barley 
and other grains; the barb of an 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit : note, north, not ; boon, book 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


BEAST 


63 


BEE 


arrow, fish-hook, &c: v.t. to take by 
the beard; oppose to the face; set at 
defiance. 

beast (best), n. any four-footed ani- 
mal, as distinguished from birds, 
insects, fishes, and man; an irra- 
tional animal; a person rude, coarse, 
or filthy, or whose actions degrade 
him below the level of a rational 
being; a brute. 

beat (bet), v.t. [p.t. beat, p.p. beaten, 
beat, p.pr. beating], to strike with 
repeated blows ; thrash ; knock ; pound 
or break ; flatten or spread by blows ; 
scour and range with blows and cries 
in order to rouse or drive game ; dash 
or strike against, as water or wind; 
tread, as a path; overcome or van- 
quish; excel; baffle; exhaust; flutter, 
as wings: v.i. to strike repeatedly; 
throb; signal or summon by beat of 
drum; sound, as a_ drum, when 
struck: n. a recurring stroke; a 
throb; a football; a round or course 
assigned to a policeman; a place of 
habitual resort; the rise or fall of 
the hand or foot marking the divi- 
sions of time; the divisions of the 
measure so marked. 

beat (bet), p.p. of beat, exhausted by 
mental or bodily fatigue. 

beat (bet), n. a person who lives on 
others; a dishonest debtor. [Slang.] 
Also, more forcibly, dead-beat. 

beatific (be-a-tif 'ik) , adj. having power 
to bless or render perfectly happy; 
blissful. 

beatitude (be-at'i-ttid), n. felicity of 
the highest kind; consummate bliss. 

beau (bo), n. [pi. beaus or beaux (boz)], 
one who dresses himself in strict 
accordance with the fashion ; a ladies' 
man or suitor. _ 

beautiful (bu'ti-ful), adj. possessing 
qualities which charm and delight 
the senses; lovely. 

beauty (bu'ti), n. [pi. beauties (bu'- 
tiz)], an assemblage of graces or 
properties which command the ap- 
probation of the senses; those 
qualities which are most pleasing to 
the eye ; a particular grace or charm ; 
a beautiful woman. 

beaver (be'ver), n. a rodent quadruped 
of amphibious habits, and valued for 
its fur; the fur of the beaver; a hat 
formerly made of beaver fur. 


beaver (be'ver), n. the portion of a 
helmet which served to protect the 
lower part of the face, and could be 
raised or depressed. 

becalm (be-kam'), v.t. to make calm 
or still. 

because (be-kawz), conj. on account 
of ; by reason of. 

beck (bekl, n. a nod, or other signfi- 

cant gesture. 

beckon (bek'n), v.i. to make a signal 
to another by a motion of the head 
or hand: v.t. summon or signal by 
signs. 

becloud (be-kloud'). See cloud. 

become (be-kum'), v.i. [p.t. became, 
p.p. become, p.pr. becoming], to pass 
from one state to another; come or 
grow to be: v.t. to suit, or be suitable 
to; befit; accord with; grace or 
adorn. 

bed (bed), n. an article of domestic 
furniture upon or within which one 
rests or sleeps; conjugal rights; 
a portion of a garden prepared and 
set apart for bedding plants ; the 
bottom of a river or other stream, 
or of any body of water ; a layer or 
stratum of rock ; a mass or heap of 
anything resembling a bed ; either 
of the horizontal surfaces of a 
building stone : v.t. [p.t. & p.p. 
bedded, p.pr. bedding], to furnish 
with a bed ; plant, as flowers ; lay 
in a stratum ; lay flat, or in order : 
v.i. to go to bed ; cohabit. 

bedding (bed'ing), n. a bed and its 
furniture; the materials of a bed, 
whether for man or beast; stratifica- 
tions ; occurrence in layers ; a founda- 
tion, or bottom layer. 

bedew (be-du'), v.t. to moisten with 
dew. 

bedizen (be-diz'n & -di'zn), v.t. to 
deck or adorn; trick out with vulgar 
finery. 

bedlam (bed 'lam), n. a madhouse; an 
asylum or hospital for lunatics: hence 
any scene of uproar and confusion. 

bedraggle (be-drag'l). See draggle. 

bedrid (bed 'rid) or bedridden ('rid-n), 
adj. confined to bed by age or in- 
firmity. 

bee (be), n. a hymenopterous insect of 
the genus Apis; the hive or honey- 
bee kept in hives for the sake of its 
honey and wax; an industrious per- 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


BEECH 


64 


BEHIND 


eon; a social meeting for work on 
behalf of a neighbor or a charitable 
object; strips of wood bolted each 
side of a bowsprit, through which the 
foretopmast stays are reeved. 

beech (bech),n. [pi. beeches (bech'ez)], 
a tree of the genus Fagus, yielding 
a hard timber and edible triangular 
nuts. 

beef (bef), n. the flesh of an ox, bull, or 
cow, when killed. 

been (bin or ben), p.p. of be. 

beer (ber), n. a fermented liquor made 
from any farinaceous grain, but gen- 
erally from malted barley, with hops 
or other substances added to impart 
a bitter flavor; sometimes a fer- 
mented extract of the roots and other 
parts of various plants, as ginger, 
spruce, &c. 

beet (bet), n. a biennial plant, culti- 
vated for its edible succulent root, 
and from which sugar is made. 

beetle (be'tl), n. a heavy wooden mal- 
let employed for driving wedges, con- 
solidating earth, &c; a club for 
beating linen, &c, in washing: v.t. 
to use a beetle on; beat with a 
heavy wooden mallet, as a substitute 
for mangling. 

beetle (be'tl), n. any insect belonging 
to the_ order of Coleoptera, having 
four wings, the anterior or outer pair 
being hardened and serving as a 
horny sheath to the inner pair. 

beetle (be'tl) , v.i. to be prominent ; jut 
out; overhang, as a cliff. 

befall or befal (be-fawl'), v.t. [p.t. 
befell, p.p. befallen, p.pr. befalling], 
to happen or occur to: v.i. come to 
pass. 

befit (be-fit') ; v.t. [p.t. & p.p. befitted, 
p.pr. befitting], befitting or suitable 
to; become. 

before (be-for'), prep, in front of; pre- 
ceding in space, time, or rank; in 
presence or sight of; under jurisdic- 
tion of; rather than; earlier^ than: 
adv. in front; in advance; previously; 
formerly; already. 

beforehand (be-f or'hand) , adv. in 
advance. 

befriend (be-frend'), v.t. to act as a 
friend to; aid or shield; assist. 

beg (beg), v.t. & v.i. [p.t. & p.p. begged, 
p.pr. begging], to ask or supplicate 
in charity; beseech; entreat with 


humility; to practice begging. (The 
phrase "I beg to," in polite usage, is 
employed euphemistically for ask, 
request, as "I beg to state.") 

began (be-gan'), p.t. of begin. 

beget (be-gef), v.t. [p.t. begot, begat, 
p.p. begotten, begot, p.pr. begetting], 
to procreate, as a father or sire; gen- 
erate; produce; cause to exist. 

beggar (beg'er), n. one who entreats 
or supplicates with humility; one 
who makes it his business to beg 
for alms; one who is reduced to 
extreme poverty: v.t. to exhaust the 
resources of; outdo. 

beggary (beg'er-i), n. the state of a 
beggar; extreme poverty; beggars 
collectively 

begin (be-gin'), vi. [p.t. began, p.p. 
begun, p.pr. beginning], to com- 
mence existence; originate; arise; 
to take the initiatory step; make a 
start. 

beginner (be-gin'er), n. one who be- 
gins or originates; one who enters 
upon anything for the first time; a 
novice. 

begone (be-gon'), inter j. go away! 
depart! 

begot (be-gof), p.t. & p.p. of beget. 

begotten (be-got'n), p.p. of beget. 

begrime (be-grim'). See grime. 

begrudge (be-gruj'). See grudge. 

beguile (be-gil'), v.t. to impose upon 
or delude by guile; deceive; cause 
to pass pleasantly; divert or enter- 
tain. 

begun (be-gun'), p.p. of begin. 

behalf (be-haf), n. advantage; favor; 
support; defense; stead; interest 
[governed always by the preposition 
in, on, or upon]. 

behave (be-haV), v.t. to conduct, com- 
port, or acquit: v.i. to act; conduct 
one's self in a proper manner. 

behavior (be-hav'yer) , n. manner of 
behaving, whether good or bad ; con- 
duct; deportment; manners. 

behead (be-hed'), v.t. to cut off the 
head of. 

beheld (be-hekT), p.t. & p.p. of be- 
hold. 

behest (be-hest'), n. a command; pre- 
cept. 

behind (be-hind'), prep, at the back 
of; in the rear of; remaining after; 
inferior to: adv. at the back; in the 

&te, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


BEHINDHAND 


65 


BELONG 


rear; toward the back; out of sight; 
past in point of time. 

behindhand (be-hind'hand), adv. or 
adj. in a state of backwardness; late; 
in arrear. 

behold (be-hold'), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. 
beheld, p.pr. beholding], to fix the 
eyes upon; have in sight; look at; 
observe with care: v.i. to look; direct 
or fix the mind. 

behoove or behove (be-hoov'), v.t. to 
be meet, necessary, or fit for. 

being, p.pr. of be. 

being (be'ing), n. existence, as opposed 
to non-existence; that which exists 
in any form, whether actual or 
ideal. 

belated (be-la'ted), p. adj. delayed; too 
late; overtaken by darkness; be- 
nighted. 

belay (be-la/), v.t. make fast, as a rope, 
by winding round a pin, cleat, &c. 

belch (belch), v.t. to eject with force 
or violence: v.i. to eject wind from 
the stomach: n. the act of ejecting 
wind forcibly. 

beldam (bel'dam) or beldame (bel'- 
dam), n. a grandmother; an ugly old 
woman. 

beleaguer (be-le'ger), v.t. to besiege; 
surround with an army so as to 
preclude escape; blockade. 

belfry (bel'fri), n. a bell tower; that 
part of a steeple or tower in which a 
bell is hung. 

belie (be-ll'), v.t. to calumniate; slan- 
der by lies; give the lie to; show to 
be false. 

belief (be-lef), n. assent to anything 
proposed or declared, and its accept- 
ance as fact, bv^ reason of the au- 
thority whence it proceeds, apart 
from personal knowledge; faith; the 
thing believed; the whole body of 
tenets held by the professors of any 
faith; a creed; a conviction. 

believe (be-leV), v.t. to place credence 
in and accept as true, upon the 
ground of authority, testimony, or 
logical inference apart from per- 
sonal knowledge; place confidence in; 
expect or hope: v.i. to have faith; 
be more or less firmly persuaded 
of the truth of anything; think or 
suppose. 

belike (be-lik'), adv. probably. 

belittle (be-lit'l), v.t. to lower or de- 


preciate; run down by speaking 
slightingly of. 

bell (bel), v.i. to bellow, as deer in 
rutting time; to be in flower: said 
of the hop. 

bell (bel), n. a hollow metallic vessel, 
usually cup-shaped, and giving forth 
a clear, ringing sound when struck; 
anything in the form of a bell: pL 
the divisions of daily time marked 
each half-hour by strokes on a bell: 
v.t. to put a bell on. 

belladonna (bel-a-don'a), n. the dead- 
ly nightshade, a poisonous plant used 
as medicine. Even in small doses it 
causes the pupil of the eye to 
dilate. 

belle (bel), n. a young and handsome 
lady; a reigning beauty. 

belles-lettres (bel-let'r), n.pl. polite or 
elegant literature; light literature; 
poetry, essays, facile criticism. 

bellicose (bel'i-kos), adj. pugnacious; 
contentious; warlike. 

belligerent (bel-ij'er-ent), adj. waging 
war; pertaining to war or warfare; 
warlike: n. a power recognized as 
carrying on war; a person engaged 
in fighting. 

bellow (bel'o), v.i. to utter a full 
resonant sound, as a bull; bawl or 
vociferate; roar, as the sea in a 
tempest, or as the wind when vio- 
lent: v.t. to utter with a loud full 
voice: n. the roar of a bull; a loud, 
resounding outcry. 

bellows (bel'oz), n. sing. & pi. an in- 
strument for producing a current of 
air, and used for various purposes, as 
blowing fires, or filling the pipes of 
an organ. 

belly (bel'i), n. [pi. bellies (bel'iz)], 
that part of the human body which 
extends from the breast to the thighs, 
and contains the bowels; the abdo- 
men; the corresponding part in the 
lower animals; the part of anything 
that swells out into a larger capacity : 
v.i. [p.t. & p.p. bellied, p.pr. bellying], 
to swell and become protuberant; 
bulge out: v.t. to cause to swell out, 
as sails. 

belong (be-long'), v.i. to be the prop- 
erty (of); go along with; be a part 
(of) ; be appendant (to) , or con- 
nected (with) ; be the concern or 
business (of); appertain (to); be 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


BELOVED 


66 


BERG 


suitable: be due; have a settled or 
legal residence (in) ; be native 
(to). 

beloved (be-luvd' & -luv'ed), p.adj. 
greatly loved; dear to the heart: n. 
one who is greatly loved. 

below (be-lo'), prep, under in place; 
beneath; not so high; inferior to in 
rank or excellence; lower in value, 
price, &c: adv. in a lower place; on 
the earth; in hell, or the regions of 
the dead; in a lower rank or grade; 
off duty; under. 

belt (belt), n. a girdle or band used 
to encircle the waist; anything re- 
sembling a belt, or which encircles, 
restrains, or supports, as a belt; a 
strip ; a band ; an heraldic badge de- 
noting knightly rank; one of ^ the 
rings surrounding the planet Jupiter; 
a band connecting two wheels and 
transmitting motion from one to the 
other: v.t. to encircle, as with a belt; 
surround ; to strike with a belt. 

bemoan (be-mon'), v.t. to lament; 
bewail; pity; sympathize with. 

bench (bench), n. [pi. benches (bench'- 
ez)], a long seat; a strong table on 
which mechanics do their work; the 
seat where judges sit in court; the 
persons who sit as judges; the court: 
v.i. to furnish with benches. 

bend (bend), v.t. to curve or make 
crooked; direct to a certain point; 
incline: v.i. to be or become curved 
or crooked; bow or be submissive: 
n. a curve; a crook; a knot: n. one 
of the nine heraldic ordinaries' cross- 
ing from the dexter chief to the sinis- 
ter base point of the escutcheon; 
strictly opposed to bar, but not 
always used accurately. 

bends (bendz), n. a disease prevalent 
among caisson workers, and caused 
by sudden differences in atmospheric 
pressure affecting the valvular action 
of the heart. 

beneath (be-neth'), prep, lower in 
place, with reference to something 
above; under the pressure of; lower 
in rank, dignity, or excellence than; 
unworthy of: adv. in a lower place; 
below. 

benedict (ben'e-dikt), n. a married 
man, especially one newly wedded 
who had previously ridiculed the 
idea of matrimony. From Benedick 


in Shakespeare's play "Much Ado 
about Nothing." [Latin.] 

benediction (ben-e-dik'shun), n. the 
act of blessing; a blessing or expres- 
sion of kind wishes solemnly or 
affectionately invoked; the short 
blessing pronounced at the close of 
public worship. [Latin.] 

beneficent (be-nef'i-sent), adj. charac- 
terized by benevolence. 

beneficial (ben-e-fish'al) , adj. contrib- 
uting to a valuable end; helpful; 
profitable; in law language confer- 
ring or having the right to a benefit 
or user. 

benefit (ben'e-fit), n. an act of kind- 
ness; a favor conferred; whatever 
promotes the happiness and well- 
being of a person or thing, or adds 
to the value of property ; a theatncal 
performance, the proceeds of which 
go to one of the actors, &c: v.t. 
to do good to; be of service to: v.i. 
to gain advantage; make improve- 
ment. 

benevolent (be-nev'5-Ient), adj. kind; 
charitable; philanthropic. 

benign (be-nin'), adj. of a kind or 
gentle disposition; favorable; salu- 
tary; genial. 

benignant (be-nig'nant) , adj. kind; 
gracious; favorable. 

benison (ben'i-zn), n. a blessing. 

bent (bent), adj. curved; crooked; 
strongly inclined; determined: n. a 
turn; an inclination; a leaning or 
bias; disposition; propensity; a stiff 
or wiry grass. 

benumb (be-num'). See numb. 

benzine (ben-zen'), n. a liquid com- 
pounded of the volatile hydrocarbons 
of petroleum, and obtained by distilla- 
tion; used as a solvent and for the 
removal of grease, &c. 

bequeath (be-kwe^'). v.t. to give or 
leave by will; hand down; trans- 
mit. 

bequest (be-kwesf). n. the act of 
leaving by will; something left by 
will; a legacy. 

berate (be-raf). See rate. 

bereave (be-rev'), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. 
bereaved, bereft, p.pr. bereaving], 
to deprive; make destitute [with of 
before the thing taken away]. 

bereft (be-reft'). V-t. &p.p. of bereave. 

berg (berg), n. a large floating mass of 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, n6rth, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


BERRY 


07 


BETIMES 


ice; an iceberg; a sharp pointed rock 
projecting from the sea. 

berry (ber'i), n. [pi. berries (ber'iz)], any 
small pulpy or succulent fruit, as the 
strawberry, &c. ; anything resembling 
a berry in shape: v.i. [p.t. & p.p. 
berried, p.pr. berrying], to bear, pro- 
duce, or gather berries. 

berth (berth), 71. ample or adequate 
sea room; a station which a ship 
occupies at anchorage or port; a 
room in a vessel set apart for officers 
or seamen; a sleeping place for a 
passenger in a ship or railway car- 
riage; a situation or appointment: 
v.t. to allot an anchorage to; give 
space to lie in; allot a sleeping place 
to. 

beryl (ber'il), n. a mineral of varying 
colors, commonly green or greenish- 
blue. It is the silicate of aluminum. 

beseech (be-sech'), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. 
besought, p.pr. beseeching], to en- 
treat; supplicate; implore; beg eag- 
erly for; solicit. 

beseem (be-sem'), v.i. & v.t. [p.t. & p.p. 
-ed, p.pr. -ing], to be suitable or 
seemly; to become; to seem. 

beset (be-set'), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. beset, 
p.pr. besetting], to set or stud; dis- 
tribute over; surround; besiege; 
press upon on all sides ; press hard on. 

besetting (be-set 'ing), adj. habitually 
attacking or coming upon. 

beshrew (be-shroo'), v.t. to wish a 
curse to; execrate. 

beside (be-sid'), prep, at the side of; 
near ; apart from ; not connected with. 

besides (be-sidz'), adv. more than that; 
in addition; as well: prep, over and 
above; separate or distinct from. 

besiege (be-sej'), v.t. to encompass 
with armed forces, in order to compel 
a foe to surrender; lay siege to; beset 
or harass. 

besmirch (be-smerch'), v.t. to soil; 
discolor: sully or dishonor. 

besom (be'zum), n. a brush of twigs 
for sweeping; a broom. 

besot (be-sof), v.t. [p.t. &p.p. besotted, 
p.pr. besotting], to bestialize, as with 
drink; stupefy; infatuate. 

besought (be-sawt'), p.t. & p.p. of 
beseech. 

bespeak (be-spek'), v.t. [p.t. bespoke, 
p.pr. bespeaking], to speak for be- 
forehand; order or arrange in ad- 


vance; betoken; indicate, as by 
signs or marks: n. among actors, a 
benefit. 

best (best), adj. having the highest 
degree of goodness or excellence; 
of the first quality or standing; most 
desirable, suitable, advantageous, 
&c; largest: n. the highest state of 
excellence; the utmost endeavor; all 
one can do or show: adv. (superl. of 
well), in the highest degree; with 
most advantage or success: v.t. to 
get the better of; surpass; outwit. 

bested or bestead (be-sted'), p. adj. 
situated; placed; circumstanced. 

bestial (bes'tial), adj. belonging to a 
beast; animal; having the qualities 
of a beast; brutal; sensual; obscene. 

bestir (be-ster'), v.t. [p.t. & 'p.p. be- 
stirred, p.pr. bestirring], to put into 
brisk or vigorous action. 

bestow (be-sto'), v.t. to lay up in store; 
deposit in safe keeping ; use or apply ; 
give or confer [followed by on or 
upon], 

bestrew (be-stroo') or bestrow (be- 
stro'), v.t. to strew or scatter over. 

bestride (be-strid'), v.t. [p.t. bestrode 
& bestrid, p.p. bestridden, bestrid, 
p.pr. bestriding], to stand or sit on 
with the legs astride; embrace with 
the legs, as a horse. 

bet (bet), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. bet and 
betted, p.pr. betting], to stake or 
pledge on the event of a future 
contingency: u.i. to lay a wager: n. 
the act of wagering; that which is 
laid, staked, or pledged on any event 
or contest the issue of which is un- 
certain; the terms on which a bet 
is arranged. 

betake (be-tak'), v.t. [p.t. betook, p.p. 
betaken, p.pr. betaking], to have 
recourse to; repair; resort; take one's 
self (to). 

bethel (beth'el), n. a hallowed spot; 
a dissenting chapel [English]; a sea- 
man's chapel. 

bethink (be-think'). v.t. & v.i. [p.t. & 
p.p. bethought, p.pr. bethinking], to 
call to mind; consider; remind one's 
self; to reflect. 

betide (be-tid'), v.t. to happen to; be- 
fall: v.i. to come to pass. 

betimes (be-tlmz'), adv. in good season 
or time; before it is too late; early; 
soon. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
5 hue, hut ; think, then. 


BETOKEN 


68 


BIBLIOMANIA 


betoken (be-to'kn), v.t. to indicate 
by signs; serve as a sign or token 
of; foreshadow by what is visibly 
present. 

betook, p.t. of betake. 

betray (be-tra/), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. be- 
trayed, p.pr. betraying], to deliver 
into the hands of an enemy by 
treachery; violate by fraud or un- 
faithfulness; reveal in breach of 
confidence; disclose inadvertently; 
deceive; indicate or show. 

betroth (be-troth'), # v.t. to_ contract 
to give any one in marriage; affi- 
ance; plight or pledge one's troth 
to. 

better (bet'er), adj. [used as the corn- 
par, qf good], having good qualities 
in a greater degree than another; 
preferable or more suitable; im- 
proved in health; more perfect; 
larger; greater: adv. [used as compar. 
of well], in a superior or more excel- 
lent manner; more correctly or 
thoroughly; in a higher degree; 
more in extent: v.t. to improve or 
ameliorate; increase the good quali- 
ties of; surpass; excel; outdo: v.i. 
to become better: n. a superior; 
one who has a claim to precedence 
[usually in the pi.]; superiority, or 
advantage over [usually with of]. 

between (be-twen') , prep, in the space 
or interval which separates ; in inter- 
mediate relation to; from one to 
another of; shared in common. 

bevel (bev'el), v.t. {pt. & p.p. -ed, p.pr. 
-ing], to cut to a bevel-angle: v.i. to 
slant or incline off to a bevel-angle: 
n. an angle otherwise than a right 
angle (90°); the inclination which 
one surface makes with another when 
not at right angles; an instrument 
used for drawing angles: adj. having 
the form of a bevel; aslant. 

beverage (bev'er-aj), n. a drink of any 
description; liquor for drinking. 

bevy (bev'i), n. a company or assembly 
of persons, especially of ladies; a flock 
of quails or larks. 

bewail (be-wal'), v.t. to mourn or weep 
aloud for; lament: v.i. to express 
grief. 

beware (be-war'), v.i. to be on one's 
guard; be wary or cautious. 

bewilder (be-wil'der), v.t. to lead into 
perplexity or confusion; to puzzle. 


bewitch (be-wich'), v.t. to cast a spell 
over; subject to witchcraft; charm 
beyond the power of resistance; 
fascinate. 

bewray (be-ra/). v.t. [p.t. & p.p. be- 
wrayed, p.pr. bewraying], to expose, 
reveal. 

bey (ba), n. a governor of a province 
or district in the Turkish dominions ; 
a Turkish title of respect. Also 
written beg. [Turkish.] 

beyond (be-yond'), prep, on the fur- 
ther side of; before; past; out of 
reach of; later than; above; in a 
degree or amount exceeding or sur- 
passing: adv. further away; yonder: 
n. that state of existence which 
is beyond our present experi- 
ence. 

bhang or bang (bang), n. an Eastern 
drug prepared from the dried leaves 
and also from the gummy exudation 
of the hemp plant, having strong 
narcotic and astringent qualities; 
hashish. 

biannual (bi-an'u-al) , adj. occurring 
twice in a year. 

bias (bi'as), n. [pi. biases (bi'as-ez)], a 
seam formed oy uniting the edges 
of two pieces of cloth cut obliquely 
to the texture; a weight on the side 
of a bowl which causes it to turn 
from a straight line; prepossession 
or undue propensity for; prejudice: 
v.t. [p.t. & p.p. -ed, p.pr. -ing], to 
give a bias or particular direction 
to; incline to one side; influence; 
prejudice; prepossess: adv. in a 
slanting manner; obliquely. 

bib (bib), n. & piece of cloth placed 
under an infant's chin to protect its 
clothes. 

Bible (bi'bl), n. the Book (or the 
Books) by pre-eminence; the writ- 
ings of the Old and New Testament, 
whether in the original tongues or 
translated. [Greek.] 

bibliography (bib-li-og'ra-fi) , n. the 
science or description of books ; a list 
of authorities on any subject. 

bibliolatry (bib-li-ora-tri) , n. book 
worship; excessive reverence for the 
letter of the Scriptures. 

bibliology (bib-li-ol'o-ji) , n. an ac- 
count of books ; Biblical literature or 
doctrine. 

bibliomania (bib-li-o-ma/ni-a) , n. a 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, oot ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


BIBLIOPHILE 


69 


BILITERAL 


mania for acquiring rare and curious 
books. ' 

bibliophile (bib'li-o-fil), n. a lover of 
books less for their bindings than for 
their contents. 

bibulous (bib'u-lus), adj. readily ab- 
sorbing or imbibing fluids; addicted 
to drink. 

bicarbonate (bl-kar'bon-at), n. a 
carbonate of salt containing two 
equivalents of carbonic acid to one 
of a base, as bicarbonate of soda, 
where the soda is the base. 

bicentenary (bi-sen'te-na-ri) , n. the 
two hundredth anniversary of any 
event, or its celebration: adj. per- 
taining to a bicentenary. 

biceps (bi'seps), n. a muscle having 
two heads; the large flexor muscle 
of the arm andjthigh. 

bichloride (bi-klo'rld or bi-klo'rid), n. 
a compound of two or more atoms of 
chlorine combined with a base. 

bicker (bik'er), v.i. to engage in petty 
altercation; move rapidly with a 
noise; quiver; flicker: n. sl noisy 
wrangle. 

bicuspid (bi-kus'pid) or bicuspidate 
(bi-kus'pi-dat), adj. having two 
points or prominences: n. one of the 
double-pointed teeth forming the 
first pair of molars on either side of 
the jaw, above and below. 

bicycle (bi'si-kl), n. a vehicular ma- 
chine of various forms, but consist- 
ing primarily of two wheels placed 
in line, connected by a fork and 
backbone, and supporting a saddle 
for the rider, the machine being 
propelled by means of treadles at- 
tached to cranks or levers: v.i. to 
ride on a bicycle. 

bid (bid), v.t. [p.t. bade (bad) or bid, 
p.p. bidden, bid, p.pr. bidding], to 
make an offer of; propose as a price; 
offer for; invite; request; ask; offer 
or express by words; command; 
order or direct; enjoin; to proclaim: 
v.i. to make an offer; offer a price: 
n. an offer of a price. 

bide (bid), v.i. [p.t. & p.p. bode (bod), 
bided (bi'ded), p.pr. biding (bid'ing)], 
inhabit; reside: v.t. to endure; suffer; 
wait for. 

bidental (bi-den'tal) or bidentate 
(bi-den'tat), adj. having two teeth, 
or two tooth-like processes. 


biennial (bi-en'ni-al), adj. happening 
once in two years; continuing or 
existing for two years, as plants: 
n. a plant which produces roots and 
leaves in the first year, and in the 
second flowers, fruit, and seed, after- 
wards perishing; something which is 
^held once in two years. 

bier (ber), n. a frame or carriage on 
which a corpse is placed, or conveyed 
^to the grave; a tomb. 

biff (bif), n. a sudden blow delivered 
with the fist. [Slang.] 

bifurcation (bi-fer-ka'shun), n. a fork- 
ing or division into two branches. 

big (big), adj. [compear, bigger, superl. 
biggest], of great bulk or magnitude; 
grown up; pregnant; full of some- 
thing important; pompous. 

bigamy (big'a-mi), n. the offense of 
contracting a second marriage during 
the existence of a former marriage. 

bight (bit), n. a loop or bend of a 
rope, in distinction from the ends; 
a bend in a coast-line forming an 
open bay; a small bay between two 
headlands. 

bigot (big'ot), n. one who is unreason- 
ably and blindly attached to a par- 
ticular creed, church or party; one 
who is intolerant of opinions which 
differ from his own. 

bilateral (bi-lat'er-al), adj. pertaining 
to, or having, two sides. 

bilberry (bil'ber-ri), n. [pi. bilberries 
(bil'ber-riz)], the whortleberry. 

bile (bil), n. a yellow bitter fluid 
secreted by the fiver from venous 
blood; ill-humor. 

bilge (bilj), n. the bulging part of a 
cask; the broadest part of a ship's 
bottom, on which the vessel rests 
when aground: v.i. to spring a leak 
by a fracture in the bilge: v.t. to 
stave, or break in, the bottom or 
bilge of a ship. 

bilingual (bi-ling'gwal), adj. written 
or expressed in two languages; pos- 
sessing the command of two lan- 
guages. 

bilious (bil'yus), adj. pertaining to the 
bile; having the system disordered by 
derangement of the biliary function; 
choleric. 

biliteral (bi-lit'er-al), adj. consisting 
of two letters: n. a word, root, or 
syllable consisting of two letters. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit : note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut; think, then. 


BILK 


70 


BIRD 


bilk (bilk), v.t. to spoil the score of an 
opponent at cribbage; deceive or 
defraud, as by evading a payment; 
leave in the lurch: n. the act of 
spoiling the score of an opponent 
at cribbage; a swindler. 
bill (bil), n. the beak of a bird: v.i. to 
join bills, as doves; caress in fond- 
ness; to paste up bills or posters. 

bill (bil), n. a kind of hatchet with a 
blade hoop-shaped toward the point, 
used in pruning, &c; a battle-axe, 
attached to a long staff, formerly 
used by infantry; the extremity of 
the fluke of an anchor. 

bill (bil), n. an account for goods sold, 
services rendered, or work done; a 
document binding the signer or 
signers to pay a specified sum at a 
certain date or on demand ; a govern- 
ment note; a draft of a proposed 
statute presented to a legislature; a 
printed advertisement; any written 
paper containing a statement of par- 
ticulars; a written declaration of 
wrong or injury sustained or com- 
mitted. 

billet (bil'et), n. a small paper in 
writing ; a note or short letter ; ticket 
directing soldiers at what house to 
lodge; a soldier's lodging; an office 
or assignment: v.t. to quarter or 
lodge, as soldiers: v.i. to be quartered 
or lodged. 

billet (bil'et), n. a small stick or log 
of wood, as for fuel; an ornament in 
Norman work, resembling a billet of 
wood. 

billiards (bil'yerdz), n. a game played 
on a rectangular, cloth-covered slate 
table, 12 ft. x 6 ft. in size, with ivory 
balls and a cue. 

billion (bil'yun), n. in the United 
States one thousand millions (1,000,- 
000,000); in England a million mil- 
lions (1,000,000,000,000). 

billow (bil'o), n. a great wave of the 
sea swelled by the wind: v.i. to rise 
and roll in large waves or surges. 

bimetallism (bl-met'al-izm), n. the 
legalized adoption of two metals (as 
gold and silver) in the currency of a 
country, at a fixed ratio. 

bimonthly (bi-munth'li) , adj. occur- 
ring once in two months. [Some- 
times incorrectly employed to desig- 
nate semi-monthly periodicals.] 


bin (bin), n. a receptacle for any com- 
modity, as corn, coal, &c; a frame 
for bottles in a wine-cellar. 

binary (bl'na-ri), adj. consisting of 
two things or parts; twofold. 

bind (bind), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. bound, 
p.pr. binding], to confine or make 
fast with a cord or band; confine 
or restrain by physical force; unite 
by bonds of affection, loyalty, or 
duty; hold by any moral tie; hinder 
or restrain; protect or strengthen 
by a band, border or cover; fasten 
together; cause to cohere; place 
under legal obligation: v.i. to tie 
up; confine by ligature or band; 
be obligatory; grow hard or stiff; 
stick together: n. anything which 
binds or ties; a twining stem; a 
stalk of hops; indurated clay or 
shale forming the roof of a coal- 
seam; a musical sign or brace group- 
ing notes together. 

binomial (bi-no'mi-al), n. an expres- 
sion or quantity consisting of two 
terms connected by the sign plus 
( + ) or minus ( — ) : adj. consisting of 
two terms; pertaining to binomials; 
having two names. 

biograph (bi'6-graf), n. a device for 
projecting animated pictures upon a 
screen. 

biography (bi-og'ra-fi) , n. [pi. biog- 
raphies (bl-og'ra-fiz)], the history of 
the life of a particular person; bio- 
graphical writings in general. 

biology (bi-ol'o-ji), n. the science 
which deals with the origin and life- 
history of plants and animals. 

biped (bi'ped), adj. having two feet: 
n. a two-footed animal. 

biplane (bl'plan), n. a flying machine 
with two planes or gliding boards, 
firmly braced together, as in the 
Wright machine. 

birch (berch), n. [pi. birches (berch'- 
ez)], a tree or shrub belonging to the 
genus Betula; a rod formed of birch 
twigs used for punishment; a birch- 
bark canoe: adj. birchen: v.t. to 
chastise with a birch rod; 
flog. 

bird (berd), n. a warm-blooded feath- 
ered vertebrate, furnished with 
wings, and belonging to the class 
Aves; small feathered game, as dis- 
tinguished from water-fowl. 


ate, arm, at, awl; me, merge, met; mite, mit; note, north, not; boon, book; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


BIRTH 


71 


BLACKBIRD 


birth (berth), n. the act of coming into 
life ; the fact of being born ; the act of 
bringing forth; lineage; extraction; 
descent; origin; beginning. 

biscuit (bis'kit), n. a kind of unraised 
bread, baked hard and dry, and 
shaped into flat cakes; pottery after 
the first baking and previous to 
glazing and burning. 

bisect (bl-sekt'), v.t. to cut or divide 
into two equal parts. 

bishop (bish'up), n. one of the highest 
orders of an Episcopal Church; be- 
low an archbishop in rank, but above 
a priest; a spiritual overseer; the 
spiritual head or ruler of a diocese, 
having the power of ordination, con- 
firmation, and consecration. 

bismuth (bis'- or biz'muth), n. one of 
the elements; a light reddish-colored 
metal of brittle texture, much used 
in stereotyping. It is one of the 
metals that were early known in 
chemistry. Probably the ancients 
used it, but it was first scientifically 
described in 1450. 

bison (bl'son), n. the aurochs, or 
European bison, still preserved in 
Lithuania; the American bison, in- 
accurately termed a buffalo , which 
is now practically extinct. 

bisque (bisk), n. an unglazed white 
porcelain, used for statuettes, &c. 

bit (bit), p.t. & p.p. of bite. 

bit (bit), n. a tool for boring; the metal 
mouthpiece of a bridle; the part of a 
key which enters the lock and acts on 
the bolts and tumblers; the cutting 
blade of a plane ; a small piece or frag- 
ment of anything; any small coin: 
v.t. [p.t. & p.p. bitted, p.pr. bitting], 
to put a briale upon; put the bit in 
the mouth of. 

bitch (bich), n. the female of the dog, 
or of other canine animals. 

bite (bit), v.t. [p.t. bit, p.p. bitten, 
bit, p.pr. biting], to seize, grip, cut, 
or crush with the teeth; sting, as an 
insect; cause smarting pain to; cut; 
pinch, as with intense cold; blight 
or blast; take fast hold on; to cor- 
rode or eat into; to cheat, trick, take 
in [now only in p.p.}: v.i. to have 
the habit or exercise the power of 
biting; inflict injury with the teeth; 
cause to sting or smart; take a bait; 
take a firm hold: n. the act of seizing 


with the teeth; a wound made by the 
teeth, or by a sting; a mouthful; a 
hold or grip; in printing, a blank on 
a page due to some intervening 
substance between the paper and the 
type. 

bitten (bit/n), p.p. of bite. 

bitter (bit'er), adj. having a sharp or 
harsh taste; acrid; piercing; painful; 
grievous ; poignant ; severe ; reproach- 
ful; caustic; sarcastic; cruel: n. any 
substance that is bitter to the taste. 
Distinct from sour; a grape-fruit is 
bitter while a lemon is sour. 

bittern (bit'ern), n. a wading bird of 
the heron family. The sound it 
makes is called bumping. 

bitters (bit'ers), n.pl. liquor in which 
herbs or roots are steeped. 

bitumen (bi-tu'men), n. mineral 
pitrh. 

bivalve (bl'valv), adj. having two 
valves or shells united by a ligament: 
n. a mollusk whose shell is composed 
of two parts or valves, connected by 
a ligament or hinge, which are 
opened or closed by muscles, as the 
oyster or mussel. 

bivouac (biv'od-ak), n. an encamp- 
ment of soldiers in the open air, 
without tents: hence, any open afr 
encampment: v.i. to encamp without 
tents in the open. 

bizarre (bi-zar'), adj. odd in manner or 
appearance; fanciful; grotesque. 

blab (blab), v.t. [p.t & p.p. blabbed, 
p.pr. blabbing], to tell thoughtlessly: 
v.i. to talk indiscreetly; tell tales: n. 
one who lets out secrets, or is given 
to gossip. 

black (blak), adj. destitute of light; 
of the darkest hue; opposed to 
white; enveloped in darkness; dis- 
mal; gloomy or forbidding; desti- 
tute of moral light or goodness; 
atrocious; evil; calamitous; threat 
ening; clouded with anger; sullen 
n. the darkest color; the opposite ol 
white; a black pigment or dye; a 
negro; mourning: v.t. to make black; 
blacken; apply blacking to. 

blackberry (blak'ber-ri), n. the fruit 
of several species of bramble. * 

blackbird (blak'berd), n. an English 
song bird, a species of thrush. 
Called also merle, ousel, or black 
thrush; a crow-like bird of North 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


BLACKBOARD 


72 


BLAZON 


America; a name given to a kid- 
napped negro or Polynesian. 

blackboard (blak'bord), n. a rectangu- 
lar piece of wood, covered with a 
hard black substance, and hung upon 
an easel or upon the side of a wall, 
and used for the marking out of any 
kind of problem in chalk or chalk- 
crayons. 

blackguard (blag'ard), n. a man of 
low character, and addicted to the 
use of foul or abusive language; a 
scoundrel : adj. vicious ; low ; vile ; 
scurrilous; abusive: v.t. to revile in 
scurrilous language. 

blackmail (blak'mal), n. a tax an- 
ciently paid in money, corn, or cat- 
tle, in the north of England, and in 
Scotland, to the agents of robbers, 
to secure protection from pillage: 
hence extortion by means of intimi- 
dation: v.t. to extort money or 
goods by intimidation of any kind. 

bladder (blad'er), n. a thin elastic 
membranous bag in animals, in 
which a fluid is collected; any ves- 
icle, blister, or pustule containing 
fluid or air; a hollow membranous 
appendage to some plants: v.t. put 
up in a bladder, as lard. 

blade (blad), n. the leaf of a grass; the 
young stalk or spire of a grass; the 
broad expanded part of a leaf; 
the cutting part of an instrument; 
the broad part of an oar; anything 
resembling a blade; a dashing, reck- 
less, rollicking fellow: v.t. to fur- 
nish with a blade: v.i. put forth 
blades. 

blame (blam), v.t. to censure; re- 
proach: n. an imputation of a fault; 
censure; responsibility for anything 
wrong. 

blanch (blanch), v.t. 'to take the color 
out; make lustrous; to remove the 
covering of: v.i. become white; turn 
pale: n. lead ore found separate in 
the rock. [French.] 

bland (bland), adj. mild; soft; gentle; 
affable; soothing. 

blandishment (blan'dish-ment), n. 
the use of winning expressions or 
actions; artful caressing. 

blank (blangk), adj. confounded; con- 
fused; dejected; empty; free from 
writing or printing; without result; 
absolute; complete: n. any void 


space; an unfilled space in a writ- 
ten or printed document; a lottery 
ticket for which no prize is drawn; 
a disk of metal prior to stamping; 
the white spot in the center of a 
target; a cartridge that is loaded 
without any bullet: v.t. a euphemis- 
tic form of the oath damn. 

blanket (blang'ket), n. a soft, loosely 
woven woolen cloth for a bed or 
as a covering: v.t. to toss in a 
blanket by way of punishment or 
joke; pass to windward to take the 
wind out of the sails of. 

blare (blar), v.i. to bellow; to give 
forth a loud sound like a trumpet: 
v.t. to sound loudly; trumpet forth: 
n. a noise like the blast of a trum- 
pet. 

blarney (blar'ni), n. soft, wheedling 
speech; flattery: v.t. [p.t. & p.p. blar- 
neyed, p.pr. blarneying], to influence 
or talk over by soft wheedling 
speeches; humbug with flattery. 

blasphemy (blas'fe-mi), n. [pi. blas- 
phemies (blas'fe-miz)], impious, pro- 
fane, or mocking speech concerning 
God or sacred things ; expressed con- 
tempt or contumely for the per- 
sonality or authority of God. 

blast (blast), n. a violent or sudden 
gust of wind; a forcible stream of 
air from an orifice; the sound pro- 
duced by blowing a wind instru- 
ment; any sudden pernicious in- 
fluence upon plants or animals; a 
blight; the explosion of gunpowder, 
dynamite, &c, in rending or remov- 
ing rocks, or the charge so used; a 
flatulent disease in sheep: v.t. to 
cause to fade or wither by some 
pernicious influence; blight; to shat- 
ter by any explosive agent. 

blatant (bla'tant), adj. bawling; noisy. 

blather (blaf/i'er), n. foolish chatter. 

blaze (blaz), n. a body of flame; bril- 
liant sunlight; a sudden bursting 
out; active display; a white spot on 
the face of a horse or other quad- 
ruped; a white mark cut on a tree, 
to serve as a guide: v.t. to mark, as 
trees, by removing a portion of the 
bark; to indicate, as a path or 
boundary, by blazing trees; publish 
widely: v.i. to flame; send forth a 
brilliant light; be conspicuous. 

blazon (bla'zn), n. a coat of arms; 


ate, arm, at, awl; me, merge, met; mite, mit ; note, north, not; boon, book; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


BLEACH 


73 


BLOCK 


a description of armorial bearings; 
ostentatious display: v.t. to explain 
technically, according to heraldic 
rules; embellish; display; proclaim 
boastingly. 

bleach (blech), v.t. £© make white by 
removing color or dirt by the action 
of the sun's rays, or by a chemical 
process: v.i. to grow or become 
white. 

bleak (blek), adj. exposed to wind and 
cold; desolate; unsheltered; cheer- 
less; piercing. 

bleak (blek), n. a small river fish, 
remarkable for its brilliant silvery 
scales. 

blear (bier), adj. sore or dim from a 
watery discharge: said of the eyes: 
v.t. to make sore or watery, as the 
eyes; to dim or obscure. 

bleat (blet), v.i. to cry as, or like, a 
sheep: n. a cry, as of a sheep. 

bleed (bled), v.i. [p.t. & p.p. bled, p.pr. 
bleeding], to emit, or lose blood; to 
shed one's blood; to lose sap or 
juice; to pay or lose money freely: 
v.t. to take blood from; take money, 
&c, from. 

blemish (blem'ish), v.t. to injure; 
stain; mar; tarnish; defame: n. any 
defect or deformity, physical or 
moral; a blemish. 

blench (blench), v.i. to start back; 
flinch; quail. 

blend (blend), v.t. to mix together, 
so that the things mixed cannot be 
separated or individually distin- 
guished: v.i. to mingle imperceptibly: 
n. a mixture. 

bless (bles), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. -ed & blest, 
p.pr. -ing], to consecrate; invoke a 
blessing upon; bestow happiness 
upon; praise or extol; esteem. 

blessing (bles'ing), n. an invocation 
of happiness on another; a benedic- 
tion; that which promotes prosper- 
ity; a divine benefit or gift; a mercy 
or boon; grateful adoration. 

blew (bloo), p.t. of blow. 

blight (bllt), n. a disease in plants, 
which causes them to wither partly 
or wholly; smut; mildew; anything 
which serves to check, nip, or de- 
stroy: v.t. to affect with blight; to 
check, nip, destroy, or frustrate. 

blind (blind), adj. destitute of the 
sense of sight; without light, morally 


or intellectually; undiscriminating; 
inconsiderate ; hidden ; essentially in- 
complete; closed at one end; without 
understanding: n. anything which 
serves to hinder or obstruct vision, 
or intercept the passage of light; a 
window-screen; a blinker; something 
to mislead the eye or the under- 
standing: v.t. to deprive of sight; 
make blind, intellectually or morally. 

blink (blink), v.i. to wink with or as 
with the eye; twinkle; to get a 
glimpse; glimmer: v.t. to evade or 
shut one's eyes to; shirk: n. a 
glimpse or glance ; a gleam ; a twinkle ; 
the gleam reflected from ice at sea: 
pi. boughs cast in the path of deer 
to check their course. 

blinker (bling'ker), n. one who blinks; 
a leather flap placed one on each side 
of a horse's bridle to prevent him 
from seeing any object except in 
front; that which obscures the sight 
or mental perception: pi. colored 
spectacles to shield the eyes from 
excess of light. 

bliss (blis), n. the highest degree of 
happiness; blessedness; the perfect 
joy of heaven. 

blister (blis'ter), n. a vesicle or pustule 
on the skin containing watery matter 
or serUm; an elevation made by the 
raising of an external film or skin ; an 
application to the skin to produce a 
blister: v.t. to raise a blister or blisters 
on: v.i. to rise in blisters, or become 
covered with blisters. 

blithe (bllth or birth), adj. gay; joyous; 
glad; mirthful; sprightly. 

blizzard (bliz'ard), n. a furious hurri- 
cane of wind with fine blinding snow, 
and characterized by intense cold; a 
poser. [Americanism.] 

bloat (blot), v.t. to cure or dry in 
smoke. 

bloat (blot), v.t. to cause to swell; 
make turgid or swollen, as with 
water or air; inflate; make vain: v.i. 
to grow turgid. 

block (blok), n. any unshaped solid 
mass of matter, as of wood, stone, 
&c; a piece of wood for supporting 
the neck of a person condemned 
to be decapitated; a piece of hard 
wood prepared for the tool of the 
engraver; the piece of hard wood 
to which an electrotype, &c, is se- 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


BLOCKADE 


74 


BLUE 


cured; a wooden mold for shaping 
hats; the piece of wood in which 
the wheels of one or more grooved 
pulleys run; a row of buildings; a 
square or portion of a city enclosed 
by streets; an obstruction; hin- 
drance; shares bought or sold in the 
mass: v.i. to obstruct so as to hin- 
der the passage of persons or things; 
stop up; obstruct; to secure or sup- 
port by blocks; to mold or shape on 
a block; to stop a train by signal; 
to give notice of opposition to a bill, 
which cannot then be proceeded with 
after a specified time. 

blockade (blok-ad'), n. the shutting 
up of a place, as a port, by hostile 
snips or troops, with a view to com- 
pelling a surrender by preventing 
ingress or egress, or the reception of 
supplies: v.t. to close in upon and 
shut. 

blond (blond), adj. of a fair color; 
light colored: n. a person of very fair 
complexion and light hair. Fem- 
inine, blonde. 

blood (blud), n. the fluid which cir- 
culates in the arteries and veins of 
an animal; the juice of anything, 
especially if red; kinship; consan- 
guinity; lineage; extraction; high 
birth; temper; a man of high spirit; 
fleshy nature; blood shed in sacri- 
fice; the Atonement: v.t. to give a 
taste of blood; inure to the sight of 
blood. 

bloodhound (blud'hound) , n. a breed 
of large dogs remarkable for their 
acuteness of smell, and employed to 
track wounded game, or, as formerly, 
fugitive slaves and escaped criminals ; 
a blood-hunter. 

bloodthirsty (blud'thers-ti) , adj. eag- 
t for blood; anxious to kill or 
estroy. 

bl om (bloom), n. a blossom; the 
flower of a plant ; the blossoming of 
flowers; a state or period of health 
and growth, promising higher per- 
fection, or exhibiting freshness and 
beauty; the blue color upon certain 
newly-gathered fruits; a flush; a 
glow; the powdery appearance on 
new coins, &c; a rough mass of 
iron from the puddling furnace, in- 
tended to be drawn out under the 
hammer or rolled into bars: v.i. to 


produce blossoms; flower; exhibit 
the freshness and beauty of youth; 
glow. 

blossom (blos'um), n. the flower of 
a plant; the state of flowering; 
bloom: v.i. to put forth blossoms; 
flower; flourish. 

blot (blot), n. a spot or stain; an 
obliteration or erasure; a blemish; 
disgrace: v.t. [p.t. & p.p. blotted, 
p.p. blotting], to spot or stain; mar; 
stain with infamy; cancel or efface 
[usually with out] ; dry with blotting- 
paper; eclipse; obscure. 

blotch (bloch), n. a large irregular 
spot; a clumsy daub; an eruption, 
or pustule: v.t. to mark or disfigure 
with irregular blots or spots. 

blouse (blouz), n. a light, loose over- 
garment; a French workman: such 
artisans usually wearing a blue 
blouse. 

blow (bio), n. a mass of blossoms; the 
state or condition of flowering: v.i. 
[p.t. blew, p.p. blown, p.pr. blowing], 
to blossom; flower. 

blow (bio), n. a stroke with the hand 
or with a weapon; a knock; an act 
of hostility; a sudden shock or ca- 
lamity ._ 

blow (bio), v.i. [p.t. blew, p.p. blown, 
p.pr. blowing], to form or make a 
current of air; pant; sound by being 
blown; spout water; boast: v.t. to 
drive a current of air upon ; impel by 
a current of air; sound a wind in- 
strument by forcing through; form 
by inflation; put out of breath by 
fatigue; scatter or shatter by ex- 
plosive; spread by report; deposit 
eggs in or upon: n. a blowing; a 
blast; a gale of wind; an egg de- 
posited by a fly; the spouting of a 
whale. 

blubber (blub'er), v.i. to weep vio- 
lently, or so as to disfigure the face: 
v.t. to disfigure with weeping: n. the 
fat of whales and other cetaceans, 
from which train-oil is prepared; a 
jelly-fish ormedusa. 

blucher (blooch'er), n. a strong half 
boot, named after theGerman Field- 
marshal Blucher (Blu'cher). 

bludgeon (bluj'un), n. a short heavy 
stick, sometimes loaded, used as a 
weapon. 

blue (blu), adj. of the color of the 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, ndrth, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


BLUFF 


75 


BOBBIN 


clear sky; azure; low-spirited; dis- 
mal; severe; pedantic: n. color of 
the clear sky; one of the primary 
colors; azure; a dye or pigment of 
this color; pale without glare, as a 
flame: v.t. to make, or dye, blue. 

bluff (bluf), adj. having a broad, 
flattened front; rising high or 
boldly; broad and full; rough and 
hearty; surly; gruff: n. a high steep 
bank: a cliff or headland with a 
broad steep face: v.t. to deceive, or 
gain an advantage over, an oppo- 
nent in a game of poker, by in- 
ducing the other players to suppose 
one's hand is more valuable than it 
is in reality: hence to frighten by 
an assumed possession of strength 
or knowledge. 

blunder (blun'der), v.i. to make a 
gross mistake; err stupidly; to move 
or act clumsily: n. a gross or stupid 
mistake. 

blunt (blunt), adj. having a thick or 
rounded edge or point; not sharp; 
dull in understanding; abrupt in 
address; plain-spoken: n. money, 
especially silver money: v.t. to dull 
the edge or point of, by making it 
thicker; impair the force, keenness, 
or susceptibility of. 

blur (bier), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. blurred, 

S.pr. blurring], to dim; sully; stain; 
lemish: n. a smudge; a moral stain 
or blemish; a dim confused appear- 
ance. 

blurt (blert), v.t. to speak inadver- 
tently; divulge unadvisedly [usually 
with out]. 

blush (blush), v.i. to become red in 
the face, as from shame or confusion; 
bloom; feel shame (for) : n. the suffu- 
sion of the cheeks or face with a red 
color, through shame, confusion, 
modesty, &c; a red or reddish color; 
a rosy tint. 

bluster (blus'ter), v.i. to be windy 
and boisterous, as the weather; talk 
in a noisy, swaggering style; bully; 
use empty threats: v.t. to utter with 
noisy violence [with forth or out]: 
n. the noise and violence of a storm, 
or *of the wind in impotent gusts; 
noisy talk; empty menace: swagger. 

boar (bor), n. the male of swine; the 
wild hog, or wild boar. 

board (bord), n. a piece of timber 


sawed thin, and of considerable 
length and breadth compared with 
the thickness; a table for food; pro- 
vision; entertainment; a council or 
court; a number of persons elected 
to the management of some public 
or private office or trust; a table or 
frame on which games are played; 
a thick stiff kind of paper; one of 
the two stiff covers of a book: pi. 
the stage of a theater; the side, deck, 
or interior part of a ship or boat; 
the line over which a ship runs be- 
tween tack and tack: v.t. to cover 
with boards; place at a board; fur- 
nish with food, or food and lodging, 
for a compensation; go on board of; 
enter a ship by force: v.i. to be sup- 

{)lied with meals, or obtain food and 
odging, at a fixed charge. 

boast (bost), v.i. to brag; to speak of 
one's self or belongings in assertive 
and bombastic terms; vaunt; exult: 
v.t. to brag of: n. proud, vainglorious 
speech; a cause of boasting; occasion 
of pride, vanity, or laudable exulta- 
tion; a stroke, in tennis, driving a 
ball at an acute angle against the 
court wall. 

boat (bot), n. a small open vessel 
usually moved by oars but often by 
a sail or a motor attachment ; a ship ; 
an open dish resembling a boat in 
shape: v.t. to transport in a boat: v.i. 
to go in a boat; row; sail. 

bob (bob), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. bobbed, 
p.pr. bobbing], to impart a short- 
jerking motion to; to cut shorty v.i. 
to have a short jerking motion; 
move or play to and fro, or up and 
down; to angle with a bob: n. any 
small round object playing loosely 
at the end of a cord, chain, &c; a 
pendant; an ear-drop; the weight of 
the end of a pendulum, plumb-line, 
&c; a knot of worms or rags on a 
string, used in angling for eels; a 
float; a short jerking action or mo- 
tion; a shilling. 

bobbin (bob 'in), n. one of the pins 
or small cylinders of wood used to 
carry and steady the threads in 
pillow-lace making; a spool or reel 
with a head at one or both ends, 
used to hold yarn or thread for 
spinning, weaving, or sewing; a 
machine-made cotton netting or 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met : mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


BOBTAIL 


76 


BOMB 


lace, in imitation of pillow-lace; 
bobbinet. 

bobtail (bob'tal), n. a short tail or a 
tail cut short; the rabble (rag-tag and 
bobtail) . 

Boche (bosh), n. a popular French 
term for 'German/ 

bode (bod), v.t. to portend; be an omen 
of: v.i. to augur; presage. 

bodice (bod'is), n. the close-fitting 
waist or body of a woman's dress. 

bodkin (bod'kin), n. a pointed instru- 
ment for piercing holes; a blunt 
needle for drawing tape, ribbon, &c, 
through a hem or loop; a long pin 
or stiletto to fasten up the hair; an 
awl-like printer's tool. 

body (bod'i), n. [pi. bodies (bod'iz)], 
the material organized substance of 
an animal, as distinguished from the 
soul, spirit, or vital principle; the 
trunk, or main portion, of an animal 
or tree; the main or principal part 
of anything; a person; a number of 
individuals united by some common 
tie; a corporation; a united mass; a 
general collection; any solid geomet- 
rical figure; a material thing; a cer- 
tain consistency or density; sub- 
stance; strength, as wine, &c: v.t. 
[p.t. & p.p. bodies, p.pr. bodying] 

bog (bog), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. bogged, p.pr. 
bogging], to sink or submerge in a 
bog or quagmire: v.i. to sink or stick 
in a bog: n. a tract of wet, spongy 
ground, composed of decayed and 
decaying vegetable matter; a quag- 
mire; marsh; morass. 

bogey or bogy (bo'gi), n. [pi. bogeys, 
bogies (bo'giz)], a hobgoblin; a 
spectre. Also bogey-man. 

boggle (bog'gl), v.i. to hesitate; waver; 
equivocate; act clumsily; bungle; 
shy, as of a horse: v.t. to make a 
bungle of; embarrass: n. the act of 
hesitating or taking alarm ; a bungle ; 
botch. 

bogus (bo'gus), adj. counterfeit ; spuri- 
ous; first used of base money and 
thus applied to anything that was 
not genuine. 

boil (boil), v.i. to be in a state of 
ebullition through the action of 
heat; seethe; be agitated or excited 
by passion or anger; be subjected to 
the action of boiling water: v.t. to 
heat to the boiling point; cause to 


bubble by heat; collect from, or 
separate, by boiling; subject to the 
action of heat in a boiling liquid. 

boil (boil), n. an inflamed and painful 
suppurating tumor. 

boisterous (bois'ter-us), adj. violent; 
rough^ stormy; turbulent; noisy. 

bold (bold), adj. courageous; venture- 
some; planned or executed with 
courage and spirit; forward; rude; 
impudent ; over-stepping conven- 
tional rules; striking to the eye; 
steep; abrupt; prominent. 

bole (bol), n. the trunk or stem of a 
tree; a general term for friable clayey 
shale or clay, usually colored by 
oxide of iron. 

bolero (bo-la'ro), n. a lively Spanish 
dance ; the music accompanying such 
a dance; a short jacket, such as is 
worn by bull-fighters. [Spanish.] 

bolster (bol'ster), n. a long pillow or 
cushion used to support the head; a 
pad to ease pressure; a compress; a 
cushioned or padded part of a sad- 
dle: v.t. to support with a pillow or 
cushion; prop; maintain; or support 
[usually witn up). 

bolt (bolt), n. a short, thick arrow 
with a blunt head; a thunderbolt; a 
discharge of lightning; a stout me- 
tallic pin or rod used for holding 
objects together; a sliding catch for 
securing a door, gate, &c; the por- 
tion of a lock shot or withdrawn by 
the key; an elongated bullet for use 
in a rifled cannon; a roll or length 
of certain textile fabrics; a refusal 
to support a nomination made by 
one's party, or withdrawal from 
one's party: adv. like a bolt; straight; 
suddenly: v.t. to shoot; discharge; 
start or spring; fasten or secure with 
a bolt; blurt out; swallow hurriedly 
or without chewing; secede from (a 
party) or decline to support (a party 
nomination) : v.i. to shoot forth sud- 
denly; depart with suddenness; start 
and run off. 

bolt (bolt), v.t. to sift or separate the 
coarser from the finer particles; 
hence to examine with care; sep- 
arate. 

bomb (bom), n. a hollow steel ball or 
shell filled with an explosive mate- 
rial, fired from a mortar and usually 
exploded by a fuse; any missile 


fite, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book 
hue, hut; think, then. 


BOMBARD 


77 


BOOR 


similarly constructed and thrown by 
the hand. Also bombshell. 

bombard (bom-bard'), v.t. to attack 
with cannon; fire shot or shell at or 
into; assail hotly; fire questions at. 

bombast (bom'bast), n. originally 
cotton or other soft material used 
for stuffing garments: hence, high- 
sounding words; inflated language 
or style; fustian. 

bonanza (bo-nan'za), n. a rich vein of 
ore: hence, anything which is a mine 
of wealth. 

bonbon (bong'bong), n. a sugar-plum; 
any confection of sugar; a Christmas 
cracker. [French.] 

bond (bond), n. anything that binds, 
fastens, or confines; a ligament: pi. 
fetters; imprisonment; captivity: 
hence, a cause of union; duty; obli- 
gation; an instrument under seal by 
which a person binds himself, his 
heirs, &c, to do, or abstainfrom 
doing, a certain act; a promise to 
pay a certain sum on or before a 
specified date; a certificate, bearing 
interest, issued by a government, a 
corporation, or company, for the 
purpose of borrowing money; a unit 
of combining power equivalent to 
one atom of hydrogen: v.t. to put in 
bond or into a bonded warehouse, as 
dutiable goods, the duties remaining 
unpaid till the goods are taken out, 
but bonds being given for their pay- 
ment :_adj. captive, as a bond slave. 

bone (bon), n. the ossified tissue form- 
ing the skeleton of most vertebrate 
animals ; one of the parts or pieces of 
an animal skeleton; something made 
of bone ; pieces of bone held between 
the fingers and rattled together as an 
accompaniment to music: v.t. to re- 
move the bones from ; put whalebone 
into; steal; appropriate. 

bonfire (bon'fir), n. any large fire 
made in the open air to celebrate an 
event, or consume rubbish. 

bonnet (bon'et), n. a soft woolen cap 
worn by men in Scotland ; a woman's 
head-covering, varying according to 
fashion, but distinguished from a 
hat by having no brim; anything 
resembling a bonnet in shape or use : 
v.t. to crush the bonnet or hat over 
the eyes of. 

bonny (bon'ni), adj. handsome ; beauti- 


ful; pretty; gay; blithe. Written 
also Bonnie. 

bonus (bo'nus), n. [pi. bonuses (bo'- 
nus-ez)], a sum given, or paid, over 
and above what is required, or actu- 
ally payable; an additional dividend 
out of accumulated profits; a sum 
paid in addition to regular pay or 
wages. 

boo (boo), inter j. an expression of 
aversion or contempt: n. hooting: 
v.i. to low like an ox; groan: v.t. to 
hoot at. 

booby (boo'bi), n. a dunce; a stupid 
fellow; a species of gannet, a West 
Indian bird. 

boodle (bood'l), n. money paid for 
votes, or undue political influence; 
bribe money. 

book (book), n. a collection of sheets 
of paper and other material, blank, 
written, or printed, bound together; 
a volume; a treatise; a division, sec- 
tion, or part of a literary composi- 
tion; a register or record: v.t. to 
enter or register in a book; record; 
to secure or engage beforehand by 
registry or payment. 

boom (boom), n. a long pole or spar 
run out to extend the foot of certain 
sails; a strong chain, cable, or line 
of spars bound together, extended 
across a river or harbor to exclude 
an enemy's ships; a deep, hollow 
sound; a sudden demand for a com- 
modity; a rapid rise in price; a 
sudden burst of popular favor: v.i. 
to make a deep, hollow, reverberat- 
ing sound; to go off with a rush: 
v.t. to push with energy. 

boomerang (boom'e-rang) , n. a mis- 
sile weapon used by the Australian 
aborigines, consisting of a piece of 
flat curved hard wood, which, when 
thrown by the hand in a certain 
manner, describes a series of curves, 
and finally returns to the thrower, 
striking the ground behind him; 
hence any action which may recoil 
on its projector. 

boon (boon), n. prayer or petition; a 
benefit; a gift; a privilege; a favor: 
adj. gay; kind; jovial; merry; con- 
vivial. 

boor (boor), n. a rustic; a peasant; 
a rude, ill-mannered, clownish 
person. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met : mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut : think, then. 


BOOST 


78 


BOULDER 


boost (boost), v.t. to lift by pushing 
from behind: n. a lift from behind. 

boot (boot), n. profit; that which is 
thrown in as an inducement to a 
bargain, or to make an exchange 
equal. [Prefixed by the preposition 
to.] 

boot (boot), n. a leather covering for 
the feet and the lower part of the 
leg; an old instrument of torture; 
a receptacle for luggage at either 
end of a coach; a driving-apron of 
leather or rubber-cloth: v.t. to put 
boots on^ kick with the boot. 

booth (booth), n. a temporary struc- 
ture made of boards, canvas, &c. 

booty (boo'ti), n. [j>l. booties (boo'- 
tiz)], spoil taken in war; plunder; 
pillage. 

booze (booz), v.i. to drink immoder- 
ately; tipple: n. liquor; drink; a 
carouse; spree. 

borax (bo'raks), n. a salt compounded 
of boracic acid and soda, used as a 
flux in soldering metals, and in the 
manufacture of glass, enamel, arti- 
ficial gems, &c. 

border (bor'der), n. the outer part or 
edge of anything; a margin; brink; 
boundary; frontier; a narrow flower 
bed: v.t. to make a border about, or 
to adorn with a border; adjoin: v.i. 
to touch at the edge or boundary 
[with on or upon}. 

bore (bor), v.t. to pierce or drill a 
hole in; form by piercing or drill- 
ing; to force (as a passage) with 
effort; weary by tedious repetition, 
or by dullness; annoy: v.i. to pierce 
or penetrate by boring, &c: push 
forward toward a certain point: n. 
a hole made by boring; the caliber 
or internal diameter of a hole; a 
person or thing that wearies by pro- 
lixity or dullness; anything which 
causes ennui. 

bore (bor), p.t. of bear. 

borean (bo're-an) or boreal (bo're-al), 
adj. northern; pertaining to the 
North or to the North wind. 

born (born), p. adj. innate; inher- 
ited. 

born, p.p. of bear, to bring forth. 

borne, p.p. of bear, to carry. 

borough (bur'o), n. a corporate 
town. 

borrow (bor'o), v.t. to obtain (a 


thing) on loan; adopt; appropriate; 
copy. 

bosh (bosh), n. absurd or empty talk; 
utter nonsense: inter j. humbug. 

bosket (bos'ket), n. a grove; a thicket. 

bosom (boo'zum), n. the breast; 
clothing covering the breast; the 
affections or passions; something 
likened to a bosom, as a sustaining 
surface, inmost recess, &c.:adj. per- 
taining to the bosom; intimate; 
cherished; worn on the bosom. 

boss (bos), n. a master; superintend- 
ent; foreman; (political) a party 
leader, or controller of political af- 
fairs: adj. chief ; most highly es- 
teemed: v.t. to direct. [Dutch.] 

botany (bot'a-ni), n. the science which 
treats of plants. [Greek.] 

botch (boch) , n. a swelling on the skin ; 
a large ulcerous affection. 

botch (boch), v.t. to mend or patch 
in a clumsy manner; put together 
unskilfully: n. a clumsy patch; bad 
work. 

both (both), adj. & pron. the one and 
the other; the two; the pair; without 
excepting either: adv. & conj. as. 

bother (both'eT), v.t. to annoy; tease; 
worry; give trouble: v.i. to trouble 
one's self; be troublesome: n. worry; 
annoyance. 

bottle (bot'l), n. a hollow vessel, usu- 
ally with a narrow neck, made of 
glass or earthenware, for holding 
liquids; the contents of a bottle: v.t. 
to put into bottles; a quantity of 
hay or grass bundled up. 

bottom (bot'um), n. the deepest part 
of anything; the base; foundation; 
root; the ground under any body of 
water; the buttocks; the seat of a 
chair; low land formed by alluvial 
deposits; a river; a valley; a dale; 
a ship; stamina: adj. lowest; under- 
most: v.t. to found or build upon; 
furnish with a bottom; fathom; get 
to the bottom of: v.i. to rest; be 
based or grounded. 

bough (bou) , n. an arm or branch of a 
tree. 

bought, p.t. & p.p. of buy. 

bouillon (boo'lyon, French boo-ydng') , 
n. a clear soup produced from boiled 
meat. 

boulder (bol'der), n. a large stone 
worn or rounded by the action of 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met : mite, mit ; note, n6rth, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


BOULEVARD 


79 


BOX 


water; a portion of rock which has 
been transported to some distance 
from its native bed. 

boulevard (boo'le-vard), n. a broad 
street, planted with trees. 

bounce (bouns), v.t. to cause to bound; 
to eject summarily; to bully: v.i. to 
strike against anything so as to re- 
bound; leap or spring suddenly or 
unceremoniously; boast or bluster: 
n. a sudden bound or spring ; a heavy 
sudden thrust or thump; a boast; 
brag; an impudent lie. 

bound (bound), n. a limit; confine; 
extent ; boundary : pi. territory within 
certain boundaries: v.t. to serve as a 
limit to; circumscribe. 

bound (bound), v.i. to jump or spring 
suddenly or in succession; leap; re- 
bound: n. a leap; spring: adj. ready 
to go; destined. 

bound, p.t. & p.p. of bind. 

boundary (bound 'a-ri), n. [pi. boun- 
daries (-riz)j, the extent or limit of 
anything. 

bountiful (boun'ti-fool), adj. liberal 
in bestowing gifts or favors; gener- 
ous; ample. Also bounteous. 

bounty (boun'ti), n. [pi. bounties 
(boun'tiz)], liberality in bestowing 
gifts or favors; generosity; munifi- 
cence; a premium offered by a gov- 
ernment to induce men to enlist in 
the army or navy, or to encourage 
some branch of industry. 

bouquet (boo-ka/), n. a nosegay; a 
perfume or aroma characteristic of 
some wines. [French.] 

bourn and bourne (boom), n. a 
stream; a rivulet; a bound; destina- 
tion; goal. 

bourse (boors), n, a stock exchange 
for the transaction of business, es- 
pecially the Bourse or Stock Ex- 
change of Paris. [French.] 

bout (bout), n. a turn or bend; a going 
and returning; as much as is per- 
formed at one time; a trial; essay; 
round; contest. 

bovine (bo'vin), adj. of, or pertaining 
to, oxen; resembling or possessing 
the characteristics of an ox or cow; 
stolid; dull. 

bow (bou), n. the forepart or prow of a 
ship. 

bow (bou), v.t. to bend; make curved 
or crooked; bend or incline, as the 


head or body in token of respect; 
subdue: v.i. to make a bow: n. an 
inclination of the head or bending 
of the body, as a salute, or in token 
of reverence, respect, assent, or sub- 
mission. 

bow (bo), n. a weapon for discharging 
arrows ; anything curved ; an imple- 
ment with which instruments of the 
violin kind are played; an elastic 
stick with its ends connected by 
string, used for turning a drill, &c; 
a looped ornamental knot of ribbon 
or other material: v.t. to bend or 
curve like a bow; play with a bow: 
v.i. become bent or curved. 

bowel (bou'el), n. one of the intestines 
of an animal; a gut [generally in 
the pl.]l pi. the interior part of 
anything; tenderness; pity (II Cor. 
vi. 12). 

bower (bou'er), n. a shelter con- 
structed of boughs or twining plants ; 
an arbor. 

bowl (bol), n. a circular hollow vessel 
for holding liquids; a large drinking 
cup; the hollow or concave part of 
anything. 

bowl (bol), n. a ball of wood used 
in the games of bowls, and skittles: 
pi. a game played with bowls: v.i. 
to play with bowls; roll a bowl or 
a cricket ball; move rapidly and 
smoothly like a ball: v.t. to roll, as 
a bowl or ball. 

box (boks), n. an evergreen shrub or 
small tree, yielding a hard close- 
grained wood: adj. of box, or re- 
sembling a box-tree. 

box (boks), n. [pi. boxes (boks'ez)], a 
case or receptacle for holding any- 
thing; the quantity a box contains; 
the driver's seat on a carriage; a 
compartment in a theater or other 
public place; a place of shelter for 
a man on duty ; a small country house 
used by sportsmen; a cylindrical 
hollow iron in a wheel, in which the 
axle runs; a case to protect mechan- 
ism from injury: v.t. to enclose in 
a box; confine; boxhaul. 

box (boks), n. a blow on the head with 
the fist, or on the ear with the open 
hand: v.t. to strike with the fist or 
hand: v.i. to fight with the fists, 
gloved or ungloved; the latter 
practice being illegal. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, nOrth, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


BOY 


80 


BRASS 


boy (boi), n. a male child; a young lad; 
sometimes used for a man. 

boycott (boi'kot), v.t. to combine 
against a person so as to ostracize 
socially, and prevent or hinder 

boy- scout (boi-skout), n. one of an 
organization having for object the 
formation of manly character in boys 
through training in self-help, includ- 
ing education in woodcraft, scout- 
craft, first aid and good citizenship. 

brace (bras), n. that which holds 
anything tightly or supports it firm- 
ly; a prop; a bandage; a pair; a 
curve connecting two or more lines: 


thus 


JTid- 
(Bits 


a curved instrument 


for holding and turning boring tools; 
a rope reeved through a block at the 
end of a yard, by which the yard is 
swung from the deck; a timber or 
scantling to strengthen the frame- 
work of a building: pi. the leathern 
bands clasping the cords at the side 
of a drum; shoulder-straps to sup- 
port the trousers: v.t. to bind or 
tie closely; strain up; strengthen; 
furnish with supports. Also, brace up. 

bracelet (bras'let), n. an ornamental 
band or ring for the wrist. # 

brachial (bra'ki- or brak'i-al), adj. 
pertaining to, or connected with, the 
arm. 

bracken (brak'en), n. the brake fern. 

bracket (brak'et), n. a supporting 
piece projecting from g at wall; a 
single or jointed gas-pipe, burner, 
&c. ; one of two marks [ ], used to 
enclose a word or note, or to indi- 
cate an interpolation; a brace: v.t. 
to furnish with or enclose within 
brackets; connected by brackets; 
couple together. 

brag (brag), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. bragged, 
p.pr. bragging], to boast; speak vain- 
gloriously: n. a boast; a thing to 
boast of; ostentatious pretense: a 
game of cards. 

braggart (brag'art), n. a boaster; a 
vain fellow: adj. boastful. 

braid (brad), v.t. to weave or inter- 
twine; plait: n. a plaited band or 
fillet. 

brain (bran), n. the soft whitish con- 
voluted mass occupying the cranium 
of a vertebrate, constituting the cen- 
ter of the nervous system, and the 


seat of consciousness and volition; 
the understanding; intellectual pow- 
er: v.t. dash out the brains of. 

braise (braz), v.t. to stew (as meat) in 
a covered vessel: n. braised meat. 

brake (brak), n. an instrument or 
machine to break flax; the handle of 
a pump; a baker's kneading trough; 
a sharp bit or snaffle; a frame for 
confining refractory horses while 
shoeing; a heavy vehicle without a 
body, for breaking in young horses 
to harness; a kind of wagonette; 
a heavy harrow for breaking clods; 
a mechanical device for checking the 
motion of a vehicle or machine; a 
brake van. 

brake (brak), n. a place overgrown 
with bracken, brushwood, &c; the 
common fern. 

bramble (bram'bl), n. the English 
blackberry; any prickly bush or 
shrub. 

bran (bran), n. the husks of wheat, 
rye, &c, separated from the flour by 
bolting. 

branch (branch), n. [pi. branches 
(branch'ez)], a shoot or limb from 
a main bough; an off-shoot; any 
member or part of a body or sys- 
tem; a department; a section or 
subdivision; any part of a family 
descending in a collateral line: adj. 
deviating from the trunk or main 
body: v.i. to ramify; diverge; spread 
diffusely [with out] : v.t. to divide. 

branchiae (brang'ki-e) , n.pl. gills. 

brand (brand), n. a burning piece of 
wood; any form of trade-mark: 
hence, quality or kind; a stigma or 
mark of infamy; a fungoid disease 
of plants: v.t. to mark by burning 
with a hot iron, or by other means; 
to stigmatize. 

brandish (bran'dish), v.t. to move, 
wave, or shake, as a raised weapon. 

brandy (bran'di), n. [pi. brandies 
(bran'diz)], an ardent alcoholic liquor 
distilled from wine or the husks of 
grapes. 

brash (brash), adj. brittle, as wood; 
rash; pretentious. 

brass (bras), n. [pi. brasses (bras'ez)], 
an alloy of copper and zinc ; a utensil, 
ornament, or other article made of 
brass; a monumental tablet of brass; 
money; impudence: pi. the brass 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut; think, then. 


BRASSIE 


81 


BREEZE 


instruments of a band: v.t. to cover 
with brass. 

brassie (bras'i) or bressie (bres'i), n. 
a club used inplaying golf. [Scotch.] 

bravado (bra-va'- or bra-va/do) , n. [pi. 
bravados & -does (bra-va/- or bra- 
va'doz)], arrogant menace; defiance. 

brave (brav), adj. bold; courageous; 
intrepid; making a fine show: n. an 
Indian warrior ; one indiscreetly bold : 
v.t. to encounter with courage and 
fortitude; defy. 

bravery (bra'ver-i), n. the quality 
of being brave; fearlessness; mag- 
nificence. 

brawl (brawl), v.i. to quarrel noisily 
and outrageously; make a noise as 
of water rushing over a rocky or 
pebbly bed: n. a noisy quarrel; an 
uproar; a row\ 

brawn (brawn), n. boar's flesh, espe- 
cially when prepared by collaring, 
boiling, and pickling; muscular 
strength. 

bray (bra), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. brayed, 
p.pr. braying], to pound, or' beat fine 
or small: v.i. to utter a loud, harsh 
cry, as the ass: n. the harsh cry of 
an ass. 

brazen (bra'zn), adj. made of brass; 
pertaining to brass; impenetrable; 
impudent; shameless: v.t. to carry 
off or behave with insolence or ef- 
frontery ; _"to brazen it out." 

brazier (bra'zher), n. an open pan for 
burning charcoal. Also brasier. 
[French.] 

breach (brech), n. the act of breaking; 
the violation of a law, contract, or 
any other engagement; a gap; a dif- 
ference; quarrel; injury; surf: v.t. to 
make an opening in. 

bread (bred), n. food made from 
ground corn; food in general. 

breadth (bredth), n. the measure of 
any surface from side to side; free- 
dom from narrowness; broad effect. 

break (brak), v.t. [p.t. broke, p.p. 
broken, p.pr. breaking], to separate 
with violence; interrupt; fracture; 
weaken or destroy ; disperse ; violate ; 
make bankrupt; make a first dis- 
closure of; dismiss, cashier, or reduce 
to the ranks; tame or subdue: n. a 
breach; rupture; an interruption; 
change of direction; a first appear- 
ance ; a pause ; an opening in the circuit 


causing interruption to an electric 
current; a twist of the ball in cricket; 
a player's turn in billiards; the num- 
ber of points scored successively ; al- 
teration of the male voice at puberty ; 
a sudden fall inprices ; an awkwardact. 

breakfast (biek'fast), n. the first meal 
in the day: v.t. to provide with or 
entertain at breakfast: v.i. to eat 
breakfast. 

breast (brest), n. the fore part of the 
body between the neck and the ab- 
domen; one of the organs in women, 
and some other mammalia, for the 
secretion of milk; the affections; 
the conscience; the front of any- 
thing: v.t to present the front to; 
meet or oppose manfully or openly; 
stem. 

breastplate (brest 'plat), n. a portion 
of armor covering the front of the 
body; a part of the vestment of the 
Jewish high priest. 

breastwork (brest'werk), n. a hastily 
constructed work thrown up breast- 
high for defense; the parapet of a 
building. 

breath (breth), n. the air inhaled and 
exhaled in respiration; life; the power 
or capacity to breathe freely ; respite ; 
a pause ; a respiration ; an instant ; 
air in gentle motion; a mere word; 
a trifle; an odorous exhalation; fra- 
grance; an aspirate. 

breathe (breth), v.i. to inhale air and 
expel it from the lungs; live; take 
breath ; rest from m action ; pass, as 
air; blow softly; insinuate: v.t. to 
inhale and exhale; inspire; whisper; 
exercise; blow into. 

breech (brech), n. the buttocks; the 
hinder part of anything; the part 
of a cannon or other firearm behind 
the bore or chamber: v.t. to put into 
breeches; furnish with a breech; 
fasten by a breeching. 

breeches (brich'ez), n.pl. a garment 
worn by men, covering the legs from 
the knees to the hips; trousers or 
pantaloons. 

breed (bred), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. bred, 
p.pr. breeding], to procreate; hatch; 
produce: train; rear: v.i. to bear 
young; be fruitful; be produced: n. 
a race or progeny from the same 
parents or stock. 

breeze (brez), n. a gentle gale; a fresh 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book | 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


BRETHREN 


82 


BRIM 


soft wind; an excited quarrel or 
wrangle. 

brethren (brethren), n. plural of 
brother. 

breve (brev), n. a note of time equal 
to two semibreves or four minims; 
a mark ( w ) used to indicate a short 
vowel. [Latin.] 

brevet (bre-vef), n. & commission to 
an officer in the army temporarily 
conf erring a higher rank, but without 
increase of pay ; a patent ; a warrant ; 
a license: adj. conferred by brevet: 
v.t. [p.t. & p.p. brevet ted, p.pr. bre- 
ve tting], to confer brevet rank upon. 

breviary (brev'i-a-ri), n. [pi. brevi- 
aries (brey'i-a-riz)], a book contain- 
ing the daily offices and prayers. 

brevity _ (brev'i-ti), n. [pi. brevities 
(brev'i-tiz)], shortness; conciseness. 

brew (broo), v.t. to make liquors from 
malt or other materials; plot: v.i. be 
in preparation: n. the action, process, 
or product of brewing. 

brewery (broo'er-i), n. a brew house. 

bribe (brib), n. a gift or consideration 
in money given or promised with the 
object of corrupting or unduly in- 
fluencing the judgment or conduct 
of the recipient: v.t. to gain over or 
influence by a bribe: v.i. to practice 
or attempt bribery. 

bribery (brib'er-i), n. [pi. briberies 
(brlb'er-iz)], the act or practice of 
bribing^ 

brick (brik), n. an oblong block of 
kneaded clay dried in the sun or 
burned in a kiln; a jolly, good-na- 
tured fellow: adj. made of, or re- 
sembling, brick: v.t. to lay or build 
with bricks; make like brickwork. 

bridal (brid'al), n. a marriage; nup- 
tials: adj. pertaining to a bride, or 
wedding. 

bride (brid), n. a woman newly mar- 
ried, or about to be married. 

bridegroom (brid'gro5m), n. a man 
newly married, or about to be mar- 
ried. 

bridesmaid (bridz'mad), n. a young 
unmarried woman who attends on a 
bride. 

bridge (brij), n. & structure of iron, 
stone, or wood, spanning a river, 
road, valley, &c; anything resem- 
bling a bridge in form or use; an 
apparatus for measuring the resist- 


ance of a conductor, called Wheat- 
stone's bridge; a game of cards re- 
sembling whist: v.t. to build a bridge; 
make a passage; find a way of over- 
coming. 

bridle (brl'dl), n. the headstall, bit, 
and reins by which a horse is con- 
trolled; a restraint: v.t. to put a 
bridle on; control; guide: v.i. to hold 
the head up, as an indication of 
pride, scorn, or anger [with up]. 

brief (bref), adj. short; concise; con- 
tracted; narrow: n. an epitome; an 
abridged statement of a case for the 
instruction of counsel; a writ; a 
papal letter: v.t. to shorten; make an 
abstract of. 

brier (bri'er), n. a thorny plant or shrub. 

brig (brig), n. a two-masted, square- 
rigged vessel. 

brigade (bri-gad'), n. a subdivision of 
an army, consisting of several regi- 
ments, squadrons, or battalions 
(cavalry, infantry, militia, or volun- 
teers), under the command of a 
brigadier-general ; an organized body 
acting under authority: v.t. to form 
into a brigade or brigades. 
[French.] 

brigadier (brig-a-der') , n. _ a general 
officer commanding a brigade, and 
ranking next below a major-general. 
Also brigadier-general. 

brigand (brig'and), n. a robber; a 
member of a gang of freebooters 
infesting mountainous districts; a 
highwayman; a bandit. [French.] 

brigantine (brig'an-ten) , n._ a small 
two-masted vessel, square-rigged like 
a brig, but with fore-and-aft main- 
sail and raking masts. 

bright (brit), adj. [comp. brighter, 
superl. brightest], luminous, bril- 
liant; shining; sparkling; illustrious; 
glorious ; witty ; clever ; lively ; auspi- 
cious; alert; glowing. 

brighten (brit'n), v.i. to grow bright; 
clear up: v.t. to make bright or 
luminous; make gay or cheerful; 
make acute. 

brilliant (bril'yant), adj. sparkling; 
lustrous; glittering; distinguished: 
n. a diamond, cut to exhibit its re- 
fracting qualities to the best ad- 
vantage. 

brim (brim), n. the edge of anything: 
v.t. [p.t. & p.p. brimmed, p.pr. brim- 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


BRIMSTONE 


83 


BROWBEAT 


ming], to fill to the brim: v.i. to be 
full to the brim. 

brimstone (brim'ston), n. sulphur: 
adj. made of brimstone; of the color 
of sulphur. 

brine (brin), n. salt water; pickle; 
the ocean; tears: v.t. to steep in brine. 

bring (bring), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. brought 
(brawt), p.pr. bringing], to fetch or 
convey from another place; fetch; 
cause to come; produce; procure; 
conduct; persuade; lead. 

brink (bringk), n. the edge; verge. # 

brisk (brisk), adj. lively; active; swift; 
vivacious ; effervescing vigorously ; 
sparkling; burning freely: v.i. to 
become brisk [generally with up]. 

bristle (bris'l), n. a short stiff, coarse 
hair, especially upon the back and 
sides of swine; any stiff, sharp hair: 
v.t. to erect like bristles; fix a bristle 
to. 

brittle (brit'l), adj. apt to break; not 
tough. 

broach (broch), n. an awl; spike; 
skewer; any boring bit or drill; a 
stonecutter's chisel; a spire rising 
directly from a tower without a 
parapet: v.t. to tap or pierce; begin 
a discussion about. 

broad (brawd), adj. [comp. broader, 
superl. broadest], wide; ample; vast; 
liberal; comprehensive; widely dif- 
fused; open; unrestrained; evident; 
characterized by breadth of treat- 
ment; bold; indelicate: n. a flooded 
fen ; an expansion of a river over low- 
lying land. 

broadside (brawd 'sld), n. the entire 
side of a ship above the water-line; 
a simultaneous volley from one side 
of a warship; a sheet printed on one 
side, and containing information of 
a popular character, or an attack on 
some public person. 

brocade (bro-kad'), n. a silk stuff 
variegated with gold and silver 
flowers, &c. 

broch (brok), n. a prehistoric roofless 
round tower, with massive walls of 
unhewn stone: found chiefly in Scot- 
land. 

brochure (bro-shoor'), n. sl pamphlet 
dealing with a subject of passing 
interest. [French.] 

brogan (bro'gan and bro-gan'), n. a 
coarse rough shoe. [Gaelic] 


brogue (brog), n. a coarse, rough shoe; 
a dialectic pronunciation. 

broil (broil), v.t. to cook upon a grid- 
iron: v.i. to be subjected to great 
heat; to be heated with passion: 
n. a noisy quarrel. 

broke (brok), p.t. & p.p. of break. 

broker (bro'ker), n. one who acts as 
agent or middle man for another; a 
dealer in second-hand furniture. 

bronchus (brong'kus), n. [pi. bronchi 
(brong'ki)], one of the two prin- 
cipal branches of the windpipe or 
trachea. [Greek.] 

bronze (bronz), n. an alloy of copper 
and tin, to which other metallic sub- 
stances are sometimes added ; a work 
of art cast or wrought in bronze; a 
pigment used to imitate bronze; im- 
pudence: adj. made of or resembling 
bronze: v.t. to make of the color of 
bronze; tan by exposure to the sun; 
apply bronze pigment or leaf to. 

brooch (broch), n. an ornamental 
dress-clasp. [French.] 

brood (brood), n. offspring; a hatch; 
the young birds hatched at one time: 
v.i. to sit on eggs, as a hen; linger 
over sorrowfully [with on or over]: 
v.t. to sit over, cover, and cherish; 
ponder over. 

brook (brook), n. a small stream. 

brook (brook), v.t. to bear; put up with. 

broom (broom), n. a shrub, bearing 
large yellow flowers; a besom or 
brush. 

broth (broth), n. a kind of thin soup. 

brothel (broth'el), n. a house of ill- 
fame. 

brother (bruth'eT), n. \vl. brothers 
bru£/i-erz), & brethren (bre^'ren)], a 
male born of the same father and 
mother; one closely united by a 
common interest; a member of a 
religious order; a fellow creature; 
one who resembles another. , 

brougham (broo'am or broom), n. a 
close four-wheeled carriage for one 
or two horses. From Lord Brough- 
am. 

brought (brawt), p.t. & p.p. of bring. 

brow (brou), n. the arch of hair over 
the eye; the forehead; the general 
aspect of the countenance ; the edge 
of a steep place; the upper portion 
of a hill. 

browbeat (brou'bet), v.t. [p.t. brow- 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book 
6 hue, hut ; think, then. 


BROWN 


84 


BUD 


beat, p.p. browbeaten, p.pr. brow- 
beating], to depress or bear down 
arrogantly; bully. 

brown (broun), adj. of a dusky or 
dark color: n. a dark color, inclined 
to red or yellow ; a halfpenny : v.i. to 
become brown: v.t. to make brown. 

brownie (brou'ni), n. a beneficent 
spirit supposed to haunt old farm- 
houses. [Scotch.] 

browse (brouz), n. the tender shoots 
or twigs of shrubs and trees: v.t. 
to feed on; pasture on; graze: said 
of cattle,_deer, &c. 

bruin (broo'm), n. the brown bear. 

bruise (bro5z), n. an injury to the 
flesh of an animal or to a plant or 
other body, caused by a blow: v.t. 
to injure, crush, or indent by a blow 
or pressure without laceration; con- 
tuse; bray, as drugs, &c: v.i. to fight 
with the fists; box. 

bruit (broot), n. report; rumor; fame: 
v.t. to report; noise abroad. 

brunette (broo-nef), n. a woman with 
a brown or dark complexion, usually 
with dark hair and eyes: adj. having 
such a color. 

brunt (brunt), n. a violent shock; a 
furious onslaught ; a brief and sudden 
effort. 

brush (brush), n. a thicket of small 
trees; the small trees and shrubs of 
a wood; an instrument composed of 
bristles, &c, used for cleaning, ap- 
plying paint, &c; the brushy tail 
of a fox; a slight encounter; a brush- 
ing; thin metallic plates or flexible 
wires bound together, employed to 
conduct a current to or from an 
electric motor, &c; a brief trial of 
speed: v.t. to sweep, cleanse, or rub 
with a brush; touch lightly in pass- 
ing; renovate; ruffle [with up}: v.i. 
to move with haste; skim over with 
a light touch. 

brush- wood (brush'wood), n. rough, 
close bushes; a thicket; a coppice; 
small wood, suitable for the fire. 

brusque (brusk) ,adj. abrupt in manner. 

brutal (broo'tal), adj. pertaining to or 
resembling a brute; savage; cruel. 

brutality (broo-tal'i-ti) , n. the quality 
of being brutal; pitiless cruelty. 

brute (broot), adj. without reason 
or intelligence; rough; brutal; un- 
civilized: n. a beast; an irrational, 


irresponsible animal; a brutal per- 
son. 

bubble (bub'l), n. a small bladder of 
water or other fluid filled with air 
or gas; anything unreal or unsub- 
stantial; a swindling speculation: 
v.i. to rise in bubbles; run with a 
gurgling sound: v.t. to cause to bub- 
ble; cheat. 

buccaneer (buk-a-ner'), n. a pirate; 
a sea-robber ; one of the piratical 
adventurers who, during a part of 
the seventeenth century, made dep- 
redations on the Spaniards in Amer- 
ica: v.i. act the part of a bucca- 
neer. 

buck (buk), n. the male of the fallow- 
deer, goat, rabbit, hare, &c; a gay 
fellow; a fop; a male Indian or 
negro. 

buckboard (buk'bord), n. a vehicle 
which consists of a long, springy 
board fastened at each end upon 
axles and with a seat above the front 
axles and wheels. 

buck- wheat (buk'hwet), n. a plant 
cultivated for its triangular seeds, 
which are ground into meal and used 
for food. 

bucket (buk'et), n. a vessel for draw- 
ing or holding water; the scoop of 
a dredging-machine or of a grain 
elevator; a receptacle on a water- 
wheel which receives the force of the 
water. 

buckle (buk'l), n. a metal clasp con- 
sisting of a frame with movable 
tongue or catch, used for securing 
straps, bands, &c: v.t. to fasten 
with a buckle; twist; bend; confine, 
join; to prepare for action: vA. to 
curl; apply one's self with vigor 
[with to]. 

buckle (buk'l), n. a bend, or kink, as 
in a blade; a curl of hair; the condi- 
tion of being curled, as hair. 

buckler (buk'ler), n. a kind of ancient 
shield. 

buckram (buk'ram) , n. coarse linen 
cloth stiffened with dressing: adj. 
made of, or resembling, buckram: 
hence, stiff; precise. 

bucolic (bu-kol'ik), adj. pastoral: n. a 
pastoral poem; a rustic. 

bud (bud), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. budded, p.pr. 
budding], to graft: v.i. to put forth or 
produce buds; begin to grow: n. the 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, nCrth, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


BUDGE 


85 


BUMP 


rudimentary, undeveloped stage of a 
branch, leaf, or flower; a gemmule. 

budge (buj), v.i. to move from one's 
position: v.t. change the position of. 

budget (buj'et), n. a bag with its 
contents : hence a stock or store ; the 
annual financial statement of the 
Chancellor of the Exchequer in Eng- 
land. [French.] 

bufii (buf), n. a thick leather prepared 
from the skin of the buffalo, ox, &c, 
dressed with oil; a light yellow; the 
bare skin: adj. made of buff-leather. 

buffalo (buf'a-lo), n. [pi. buffaloes 
(buf'a-loz)], a ruminant mammal of 
the ox family; a name given to vari- 
ous wild oxen, especially to the North 
American bison, now almost extinct. 

buffer (buf'er), n. any contrivance 
which serves to deaden the concus- 
sion caused by the impact of two 
bodies; a good-tempered, somewhat 
foolish person. 

buffet (buf'et), n. a blow with the 
hand: v.t. to strike with the hand; 
box; beat; contend against: v.i. to 
exercise or contend with blows; 
struggle. 

buffoon (buf-oon'), n. one who amuses 
others by low jests, antics, odd ges- 
tures, &c. 

bug (bug), n. a name in England for 
the bedbug; an insect. 

bugaboo (bug'a-boo), n. a bugbear. 

bugbear (bug'bar), n. a frightful ob- 
ject; a vain terror. 

buggy (bug'i), n. a light four-wheeled 
carriage drawn by one horse. 

bugle (bu/gl), n. a hunting horn; a 
military wind-instrument. 

buhl (bul), n. decorative inlaying for 
cabinet-work, consisting of brass or 
other metal, tortoise-shell, &c, 
worked into various patterns; the 
articles so ornamented. [French.] 

build (bild), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. built, 
builded, p.pr. building], to con- 
struct; erect, as a house; form by 
art; raise anything on a support or 
foundation; establish: v.i. to con- 
struct an edifice; depend; base, or 
reckon [with on or upon]: n. mode or 
style of construction. 

bulb (bulb), n. an onion-shaped root; 
a kind of leaf bud ; any protuberance 
or expansion on a stem or tube: v.i. 
to project as a bulb [with out]. 


bulge (bulj), n. the bilge or widest part 
of a cask; a bending outwards; the 
bilge of a ship: v.i. to jut out; be 
protuberant; with on, to have an 
advantage over another, as "to 
get the bulge on him." [Slang.] 

bulk (bulk), n. magnitude or size; 
complete dimensions; the main mass 
or body; the cargo of a ship when 
stowed; volume: v.i. to increase in 
size; swell out. 

bull (bool), n. the male of any bovine 
mammal; the male of various large 
animals, as the whale, elephant, &c; 
one who endeavors to raise the price 
of stock in order that he may sell 
dear: the opposite of a bear: adj. 
male, or of large size [in composi- 
tion]: v.t. to endeavor to raise the 
market value of. 

bull (bool), n. a papal letter, edict, or 
rescript, having a leaden seal (bulla) 
affixed to it. 

bull (bool), n. a ludicrous inconsistency 
in language; mixed metaphors. 

bullet (booret), n. a small ball or 
projectile. [French.] 

bulletin (bool'e-tin) , n. an official 
report regarding some matter _ or 
event of public interest; a periodical 
publication: v.t. to publish or an- 
nounce by bulletin. [Italian.] 

bullion (bool'yun), n. uncoined gold 
or . silver ; foreign coin ; a heavy 
twisted fringe covered with fine 
gold- or silver-wire. [French.] 

bullock (bool'ok), n. an ox or castrated 
bull; a full-grown steer. 

bully (bool'i), n. [pi. bullies (bool'iz)], 
one who domineers by insolence or 
threats: v.t. [p.t. & p.p. bullied, p.pr. 
bullying], to overbear with bluster 
and menaces: v.i. to be insolently 
noisy and quarrelsome. 

bully (bool'i), inter j. an exclamation of 
pleasure or approval. 

bulrush (bool'rush), n. a rush-like 
aquatic plant. 

bulwark (bool'werk), n. a rampart; 
a fortification; the boarding round 
the sides of a ship, above the level 
of the deck; any means of protection 
or defense. 

bump (bump), n. a shock from a blow; 
a swelling protuberance ; the striking 
of a boat by the prow of another 
following it in college boat-races 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


BUMPER 


86 


BURN 


[English]: v.t. to bring in violent 
contact; thump: v.i. to come in 
collision; strike heavily. 

bumper (bump'er), n. an overflowing 
cup. 

bun (bun), n. a small light cake. 

bunch (bunch), n. a cluster; a col- 
lection of things of the same kind 
growing or fastened together; a 
tuft; a small mass of ore: v.i. to 
swell out; cluster: v.t. to form into 
a bunch. 

bunco (bung'ko), n. a confidence game; 
a form of swindling. 

buncombe or bunkum (bung'kum), 
n. idle or showy speech, especially if 
intended to secure votes or satisfy 
one's constituents. [American.] 

bundle (bun'dl), n. a number of things 
bound together; a roll or package; 
two reams of printing or brown 
paper: v.t. to tie or bind in a bundle 
or roll; to dismiss unceremoniously 
[with off or out] : v.i. to depart with- 
out ceremony [with off]. 

bung (bung), n. a large cork for stop- 
ping the hole in a cask; a publican: 
v.t. to stop with a bung; close or shut 
up; to beat, or bruise [with up]. 

bungalow (bung'ga-lo), n. a single- 
storied house, lightly built, and gen- 
erally surrounded by a veranda. 

bungle (bung'gl), v.i. to botch; man- 
age awkwardly: v.t. to perform 
clumsily: n. a clumsy performance; 
a botch. 

bunion (bun'yun), n. a swelling on 
the foot, usually over the joint of 
the great toe. 

bunk (bungk), n. a box or recess 
serving for a sleeping-berth in a 
vessel, sleeping-car, &c: v.i. to sleep 
in a bunk. 

bunker (bung'ker), n. a large bin or 
receptacle; a sandhole on golf links. 

bunt (bunt), n. the middle part or 
belly of a square sail: v.i. to swell 
out: v.t. to haul up, as the middle 
part of a sail in furling. 

bunting (bunt'ing), n. a bird allied 
to the finches and the sparrows; a 
thin woolen stuff used for making 
flags; flags collectively. 

buoy (boo'i), n. a floating body moored 
at a certain place to indicate the 
position of something beneath the 
water; a life-buoy: v.t. to keep afloat 


in a fluid [with up]; to mark with a 
buoy; support. 

buoyant (boo'yant), adj. having the 
quality of floating in a fluid; not 
easily depressed. 

bur (ber), n. the rough prickly seed- 
case of certain plants; a partially 
burnt brick; the guttural pronuncia- 
tion of the rough r; the rough ridges 
of metal left by the graver in cutting 
metal. Also burr. 

burden (ber'dn), n. that which is 
borne or carried; a load; something 
grievous, wearisome or oppressive; 
a ship's capacity for carrying a 
cargo; a chorus or refrain; a topic 
on which one dwells: v.t. to load; lay 
a weight upon. 

burdock (ber'dok), n. a large wayside 
weed with rough broad leaves. 

bureau (bu-ro), n. [pi. bureaus or 
bureaux (bu'r5z)], a desk or writing- 
table furnished with drawers; an 
office; a governmental department 
for the transaction of public busi- 
ness. 

bureaucracy (bu : ro'kra-si) , n. the 
system of centralized government by 
means of bureaus or departments; 
the officials administering such bu- 
reaus, as a body. 

burgess (ber'jes), n. a citizen or free- 
man of a borough. 

burglar (berg'lar), n. one who breaks 
into a house at night with intent to 
commit a felony. 

burial (ber'i-al), n. the act of burying. 

burlap (ber'lap), n. a coarse fabric 
made of jute, hemp, &c, used for 
bagging or in upholstery [commonly 
in the pi.]. 

burlesque (ber-lesk'), adj. tending to 
excite laughter by extravagant con- 
trast or caricature: n. a ludicrous, 
grotesque representation; a literary 
composition or dramatic piece com- 
posed in burlesque style: v.t. to 
ridicule or make ridiculous by cari- 
catured representation ; travesty ; 
parody. 

burly (ber'li), adj. bulky; large; cor- 
pulent. 

burn (bern), v.t. [p.t. burnt & burned, 
p.pr. burning], to consume or injure 
with fire; reduce to ashes; scorch; 
expose to the action of fire; produce 
by means of fire; affect with a burn- 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, n6rth, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


BURNISH 


87 


BUTTERMILK 


ing sensation; cauterize: v.i. to be 
on fire; suffer from or be injured 
by excess of heat; glow; shine; be 
inflamed with passion or desire: 
n. an injury to the flesh caused by 
fire. 

burnish (ber'nish), v.t. polish by fric- 
tion; make smooth and lustrous: n. 
polish; gloss; brightness. 

burrow (bur'o), n. a hole in the ground 
excavated by a rabbit or other ani- 
mal, as a refuge and habitation: v.i. 
to excavate; work a way into or 
under something; lodge in a deep or 
concealed place; hide. 

bursar (ber'ser), n. the treasurer of a 
college; in Scotland, a university 
student who receives an allowance 
for his support. 

burst (berst), v.i. [p.t. & p.p. burst, 
p.pr. bursting], to rend or break 
open with violence; yield to internal 
force or pressure; explode; give way 
under excess of grief or pain; appear 
or disappear suddenly: v.t. to rend 
or break by violence; open suddenly: 
n. a violent or sudden breaking 
forth; a sudden explosion; a rush; a 
strenuous effort; a spurt. 

bury (ber'i), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. buried, 
p.pr. burying], to deposit and cover 
in a grave or tomb, or in any final 
resting-place; entomb; keep secret; 
hide. 

bush (boosh), n. a thick shrub; a forest 
region, especially in Australia; wild, 
uncleared country; the tail or brush 
of a fox; a branch of a tree formerly 
hung out as a tavern sign : v.i. to grow 
thick or bushy: v.t. to set bushes 
about; use a bush-harrow on. 

bushel (boosh'el), n. a dry measure 
containing eight gallons or four 
pecks; a vessel of such a capacity; 
a large quantity. 

bushranger (boosh 'ranj-er) , n. one 
who leads a predatory life in the 
bush country of Australia; orig- 
inally a criminal who escaped to the 
bush. 

business (biz'nes), n. employment; 
trade; profession; something to be 
transacted or required to be done; 
right of action; affair; matter: adj. 
pertaining to business; practical. 

buskin (bus'kin), n. kind of half-boot 
or high shoe reaching to the middle 


of the calf; a high shoe (cothurnus) 
worn by ancient actors in tragedy to 
increase their height. 

buss (bus), n. a small two-masted 
vessel used in herring fishing; a kiss. 
[Lowland Scotch.] 

bust (bust), 7i. the chest or thorax; the 
head, shoulders, and breast of a per- 
son represented in sculpture. 

bustard (bus'terd), n. a bird of the 
genus Otis, of which there are many 
species, as the great bustard of 
Europe and Africa. 

bustle (bus'l), v.i. to be busy, with a 
certain amount of noise; move 
quickly: n. tumult; noisy activity; 
a pad or cushion worn by women 
beneath the skirt. 

busy (biz'i), adj. earnestly or closely 
employed; bustling; diligent; of- 
ficious; meddlesome: v.t. [p.t. & p.p. 
busied, p.pr. busying], to keep con- 
stantly engaged; occupy one's self 
actively. 

butchery (booch'er-i) , n. the business 
of slaughtering cattle; barbarous 
murder. 

butler (but'ler), n. a manservant in 
a household who has the care of the 
plate, wines, &c; the chief servant 
in a large household. 

butt (but), n. a push or thrust deliv- 
ered by the head of an animal; a 
thrust in fencing: v.t. to strike by 
thrusting the head against. 

butt (but), n. the extremity of a 
thing; the thicker end of anything; 
a target; a rifle or gunnery range; 
a goal; a limit; the thickest part 
of tanned ox-hides; an object of rid- 
icule. 

butter (but'er), n. an oily, unctuous 
substance obtained from cream or 
milk by churning; any substance of 
butter-like consistence; gross flat- 
tery: v.t. to spread or smear with 
butter; to flatter grossly. 

buttercup (but'er-kup), n. a plant 
bearing yellow cup-shaped flowers. 

butterfly (but'er-fll) , n. [pi. butter- 
flies (but'er-fliz)], a general name for 
any species of diurnal lepidopterous 
insects; a gay, showily-dressed, tri- 
fling person. 

buttermilk (but'er-milk) , n. whey 
separated from the cream in butter- 
making. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


BUTTOCK 88 BY-WORD 

buttock (but 'ok), n. the rump or buxom (buk'sum), adj. cheerful; jolly; 

protuberant hinder part of a man robust; plump and comely, 

or animal [used mainly in the pi.]; buy (bl), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. bought, 

the convex part of a ship under the p.pr. buying], to acquire by 

stern. paying an agreed price; purchase; 

button (but'n), n. any small rounded bribe. 

object used to secure different parts buzz (buz), n. a continuous humming 
of a garment, or attached for orna- noise, as of bees; a confused or 
ment ; something resembling a but- blended murmur, as of many voices ; 
ton; the knob at the end of a foil; a whispered report or rumor: v.i. to 
a ball of gold, &c, worn on the hats make a low humming sound; speak 
of Chinese officials to indicate their with a low humming voice: v.t.. 
rank: pi. young mushrooms; a page spread secretly, 
boy: v.t. to fasten or furnish with bye (bl), n. a run scored at cricket 
buttons. when the ball passes the wicket- 
buttonhole (but'n-hol), n. a small keeper and long-stop, and has not 
bouquet worn in the coat: v.t. to been struck by the batsman; a goal 
detain in conversation against the at football. 

will; bore. by-law (bi-law), n. a private law or 

buttress (but'res), n. masonry or statute framed by a corporate 

brickwork built on to an outside body. 

wall to afford support; a support: by- word (bi'werd), n. a proverb; nick- 

v.t. to support by a buttress; prop. name; an object of derision. 

ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


c 


O, the third letter of the alphabet in 
most European languages. In the 
hieroglyphic Egyptian, the figure 
that stood for it represented a throne. 
In Latin and Greek, it had the sound 
of G for a long while, but gradually in 
Latin it was supplanted by K while 
the new character G was formed to 
convey the G sound. Finally C took 
the place of K while G was G. 
(See G.) As a symbol, C stands for 
centigrade (a thermometric scale) as 
opposed to F (Fahrenheit) and Car- 
bon. 

cab (kab), n. a public carriage with 
four or two wheels, drawn by one 
horse; the shelter for the driver of 
a locomotive: v.t. [p.t. & p.p. cabbed, 
p.pr. cabbing], to pass over in a cab: 
as, to cab the distance. 

cabal (ka-bal'), n. a secret combina- 
tion of a few persons for carrying out 
some specific design; an intrigue: v.i. 
[p.t. & p.p. caballed, p.pr. caballing], 
to unite in secre_t with others 

cabaret (kab A a-ra) , n. a tavern; house 
where liquors are retailed; a vaude- 
ville performance given in restaurants 
for diners. 

cabbage (kab'aj), n. the well-known 
vegetable; the terminal head of 
palm-trees; tailors' clippings, taken 
as perquisites: v.i. to form a head 
like that of the cabbage: v.t. to ap- 
propriate to one's own use. 

cabin (kab'in), n. a small hut, cottage, 
or room ; a room in a ship for officers 
or passengers: v.t. to confine in a 
cabin: v.i. to live in a cabin. 

cabinet (kab'in-et), n. a small apart- 
ment; a private room; a piece of 
furniture to hold objects of vertu, 
&c; a cabinet photograph; a delib- 
erative committee of the principal 
members of the Ministry. 

cable (ka'bl) , n. a large strong rope or 
chain; a submarine telegraph line; a 


molding resembling a cable; a meas- 
ure of distance = 100 to 140 fathoms: 
v.t. to fasten with a cable; transmit 
by telegraph cable. 

cacbe (kash), n. a place of concealment 
for food for future use: v.t. to hide 
(provisions) in the ground. 

cackle (kak'l), v.i. to cry like a hen or 
goose: specifically used of the cry 
made by a hen which has laid an 
egg; giggle; prattle: n. the cry of a 
hen or goose; silly talk. 

cactus (kak'tus), n. [pi. cacti (kak'ti) 
& cactuses (kak'tus-ez)], a spiny 
fleshy plant with showy flowers. 

cad (kad), n. a vulgar, ill-bred fel- 
low. 

cadaverous (ka-dav'er-us) , adj. re- 
sembling a corpse ; pale ; ghastly. m 

caddie (kad'i), n. a lad who carries 
golf clubs. s 

caddy Ckad'i), n. [pi. caddies (kad'iz)], 
a small box for keeping tea. 

cadence (ka/dens), n. the full modu- 
lation of the voice in reading or 
speaking; rhythm. 

cadet (ka-def), n. a younger son; 
student in a naval or military acad- 
emy. [French.] 

caecum (se'kum), n. [pi. caeca (se'ka)], 
the blind gut; a pouch-like appen- 
dage of the large intestine, having 
one end_ closed. 

cafe (kaf-a'), n. a restaurant. [French.] 

cage (kaj), n. a box or inclosure fur- 
nished with metal bars for confining 
birds, or other animals ; a contrivance 
for raising and lowering men in a 
mine shaft: v.t. to confine in a cage; 
shut up. 

cairn (karn), n. a conical heap of 
stones erected as a monument. # 

caisson (ka'sun), n. an ammunition- 
wagon or chest; a box filled with 
explosives for firing a mine; a water- 
tight box or casing used for building 
structures in water; a sunken panel 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book 
hue, hut ; think, Men. 


CAITIFF 


90 


CAMBRIC 


in a ceiling; a structure for raising 
and floating sunken vessels. 

caitiff (ka'tif), n. a despicable or 
cowardly wretch: adj. despicable; 
vile; cowardly. [Old French.] 

cajole (ka-jol'), v.t. to coax or deceive 
by flattery; wheedle; cheat. 

cake (kak), n. a small mass of dough, 
sweetened and baked; a compressed 
or solidifiedmass of any substance 

cake-walk (kak'wawk), n. a strutting, 
eccentric walk or parade, originally 
by negroes for a cake given as a 
prize. 

calamity (ka-lam'i-ti) , n. [pi. calami- 
ties (ka-lam'i-tiz)], any cause that 
produces evil, disaster, or extreme 
misfortune; distress; affliction. 

calcareous (kal-kar'e-us), adj. of the 
nature of, or containing, lime. 

calcimine (kal'si-min) , n. white or 
tinted wash for walls or ceilings. 

calcine (kal'sln), v.t. to reduce a sub- 
stance to powder by heat; oxidize: 
v.i. to undergo calcination. 

calcium (kal'si-um), n. the metallic 
base of lime. 

calculate (kal'ku-lat), v.t. to compute; 
ascertain or determine by any proc- 
ess of reasoning; estimate: v.i. to 
make a computation; suppose or 
think. [Latin.] 

calculus (kal'ku-lus), n. [pi. calculi 
(kal'kii-ll)], a stony concretion in the 
body; one of the higher branches of 
mathematics; the differential calcu- 
lus. [Latin.] 

calendar (kal'en-der), n. a register 
of the days, weeks, and months of 
the year, &c; a register or list; a 
list of criminal causes arranged for 
trial: v.t. to register or place on a 
list. 

calf (kaf), n. [pi. calves (kavz)], a 
young bovine quadruped, especially 
of the cow; the young of certain 
marine mammalia, as the whale; 
leather made from the skin of a 
calf; a small island, or iceberg near 
a larger one; a stupid or silly per- 
son; the thick fleshy part of the leg 
behind. 

caliber (kal'i-ber), n. the diameter of a 
cylindrical body; mental capacity. 

calico (kal'i-ko), n. [pi. calicoes & -os 
(kal'i-koz)], white or printed cotton 
cloth. From Kalicut, in India. 


caliph (kal' or ka'lif), n. a title of 
the successors of Mohammed. 

calisthenics (kal-is-then'iks) , n.pl. the 
art of promoting health by physical 
exercise; simple gymnastics. 

calk or caulk (kawk), v.t. to drive 
oakum into the seams of (a ship). 

call (kawl), v.t. to summon from, or 
invite to, any place; convoke judi- 
cially or officially; designate for an 
office; name; characterize as; exhort; 
utter in a loud voice; rouse from 
sleep: n. a summons or invitation; 
a request or command; a short 
visit ; # the cry or note uttered by 
certain animals; a demand for pay- 
ment due on snares; the option of 
claiming stock at a certain time at 
a stipulated price. 

calligraphy (kal-lig'ra-fi), n. elegant 
or beautiful writing. 

calliope (kal-li'o-pe), n. a musical in- 
strument composed of a series of 
steam whistles played like an organ. 

callous (kal'us), adj. hardened; insen- 
sible. 

callow (kal'o), adj. unfledged. 

calm (kam) , adj. tranquil ; still ; undis- 
turbed: n. stillness; serenity: v.t. to 
quiet; still; pacify: v.i. to become 
calm (with down). 

calomel (kal'o-mel), n. mercurial 
chloride: used as a purgative medi- 
cine. 

caloric (ka-lor'ik), adj. pertaining to 
heat. 

calumet (kal'u-met), n. the tobacco- 
pipe of the North American Indians, 
smoked as a symbol of peace, or to 
ratify treaties. [Old French.] 

calumny (karum-ni), n. [pi. calumnies 
(kal'um-niz)], a false accusation; a 
slander. 

calve (kav), v.i. to bring forth a calf; 
become detached from: said of gla- 
ciers when icebergs break off from 
them. 

calyx (ka/liks), n. [pi. calyxes (ka'lik- 
sez), calices (kal'i-sez)], the whorl of 
a flower. [Greek.] 

cam (kam), n. a projecting part of a 
wheel or other moving piece of ma- 
chinery for imparting an eccentric 
or alternating motion. 

cambric (kam'brik), n. a very fine 
thin linen: adj. pertaining to, or 
made of, cambric. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, nOrth, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


CAME 


91 


CANNIBAL 


came (kam), p.t. of come. 

camel (kam'el), n. a large ruminant 
quadruped, of which there are two 
species, the Arabian camel or drome- 
dary, with a single hump, and the 
Bactrian camel, with two humps; a 
water-tight structure placed beneath 
a vessel to raise and float it over a 
shoal or bar. [Hebrew and Latin.] 

cameo (kam'e-o), n. a precious stone 
or shell on which figures are engraved 
in relief. [Italian.] 

camera (kam'er-a), n. [pi. cameras 
(kam'er-az)], a camera obscura, espe- 
cially that employed in photography. 

camomile (kam'o-mll), n. a plant of 
the genus Anthemis, whose flowers 
have a bitter aromatic taste, and are 
largely used as a medicine. 

camp (kamp), n. the ground occupied 
by an army at rest, \/ith tents, huts, 
&c; an encampment: v.i. to live in a 
camp; encamp. 

campaign (kam-pan'), n. an open 
tract of land; the period during 
which an army carries on active 
operations in the field: v.i. to serve 
in a campaign. [French.] 

camphor (kam'fer), n. a volatile aro- 
matic whitish substance, obtained 
from various trees and plants of 
Eastern Asia. [French from Arabic] 

can (kan), v.i. [p.t. could (kood)], to 
be able; possess power physically, 
morally, or mentally (used as an 
auxiliary verb). 

can (kan), n. a metal vessel of small 
size, for holding liquids or preserving 
solids: v.t. [p.t. & p.p. canned, p.pr. 
canning], to put up in cans for 
preservation. 

canal (ka-nal'), n. an artificial navi- 
gable waterway; a duct or tube for 
the passage of fluids; a channel or 
groove. 

canard (ka-nard', French ka-nar'), n. 
an absurd story or report ; a hoax. 

canary (ka-na'ri), n. a light wine; a 
pale or bright yellow color; a small 
singing bird with yellow plumage, a 
native of the Canary Islands: adj. 
bright yellow. 

cancel (kan'sel), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. can- 
celed, p.pr. canceling], to deface 
writing by drawing lines across it; 
annul; strike out common factors. 

cancer (kan'eer), n. a genus of crus- 


taceans, including the crabs; one 
of the twelve zodiacal signs, the 
sign of the summer solstice; a ma- 
lignant tumor or growth. 

candelabrumvkan-de-la'- or -la'brum), 
n. [pi. candelabra (kan-de-la'- or -la'- 
bra)], a lamp-stand; an ornamented 
branched candlestick. [Latin.] 

candid (kan'did), adj. honest; out- 
spoken; sincere; free from undue 
bias; open; fair. 

candidate (kan'di-dat) , n. one who 
offers himself, or is proposed by 
others, to fill some office. [Latin.] 

candle (kan'dl), n. a cylindrical body 
of tallow, wax, or other fatty ma- 
terial, inclosing a wick of cotton, 
and used to furnish light. [Latin.] 

candor (kan'der), n. openness; frank- 
ness. 

candy (kan'di), n. a solid confection 
of sugar or chocolate, combined with 
flavoring or coloring substances or 
with nuts, raisins, &c: v.t. [p.t. & p.p. 
candied, p.pr. candying], to conserve 
with sugar; incrust with crystals: v.i. 
to become candied. [Tamil.] See 
confectionery. 

cane (kan), n. the stem of certain 
palms, grasses, and other plants, as 
the bamboo, sugar-cane, rattan, &c; 
a walking-stick: v.t to beat with a 
cane. 

canine (ka/nin), adj. pertaining to 
dogs; having the nature or qualities 
of a dog. [Latin.] 

canister (kan'is-ter), n. a metal box 
or case for tea, coffee, &c; a case 
containing grape shot which ex- 
plodes when fired from a can- 
non. 

canker (kang'ker), n. a cancerous or 
ulcerous disease; an eating or cor- 
roding agency which causes decay or 
rot; anything that insidiously cor- 
rodes, corrupts, or destroys: v.t. to 
corrode or corrupt; infect with poi- 
sonous influence: v.i. to grow cor- 
rupt; be infected with, or become, 
malignant. 

cankerous (kang'ker-us) , adj. corrod- 
ing. 

cannibal (kan'i-bal), n. a human being 
who eats human flesh; any animal 
that eats the flesh of its own kind: 
adj. pertaining to, or characteristic 
of, cannibalism. [Spanish.] 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, nOrth, not ; boon, book 
hue. hut : think, then. 


CANNON 


92 


CAP 


cannon (kan'un), n. [pi. cannons 
(kan'unz) or cannon (collectively)], 
a large gun; a piece of ordnance. 

cannot (kan'ot), (can and not), to be 
unable. 

canny or cannie (kan'i), adj. shrewd; 
knowing; cautious; wary; artful; 
reasonable; quiet; easy; safe: adv. 
in a canny _manner. 

canoe (ka-noo), n. [pi. canoes (ka- 
nooz')], alight boat of bark, hide, or 
the hollow trunk of a tree; any light 
boat propelled by paddles: v.i. [p.t. 
& p.p. canoed, p.pr. canoeing], to 
sail or paddle a canoe. [Haytian.] 

canon (kan'un), n. a law or rule in 
general; a law or rule regarding 
doctrine or discipline enacted by a 
council and confirmed; the books of 
the Holy Scriptures received as au- 
thoritative by the Christian Church 
(called the Sacred Canon) ; a cata- 
logue of saints; one of the largest 
kinds of type; the part by which a 
bell is hung; a cathedral dignitary. 
[Greek.] 

canonize (kan'on-iz), v.t. to enrol in 
the catalogue or canon of the 
saints. 

canopy (kan'o-pi), n. [pi. canopies 
(kan'o-piz)], a covering fixed above a 
bed, or suspended over a throne or 
da'is; any similar covering; a decora- 
tive cover above an altar, pulpit, 
niche, &c: v.t. [p.t. & p.p. canopied, 
p.pr. canopying], to cover with a 
canopy. 

cant (kant), v.i. to speak in a whining 
voice, or with an affected or hypo- 
critical tone; make whining preten- 
sions to goodness ; to use the conven- 
tional phraseology of a particular 
sect, party, &c: n. a whining manner 
of speech; the speech affected by 
those soliciting alms; the jargon or 
slang spoken by thieves, gipsies, 
beggars, &c; the words and phrases 
characteristic of a certain party, 
sect, &c; the employment of certain 
phrases and forms of speech without 
sincerity, especially the assumption 
of a religious character or the hypo- 
critical use of sacred words: adj. 
cant; canting. 

can't (kant), a colloquial contraction 
of cannot. 

cantaloupe (kan'ta-loop) , n. a va- 


riety of musk-melon of delicate 
flavor. [Spanish.] 

cantankerous (kan-tang'ker-us) , adj. 
ill-tempered; cross-grained; conten- 
tious. 

cantata (kan-ta'ta), n. a short choral 
composition in the manner of an 
oratorio; a poem or story set to 
music. 

canteen (kan-ten'), n. a kind of shop 
in barracks or camp where liquors 
and provisions are sold; a vessel 
used by soldiers for carrying water 
or liquor when on the march; a box 
containing mess utensils, &c, for 
officers when on foreign service. 

canter (kan'ter), n. an easy gallop; a 
Canterbury gallop: v.i. to move in 
an easy gallop: v.t. to cause to can- 
ter. 

canticle (kan'ti-kal) , n. a song; one 
of the non-metrical hymns of the 
Bible arranged for chanting in church 
service: pi. the Song of Songs, or 
Song of Solomon. 

cantilever (kan'ti-lev-er) , n. a bracket 
or block projecting from the wall 
of a house, to support a balcony, 
cornice, &c; one of two arms pro- 
jecting from opposite banks serving 
to form a bridge: adj. constructed on 
the principle of a cantilever. 

canto (kan'to), n. [pi. cantos (kan'- 
toz)], a part of a poem of some 
length; the highest vocal part in 
concerted music; soprano. [Italian.] 

canton (kan'ton), n. a district or 
division of a territory; a division 
of a painting or flag: v.t. to divide 
into districts or parts ; to allot sepa- 
rate quarters to troops. 

canvas (kan'vas), n. a coarse heavy 
cloth of hemp or flax, used for tents, 
sails.^ &c, and also for painting on; 
sails in general ; a painting : adj. made 
of canvas. 

canvass (kan'vas), v.t. to examine; 
sift; discuss; solicit votes or opin- 
ions: v.i. to traverse a, district for 
the purpose of soliciting votes, in- 
terest, orders, &c: n. a close inspec- 
tion or scrutiny; discussion; a so- 
licitation of votes, interest, orders, 
&c. 

cap (kap), n. & covering for the head, 
usually without a brim ; anything 
resembling a cap; a percussion cap; 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit : note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


CAPABLE 


93 


CARAT 


the top or summit; a particular size 
of writing-paper: v.t. [p.t. dc p.p. 
capped, p.pr. capping], to put a cap 
on; cover with, or as with, a cap; 
cover the top end of; complete; 
crown; place a cap on the head when 
conferring a university degree; match 
verses with like ones, or finish verses 
that another has composed. 

capable (ka'pa-bl), adj. receptive; 
susceptible: having power, skill, or 
capacity; competent: legally quali- 
fied. 

capacity (ka-pas'i-ti) , n. [pi. capacities 
(ka-pas'i-tiz)], the power of ^receiving 
or containing; the power of contain- 
ing a certain quantity exactly; cubic 
contents; intellectual ability; legal 
qualification ; profession ; function ; 
position. 

cape (kap), n. a covering for the 
shoulders, worn separately or at- 
tached; a headland. 

caper (ka'per), v.i. to skip: jump:??. 
a frolicsome leap or spring; a skip; 
a prank. 

caper (ka'per), n. a plant, the flower- 
buds of which are pickled and used 
as a condiment under the name of 
capers. 

capillary (kap'il-a-ri), adj. resembling 
a hair; minute; slender; possessing a 
very small bore; pertaining to the 
capillary vessels of the body: n. a 
tube with a small bore: pi. one of the 
minute blood-vessels connecting the 
arteries with the veins. 

capital (kap'i-tal), adj. affecting the 
head or life : punishable with death; 
first in importance; chief; good, ex- 
cellent: n. the chief city in a king- 
dom or state; a capital letter. 

capital (kap'i-tal), n. the sum invested 
in any particular business; stock in 
trade : stock or resources of any kind, 
moral or physical; that part of wealth 
which is saved and is available for, or 
employed in, future production; the 
head or top of a column, pilaster, or 
pillar. [Latin.] 

capitulate (ka-pit'u-lat), v.i. to sur- 
render to an enemy on conditions 
agreed upon. 

capon (ka'pon), n. a fattened fowl. 

caprice (ka-pres'), n. a sudden impulse 
of the mind; a whim; a freak. 
[French.] 


capricious (ka-prish'us), adj. charac- 
terized by caprice; unsteady; fickle. 

capsize (kap-siz'), v.i. to be over- 
turned; upset: v.t. to turn over or 
upset: n. an _upset or overturn. 

capsule (kap'sul), n. a metallic seal 
or cover for a bottle; a small en- 
velope of gelatine inclosing a nau- 
seous drug; a seed-vessel or sac. 

captain (kap 'tin), n. one who has 
command of. or authority over, 
others; a chief; a commander; in 
the army, the commander of a com- 
pany; in the navy, an officer com- 
manding a ship of war; popularly 
but incorrectly the master of a 
merchant vessel; the^ head of a 
team or side; the chief boy in a 
school; the head bell-boy in a hotel. 

caption (kap'shun), n. a certificate of 
arrest . 

captious Ckap'shus), adj. ready to 
catch at faults or take offense; quib- 
bling; sophistical; fitted to harass or 
perplex; carping. 

captivate (kap'ti-vat), v.t. to enslave 
or hold captive by beauty or excel- 
lence; charm or lure; fascinate. 

captive (kap'tiv), adj. made prisoner; 
held in bondage; fascinated; of or 
pertaining to bondage: n. one who 
is taken prisoner, especially one so 
taken in war; one held in bondage 
or fascinated. 

captivity (kap-tiv'i-ti) , n. the state of 
being held_ in bondage or confine- 
ment; servitude; imprisonment. 

capture (kap'tur), n. the act of seiz- 
ing or taking, as a prisoner or a 
prize; arrest; the thing taken: v.t. 
to take or seize by force, surprise 
or stratagem; make a prisoner or 
prize of. 

car (kar), n. a wheeled vehicle, espe- 
cially one having only two wheels; 
a coach running upon rails: the 
basket suspended beneath a balloon 
to contain the aeronaut; a chariot of 
war or state. 

caramel (kar'a-mel), n.^ burnt sugar, 
used for coloring spirits, gravies, 
soups, &c; a kind of sweetmeat, 
usually made of chocolate. 

carat (kar'at), n. the weight of 3.17 
grains, used for weighing precious 
stones and pearls; a twenty-fourth 
part, a term used to express the 


ate, arm, at. awl ; me, merge, met : mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 

rule, hut : think, then. 


CARAVAN 


94 


CARMINE 


fineness of gold used in jewelry; 
thus, gold 22 carats fine contains 22 
parts of pure gold and 2 of alloy 
(copper or silver). Also spelled 
karat. [French and Arabic] 

caravan (kar'a-van or kar-a-van'), n. 
a company of travelers, merchants, 
or pilgrims, associated together for 
mutual security, especially when 
traveling through deserts or regions 
infested by robbers; a large covered 
wagon or carriage for the conveyance 
of traveling exhibitions or passengers ; 
a van. [Persian.] 

caraway (kar'a-wa), n. a biennial plant 
with aromatic and pungent seeds, 
used medicinally and as a condi- 
ment. 

carbon (kar^on), n. an elementary 
substance present in all organic com- 
pounds, and occurring in nature in 
two distinct forms, asthe diamond 
and graphite. The action of heat on 
vegetable and animal tissues pro- 
duces carbon in the form of charcoal, 
lampblack, coke, &c. [Latin.] 

carboy (kar'boi), n. a large globular 
bottle of glass, protected by a basket- 
work, used to contain or convey 
corrosive acids. 

carbuncle (kar'bung-kl) , n. a gem of 
a deep red color; an inflammatory 
tumor, boil, or ulcer. 

carcase or carcass (kar'kas), n. [pi. 
carcases (kar'kas-ez)], the dead body 
of an animal ; a corpse ; the decaying 
remains of a bulky thing; the frame- 
work or skeleton of a building, ship, 
&c; a perforated shell filled with 
combustibles, used to set fire to 
buildings, ships, &c. 

card (kard), n. a printed piece of 
pasteboard used for various social 
or _ business purposes; such a piece 
printed bearing certain devices or 
figures, used for playing games; a 
short business advertisement in a 
newspaper; the dial of a mariner's 
compass; an instrument for combing 
the fibers of wool, flax, or cotton, 
preparatory to spinning. 

cardiac (kar'di-ak), adj. pertaining 
to the heart; stimulating the heart's 
action: n. a cordial. 

cardinal (kar'di-nal), adj. chief; pre- 
eminent; fundamental. [Latin.] 

cardinal (kar'di-nal), n. an ecclesi- 


astical prince ranking in dignity 
next to the Pope. 

care (kar), n. concern; solicitude; 
anxiety ; a burdensome responsibility ; 
caution; charge or oversight; atten- 
tion, watchfulness; an object of 
watchful attention and regard: v.i. 
to be anxious or solicitous; be con- 
cerned, troubled, or interested. 

careen (ka-ren'), v.t. to bring (a ship) 
on one side for the purpose of calk- 
ing, cleansing, or repairing: v.i. to 
incline on one side, as a ship under 
press of sail. 

career (ka-reV), n. a run at full speed; 
general course of action; an occupa- 
tion or calling: v.i. to move or ride 
rapidly. [French.] 

careful (kar'fool), adj. full of care; 
anxious; attentive; watchful; cau- 
tious; provident; thoughtful. 

careless (kar'les), adj. lacking care or 
interest; indifferent; irresponsible; 
void of anxiety; light-hearted. 

caress (ka-res'), n. any act or expres- 
sion of affection ; an embrace : m v.t. 
to treat with tokens of affection; 
bestow caresses upon. 

caret (ka'ret or kar'et), n. a mark 
(A) used in writing, or in correcting 
proofs, to indicate the place where 
something is omitted or is to be 
added. [Latin, " it is lacking."] 

cargo (kar'go), n. [pi. cargoes (kar'- 
goz)], the lading or freight of a ship. 

caricature (kar'i-ka-tur) , n. a pic- 
torial or descriptive representation 
of a person or thing, in which the 
defects or peculiarities are exag- 
gerated so as to produce a ludicrous 
effect; parody: v.t. to represent in 
a ridiculous or exaggerated style; 
parody; burlesque. [Italian.] 

caries (ka'ri-ez), n. decay of bones, 
teeth, or vegetable tissue. [Latin.] 

cark (kark), v.i. to be anxious or con- 
cerned: v.t. to vex; load with care or 
grief. 

carl or carle (karl), n. a strong, sturdy 
fellow; a rustic; a churl. 

carminative (kar-min'a-tiv), n. a 
medicine, which expels wind and 
relieves colic and flatulence: adj. 
expelling wind. [Latin.] 

carmine (kar'min or kar'min), n. the 
essential coloring principle of coch- 
ineal; a rich crimson pigment. 


Ste, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met : mite, mit : note, n6rth, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


CARNAGE 


95 


CASEIN 


carnage (kar'naj), n. slaughter; great 
destruction of life by violence; mas- 
sacre. [French.l 

carnal (kar'nal) , adj. pertaining to the 
body, its passions and its appetites; 
animal; fleshly; sensual; impure; 
not spiritual, but essentially human; 
secular. [Latin.] 

carnation (kar-na'shun), n. a light 
rose-pink ; flesh color ; the parts of a 
picture in which flesh is represented ; 
a variety of clove pink. 

carnival (kar'ni-val) , n. the season of 
rejoicing before Lent: observed in 
Roman Catholic countries, and _ in 
some of the L'nited States; feasting 
or revelry. [Italian.] 

carnivorous (kar-niv'o-rus), adj. eat- 
ing or feeding on flesh. 

carol (kar'ul), n. a song of joy or 
praise, especially one in honor of the 
Nativity '.v.i. [p-t. & p.p. -ed. p.pr. 
-ing], to sing in joy: v.t. to praise or 
celebrate in song. [Old French.] 

carotid (ka-rot'id), n. one of the two 
principal arteries, one on either side 
of the neck, which convey the blood 
from the aorta to the head: adj. 
pertaining to the two great arteries 
of the neck. 

carouse (ka-rouz'), n. a feast or fes- 
tival; a noisy drinking bout or revel. 
Also carousal: v.i. to drink heartily 
and with jollity ; revel. [Old French.] 

carp (karp), v.i. to cavil or find 
fault. 

carp (karp), n. a fresh-water fish.^ 

carpenter (kar'pen-ter) , n. an artificer 
who works in timber and prepares 
the woodwork of houses, ships, &c: 
v.i. to perform carpenter's work. 

carpet (kar'pet), n. a thick woven or 
felted fabric, with a pattern, used 
for covering floors or stairs; a soft 
covering, resembling carpet: v.t. to 
cover with a carpet; bring under 
consideration ; reprimand. 

carriage (kar'ij), n. the act of carrying 
or transporting; cost of conveyance; 
behavior; deportment; a wheeled 
vehicle; the wheeled stand or support 
of a gun; the frame-work of a wooden 
staircase. [French.] 

carrion (kar'i-on), n. dead or putrefy- 
ing flesh; filth; garbage: adj. pertain- 
ing to, or feeding on, carrion. 

carrot (kar'ot), n. the well-known 


plant with an edible root; the root 
itself. [French.] 

carry (kar'i), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. carried, 
p.pr. carrying], to convey from one 
point to another; bear; have on one's 
person ; convey by force ; lead ; trans- 
fer; accomplish; gain possession of; 
extend or continue in time or space 
[with up or back]; exhibit; imply; 
have in charge or conduct; to take 
by assault: v.i. to act as a bearer; 
to reach, said of the range of a pro- 
jectile; hold the head in a particular 
manner. [French.] 

cart (kart), n. a carriage for the con- 
veyance of heavy goods; a light 
two-wheeled vehicle used by trades- 
men, &c: v.t. to carry or convey in a 
cart. 

cartilage (kar'ti-laj), n. an elastic ani- 
mal tissue, forming bone; gristle. 

cartoon (kar-toon'), n. a study or 
design executed on strong paper, 
and of the size to be reproduced in 
fresco or tapestry; a pictorial sketch 
dealing with a political or social sub- 
ject. [French.] 

cartridge (kar'trij), n. a case of card- 
board, metal, or other material, con- 
taining the charge of a firearm. 

carve (karv), v.t. to form a design; 
shape by cutting; cut into slices: 
v.i. to exercise the trade of a sculptor 
or carver; cut up meat. 

caryatid (kar-i-at'id), n. a figure of 
a woman in long robes, serving to 
support an entablature. [Greek.] 

cascade (kas-kad'), n. a waterfall. 

cascara (kas-kar'a), n. a bark used in 
medicine. 

case (kas), n. a covering or receptacle; 
a sheath; a box with its contents; a 
frame or casing; a divided tray for 
types: 225 sq. ft. of crown glass: v.t. 
to cover with, or enclose in, a case. 

case (kas), n. that which happens or 
befalls; the matters involved in a 
question under discussion or inves- 
tigation; a certain instance of 
disease; a suit or action at law; 
one of the forms or inflections in 
the declension of a noun, pronoun, 
or adjective, which indicates its re- 
lation to other words. [Old French.] 

casein (ka'se-in), n. the curd-matter 
of milk, forming the main part of 
cheese. [Latin caseus, "cheese."] 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit : note, n6rth, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


CASEMENT 


96 


CATAPLASM 


casement (kas'ment), n. a hinged 
window-frame made to open out- 
ward; a compartment between the 
mullions of a window. 

caseous (ka'se-us), adj. cheesy. 

cash (kash), n. money; ready money: 
v.t. to turn into, or exchange for, 
money. [Chinese.] 

cashmere (kash'mer) , n. a soft woolen 
fabric for shawls; a dress fabric. 

cash-register (kash-re'jis-ter), n. a 
cash-box which registers the amounts 
deposited in it. 

casino (ka-se 'no), n. a public room or 
building used for social meetings, 
dancing, gaming, &c. 

cask (kask), n. & vessel composed of 
wooden staves, bound by iron hoops, 
for holding liquors; the quantity 
contained in a cask. 

casket (kasT^et), n. a small chest or 
box for jewels, &c; a costly coffin: 
v.t. to place or preserve in a cas- 
ket. 

cassimere (kas'i-mer), n. a thin twilled 
woolen cloth, used for men's gar- 
ments. Also casimire and kersey- 
mere. 

cassock (kas'uk), n. a long, close- 
fitting vestment worn by clergymen, 
choristers, &c. [French.] 

cast (kast), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. cast, p.pr. 
casting], to throw; hurl; shed; direct 
or turn; throw down; calculate; de- 
feat at law; condemn; form into a 
certain shape; assign to various 
actors: v.i. to throw the line in 
angling; ponder; to warp or twist; 
receive form or shape in a mold: 
n. the act of casting; the distance 
to which a thing may be thrown; 
motion or turn (of the eye); direc- 
tion, glance; the form or shape; 
manner; appearance; a tinge. 

castanets (kas'ta-nets) , n.vl. small 
spoon-shaped shells of hard wood or 
ivory, fastened loosely at the top, a 
pair of which is fastened to each 
thumb and shaken with the fingera 
to beat time. 

caste (kast), one of the artificial or 
hereditary divisions into which Hin- 
dus are restricted by Brahminic 
religious law; the company of actora 
to whom the parts of a play are 
assigned. 

castellated (kas'te-la-ted) , adj. fur- 


nished with turrets and battlements, 
as a castle. 

castigate (kas'ti-gat) , v.t. to correct; 
chastise; punish; subject to severe 
criticism. 

castle (kas'l or kas'l), n. a fortified 
residence; a fortress; a strong and 
imposing mansion of a noble or 
wealthy person; one of the pieces at 
chess, called also rook: v.i. to move 
the king two squares to the right or 
left, and bring the castle to the 
square the king has passed over. 

castrate (kas'trat), v.t. emasculate; 
geld; expurgate; deprive a flower of 
its anthers: adj. emasculated; gelded: 
n. one who has been emasculated; a 
eunuch. [Latin.] 

casual (kazh'u-al), adj. happening by 
chance; accidental; occasional; for- 
tuitous. 

casualty (kazh'u-aPti) , n. [pi. casu- 
alties (kazh'ti-al-tiz)], an accident, 
especially if resulting in bodily injury 
or death. 

casuistry (kazh'u-ist-ri) , n. [pi. casu- 
istries (kazh'u-ist-riz)], the science or 
doctrine which deals with cases of 
conscience as determined by theolog- 
ical dogmas or ethical rules; sophis- 
tical or equivocal reasoning. 

cat (kat), n. a carnivorous animal of 
the family Felidae, especially the 
domesticated quadruped, Felis do- 
mestical a cat-o'-nine-tails; the game 
of tip-cat; a strong tackle; to raise 
an anchor to the cat-head; a double 
tripod which always lands on its 
feet: v.t. [p.t. & p.p. catted, p.pr. 
catting], to draw up (an anchor) 
to the cat head. 

cataclysm (kat'a-klizm), n. a deluge; 
flood; a violent or sudden physical 
change of the earth's surface. 

catacomb (kat'a-kom), n. a subter- 
raneous burial place with niches 
hollowed out for the dead. [Greek.] 

catalepsy (kat'a-lep-si), n. a sudden 
suspense of < voluntary sensation. 
Also catalepsis. [Greek.] 

catalogue (kat'a-log), n. an arranged 
list: v.t. to enter in, or make, a cata- 
logue of. [Greek.] 

catamaran (kat-a-ma-ran'), n. a raft 
or float propelled by paddles. 

cataplasm (kat'a-plazm), n. a poultice 
or blister. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


CATAPLEXY 97 CAUSAL 

cataplexy (kat'a-plek-si), n. a sudden catgut (kat'gut), n. a kind of cord 
shock to the nerves causing paralysis. made from the intestines of animals, 

cataract (kat'a-rakt) , n. a large usually sheep, and used as strings 
waterfall; a furious rush or down- for musical instruments and some 
pour of water ; a disease of the other purposes ; a string of this kind ; 
eye in which the crystalline lens a kind of open canvas. 
becomes opaque, and the vision be- cathartic (ka-thar'tik) , adj. purga- 
comes impaired or is lost. [Greek.] tive: n. a purgative medicine. 

catarrh (ka-tar'), n. an inflammatory cathedral (ka-the'dral), n. the chief 
affection of any mucous membrane church in a diocese in which is the 
accompanied by increase of the throne of a bishop: adj. pertaining 
mucus, especially from the nose; a to a cathedral. [Graeco-Latin.] 
violent cold in the head. [Greek.] cathode (kath'od), n. the negative 

catastrophe (ka-tas'tro-fe) , n. a great pole of a current: opposed to anode, 
calamity or disaster; an event sub- Written also kathode. [Greek.] 
versive of the order of things; the catholic (kath'o-lik), adj. universal; 
unfolding and winding up of a plot ; general ; embracing all ; liberal ; large- 
a cataclysm. [Greek.] hearted; free from prejudice; includ- 

catch (kach), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. caught ing all mankind. [Greek.] 

(kawt), p.pr. catching], to seize or Catholic (kath'o-lik), adj. pertaining 

grasp; lay hold of suddenly; inter- to the Church of Rome : n. a member 

cept; take captive; apprehend by the of the Universal or Catholic Church, 

intellect or senses ; take, by conta- or of the Roman Church. 

gion, infection, or sympathy ; at- catholicity (kath-ol-is'i-ti) , n. the 

tack, or communicate to, as a fire; quality of being catholic; liberal. 

come upon unexpectedly; come up catkin (kat'kin), n. the pendulous 

to; reach in time: n. the act of seiz- inflorescence of the willow, birch, 

ing or grasping; that which is caught &c. 

or taken; gain; something desirable catmint (kat'mint), catnip (kat'nip), 

to be caught; anything that seizes n. a strong-scented perennial herb, 

or checks motion; a song, the parts much liked by cats. 

of which are caught up by different cattle (kat'l), n. sing. & pi. live stock, 

voices. especially oxen, bulls and cows. 

catchup (kach 'up), n. a sauce made caucus (kaw'kus), n. a preliminary 
from mushrooms, tomatoes, walnuts, meeting of representatives of a polit- 
&c. Also catsup, ketchup. ical party, to decide upon a line 

catechism (kat'e-kizm), n. an ele of policy to be submitted to a con- 
mentary manual of instruction in vention or larger meeting; a party 
the form of question and answer, combination for influencing elec- 
especially in the principles of the tions: v.i. to hold, or meet in, a 
Christian religion. [Greek.] # caucus. [Originally American.] 

catechize (kat'e-kiz), v.t. to instruct caudate (kaw'dat), adj. having a tail; 
by means of questions and answers, having a tail-like appendage, 
and offering explanations, especially caudle (kaw'dl), n. a warm drink 
to instruct on points of Christian made of wine or ale, spiced or sug- 
dogma; interrogate or examine. ared, and mixed with bread, eggs, 

category (kat'e-go-ri) , n. [pi. catego- &c, for sick persons. 

ries (kat'e-go-riz)], one of the highest caught (kawt), p.t. & p.p. of catch, 
classes to which the objects of knowl- caul (kawl), n. a net or covering for 
edge or thought can be reduced, and the head; a membrane covering the 
by which they may be arranged into lower intestines; a part of the mem- 
a system. [Greek.] brane of the fetus, sometimes in- 

cater (ka'ter), v.i. to supply food, closing a child's head at birth, 
amusement, &c. [with for and to]. cauldron (kawl'dron), n. a large kettle 

caterpillar (kat'er-pil-er) , n. the hairy or boiler. 

worm-like larva of a butterfly or causal (kaw'zal), adj. relating to or 
lepidopterous insect. expressing cause; creative: n. a word 

ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


CAUSE 98 CELT 

that expresses a cause, or introduces cedilla (se-dil'a), n. a mark placed 
a reason. under c to indicate the sound of s, 

cause (kawz), n. that which produces as in French legon. 

or contributes to a result - ^ a reason; ceil (sel), v.t. to overlay or cover the 

motive; principle; subject in debate; inner surface of a roof; furnish with 

a side or party; a suit or action; a a ceiling. 

case for judicial decision: v.t. to act ceiling (se'ling), n. the inner roof of an 

as an agent in producing an effect; apartment. 

produce. [Latin.] _ celebrate (sel'e-brat), v.t. to praise, 

caustic (kaws'tik), adj. burning; hot; extol, or honor; commemorate; dis- 
corrosive; sarcastic; cutting; pun- tinguish by solemn ceremonies, 
gent: n. a substance which burns. celebration (sel-e-bra'shun), n. the 

cautery (kaw'ter-i), n. [pi. cauteries act of celebrating; an observance or 
(kaw'ter-iz)], a burning or searing. ceremony to celebrate anything. 

caution (kaw'shun), n. heedfulness; celebrity (se-leb'ri-ti), n. [pi. celebri- 
prudence in regard to danger; watch- ties (se-leb'ri-tiz)], fame; renown; 
fulness; an admonition; something to distinction; a renowned person, 
occasion amazement or fear: v.t. to celerity (se-ler'i-ti) , n. rapidity; swift- 
warn. [Latin.] _ ness. [Latin.] 

cautious (kaw'shus), adj. exercising celery (sel'e-ri), n. a plant cultivated for 
caution; heedful; wary; vigilant; a salad and vegetable. 
circumspect. m celestial (se-les'tial), adj. of or per- 

cavalcade (kav-al-kad'), n. a train taining to the sky or heavens ; heav- 
or procession of persons, chiefly on enly; supremely excellent. [Latin.] 
horseback. [French.] # celibacy (sel'i-ba-si) , n. the state of 

cavalry (kav'al-ri), n. horse soldiers. being unmarried; single life, espe- 

cave (kav), n. a hollow place in the cially that of a bachelor, or one 
earth; a large natural cavity; a den; bound by vows to an unmarried 
cavern: v.t. to hollow out. life. [Latin.] 

cavern (kav'ern), n. a large natural cell (sel), n. a small room in a mon- 
hollow under the earth; a den; cave. astery, convent, or prison; a small 

cavil (kav'il), v.i. [p.t. & p.p. caviled, or mean place of residence: a small 
p.pr. caviling], to raise captious or cavity; a minute mass of contractile 
frivolous objections; carp [followed protoplasm forming the structural 
by at]: n. a captious or frivolous unit of every organized body; a sin- 
objection, gle element or jar of a galvanic bat- 
cavity (kav'i-ti), n. [pi. cavities (kav'- tery; a small religious house at- 
i-tiz)], a hollow place or part. tached to a monastery or convent; 

cavort (ka-vort'), v.i. to prance about, the interval between the ribs of a 
as a horse; to bustle around brisklj". vaulted roof. [Latin.] 

caw (kaw), v.i. to cry like a crow, cellar (sellar), n. a vault for storing 
rook, or raven: n. the cry of the provisions_, wine, fuel, <°c 
crow, &c. cello (chel'o), n. [vl. cellos (chel'oz), 

cayenne (kl-en' or ka-en'^, n. a kind Italian celli _(cherle)], a violoncello, 
of pepper made from the seeds of celluloid (sel'u-loid), n. a compound 
various species of the genus Cap- of camphor and gun-cotton, resem- 
sicum. [French.] bling ivory. _ 

cease (ses)^ v.i. to come to an end; cellulose (sel'u-los) or celluline (sel 7 - 
stop; desist [followed by from be- u-lin), n. the substance resen: bling 
fore a noun]: v.t. to put a stop to and allied to starch which forms 
end. [Latin.] cellular plant tissue: adj. containing 

cedar (se'dar), n. the name of sev- or composed of cells. 

eral evergreen trees, having wood Celt (selt) or Kelt (kelt), n. one of a 
of great durability and fragrance: division of the Indo-European peo- 
adj. pertaining to, or made of, pies, the chief branches of which are 
cedar. [Greek.] Erse (Irish), Manx, Breton, Highland 

cede (sed), v.t. give up or surrender. Scotch, and Welsh. [Latin.] 

ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit : note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, fften. 


CEMENT 


99 


CEREBELLUM 


cement (se-ment' or sem'ent), n. any 
adhesive substance which makes two 
bodies cohere; mortar; a bond of 
union; the bony layer which forms 
the outer substance of the fang of a 
tooth: v.t. to unite with cement; 
unite firmly or closely: v.i. become 
solid. 

cemetery (sem'e-ter-i), n. [pi. ceme- 
teries (sem'e-ter-iz)], a public burial 
ground. 

cenotaph (sen'o-taf), n. an empty 
tomb, or a monument erected in 
honor of a person buried elsewhere. 

censor (sen'ser), n. an official ap- 
pointed to examine books, manu- 
scripts, plays, &c, prior to publica- 
tion or performance. 

censure (sen'shiir), n. blame; reproof; 
the act of finding fault; a sentence 
or penalty of an ecclesiastical court: 
v.t. to find fault with or condemn; 
criticise adversely. [Latin.] 

census (sen'sus), n. a quinquennial 
registration of the numbers and 
property of Roman citizens for the 
purpose of taxation; in modern us- 
age, an official enumeration of the 
inhabitants of a country, with details 
of sex, age, occupation, &c, taken in 
the United States decennially. 

cent (sent), n. the l-100th part of a 
dollar. 

centaur (sen'tawr), n. a fabulous be- 
ing, half man and half horse. 

centenary (sen'te-na T ri) , n. [pi. cen- 
tenaries (sen'te-na-riz)], the space of 
a hundred years. 

centennial (sen-ten'i-al) , adj. con- 
sisting of, or enduring, a hundred 
years; taking place once in a hun- 
dred years: n. the commemoration 
of a one hundredth anniversary. 

center, centre (sen'ter), n. the middle 
point of anything; the nucleus around 
which things are collected; a title of 
the leaders of certain organizations; 
the name of certain members of a 
legislative assembly who hold mod- 
erate views and occupy a place be- 
tween the Conservative party on the 
right, and the Radicals on the left; 
the circle or square next to the 
bull's-eye; a shot which hits such 
a division; troops in a line between 
the wings; in a fleet, the column or 
division between the van and the 


rear, or between the weather divi- 
sion and the lee: v.t. to place on a 
center; collect to a point; to form a 
recess for the reception of a center: 
v.i. to be placed in the center; meet 
in one point or focus. [Greek.] 

centigrade (sen'ti-grad), adj. gradu- 
ated or divided into a hundred de- 
grees. A thermometric scale. 

centimeter (sen'ti-me-tr, French 
san'-), n. a measure of length = 
100th of a meter (.3937 inch). 

centipede (sen'ti-ped), n. the term 
applied to an articulated animal 
with numerous feet belonging to 
the class Myriapoda, popularly sup- 
posed to have a hundred feet, whence 
the name. [Latin.] 

central (sen'tral), adj. relating to, or 
situated in, the center. [Latin.] 

centralize (sen'tral-Iz), v.t. to draw 
or bring to a center; bring all ad- 
ministrations under one central gov- 
ernment. 

centrifugal (sen-trif 'ii-gal) , adj. tend- 
ing or causing to fly off from the 
center; radiating from a central 
focus; expanding first at the summit 
and later at the base. [Greek.] 

centripetal (sen-trip'e-tal) , mdj. tend- 
ing or causing to approach the cen- 
ter: opposed to centrifugal; expand- 
ing first at the base and then at the 
summit. 

centurion (sen-tu'ri-un) , n. a Ro- 
man military officer commanding a 
hundred men. 

century (sen'tu-ri), n. [pi. centuries 
(sen'tti-riz)], a hundred; a hundred 
years, especially of the Christian era; 
a division of the Roman people; a 
sub-division of a Roman legion. 

cephalic (sef'a-lik or se-fal'ik), adj. 
pertaining to the head; forming the 
front or forepart of a body or organ. 

ceramic (se-ram'ik) or keramic (ker'- 
a-mic), adj. of or pertaining to pot- 
tery or the fictile arts: n.pl. work 
executed wholly or partly in clay and 
baked; the fictile arts. [Greek.] 

cere (ser), v.t. to cover or close with 
wax. 

cereal (se're-al), adj. pertaining to, or 
producing, wheat or edible grain: n. 
edible grain. 

cerebellum (ser-e-bel'um) , n. [pi. 
cerebella (ser-e-bel'a)], the hinder 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, n6rth, not ; boon, book ; 
7 hue, hut ; think, then. 


CEREBRAL 


100 


CHALLENGE 


and lower part of the brain in verte- 
brate animals; the little brain. 

cerebral (ser-e'bral) , adj. of or pertain- 
ing to the brain. _ 

cerebration (ser-e-bra'shun) , n. the 
conscious or unconscious action of 
the bram. 

cerebrum (ser-e'brum), n. [pi. cere- 
bra (ser-e'bra)], the superior and 
larger part of the brain: the seat of 
the mind and will. [Greek.] 

cerecloth (ser'kloth), n. a cloth sat- 
urated with wax or some gummy 
substance, used for wrapping em- 
balmed bodies in. [Lat. and Eng.] 

cerement (ser'ment), n. a grave-cloth 
or shroud: pi. grave-clothes. 

ceremony (ser'e-mo-ni) , n. [pi. cere- 
monies (ser'e-mo-niz)], a sacred rite 
or observance; a prescribed rite or 
formality ; behavior regulated by the 
laws of strict etiquette. 

certain (ser'tin), adj. sure; beyond a 
doubt; fixed or stated; indefinite. _ 

certainty (ser'tin-ti), n. [pi. certainties 
(ser'tin-tiz)l, full assurance. 

certificate (ser-tif 'i-kat) , n. a written 
testimony to the truth of any fact; 
a testimonial as to character or 
ability; a statement written and 
signed and legally authenticated: 
v.t. to give a certificate to; to attest 
or vouch for by certificate. 

certify (ser'ti-fi), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. 
certified, p.pr. certifying], to testify 
to or to make known in writing; 
assure. 

certitude (ser'ti-tud) , adj. certainty; 
freedom from doubt; assurance. 

cerulean (se-roo'le-an), adj. sky-col- 
ored. 

cessation (ses-sa'shun) , n. the act of 
ceasing. 

cession (sesh'un), n. a yielding up, as 
of territory, property, or rights; the 
surrender of a benefice by an incum- 
bent who has accepted another liv- 
ing. [English.] 

cesspool (ses'pool), n. a deep hole in 
the ground, or the well of a drain, 
for the reception of filth; any foul 
receptacle. 

cestus (ses'tus), n. [pi. cestus (ses'- 
tus)], a kind of glove used by an- 
cient boxers, frequently loaded with 
lead or iron, and secured by leathern 
thongs to the hands and arms. 


chafe (chaf), v.t. to make warm by 
friction; to wear away or make sore 
by rubbing; irritate; annoy: n. men- 
tal irritation caused by continued 
annoyance; vexation: v.i. to be worn 
by friction; be irritated or annoyed; 
fret. 

chaff (chaf), n. the husk of grain, 
especially when separated by thresh- 
ing, "&c; straw or hay, cut fine for 
cattle; anything worthless. 

chaff (chaf), v.t. to banter; make game 
of: v.i. to use bantering language: n. 
banter. 

chagrin (sha-grin' or -gren'), n. vexation 
due to disappointment; ill-humor: 
mortification: v.t. to excite vexation 
in; mortify. 

chain (chan), n. a connected series of 
links or rings fitted into one another; 
a bond ; a measure of 100 links = 66 
ft.; the warp threads of a web: v.t. 
to fasten, secure, or connect with a 
chain; enslave; to unite firmly; 
fasten. [French.] 

chair (char), n. a movable seat with 
a back for one person; an official 
seat; a professorship; the presiding 
officer of an assembly ; an iron socket 
fastened to the sleeper which receives 
and secures railroad metals: v.t. to 
carry publicly in a chair in triumph; 
to install. 

chairman (char'man), n. [pi. chairmen 
(char'men)], the president of an 
assembly, meeting, public company, 
&c. 

chaise (shaz), n. a light two-wheeled 
carriage; a carriage in general. 

chalcedony (kal'se-do-ni_ or kal-sed'- 
o-ni), n. a cryptocrystalline variety of 
quartz, resembling diluted milk. 
Also calcedony. 

chalet (sha-la/), n. a Swiss cottage. 

chalice (chal'is), n. a cup; a Com- 
munion cup. 

chalk (chawk), n. a soft limestone rock 
composed of carbonate of lime; pre- 
pared chalk for drawing: v.t. to mark, 
rub, or manure with chalk. 

challenge (chal'enj), n. an invitation 
to a contest; a summons to fight; a 
duel; an objection taken to a voter 
or juror; the summons of a soldier on 
sentry: v.t. to summons to a contest; 
invite to a duel; defy; take exception 
to. [French.] 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met : mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


CHAMBER 


101 


CHAPTER 


chamber (cham'ber), n. an apart- 
ment, especially a bedroom; a pri- 
vate room; a political or commercial 
body; a cavity; that part of a gun, 
<fec, which contains the charge: pi. 
a suite of rooms; a judge's private 
room: v.t. to inclose; to furnish as 
with a chamber. [French.] 

chamberlain (cham'ber-lan), n. an 
officer who has charge of the private 
apartments of a sovereign or noble- 
man; a male servant who has charge 
of a suite of rooms; the treasurer of 
a city or corporation. [Old German.] 

chameleon (ka-me'le-un), n. an in- 
sectivorous lizard-like reptile, pos- 
sessing the power of slightly chang- 
ing its color. [Greek.] 

champ (champ), v.t. to bite with the 
teeth repeatedly and impatiently: n. 
the act of champing: said of horses. 

champagne (sham-pan') , t n. a light 
sparkling effervescent wine. 

champaign (sham-pan'), n. flat open 
country: adj. level, open. 

champion (cham'pi-un), n. one who 
defends the cause of another, by 
combat or other means; a hero; 
valiant warrior; a successful com- 
petitor against all rivals: v.t. to de- 
fend or support a cause. [French.] 

chance (chans), n. an unforeseen 
event; an accident; a possibility; 
opportunity; risk: v.i. to happen; 
occur without design or expectation: 
v.t. to risk [with it]. 

chancel (chan'sel), n. that part in a 
church where the altar stands; the 
sanctuary. 

chancellor (chan'sel-er) , n. a judge 
of a court of equity or chancery; the 
president or highest official of a uni- 
versity ; the president of the German 
Federal Council. 

chancery (chan'ser-i) , n. originally, in 
England, next to Parliament, the 
highest Court of Justice, since 1873 
a division of the High Court of Jus- 
tice; a court of equity. 

chandelier (shan-de-ler') , n. a hanging 
frame with branches for lights. 

chandler (chand'ler), n. a maker or 
vendor of candles; a dealer or mer- 
chant. 

change (chanj), v.t. to alter; substi- 
tute; exchange or give an equivalent 
for; render acid or tainted: v.i. un- 


dergo change; suffer alteration: pass 
from one place to another; deterior- 
ate: n. an alteration or variation; a 
passing from one state or form to 
another; vicissitude; small coin; 
balance returned after deduction of 
amount paid. [French.] 

changeable (chanj 'a-bl), adj. fickle. 

changeling (chanj 'ling), n. a child 
left in place of another; an idiot; a 
waverer. 

channel (chan'el), n. the bed of a 
stream; a watercourse; the deepest 
part of a strait, bay, harbor, &c; a 
wide arm of the sea extending in- 
land; a groove; a medium of con- 
veyance: pi. planks bolted to the 
outside of a ship to extend the rig- 
ging: v.t. to cut into a channel; 
groove. 

chant (chant), v.t. to sing; intone: 
v.i. make melody with the voice; go 
in full cry, as hounds: n. a song; a 
solemn or monotonous song. 

chanticleer (chan'ti-kler), n. a cock. 

chantry (chan'tri), n. a memorial 
chapel attached to a church or 
monastery. 

chaos (ka'os), n. the confused matter 
out of which_ the universe was 
formed; confusion. 

chap (chap), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. chapped, 
p.pr. chapping], to cause to crack or 
open longitudinally: v.i. to have the 
skin crack: n. a longitudinal crack or 
slit. 

chap (chap), n. a fellow. 

chap (chap or chop), n. one of the jaws 
or its fleshy covering (usually pi.); 
the mouth of a channel. 

chapel (chap'el), n. a subordinate 
place of public worship ; a place of 
worship in a palace, institution. 

chaperon (shap'er-on), n. a married 
lady who accompanies young ladies 
in public: v.t. to act as a 
chaperon. 

chaplain (chap'lin) t> n._ a clergyman 
who performs service in the army or 
navy, a public institution, a royal or 
private household. 

chaplet (chap'let), n. a wreath or gar- 
land encircling the head; a rosary; 
a round molding carved into beads, 
olives, &c. 

chapter (chap'ter), n. a division of a 
book; the clergy of a cathedral or 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


CHAR 


102 


CHECK 


collegiate church; a meeting of cer- 
tain organized societies or orders. 

char (char), n. work by the day; a 
single job; a chore: v.i. to work in 
another's house by the day; do 
odd jobs. 

char (char), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. charred, 
p.pr. charring], burn or reduce to 
charcoal; burn partially. 

character (kar'ak-ter) , n. a letter, 
sign, or figure; distinctive qualities 
or traits; moral excellence; a cer- 
tificate as to conduct or ability. 

characteristic (kar-ak-ter-is'tik), adj. 
pertaining to or indicating the char- 
acter. 

characterize (kar'ak-ter-iz), v.t. de- 
scribe by peculiar qualities; mark or 
distinguish. 

charade (sha-rad'), n. an acted 
enigma. 

charcoal (char'kol), n. wood partially 
burnt; impure carbon. 

charge (charj), v.t. to rush on or at- 
tack; load; fill up; impose; com- 
mand or enjoin; instruct; accuse; 
place on the debit side: v.i. to make 
an attack; demand a price: n. an 
onset; quantity with which a fire- 
arm or apparatus is charged; an 
office or obligation; an order or com- 
mand; authoritative instruction or 
direction; an entry on the debit side. 

chariot (char'i-ot), n. an ancient two- 
wheeled car for war, state proces- 
sions, racing, &c; a four-wheeled 
pleasure carriage. 

charity (char'i-ti)^ n. [pi. charities 
(char'i-tiz)], the disposition to think 
well of others; liberality; alms; uni- 
versal love; an institution for the 
poor; a gift in trust for a benevolent 
object. 

charlatan (shar'la-tan), n. a quack. 

charm (charm), n. a spell or enchant- 
ment; an allurement; a trinket: 
v.t. influence by magic; subdue or 
fascinate; give exquisite delight to: 
v.i. to work by magic powers; act 
as a spell. 

charnel (char'nel), adj. containing 
flesh or dead bodies. 

chart (chart), n. a map of any part 
of the sea, river, &c, for the use of 
mariners; the representation of a 
ship's course; a mariner's compass; 
a sheet giving information in tabular 


form: v.t. to lay down, or delineate on 
a chart ; map out: v.i. to make a chart 
or map. [Latin. 1 

charter (char'ter), n. a document be- 
stowing certain rights and privileges: 
v.t. to charter-party. 

chary (char'i), adj. cautious; spar- 
ing. 

chase (chas), v.t. to pursue; capture or 
kill; hunt; drive away: v.i. to ride or 
hunt rapidly: n. eager or vehement 
pursuit; hunting; open ground for 
preserving deer. 

chasm (kazm), n. a deep gap or open- 
ing in the earth; a void space. 

chassis (shas-se'), n. the mechanical 
parts of an automobile, embracing 
machinery and running gear. 

chaste (chast), adj. morally pure; 
modest; pure in style; refined. 

chastise (chas-tlz'), v.t. to correct by 
punishment ; reduce to order or obe- 
dience. 

chastity (chas'ti-ti), n.. moral and 
sexual purity. 

chat (chat), v.i. [p.t. & p.p. chatted, 
p.pr. chatting], to talk in an easy 
familiar manner: n. familiar or in- 
formal speech. See chin. 

chateau (sha-to'), n. [pi. chateaux, 
(sha-toz')], a castle; a manor house 
or country seat ; the name of various 
wines, as Chateau Larouge, &c. 

chattel (chat'el), n. personal property 
except freehold [usually in pi.]. 

chatter (chafer), v.i. to utter sounds 
rapidly, as a monkey; rattle the 
teeth, as in shivering or from fright; 
talk idly or carelessly; jabber: v.t. to 
utter rapidly, idly, or indistinctly: 
n. sounds like those of the magpie, 
&c; idle, rapid talk. 

chauffeur (sho-fer'), n. an operator 
of an automobile; an automobilist : 
/era. chauffeuse (sho-fez'). [French.] 

cheap (chep), adj. purchasable for a 
low price; common; of small value. 

cheat (chet), n. a fraud or deception; 
one who > cheats: v.t. to deceive or 
defraud; impose upon: v.i. to act as a 
cheat. 

check (chek), n. a restraint; a reproof; 
a pass, ticket, or token; a term in 
chess; cloth woven in squares of 
alternate patterns; an order or draft 
on a bank or banker for money: v.t. 
to restrain; stop; reprove; examine 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met : mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book : 
hue, hut; think, then. 


CHECKMATE 


103 


CHILL 


by comparison ; mark as having been 
examined; to place an opponent's 
king in danger at chess. [French.] 

checkmate (chek'mat), n. the win- 
ning move at chess when the oppo- 
nent's king cannot move out of 
check; a complete defeat from which 
there is no escape: v.t. to give check- 
mate to;_defeat utterly; thwart. 

cheek (chek), n. the side of the face 
beneath either eye; one of two cor- 
responding sides; cool impudence: 
v.t. face in an impudent manner. 

cheer (cher), n. temper or state of 
mind; a state of gladness or joy; a 
shout of applause; tidings; luck: v.t. 
to gladden; encourage; applaud. 

cheerful (cher'fool), adj. full of good 
spirits. 

cheese (ches), n. the curd or casein of 
milk coagulated, pressed and allowed 
to dry in a mold; anything resem- 
bling cheese. 

chef (shef), n. a professional cook or 
head cook. [French.] 

chemise (she-mez'), n. a woman's 
undergarment; a wall lining an earth- 
work. [French.] 

chemistry (kem'is-tri), n. the science 
which treats of the properties of 
elementary and compound sub- 
stances and the laws which govern 
their molecular and atomic rela- 
tions. [French from Arabic] 

chenille (she-nel'), n. silk or worsted 
cord. 

cherish (cher'ish), v.t. to hold or 
esteem dear; treat with tenderness; 
protect and aid; encourage; harbor 
in the mind._ 

cheroot (she-root'), n. a kind of cigar, 
through the wrapping of which runs 
a straw. [Hindu.] 

cherry (cher'i), n. [pi. cherries (cher'- 
iz)], the fruit of a tree allied to the 
plum; a cordial made from cherries: 
adj. of a cherry color; ruddy. 

cherub (cher'ub), n. [pi. cherubs 
(cher'ubz), cherubim (cher'oo-bim)], 
an angel next to a seraphim in rank; 
a beautiful child [pi. cherubs]. 

chess (ohes), n. a game played by two 
persons with sixteen pieces each on 
a checkered board divided into 
sixty-four squares. 

chest (chest), n. a large box; the 
quantity such a box contains; the 


breast or thorax; a certain quantity 
of goods. 

chestnut (ches'nut), n. the nut or 
seed of trees of the genus Castanea; 
the. chestnut-tree with its edible 
fruit; a reddish-brown color; a horse 
of such color; an old or stale joke: 
adj. reddish-brown. 

chevron (shev'ron) , n. the badge on the 
coat sleeve of a non-commissioned 
officer, indicative of his rank; a 
variety of fret ornament. [French.] 

chew (choo), v.t. to crush and grind 
with the teeth; masticate; meditate 
upon: v.i. grind tobacco between the 
teeth: n. that which is chewed ; a quid 
of tobacco. 

chic (shek), adj. stylish: n. Parisian 
elegance in dress; manual dexterity. 

chicane (shi-kan'), n. mean or unfair 
artifices to obscure the truth; soph- 
istry. Also chicanery: v.t. to cheat: 
v.i. use artifices. 

chick (chik), n. the young of a bird, 
especially of the domestic hen : hence 
a child. 

chicken (chik'en), n. the young of 
a fowl, especially the domestic 
fowl. 

chicory (chik'5-ri), n. a perennial plant 
with bright blue flowers and a taper- 
ing root, which, when roasted and 
ground, is used to mix with coffee. 

chide (chid), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. chid, 
p.p. chidden, chid, p.pr. chiding], 
to find fault with; scold: v.i. to 
clamor. 

chief (chef), n. a commander or 
leader; a head or principal person; 
the principal or most important 
part: adj. principal; most eminent; 
of the first order, rank, or estima- 
tion; leading; main. 

chiffon (shif'un, French she-fong'), n. 
a kind of thin gauze fabric. 

chilblain (chil'blan), n. a sore or in- 
flammation caused by frost or cold: 
v.t. to afflict with chilblains. 

child (child), n. [pi. children (chil'- 
dren)], a son or daughter; a very 
young person; a descendant; one 
immature in judgment. 

chill (chil), n. a sudden coldness; the 
absence of heat in a substance; the 
hardened part of a casting: adj. hav- 
ing the sensation of cold; depressing; 
discourteous: v.t. to make cold; blast 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


CHIME 


104 


CHOP 


with cold; deject; harden cast iron by 
sudden cooling. 

chime (chlm), n. the musical harmony 
produced by striking a 'set of bells 
with hammers; a set of bells tuned 
to the musical scale and struck with 
hammers: v.i. to sound in consonance 
or harmony ; be in harmony or agree 
with; join in: v.t. to cause to sound 
in harmony. _ 

chimera (ki-me'ra), n. an incongruous 
conception of the fancy ; a cartilagi- 
nous fish of remarkable appearance. 

chimney (chim'ni), n. [pi. chimneys 
(chim'niz)], the flue, vent, or passage 
through which smoke or heated air, 
&c, escapes; a glass tube for a lamp 
to intensify combustion. 

chimpanzee (chim-pan'ze), n. a large 
West Indian anthropoid ape allied to 
the gorilla. 

chin (chin), n. the part of the face 
below the under lip: v.t. and v.i. to 
chatter, talk idly to; to talk in an 
easy-going, familiar manner (to). 
Same as chat. In Pidgin English, 
the word is reduplicated, — thus, 
"chin-chin." 

chinch (chinch), n. a fetid insect de- 
structive to corn crops; the bedbug. 

chinchilla (chin-cmTa), n. a small 
South American rodent with a soft 
fine fur. 

chine (chin), n. the backbone or spine 
of an animal; a piece of the back- 
bone of an animal (usually a pig) 
with adjacent parts cut for cooking; 
a rocky ravine or large fissure in a 
cliff. 

chink (chingk), n. a small fissure open- 
ing lengthwise; a narrow aperture: 
v.i. to crack; to form into or close up 
cracks. 

chink (chingk), n. a sharp metallic or 
jingling sound; money: v.t. to cause 
to make a sharp metallic sound; 
jingle. 

chintz (chints), n. cotton cloth usually 
glazed, printed in various colors. 

chip (chip), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. chipped, 
p.pr. chipping], to cut into small 
pieces; bet at cards: v.i. break or 
fly off into small pieces: n. a small 
piece of stone, wood, &c, cut or 
broken off; a bonnet, &c, made of 
thin split wood or Cuban palm leaf. 

chipmunk (chip'mungk), n. a small 


squirrel of North America, having 
dark and light stripes on its back. 

chirography Ud-rog'ra-n) , n. the art 
of writing or engrossing; judgment 
of character by the hand-writing. 

chiromancy (kl'ro-man-si) , n. palm- 
istry. See palmist. 

chiropodist (kl-rop'o-dist), n. one 
who removes corns, bunions, &c, 
and is skilled in diseases of the feet 
and hands. [Greek.] 

chirp (cherp), n. a short shrill cheerful 
note: v.i. to utter such a note. 

chisel (chiz'el), n. an edged instrument 
of iron or steel for cutting wood, 
stone, or metal: v.t. [p.t. & p.p. 
chiseled, p.pr. chiseling], to cut, pare, 
gouge, or engrave with a chisel; to 
take an unfair advantage of in a 
transaction. 

chivalry (shiv'al-ri) , n. the mediaeval 
system of knighthood; the qualifi- 
cations of a knight, as bravery and 
courtesy. 

chlorine (klo'rin), n. a greenish-yellow 
gas possessing great bleaching powers. 

chloroform (klo'ro-form), n. a volatile 
liquid used for producing insensibil- 
ity to pain: v.t. to administer chloro- 
form to. 

chocolate (chok'6-lat), n. a paste 
made from the roasted kernels of 
the cocoa-nut, used in making the 
beverage so called: adj. having the 
color of, or being, chocolate. [Aztec] 

choice (chois), n. the act of choosing; 
option; the thing chosen; the best or 
preferable part: adj. select; carefully 
chosen. 

choir (kwir), n. a band of singers in 
a church; the place where they 
sing. [Old French.] 

choke (chok), v.t. to suffocate by 
obstructing the windpipe; block up. 

choler (ko'ler), n. bile; irascibility. _ 

cholera (kol'er-a), n. a disease with 
violent vomiting and purging. 

choose (chooz), v.t. [p.t. chose, p.p. 
chosen, p.pr. choosing], to take by 
preference; select: v.i. to make a 
choice; prefer. 

chop (chop), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. chopped, 

£.pr. chopping], to cut with repeated 
lows; hew; mince; to exchange: 
v.i. to do anything with a quick 
motion; turn or vary suddenly : n. the 
act of chopping ; a piece chopped off. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


CHOPSTICKS 


105 


CHYME 


chopsticks (chop'stiks), n.pl. two 
small sticks used by the Chinese in 
place of knives and forks for eating. 

choral (ko'ral), adj. of, or pertaining 
to, a choir ; chanted or sung by a choir. 

chord (kord), n. the string of a musical 
instrument; notes in harmony; har- 
mony of color ; a straight line joining 
the ends of the arc of a circle: v.t. to 
string, as a musical instrument. 

chores (chorz), n.pl. the daily light 
work of a farmyard or household. 

chortle (chor'tl), v.t. to chuckle and 
snort. 

chorus (ko'rus), n. a number singing 
in concert; a concerted piece of 
music ; a band of singers and dancers 
in a Greek drama. 

chosen (cho'zen), adj. selected; choice. 

Christ (krlst), n. "The Anointed"; 
a name given to Jesus of Nazareth, 
synonymous with the Hebrew Mes- 
siah. 

christen (kris'n), v.t. to baptize in the 
name of the Holy Trinity; give a 
Christian name to. 

Christian (kris'chan), n. a professor 
of the religion of Christ: adj. pro- 
fessing the religion of Christ. 

Christian Science (sl'ens), n. a sys- 
tem of religion founded by Mary 
Baker Eddy in 1866; based upon the 
Scriptures, especially the teachings 
of Christ Jesus, and fully stated in 
the text-book, Science and Health. 
It shows "the scientific relation of 
man to God," and teaches that moral 
and physical healing results from the 
understanding of spiritual law. 

Christmas (kris'mas), n. the festival 
(Dec. 25) celebrating the birth of 
Christ. 

chromatic (kro-mat'ik) , adj. relating 
to colors ; including notes not belong- 
ing to the diatonic scale: n. a note 
affected by an accidental: pi. that 
branch of optics which treats of 
colors. 

chromo (kro'mo), n. [pi. chromos 
(kro'moz)], a picture produced by 
chromo-lithography. [Greek.] 

chromo-lithography (kro-mo-lith- 
og'ra-fi), n. the art of printing in 
colors from stone. 

chronic (kron'ik), adj. continuing a 
long time, or recurring: said of a 
disease. [Greek.} 


chronological (kron-o-loj'i-kal), adj. 
relating to, or containing an account 
of, past events in the order of time. 

chronology (kro-noJ'o r ji), n. [pi. chro- 
nologies (kro-nol'o-jiz)], the science 
that treats of events and arranges 
their dates in proper sequence. 

chrysalis (kris'a-lis), n. the final stage 
through which a lepidopterous insect, 
or a butterfly, passes prior to its 
winged state. [Greek.] 

chrysanthemum (kris : an'the-mum), 
n. a composite plant with large heads 
of showy flowers; a flower of this 
plant. 

chrysolite (kris'o-lit) , n. a green-col- 
ored and sometimes transparent gem. 

chuhby (chub'i), adj. plump; fat and 
round. 

chuck (chuk), v.t. to pat in a playful 
manner; throw smartly to a short 
distance; hold in a chuck: n. a light 
blow under the chin; a short toss; 
an appendage to a lathe to secure 
the work to be turned; a hen's call. 

chuckle (chuk'l), n. a quiet, sup- 
pressed laugh: v.i. to laugh in such 
a manner. 

chum (chum), n. one who lodges in 
the same apartment; an old or in- 
timate friend. 

chunk (chungk), n. a thick piece of 
anything. 

chump (chump), n. a short, thick, 
heavy piece of wood; a thick-headed, 
unintelligent man; a block head. 

church (cherch) , n. a building used for 
divine worship. 

churl (cherl), n. formerly one of the 
lowest orders of freemen; a peasant; 
a surly ill-bred person; a nig- 
gard. 

churn (chern) , n. a vessel in which milk 
or cream is agitated to form butter : v.t. 
to make (butter) by agitating milk or 
cream; agitate by violent motion. 

chute (shoot), n. an inclined trough 
for sending articles down ; an aquatic 
switch-back; a river-fall over which 
timber is floated; a stampede. 

chyle (kil) , n. a milk-like fluid sepa- 
rated from digested matter in the 
stomach, absorbed by the lacteal 
vessels, and assimilated into blood. 

chyme (kirn), n. the pulpy mass of 
digested food prior to separation of 
the chyle. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, Men. 


CICATRIX 


106 


CIRCUS 


cicatrix (sik-a'triks) , n. [pi. cicatrices 
(si-ka-tri'sez)], the scar remaining 
after a wound has healed. 

cicerone (sis-e-rq'ne; Italian che-cha- 
ro'ne), n. [pi. cicerones (che-cha-ro'- 
nez), ciceroni (sis-e-ro'ne)], a guide 
who explains the antiquities and 
chief features of a place. [Italian.] 

cider (si'der), n. the juice of apples 
expressed and fermented. 

ci-devant (se-de-vang'), adj. former: 
used with reference to an office pre- 
viously held. 

cigar (si-gar') , n. a small roll of tobacco- 
leaf used for smoking. [Spanish.] 

cigarette (sig-a-ret') , n. a small cigar 
made of tobacco rolled in thin paper. 

cinch (sinch), n. a saddle-girth firmly- 
fastened in place by loop and knots; 
a sure grip or hold. [Spanish.] 

cincture (singk'tur), n. a belt or 
girdle worn round the waist ; a raised 
or carved ring at the bottom and top 
of a pillar. [Latin.] 

cinder (sin'der), n. any piece of a body 
thoroughly burnt but not reduced to 
ashes: pi. volcanic scoriae ;_slag. 

cinematograph (sin-e : mat'o-graf ) , n. 
a French device similar to the bio- 
graph, or moving pictures. [Greek.] 

cinnamon (sin'a-mun), n. the inner 
aromatic bark of an East Indian tree: 
adj. light-reddish brown. [Latin.] 

cipher (sl'fer), n. the symbol 0: hence 
a person or anything without value 
or power; a monogram;' a secret 
manner of writing, or the key to it; 
a code: v.i. to practice arithmetic; 
v.t. to express in cipher. 

circle (ser'kl), n. a round body; a plane 
figure bounded by a single curved 
line called its circumference, every 
part of which is equally distant from 
a point within it, called the center; 
an orb ; a number of persons or things 
united by a common bond ; a coterie ; 
an administrative divisiomof a coun- 
try: v.t. to encompass: v.i. move in 
a circle. 

circuit (ser'ket), n. the act of going 
round anything; the space enclosed 
in a circle; a district assigned to an 
itinerant preacher; the arrangement 
by which an electric current is kept 
up between the two poles of a bat- 
tery or machine; the path of the 
electric current. [Latin.] 


circuitous (ser-ku'i-tus), adj. round- 
about. 

circular (ser'ku-lar), adj. round like a 
circle; ending in itself; intended for 
circulation: n. a printed or written 
letter or notice. 

circulate (ser'ku-lat) , v.t. to cause to 
pass from point to point or from one 
person to another: v.i. move around 
and return to the same point; pass 
from hand to hand; be diffused or 
distributed; travel. 

circum (ser'kum), a Latin prefix = 
around, forming compounds _ the 
meaning of many of which is obvious, 
as circumpolsLT, around the pole, &c. 

circumcise (ser'kum-siz), v.t. to cut 
off the foreskin or prepucei; purify the 
heart. 

circumference (ser-kum'f er-ens) , n. 
the line that bounds a circle; a pe- 
riphery. [Latin.] 

circumflex (ser'kum-fleks) , n. a mark 
(A, ^) over a vowel or syllable to 
denote accent or contraction: adj. 
marked with such an accent; curved 
or winding : v.t . to pronounce or mark 
with the circumflex. 

circumfuse (ser-kum-fuz'), v.t. to pour 
or spread around. 

circumjacent (ser-kum-ja'sent), adj. 
lying around; bordering on every 
side. 

circumlocution (ser-kum-lo-ku'shun) , 
n. a roundabout way of speaking; an 
indirect mode of statement. 

circumnavigate (ser-kum-nav'i-gat) , 
v.t. to sail round: usually the globe. 

circumscribe (ser-kum-skrib'), v.t. to 
inclose within certain lines or boun- 
daries; restrict. 

circumspect (ser'kum-spekt), adj. 
cautious; prudent; watchful on all 
sides. 

circumstance (ser'kum-stans), n. 
something relative or appendent to 
a fact; an incident: pi. state of af- 
fairs: v.t. to place in a particular 
situation [only in p.p.]. 

circumvallation (ser-kum-val-a'- 
shun), n. the act of throwing up walls 
or trenches surrounding a fortified 
place. 

circumvent (ser-kum-venf), n. to 
gain an advantage over by stratagem 
or deception. 

circus (ser'kus), n. [pi. circuses (ser'- 


lite, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, nOrth, not ; boon, book : 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


CISALPINE 


L0< 


CLARINET 


kus-ez)], a large level oblong space 
for feats of horsemanship, <fcc, with 
seats for the spectators arranged in 
tiers; a semi-circular space. [Latin.] 

cisalpine (sis-al'pin), adj. this side of 
the Alps with regard to Rome; south 
of the Alps; opposed to transalpine, 
across or beyond the Alps. [Latin.] 

cisatlantic (sis-at-lan'tik), adj. on this 
side of the Atlantic Ocean. [Latin.] 

cistern (sis'tern), n. a natural or arti- 
ficial receptacle for storing water; a 
reservoir. [Latin.] 

citadel (sit'a-del), n. a fortress, a 
castle. [French.] 

citation (si-ta'shun) , n. an official 
summons to appear before a court, 
especially an ecclesiastical court; a 
quotation. [Latin.] 

cite (sit), v.t. to summon officially to 
appear in court; quote. 

citizen (sit'i-zen), n. a native or in- 
habitant of a town or city; a free- 
man; a member of a state or nation 
who enjoys political rights and privi- 
leges; a tradesman. [French.] 

citron (sit'run), n. a tree with a fruit 
like the lemon. [French.] 

city (sit'i), n. [pi. cities (sit'iz)], a 
large and important town; a corpo- 
rate town. [French.] 

civet (siv'et), n. a musky secretion of 
the anal glands of the civet cat. 

civic (siv'ik), adj. pertaining to a 
city. 

civil (siv'il), adj. relating to the affairs 
of a city or government; intestine; 
non-international; not military or 
criminal ; complaisant; well- 
bred. 

civilian (si-vil'yan), n. one engaged in 
the pursuits of civil life; not a soldier 
or sailor: adj. occupied in civil pur- 
suits. [Old French.] 

civility (si-vil'i-ti), n. [pi. civilities 
(si-vil'i-tiz)], good breeding; cour- 
tesy. [French.] 

civilize (siv'i-liz), v.t. to reclaim from 
a savage state; instruct in the arta 
and refinements of civilized life. 

clad (klad), p.t. of clothe. 

claim (klam), v.t. to demand as a 
right, or by authority: v.i. to be 
entitled to anything; assert or put 
forward a claim: n. a demand; a 
right or title to anything; the thing 
claimed; a piece of land which a 


miner marks out in accordance with 
mining laws. 

claimant (kla'mant), n. one who de- 
mands anything as his right. 

clairvoyance (klar-voi'ans) , n. the 
power attributed to persons in a 
mesmeric state of seeing objects not 
usually perceptible. [French.] 

clam (klam), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. clammed, 
p.pr. clamming], to clog with any 
glutinous matter: v.i. to be moist and 
cold. 

clam (klam), n. an edible bivalve* 
mollusk. 

clamber (klam'ber), v.t. to ascend or 
climb with difficulty. 

clammy (klam'i), adj. soft and sticky. 

clamor (klam'er), n. a loud and con- 
tinued noise; popular outcry: v.t. 
shout with a loud voice: v.i. make 
importunate demands. [Latin.] 

clamp (klamp), n. anything that fas- 
tens or binds; a piece of wood, metal, 
&c, used to bring two things to- 
gether: v.t. to fasten or bind with 
clamps. 

clan (klan), n. a tribe or association 
of families united under one chief- 
tain, having one common ancestor, 
and the same surname. [Scottish.] 

clandestine (klan-des'tin) , adj. secret; 
private. [Latin.] 

clang (klang), n. a loud, sharp, ringing 
metallic sound: v.t. to cause to re- 
sound with a clang: v.i. give out a 
clang. 

clap (klap), v.t. & v.i. [p.t. & p.p. 
clapped, p.pr. clapping], to strike 
one thing against another with a 
quick, sharp noise; indicate approval 
by striking the hands together; put 
on quickly: n. a loud noise made by 
a sudden collision; applause ex- 
pressed by clapping; a sudden act or 
movement. 

claret (klar'et) , n. a light bodied wine 
of a dark-red color, called by the 
French "Bordeaux wine" from the 
district where it is chiefly made; 
blood: ad;, claret-colored. 

clarify (klar'i-fi), v.t. [p.t. & p.v. clari- 
fied, p.pr. clarifying], to make clear 
from impurities: v.i. to become 
bright. 

clarinet (klar'i-net) , n. a keyed reed 
instrument of the oboe class. Also 
clarionet. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, ndrth, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


CLARION 108 CLIME 

clarion (klar'ri-un) , n. a kind of trum- worn on boots to make them more 

pet. durable; a piece of wood or iron on 

clash (klash), v.i. to make a loud harsh the yard-arm of a ship to keep the 

noise by mutual collision: v.t. to ropes from slipping; a strip of wood 

strike violently together: n. the noise nailed across a board: v.t. to secure 

so produced. or strengthen with a cleat. [Danish.] 

clasp (klasp), v.t. to shut or fasten cleave (klev), v.i. [p.t. clave, cleaved, 

together with, or as with, a clasp: p.p. cleaved, p.pr. cleaving], to ad- 

n. a hook to hold anything close; a here to; be attached strongly to. 

close embrace. cleave (klev), v.t. [p.t. cleft,- clove 

class (clas), n. a rank or order of per- (klov), p.p. cleft (kleft), cloven 

sons or things; a number of students (klo'vn), cleaved, p.pr. cleaving], to 

of the same status; a group of ani- divide with violence ; part naturally, 

mals or plants next in rank above an clef (kief), n. a figure at the beginning 

order: v.t. to classify. [French.] of each staff in music to indicate the 

classify (klas'i-fi), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. pitch of all the notes on one particu- 

classified; p.pr. classifying], to ar- far line or space. [French.] 

range in classes; systematize. cleft, p.t. & p.p. of cleave, to split. 

clatter (klat'er), v.i. to make a noise cleft (kleft), n. a crack; crevice, 

by knocking two sonorous bodies clemency (klem'en-si), n. [pi. clemen- 

frequently together; talk idly and cies (klem'en-siz)], compassion; re- 

noisily. mission. [Latin.] 

clause (klawz), n. a separate part of a clergy (kler'ji), n. a body of men set 

written composition, or a sentence; a apart by ordination for the service 

special proviso in a document. of the Church. 

[French.] clerk (klerk), n. a parish clerk; a 

clavicle (klav'i-kal), n. the collar- scholar; one engaged in an office to 

bone. [Latin.] conduct correspondence, keep books, 

claw (klaw), n. a sharp hooked nail or transact business generally; an 

in the foot of an animal, as the cat ; assistant salesman in a store or shop : 

the whole foot of a bird; anything v.i. to act as clerk or salesman, 

resembling a claw; the narrow part clever (klev'er), adj. possessing skill or 

at the base of a leaf or foot-stalk of ability; dexterous; expert; good 

a petal: v.t. to tear or scratch with, natured and obliging. 

or as if with, claws. clew (kloo), n. a ball of thread; a hint 

clay (kla), n. anything easily molded; or aid to discovery [see clue]; one of 

soft plastic earth; the bodily or the corners of a sail: v.t. to truss up 

earthly nature of man: adj. made of (sails) to the yard of a ship, 

or like clay: v.t. to purify, cover, or click (klik), v.i. to make a short sharp 

manure with clay. successive noise: v.t. to move with a 

clean (klen), adj. free from dirt or clicking sound: n. a slight sharp 

extraneous matter; morally or cere- sound; a catch for retaining a bolt, 

monially pure: adv. in a clean manner; client (kll'ent), n. one who employs 

entirely; cleverly: v .t. to render clean. a lawyer; one dependent upon an- 

cleanse (klenz), v.t. to make clean; other's patronage. [Latin.] 

purify from moral taint or guilt. cliff (klif), n. high steep rock or bank. 

clear (kler), adj. bright; pure; un- climate (kll'mat), n. the temperature 

dimmed ; translucent ; manifest to the and meteorological conditions of a 

understanding; unobstructed; audi- country, &c. [French.] 

ble; unadulterated: v.t. to make climax (kll'maks), n. the summit; 

bright; render evident; free from acme. 

obstructions; render more acute or climb (klim), v.i. to mount^ or as- 
quick; prove or declare innocent ; free cend, as by the hands and feet: v.t. 
from legal detention, as imported ascend laboriously: n. an ascent by 
goods: v.i. leave a port; exchange climbing, 
cheques, &c, at a bank. _ [French.] clime (klim), n. a country, region, or 

cleat (klet), n. a thin piece of iron tract. 

ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; buon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


CLINCH 


109 


CLOY 


clinch (klinch), v.t. to rivet; fix firmly 
by folding over; double up tightly, 
as the fingers; to hold fast; to settle 
a dispute or to come to an agree- 
ment: n. anything that holds both 
ways; a mode of fastening large 
ropes. 

cling (kling), v.i. [p.t. & p.p. clung, 
P-pr. clinging], to adhere closely; 
hold fast by embracing or entwin- 
ing. 

clinic (klin'ik), n. a medical lecture 
at the bedside or in the presence of 
patients. [Greek.] 

clink (klingk), v.t. to strike so as to 
make a slight sharp sound: v.i. to 
make a clinking noise: n. a slight 
sharp successive vibrating noise; in 
soldiers' parlance, a military prison 
or guard-house. 

clip (klip), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. clipped, 
clipt: p.pr. clipping], to cut with 
shears or scissors; cut off; formerly 
to debase coin by cutting off the 
edges: v.i. move quickly: n. the wool 
of a season's shearing; a spring 
holder for holding papers; a slight 
blow with the hand. 

clique (klek), n. a group of persons 
united for some common purpose 
(usually sinister); a coterie; a ring. 

cloak (klok), n. a sleeveless, loose outer 
garment worn by both sexes: hence, 
a pretext; disguise: v.t. to cover with, 
or as with, a cloak; cover up or 
conceal. 

clock (klok), n. a machine for meas- 
uring and indicating the divisions of 
time by means of hands moving over 
a dial-plate. 

clod (klod), n. a lump of earth, turf, 
or clay; a bait used in eel-fishing; 
the shoulder part of the neck-piece 
in beef. 

clog (klog), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. clogged, 
p.pr. clogging], to load with anything 
that may impede motion ; embarrass : 
v.i. to stick or cluster together: n. a 
load or weight; a hindrance; a kind 
of wooden shoe. 

cloister (klois'ter), n. a place of reli- 
gious retirement; a monastery or 
nunnery : pi. an arched way or cov- 
ered walk running round an ecclesi- 
astical building or college: v.t. to 
confine in a cloister or convent; 
seclude from the world. [French.] 


close (kloz), v.t. to shut; surround 
closely; unite together; consolidate; 
end: v.i. to come together; shut in; 
coalesce; engage in hand-to-hand 
conflict; grapple: n. an inclosed 
space; the precincts of a cathedral 
or abbey; an alley: adj. (klos) hav- 
ing no outlet ; confined ; without ven- 
tilation; oppressive; minute; concise; 
reticent; niggardly: adv. near. 

closet (kloz'et), n. a small room for 
privacy or retirement; a place for 
storing valuable things or household 
requisites: _ adj. private; secluded: 
v.t. to receive in a private room for 
confidential consultation. [French.] 

clot (klot), v.i. [p.t. & p.p. clotted, p.pr. 
clotting], to coagulate: v.t. to make, 
form into, or cover with, clots: n. a 
concrete or coagulate mass of soft or 
fluid matter. 

cloth (kloth), n. [pi. cloths (klothz)], 
a woven fabric of some fibrous 
material, especially wool; a table 
covering; the distinctive dress of 
any profession, especially the cleri- 
cal. 

clothe (kloth), v.t. to put raiment on; 
cover with, or as with, a gar- 
ment. 

clothes (klothz), n.pl. covering for the 
body; dress; bedclothes. 

cloud (kloud), n. a mass of visible 
vapor floating in the atmosphere; a 
volume of smoke or dust; the dark 
markings in marble or precious 
stones; a diffused body of anything; 
a multitude; a light woolen shawl: 
v.t. to overspread with, or as with, 
a cloud; render gloomy; blacken or 
sully: v.i. to grow cloudy (usually 
with over). 

clout (klout), n. a piece of cloth or 
leather for patching; a cloth for any 
mean use; the center mark of an 
archery target; an arrow that has 
hit the center; a blow on the head 
with the hand: v.t. to patch or mend 
coarsely; strike with the hand. 

clove (klov), p.t. of cleave. 

clove (klov), n. a pungent aromatic 
spice. [Spanish.] 

clover (klS'ver), n. a species of grass. 

clown (kloun), n. a rustic; an ill- 
bred fellow; a professional jester or 
buffoon. 

cloy (kloi), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. cloyed, 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, nCrth, not ; boon, book 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


CLUB 110 COCK 

p.pr. cloying], to fill to repletion; or size; not refined; rough; rude; 

surfeit. indelicate. 

club (klub), n. a heavy stick; one of coast (kost), n. the margin of the 

the suits of cards marked with tre- land next the sea; a frontier; a 

foils; a number of persons associ- slide in a sledge down an incline: 

ated for a common purpose or mu- v.i. to sail near or along the coast*; 

tual benefit; a joint expense: v.t. descend an incline in a sledge, or on 

[p.t. & p.p. clubbed, p.pr. clubbing], a bicycle without working the pedals : 

to beat with a club; unite in a solid v.t. to sail close or near to. 

mass: v.i. contribute to a common coat (kot), n. an outer garment cov- 

expense (with together). ering the upper part of the body; an 

cluck (kluk), v.i. to cry or call like external covering, as fur, &c; a 

a hen to her chickens: n. a hen's thin layer; an integument: v.t. to 

call; the peculiar click uttered by cover or spread over. 

some South African tribes. coax (koks), v.t. to wheedle; cajole. 

clue (kloo), 77. a hint; a clew. cob (kob), n. a roundish piece of any- 

clump (klump), n. a cluster of trees, thing; the spike of Indian corn; a 

etc.; a thick sole: pi. a social game: strong thickset pony; a young her- 

v.t. arrange in a clump: v.i. tread ring; a spider; a pellet for feeding 

clumsily. fowls; the bull-head _ or miller's 

clumsy (klum'zi), adj. awkward; heavy. thumb; a sea-gull; a kind of wicker 

clung (klung), p.t. of cling. basket; a kind of breakwater: v.t. 

cluster (klus'ter), n. a number of [p.t. & p.p. cobbed, p.pr. cobbing], 

things of the same kind growing or to punish with a strap; break (ore), 

collected together; a bunch: v.i. to cobalt (ko'bawlt), n. a steel-grey 

grow or gather into bunches; con- metal, 

gregate. cobble (kob'l), n. a pebble; a round 

clutch (kluch), v.t. to grasp, seize, or medium-sized stone; clumsy work: 

grip strongly: v.i. to snatch or seize v.t. to mend or patch up coarsely: 

[with at]\ n. a grasp; seizure: pi. v.i. work clumsily. 

hands; claws. cobra-dl-capello (ko'bra-di-ka-pel'5), 

co- (ko), a prefix, meaning with, to- n. a large and most venomous 

gether, entering into the composi- snake of the East Indies. m 

tion of many words, the sense of cobweb (kob'web), n. a spider's web: 

which is generally self-evident, as hence, a net or snare; old musty 

co-trustee, a joint trustee. [Latin.] rubbish: adj. made of, or like, a 

coach (koch), n. a large covered four- cobweb; flimsy. 

wheeled public or private carriage; coca (ko'ka), n. the dried leaf of a 

a tutor who especially prepares an- small South Am erican > shrub: a pow- 

other for an examination or an ath- erful tonic. [S. American.] 

letic contest: v.t. to instruct or cocaine (ko-kan'), n. a powerful alka- 

train for an examination, &c. loid extracted from coca leaves. 

coagulate (ko-ag'ii-lat), v.t. to clot cochineal (koch'i-nel), n. a scarlet 

or curdle. dye obtained from the dried body 

coal (kol), n. mineralized vegetable of an insect. [Spanish.] 

matter, used in its hardened form cock (kok), n. the male of birds, es- 

as fuel: v.t. to furnish with coal: pecially the domestic fowl; the male 

v.i. take in coal; pi. coals. [English.] of certain animals other than birds; 

coalesce (ko-a-les ), v.t. to grow to- a vane in the shape of a cock; a 

gether; combine; unite. [Latin.] leader or chief; a turn-valve for 

coalition (ko-a-lish'un), n. % union in regulating the flow of a liquid or 

a body or mass; a combination of gas; a small conical heap of 

persons. hay. 

coaptation (ko-ap-ta'shun), n. the cock (kok), v.t. to turn up or set (the 

adjustment or adaptation of parts to hat or head) jauntily on one side; 

one another. erect: n. the action of the verb to 

coarse (kors), adj. large in texture cock. 

ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, nOrth, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


COCKADE 111 COLD 

cockade (kok-ad'), n. a badge or coeval (kd-e'val), adj. contempora- 

ribbon worn on the hat. [French.] neous. [Latin.] 

cockatrice (kok'a-tris or -tris), n. a coffee (kof'e), n. the seeds of a plant 

fabulous scorpion said to have been which, roasted and ground, form the 

hatched in a cock's egg, and pos- well-known beverage. [Turkish.] 

sessing the power of killing by a coffer (kof'er), n. a chest; a kind of 

glance of its eye. caisson or floating dock; a sunken 

cockle (kok'l), n. an edible shell-fish panel: pi. a treasury: v.t. to inclose 

with two heart-shaped wrinkled in a coffer. 

shells ; the plant corncockle or darnel ; coffin (kof'in),n. a case for the dead; 

a kiln for drying hops; a stove for the hollow part of a horse's hoof: 

drying biscuit-ware. v.t. inclose in a coffin. 

cockroach (kok'roch),n. a black beetle, cog (kog), n. the tooth of a wheel; a 

cocktail (kok'tal), n. a mixed drink trick: v.t. [p.t. & p.p. cogged, p.pr. 

of which the base may be whiskey cogging], to furnish with cogs; 

(a Manhattan), gin (a Martini), &c. wheedle; to load (dice) in order to 

cocoa (ko'ko), n. a palm which pro- cheat. 

duces the cocoanut. [Spanish.] cogitate (koj'i-tat), v.i. to meditate: 

cocoa (ko'ko), n. the ground seeds of v.t. to devise or plan. [Latin.] 

the cacao or chocolate tree; also the cognac (ko'nyak), n. a French 

beverage made from it. brandy distilled near Cognac from 

cocoanut (ko'ko-nut), n. the fruit of grapes grovvn in the valley of the 

the cocoa palm. Charente. 

cocoon (ko-koon'), n. the silky ob- cognate (kog'nat), adj. allied by 

long case covering the larvae of blood; of the same stock, nature, or 

many spinning insects while in the quality. 

chrysalis state. cognition (kog-nish'un) , n. knowl- 

cod (kod), n. the husk or pod of a edge. 

seed; the scrotum; the narrow part cognizant (kon'i-zant) , adj. having 

of a trawl-net. knowledge of anything. 

cod (kod), n. a large edible fish found cognomen (kog-no'men), n. a sur- 

in the northern seas, and especially name. 

pn the banks of Newfound- cohabit (ko-hab'it), v.i. to dwell to- 

land. gether as husband and wife. 

coddle (kod 1), v.t. to make effemi- cohere (ko-her), v.i. to stick together. 

nate by pampering; treat tenderly; coherent (ko-he'rent), adj. cohering 

to stew gently: n. an over-indulged, + o<xether; ponsiV-pnt; logical. 

pampered person cohesive (kS-he'siv), n. causing to 

code (kod), n. a body of classified cohere. 

laws or regulations; a system of coil (koil), n. a rope gathered into a 

signals, [trench.] ring; anything resembling it: v.t. 

codex (kodeks), n. [pi. codices (ko'di- to gather or wind into a circular 

sez)J, a volume of statutes; a man- heap. 

usenpt volume, especially of the coin (koin). n. monev stamped with 

sacred Scriptures or of the classic a legal impression; a corner or 

writers, Greek and Roman. angle: v.t. to convert into money; 

codicil (kodi-sil), n. an appendix to invent. 

a J5fH coincide (ko-in-sid'), v.i. correspond 

coefficient (ko-e-fish'ent), adj. coop- exactly; occur at the same time; 

erating: n. that which cooperates fall upon, or meet, in the same point. 

with another; a number or known coke (k5k), n. the residue of coal after 

quantity prefixed in algebra as a the gas, &c, has been expelled: v.t. 

multiplier to a variable or an un- to convert into coke. 

known quantity. [Latin.] colander (kul'an-der), n. a vessel 

coerce (ko-ers'), v.t. to restrain or with a perforated bottom. 

constrain by force, especially legal- cold (kold), adj. without heat or 

ly or morally; comp el. [Latin.] warmth; frigid; without passion or 

ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, nSrth, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


COLE 


112 


COMA 


zeal; indifferent; insensible; blue in 
tone: n. the opposite of heat; the 
sensation produced by the loss of 
heat; a catarrh. 

cole (kol), n. cabbage. 

colic (kol'ik), n. acute spasmodic 
pain in the abdomen or bowels: adj. 
pertaining to, or affecting, the bow- 
els. [French.] 

collaborate (ko-lab'o-rat), v.i. to 
work jointly, especially in literary 
or scientific work. 

collapse (kol-aps'), n. a falling in or 
together; sudden and complete fail- 
ure; general prostration of the vital 
powers: v.i. to fall in or together; 
shrink up; break down. 

collar (kol'er), n. anything encircling 
the neck, worn for use, restraint, or 
ornament; a round ring or flange: 
v.t. to seize by the collar; put a col- 
lar on; roll up. 

collate (kol-at'), v.t. compare crit- 
ically one thing with another of the 
same kind, as manuscripts or text of 
books; place in an ecclesiastical 
benefice. 

collateral (kol-at 'er-al), adj. side by 
side; auxiliary; concurrent; descend- 
ed from the same stock, but in a 
different line; same as collateral 
security, or a security (stocks, 
bonds, &c.) pledged to secure a 
1f ^an in cash. 

collation (kol-a'shun) , n. compari- 
son ; a light repast ; the presentation 
to a benefice by a bishop, who is the 
natron. [English-Latin.] 

colleague (kol'eg), n. an associate in 
the same office, employment, or 
commission. 

collect (kol'ekt), n. a short compre- 
hensive prayer. 

collect (kol-ekt/), v.t. gather together; 
assemble; demand and obtain 
payment of: v.i. to meet together; 
accumulate. [Latin.] 

college (kol'ej), n. a society of men 
possessing certain powers and rights, 
and engaged in some common pur- 
suit, especially literary studies; the 
house or buildings founded for such 
a society. 

collide (kol-id'), v.i. to come into col- 
lision. 

collier (kol'yer), n. a digger of coal; 


a coal-digger; a vessel in the coal 
trade. 

collision (kol-izh'un) , n. the act of 
striking two bodies violently togeth- 
er; concussion. 

collodion (kol-o'di-un), n. a prepara- 
tion of soluble gun-cotton with ether. 

colloquial (kol-o'kwi-al), adj. used 
in ordinary conversation. 

colloquy (kol'o-kwi), n. [pi. colloquies 
(kol'o-kwiz)], a conversation; a dia- 
logue. 

collusion (kol-ti'zhun) , n. a secret 
agreement for a fraudulent or evil 
purpose. 

colon (ko'lon), n. a mark of punctua- 
tion [:], almost a full stop; the largest 
of the intestines. 

colonel (ker'nel), n. the commanding 
officer of a regiment. [French.] 

colonize (koro-niz), v.t. to settle or 
establish a colony in. 

colonnade (kol-on-ad'). n- a series of 
columns. [French.] 

colony (kol'o-ni), n. [pi. colonies 
(koro-niz)], a body of people from 
their native country who settle in 
another land, but are under the 
jurisdiction of, or connected with, 
the parent country ; the country thus 
settled; a number of animals or 
plants living or growing together. 

color (kul'er), n. the hue or appear- 
ance that a body presents to the 
eye; a pigment or paint; complex- 
ion; redness; an apparent right or 
reason; pretense; false show: pi. a 
military or naval flag: v.t. to im- 
part a color to; tint; dye; give a 
specious appearance to; make plaus- 
ible. [Latin.] 

colossal (ko-los'al), adj. like a colos- 
sus; gigantic. 

colossus (ko-los'us), n. [pi. colossi 
(ko-los'i)], a statue of gigantic size. 

colt (kolt), ri. a young male horse; a 
young foolish fellow ; a knotted 
rope's-end: v.t. punish with a rope's- 
end. .„ 

column (kol'um), n. a round pillar 
to support or adorn a building; any 
body of certain dimensions pressing 
vertically on its base; a division of 
the page of a book, &c; a formation 
of troops in deep files. [Latin.] 

coma (ko'ma), n. insensibility; stu- 
por. [Greek.] 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, n6rth, not ; boon, book ; 
hfie. hut ; think, then. 


COMATOSE 


113 


COMMISERATE 


comatose (ko'ma-tos), adj. torpid; 

lethargic. 

comb (kom), n. a toothed instrument 
to separate and adjust the hair; the 
crest of a cock; the crest of a wave 
or hill; a honeycomb; v.t. to dress 
the hair with a comb; grain; v.i. to 
roll over, as the crest of a wave. 

combat (kom'bat), v.i. to fight; act 
in opposition: v.t. to fight with; 
oppose by force: n. a contest by 
force; a struggle. [French.] 

combination (kom-bi-na'shun) , n. 
the union of bodies or qualities; an 
association of persons for a com- 
mon object: pi. underclothing woven 
in one piece., 

combine (kom-bin'), v.t. to unite or 
join; link closely together: v.i. to 
unite, agree, or coalesce: n. (Slang), 
a secret combination, generally for 
fraudulent purposes. [Latin.] 

combustion (kom-bust'yun) , n. the 
act of burning; the state of being 
burnt; the union of an inflammable 
substance with oxygen, &c, produc- 
ing light and heat. 

come (kum), v.i. [p.t. came, p.p. 
come, p.pr. coming], to move to- 
wards; draw near; reach; happen; 
arrive at some state or condition: 
v.t. to act or play the part of. 

comedy (kom'e-di), n. [pi. comedies 
(kom'e-diz)], dramatic representa- 
tion of the humorous or ridiculous 
side of human life. [Greek.] 

comely (kum'li), adj. graceful; hand- 
some. 

comet (kom'et), n. a luminous celes- 
tial body, with an eccentric orbit, 
consisting, when perfect, of a nu- 
cleus, coma, and a tail. [Greek.] 

comfit (kum'fit), n. a dry sweetmeat. 

comfort (kum/fert), v.t. to console; 
strengthen; inspirit: n. a state of 
quiet enjoyment; consolation; en- 
couragement; a quilted bed-cover. 

comfortable (kum'fer-ta-bl), adj. im- 
parting or enjoying comfort. [French. ] 

comic (kom'ik)or comical (kom'ik- 
al), adj. exciting mirth. 

comity (kom'i-ti), n. civility; polite- 
ness; acts of international courtesy. 

comma (kom'a), n. a punctuation 
point [,]. [Greek.] 

command (kom-and' or -and'), v.t. 
to order or charge with authority; 


control; exercise supreme authority 
over; lead: v.i. act as a commander; 
exercise power or authority: n. au- 
thority ; an order or mandate ; a 
dominating situation; a naval or 
military force under the command 
of a particular officer. 

commander (kom-and'er) , n. one who 
commands; a naval officer next be- 
low a captain. 

commandment (kom-and'ment), n. 
a command; a precept; a law, es- 
pecially any one of the Decalogue. 

commemorate (kom-em'o-rat), v.t. 
to call to remembrance by a solemn 
act; celebrate with honor. 

commence (kom-ens'), v.i. to come 
into existence; begin: v.t. enter 
upon; perform the first act of. 

commencement (kom-ens'ment), n. 
beginning ; origin ; the annual festival 
when degrees, &c, are conferred at 
American colleges ; like Commemora- 
tion Day at Oxford. 

commend (kom-end'), v.t. recom- 
mend as worthy of notice; praise; 
bring to mind. [Latin.] 

commendation (kom-en-da'shun) , n. 
the act of commending; approval. 

commensurate (kom-en'su-rat) , adj. 
reducible to a common measure; 
equal. 

comment (kom'ent), n. a spoken or 
written remark, especially a written 
note by way of explanation, &c; 
criticism: v.i. (kom-ent'), to write 
notes or explanations on the text 
of an author. [Latin.] 

commentary (kom'en-ta-ri) , n. [pi. 
commentaries (kom'en-ta-riz)], a se- 
ries of explanatory notes or an- 
notations. 

commerce (kom'ers), n. interchange 
of merchandise on a large scale be- 
tween nations or individuals; inter- 
course. [Latin.] 

commercial (kom-er'shal) , adj. per- 
taining to trade or commerce; mer- 
cantile. 

commingle (ko-ming'gl) , v.t. & v.i. 
to mix; blend. 

comminute (kom'i-nut). v.t. to 
make small or fine by grinding: adj. 
divided into small parts. 

commiserate (kom-iz'er-at), i\.t. feel 
pity for; sympathize with in dis- 
tress. [Latin.] 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


COMMISSARIAT 


114 


COMPATIBLE 


commissariat (kom-i-sa'ri-at), n. 
the department of an army con- 
cerned with the supply of trans- 
ports, provisions, &c. [French.] 

commissary (kom'i-sa-ri), n. [pi. com- 
missaries (kom'i-sa-riz)], one to 
whom some charge is committed by 
a superior; a delegate; an official in 
the commissariat department. 

commission (kom-ish'un), n. a dele- 
gation of business to anyone; the 
act of doing or committing; a trust; 
a charge; the warrant by which any- 
thing is done; one or more persons 
appointed to perform certain speci- 
fied duties; brokerage or allowance: 
v.t. empower; send with authority. 

commit (kom-it')> v.t. [p.t. & p.p. 
committed, p.pr. committing], to 
give in charge or trust; surrender; 
consign; perpetrate; learn by heart; 
send for trial, or to prison. 

committee . (kom-it'e), n. persons ap- 
pointed to consider or manage any 
matter. [French.] 

commode (kom-od'), n. a high head- 
dress formerly in vogue; a chest of 
drawers or bureau; a night-stool. 

commodious (kom-o'di-us), adj. use- 
ful; convenient; roomy. 

commodity (kom-od'i-ti), n. [pi. com- 
modities (kom-od'i-tiz)], that which 
is useful; an article of commerce: pi. 
goods; merchandise. 

commodore (kom'o-dor), n. a captain 
commanding a squadron; the lead- 
ing ship in a fleet of merchantmen. 

common (kom'un), adj. belonging 
equally to more than one; public; 
usual; frequent; inferior; of low 
birth or origin; applied to nouns 
that are both masculine and femi- 
nine: n. a tract of open public land. 

commonplace (kom'un-plas), n. a 
memorandum for ready reference; 
an obvious remark; anything or- 
dinary: adj. uninteresting; trite; 
common; neither new nor striking. 

commonwealth (kom'un-welth), n. 
the whole body of people in a state; 
a republic. 

commotion (kom-o'shun), n. violent 
agitation. 

commune (kom-un'). v.t. to converse 
together; impart; take counsel; par- 
take of the Eucharist, or Holy Com- 
munion. [French.] 


communicate (kom-u'ni-kat), v.t. to 
impart; reveal: v.i. to share; partake 
of the Eucharist. 

communion (kom-un'yun), n. inter- 
course; fellowship; common posses- 
sion; a religious body; the partak- 
ing of the Eucharist. 

community (kom-Q'ni-ti), n. [pi. 
communities (kom-u'ni-tiz)], a body 
of persons having common rights, 
interests, and privileges; a corpora- 
tion; society generally; common 
character. 

commute (kom-ut'), v.t. to exchange; 

. substitute; reduce the severity of; 

regulate the direction of an electric 

current: v.i. to pay in gross amount; 

to travel regularly as a commuter. 

compact (kom'pakt), n. an agree- 
ment or covenant: v.t. (kom-pakt'), 
to press or pack closely; consolidate. 

companion (kom-pan'yun) , n. a com- 
rade; an associate or partner; the hut 
over a ship's ladder: adj. attendant. 

company (kum'pa-ni), n. [pi. com- 
panies (kum'pa-niz)], an assemblage 
of people; a body of persons associ- 
ated together; society; fellowship; a 
firm; a ship's crew; a subdivision of 
a regiment. 

comparative (kom-par'a-tiv), adj. es- 
timated by comparison ; not positive : 
n. the comparative degree of gram- 
mar. 

compare (kom-par'), v.t. to make one 
thing the measure of another; in- 
flect so as to form the degrees of 
comparison: v.i. to bear a compari- 
son. 

comparison (kom-par'i-sun) , n. the 
act of comparing; an illustration or 
simile. 

compartment (kom-part'ment), n. a 
division by a partition, as of a car- 
riage, &c. ; a panel. 

compass (kum'pas), v.t. to encircle; 
walk around; besiege: n. a circular 
course; a circumference; extent; 
grasp; an instrument indicating the 
magnetic meridian : pi. a mathemati- 
cal instrument for dividing and 
drawing circles. 

compassion (kom-pash'un), n. sorrow 
for the sufferings of others ; sympathy ; 
pity. 

compatible (kom-pat'i-bl), adj. con- 
gruous; suitable. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met : mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book 
hue, hut; think, then. 


COMPEL 


115 


COMPULSION 


compel (kom-pel'), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. 
compelled, p.pr. compelling], to urge 
irresistibly; force. 

compend (kom'pend), n. an abridg- 
ment. 

compensation (kom-pen-sa'shun), n. 
amends; recompense; a set-off. 

compete (kom-pet'), v.i. enter into 
competition with another; rival. 

competence (kom'pe-tens), n. the 
state of being competent; suffi- 
ciency. Also competency. 

competent (kom'pe-tent) , adj. fit; 
able; suitable; qualified; moder- 
ate. 

compile (kom-pil'), v.t. to put to- 
gether in fresh form existing mate- 
rials. 

complacent (kom-pla'sent), adj. af- 
fable. 

complain (kom-plan'), v.i. to express 
grief, pain, or resentment; charge 
formally. 

complaint (kom-plant'), n. an accusa- 
tion; an expression of grief or pain; 
ailment. 

complaisant (kom-pla-sant') , adj. 
courteous. 

complement (kom'ple-ment), n. full 
number or quantity; a complete set; 
v.t. to supply a deficiency. 

complete (kom-plet), adj. free from 
deficiency; entire; absolute; fin- 
ished: v.t. to supply what is lacking; 
finish. [French.] 

complex (kom'pleks), adj. composed 
of various parts of things; compos- 
ite; intricate. [Latin.] 

complexion (kom-plek'shun) , n. the 
color of the skin, especially the face; 
aspect. [French.] 

complexity (kom-pleks'i-ti), n. the 
state of being complex. Also com- 
plexness. 

compliance (kom-pli'ans) , n. acquies- 
cence. 

complicate (kom'pli-kat) , v.t. to make 
intricate; involve: adj. intricate; 
folded together. [Latin.] 

complication (kom-pli-ka'shun) , n. 
the act of complicating; the state of 
being complicated. 

compliment (kom'pli-ment), n. a for- 
mal act or expression of courtesy; 
delicate flattery: v.t. to flatter; con- 
gratulate; praise. 

complimentary (kom-pli-ment'a-ri), 


adj. conveying a compliment. Also 
complimental. 

comply (kom-pli), v.i. [p.t. & p.p. com- 
plied, p.pr. complying], to yield as- 
sent; agree to. 

component (kom-po'nent), adj. con- 
stituent: n. an elementary part of a 
compound. [Latin.] 

comport (kom-port'), v.i. to agree; 
harmonize: v.t. to behave. 

compose (kom-poz'), v.t. to form by 
combination; write as an author; 
calm; adjust; arrange in proper 
order; put together. 

composite (kom-poz'it or kom'poz-it), 
adj. compound. 

composition (kom-po-zish'un), n. the 
act of composing; the thing com- 
posed; a mass formed by mingling 
various ingredients; mutual settle- 
ment or agreement; a musical or 
literary work; the art jf forming 
sentences. [Latin.] 

compost (kom'post), n. a mixture of 
various substances for fertilizing 
the ground; builders' compost: v.t. 
to cover with compost, plaster or 
stucco. 

composure (kom-po'zhur), n. tran- 
quillity. 

compound (kom-pound'), v.t. to mix 
or combine together; settle by mu- 
tual agreement; discharge a debt by 
paying a part: adj. (kom'pound) , 
composed of two or more elements 
or ingredients or words: n. (kom'- 
pound), a mixture of two or more 
elements or ingredients. 

comprehend (kom-pre-hend'),.t'J. to 
include or comprise; grasp with the 
mind; conceive. [Latin.] 

comprehensive (kom-pre-hen'siv) , 
adj. including much; full. 

compress (kom-pres'), v.t. to press to- 
gether; condense [Latin]: n. (kom'- 
pres), a soft pad used in surgery to 
maintain pressure. [French.] 

compression (kom-presh'un) , n. con- 
densation. 

comprise (kom-prlz'), v.t. to compre- 
hend. 

compromise (kom'pro-miz) , n. a set- 
tlement by mutual concessions: v.t. 
to settle by compromise; expose to 
risk. 

compulsion (kom-pul'shun) , n. the 
act of compelling; force; constraint. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met : mite, mit ; note, nSrth, not ; boon, book ; 
8 hue, hut ; think, then. 


COMPULSORY 


116 


CONCURRENT 


compulsory (kom-pul'so-ri), adj. exer- 
cising compulsion; obligatory. 

compunction (kom-pungk'shun), n. 
contrition. [Latin.] 

computation (kom-pu-ta'shun) , n. 
the act or process of computing; es- 
timate. 

compute (kom-puf). v.t. to number; 
reckon. 

comrade (kom'rad), n. a companion. 

con (kon), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. conned, p. 
pr. conning], to peruse carefully; fix 
in the mind by constant repetition; 
to direct (a helmsman) how to steer. 

conation (ko-na'shun), n. the faculty 
of voluntary agency, including voli- 
tion and desire. [Latin.] 

concave (kon'kav), adj. hollow and 
curved. [Latin.] 

concavity (kon-kav'i-ti) , n. [pi. con- 
cavities (kon-kav'i-tiz)], the state of 
being concave; the inner surface of 
a rounded hollow body. 

conceal (kon-seT), v.t. to hide; keep 
secret; disguise. [Latin.] 

concealment (kon-sel'ment), n. the 
act of hiding or keeping secret; a. 
place of hiding; shelter. 

concede (kon-sed'), v.t. to yield; ad- 
mit. 

conceit (kon-sef), n. an idea; an over- 
estimate of one's own abilities; a 
quaint fancy. _ [Old French.] 

conceive (kon-sev'), v.t. imagine; un- 
derstand; develop in the womb: v.i. 
to think; become pregnant. [French.] 

concentrate (kon-sen' or kon'sen- 
trat), v.t. to bring to one point or 
common center ; intensify the action 
of; condense: adj. reduced to a pure 
or dense state. [Latin.] 

concentration camp (kon-sen-tra/- 
shun kamp) , n. in war, a camp where 
prisoners are held. 

concentric (kon-sen'trik) , adj. having 
a common center. 

concept (kon'sept), n. an abstract gen- 
eral notion or conception. [Latin.] 

concern (kon-sern'), v.t. to relate or 
belong to; interest or engage; make 
uneasy: n. business; affair; interest; 
anxiety: a firm. 

concert (kon-sert'), v.t. to contrive or 
devise together; adjust or arrange 
mutually: n. (kon'sert), a musical 
entertainment; co-operation; mu- 
tual agreement. [French.] 


concession (kon-sesh'un) , n. the act 
of conceding; the thing conceded; 
land, privileges, &c, granted by a 
government to a company, &c, for 
some specific purpose. [French.] 

conch (kongk), n. a marine shell. 

concha (kong'ka), n. [pi. conchae 
(kong'ke)], the outer ear; auricle; 
the dome of an apse. [Latin.] 

conchology (kong-koro-ji), n. the 
branch of zoology which treats of 
mollusks and their shells. 

conciliate (kon-sil'i-at) , v.t. to recon- 
cile; win or gain the affections of. 

concise (kon-sls'), adj. condensed, 
terse. [Latin.] 

conclave (kon'klav), n. a private 
meeting, as of cardinals for the 
election of a Pope. [Latin.] 

conclude (kon-klud'), v.t. to infer; 
determine; settle; end: v.i. draw an 
inference. [Latin.] 

conclusive (kon-klu'siv), adj. decisive; 
final. 

concoct (kon-kokf), v.t. to digest; 
cook; assimilate mentally; plot. 

concomitant (kon-kom'i-tant) , n. 
accompanying; conjoined with: n. 
an attendant. 

concord (kong' or kon'kord), n. har- 
mony; union; agreement. 

concordance (kon-kor'dans) , n. agree- 
ment; a dictionary of words or pas- 
sages, with references to the places 
where they occur in certain works, 
especially in the Bible or in Shake- 
speare. 

concourse (kong'kors), n. arriving to- 
gether ; an assembly or crowd. 

concrete (kon'kret), adj. united in 
growth; coalesced; not abstract: n. 
a mass formed by concretion; a com- 
pact mass of lime, sand, gravel, mor- 
tar, &c, used for building: v.i. (kon- 
kret'), to coalesce: v.t. to form by the 
union of particles. [Latin.] 

concubine (kong'ku-bm) , n. a woman 
who lives with a man without being 
legally married. [Latin.] 

concur (kon-ker'), v.i. [p.t. & p.p. con- 
curred, p.pr. concurring], to agree or 
unite in action or opinion; coincide. 

concurrent (kon-kur'ent) , adj. acting 
in union or conjunction; joint and 
equal in authority; meeting at one 
point: n. that which concurs; a con- 
tributory cause. [Latin.] 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, nSrth, not ; boon, book 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


CONCUSSION 


117 


CONFLUX 


concussion (kon-kush'un), n. the 
shock caused by two bodies coming 
violently together; injury by a fall. 

condemn (kon-dem'), v.t. to pro- 
nounce or judge guilty; blame; cen- 
sure; declare to be forfeited. [Latin.] 

condemnation (kon-dem-na'shun), n. 
the act of condemning. 

condense (kon-dens'), v.t. to compress; 
make close or thick: v.i. grow dense. 

condescend (kon-de-sencT) , v.i. to 
stoop; descend; yield; deign. 

condign (kon-dln'), adj. well-deserved; 
suitable. [Latin.] 

condiment (kon'di-ment), n. a season- 
ing, such as pepper, mustard, horse- 
radish, &c. 

condition (kon-dish'un), n. state; 
quality; external circumstances; stip- 
ulation or terms of a contract: v.t. 
to contract or stipulate; bring into 
and keep in bodily health; examine. 

condole (kon-dol'), v.t. to lament: v.i. 
to express sympathy for another 
[with with}. [Latin.] 

condone (kon-don'), v.t. to pardon, 
especially a violation of marital 
duty. 

condor (kon'der), n. a very large 
South American vulture. [Spanish.] 

conduce (kon-dus'), v.i. to tend to; 
contribute. 

conduct (kon-dukt'). v.t. to guide; di- 
rect; manage; behave: n. (kon'dukt), 
personal behavior or practice; man- 
agement. 

conduit (kon'dit), n. a canal or pipe 
for the conveyance of water, &c. 

cone (kon), n. a geometrical figure 
broad, round, and broad at the bot- 
tom and lessening the circumference 
towards the top; the fruit of the fir, 
pine, &c; a storm-cone: v.t. to 
shape like the segment of a cone. 

confection (kon-f ek'shun) , n. any- 
thing conserved or compounded with 
sugar; a sweetmeat. [Latin.] 

confederacy (kon-fed'er-a-si), n. [pi. 
confederacies (kon-fed'er-a-siz)], per- 
sons, states, or nations united in a 
league. 

confederate (kon-f ed'er-at), v.i. to 
unite in a league: adj. united by a 
league: n. a member of a confedera- 
tion; an ally; an accomplice. 

confer (kon-fer'), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. 
conferred, p.pr. conferring], to give 


or bestow: v.i. to consult together; 
converse. 

conference (kon'fer-ens) , n. the act of 
consulting together formally; an 
appointed meeting for discussing 
some topic or business; an ecclesias- 
tical assembly. 

confess (kon-f es'), v.t. to admit or 
acknowledge ; _ avow ; grant ; prove ; 
hear (as a priest) a confession: v.i. 
disclose the state of one's conscience 
to a priest and receive absolution. 

confession (kon-fesh'un) , n. act of 
confessing; anything disclosed or 
acknowledged. 

confide (kon-fld'), v.i. have confi- 
dence in: v.t. to trust fully [with 
to]. 

confidence (kon'fi-dens) , n. trust; 
reliance. 

confident (kon'fi-dent), adj. full of 
confidence; positive; bold; dog- 
matical. [Latin.] 

confidential (kon-fi-den'shal), adj. 
spoken or written in confidence; 
trustworthy. 

configuration (kon-fig-u-ra'shun) , n. 
external form; relative position of 
the planets. 

confine (kon 'fin), n. a boundary, 
border, or limit; a frontier [usually 
pi.]: v.t. (kon-fm').to restrict within 
limits; imprison. [Latin.] 

confinement (kon-f In 'ment), n. the 
act of confining; childbirth. 

confirm (kon-ferm'), v.t. to strengthen ; 
ratify; administer the rite of confir- 
mation. [Latin.] 

confirmation (kon-f er-ma'shun)^ n. 
the act of confirming; verification; 
evidence; admission to full com- 
munion after baptism. 

confiscate (kon-fis' or kon'fis-kat), 
v.t. to adjudge to be forfeited to the 
public treasury; seize, as thus for- 
feited. [Latin.] 

conflagration (kon-fla-gra/shun) , n. a 
great fire. [Latin.] 

conflict (kon-flikt'), v.i. to strike or 
dash together; contend; fight: n. 
(kon'flikt), a fight or struggle for 
the mastery; a battle; antagonism; 
a violent collision. [Latin.] 

confluence (kon'flu-ens), n. the junc- 
tion of two or more streams; an 
assembly. 

conflux (kon'fluks), n. the meeting 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


CONFORM 


118 


CONNECTION 


together of two or more streams; a 
crowd. 

conform (kon-form') , v.t. to make 
like; bring into harmony [usually 
with to]: v.i. to be in harmony 
with; comply with. [Latin.] 

conformable (kon-form'a-bl) , adj. 
like; corresponding; compliant; in 
parallel order. 

conformity (kon-f6rm'i-ti), n. com- 
pliance with established forms; re- 
semblance. 

confound (kon-found'), v.t. to min- 
gle; perplex; astonish; confuse; over- 
throw. [Latin.] 

confront (kon-frunt'). v.t. to stand 
face to face [with with]; oppose; 
compare. 

confuse (kon-fuz'), v.t. to mingle; 
jumble up; render indistinct; dis- 
concert; perplex. [Latin.] 

confute (kon-fut'). v.t. to prove to be 
false or invalid; convict of error. 

congeal (kon-jeT), v.t. to freeze; to 
make stiff and harden by the in- 
fluence of cold: v.i. to become frozen 
by the influence of cold; to change 
from a liquid to a solid by reason of 
cold. 

congener (kon'je-ner), n. one of the 
same kin. 

congenial (kon-je'ni-al), adj. kindred; 
pleasant and sympathetic; cognate. 

congenital (kon-jen'i-tal), adj. exist- 
ing, or produced, at birth; con- 
stitutional. 

congest (kon-jesf), v.t. to accumu- 
late. 

congestion (kon-jest'yun), n. an over- 
crowded condition, especially of the 
blood-vessels. 

conglomerate (kon-glom'er-at) , v.t. 
to gather into a ball or round mass: 
adj. collected or clustered together: 
n. a rock composed of rounded or 
water-worn fragments of pre-exis- 
tent rocks. [Latin.] 

conglutinate (kon-gloo'ti-nat), v.t. 
to glue together: adj. glued together; 
united by an adhesive substance. 

conglutinative (kon-gloo'ti-na-tiv) , 
adj. having power to unite or heal 
wounds. 

congratulate (kon-grat'u-lat), v.t. to 
felicitate on account of some happy 
event [with on or upon]. 

congregate (kong'gre-gat), v.t. to as- 


semble; gather together: v.i. to 
come together. 

congregation (kong-gre-ga'shun) , n. 
an assembly, especially of persons 
for religious worship. 

congress (kong'gres), n. a confer- 
ence; an assembly of ambassadors, 
&c, for the settlement of interna- 
tional affairs. 

Congress (kong'gres), n. the na- 
tional legislature of the United 
States, consisting of a Senate and a 
House of Representatives. 

congruity (.kon-groo'i-ti), n. agree- 
ment; fitness. 

congruous (kon'grod-us) , adj. ac- 
cordant; fit. 

conic (kon'ik), adj. pertaining to, or 
shaped like, a cone. Also conical: 
n.pl. the branch of geometry which 
treats of the parabola, ellipse, and 
hyperbola; conic sections. 

conjecture (kon-jek'tiir), n. a prob- 
able inference; a guess; v.t. to im- 
agine; surmise: v.i. to form con- 
jectures. 

conjoin (kon-join'), v.t. to join to- 
gether; connect or associate: v.i. to 
unite. 

conjoint (kon-joint')i adj. united; co- 
operating. 

conjugal (kon'ju-gal), adj. of, or per- 
taining to, marriage; connubial. 

conjugate (kon'ju-gat), v.t. to in- 
flect (verbs) : v.i. to unite in conju- 
gation: adj. combined in pairs; kin- 
dred in meaning and origin. 

conjugation (kon-ju-ga'shun), n. the 
act of conjugating; the inflection of 
a verb ; a kind of sexual union. 

conjunction (kon-jungk'shun) , n. un- 
ion; association; connection; the ap- 
parent meeting of two or more 
stars or planets; a word used to 
connect sentences or words. 

conjure (kon-jur'), v.t. to summon 
in a sacred name; enjoin with the 
highest solemnity: (kun'jer), in- 
fluence by, or as if by, magic: v.i. 
to practice the arts of a con- 
jurer. 

connect (kon'nekt'). v.t. to bind or 
fasten together; unite; associate 
with: v.i. to be joined; cohere. 

connection or connexion (kon-nek'- 
shun), n. the state of being con- 
nected; relation by marriage or 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, nCrth, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut; think, Men. 


CONNECTIVE 


119 


CONSPIRACY 


blood; sexual intercourse; acquain- 
tance; one's customers, &c. 

connective (kon-nek'tiv), adj. able to 
connect: n. that which connects. 

connive (kon-niv'), v.i. to close the 
eyes upon a fault; be in secret com- 
plicity [with at], 

connoisseur (kon-a-ser'), n. a criti- 
cal judge. [French.] 

connote (kon-not'). v.t. to designate 
by implication; imply as an attri- 
bute. 

connubial (kon-u'bi-al), adj. of, or 
pertaining to, the marriage state; 
nuptial. [Latin.] 

conquer (kong'ker), v.t. gain by con- 
quest; overcome; subdue: v.i. to 
get the victory. [French.] 

conquest (kon'kwest), n. the act of 
conquering; subjugation; victory. 

consanguinity (kon-sang-gwin'i-ti) , 
n. blood relationship. [Latin.] 

conscience (kon'shens), n. the moral 
sense which distinguishes right from 
wrong. [Latin.] 

conscientious (kon-shi-en'shus) , adj. 
influenced or regulated by con- 
science; scrupulous. 

conscious (kon'shus), adj. aware of 
one's thoughts and actions; sen- 
sible. 

consciousness (kon'shus-nes) , n. the 
knowledge of that which passes in 
one's own mind. 

conscript (kon-skript'_), v.t. to en- 
roll for compulsory military or naval 
service: (kon'skript), adj. registered; 
enrolled: n. one thus compulsorily 
enrolled. [Latin.] 

consecrate (kon'se-krat), v.t. to set 
apart as sacred; dedicate to the 
service of God; set apart to a 
sacred office; devote: adj. conse- 
crated; made sacred. [Latin.] 

consecutive (kon-sek'u-tiy) , adj. suc- 
cessive; following. [Latin.] 

consensus (kon-sen'sus) , n. general 
agreement. 

consent (kon-sent'), n. a yielding of 
the mind or will; acquiescence; 
sympathy: v.i. to comply; yield; 
accede; concur. [Latin.] 

consequence (kon'se-kwens) , n. that* 
which naturally follows an effect; 
inference; result; importance; sig- 
nificance. 

consequent (kon'se-kwent) , adj. fol- 


lowing as a result or natural effect 
[with to]: n. a result or effect. 

conservatory (kon-ser'va-to-ri) , adj. 
tending to preserve: n. a green- 
house. 

conserve (kon-serv'), v.t. to pre- 
serve from injury or destruction; 
preserve with sugar: n. (kon'serv), 
preserved or candied fruit. [Latin.] 

consider (kon-sid'er), v.t. to fix the 
mind upon; contemplate: v.i. to de- 
liberate; reflect. [Latin.] 

considerable (kon-sid'er-a-bl), adj. 
worthy of notice; important; valu- 
able; more than a little. 

considerate (kon-sid'er-at), adj. hav- 
ing regard for others; prudent; 
thoughtful; careful. 

consign (kon-sln'), v.t. to deliver in 
a formal manner to another; yield 
in trust; to send goods. [French.] 

consist (kon-sist'), v.i. to be com- 
posed of; co-exist; subsist [with 
in]. [Latin.] 

consistence (kon-sis'tens), n. degree 
of density or firmness; harmony, 
Also consistency. 

consistent (kon-sis'tent), adj. solid; 
uniform; not contradictory. 

console (kon-sol'), v.t. to give com- 
fort to; cheer in sorrow; solace. 

consolidate (kon-sol'i-dat) , v.t. to 
make solid; harden; condense: v.i. 
to become solid. 

consols (kon'solz or kon-solz'), n. the 
principal _ British funded security: 
abbreviation for consolidated fund. 

consomme (kon-so-ma/), n. a strong 
clear soup or bouillon. 

consonant (kon'so-nant), adj. har- 
monious; accordant: n. a letter other 
than a vowel. 

consort (kon'sort), n. a companion; 
a partner; a husband or wife; a 
ship accompanying another: v.t. 
& v.i. (kon-sort'), to associate; keep 
company [with with]. 

conspectus (kon-spek'tus), n. a gen- 
eral sketch or digest of some sub- 
ject; a synopsis. 

conspicuous (kon-spik'u-us), adj. 
mentally or physically visible; mani- 
fest; distinguished. 

conspiracy (kon-spir'a-si), n. \j)l. con- 
spiracies (kon-spir'a-siz)], a plot; two 
or more persons engaged together 
for an unlawful or evil purpose. 


ate, arm, at, awl; me, merge, met; mite, mit ; note, north, not; boon, book; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


CONSPIRE 


120 


CONTENTMENT 


conspire (kon-spir'), v.i. to concert 
a crime; combine for an unlawful 
purpose. [Latin.] 

constable (kun'sta-bl), n. a high of- 
ficer of state in mediaeval courts; a 
policeman. 

constant (kon'stant), adj. steadfast; 
firm, continuous: n. in physics, 
that which is not subject to change, 
as gravity. 

constellation (kon-stel-a/shun), n. a 
group or cluster of fixed stars desig- 
nated by some name; an assemblage 
of splendors. [Latin.] 

consternation (kon-ster-na/shun), n. 
excessive terror, wonder, or sur- 
prise; perturbation. 

constipate (kon'sti-pat), v.t. to make 
costive. [Latin.] 

constituency (kon-stit'u-en-si) , n. 
[%l. constituencies (kon-stit'u-en- 
siz)], the body of electors voting for 
a member of Congress,_&c. 

constituent (kon-stit'ti-ent), adj. 
necessary or essential: n. an essen- 
tial or component part; an elector. 

constitute (kon'sti-tut) , v.t. to com- 
pose or make up; appoint; elect; 
enact; establish. [Latin.] 

constitution (kon-sti-tti'shun) , n. the 
act of constituting; the thing consti- 
tuted; bodily strength; mental or 
physical temperament; the funda- 
mental law of a nation, state or 
society, whether unwritten as in 
Great Britain, or written as in the 
United States. [Latin.] 

constrain (kon-stran'), v.t. to hold 
down or keep back by force; re- 
strain. . 

constraint (kon-strant'), n. compul- 
sion. 

constrict (kon-strikt'), v.t. to bind; 
cramp. [Latin.] 

construct (kon-strukt'), v.t. to 
build ; form ; put together ; compose. 

constructive (kon-struk'tiv) , adj. hav- 
ing the character of construction; 
inferred. 

construe (kon'stroo), v.t. to put into 
proper order by syntactical rules; 
translate; interpret. [Latin.] 

Consul (kon'sul), n. an officer com- 
missioned by a government to reside 
in a foreign country to promote the 
interests of its trade, and protect 
its subjects. 


consult (kon-sulf), v.t. to ask advice 
of; regard: v.i. to take counsel to- 
gether. [Latin.] 

consume (kon-sum'), v.t. to destroy; 
waste; spend: v.i. waste away; be 
exhausted. [Latin.] 

consummate (kon'sum-at) , v.t. to 
complete; finish: adj. (kon-sum 'at) , 
perfect. 

consumption (kon-sump'shun) , n. the 
act of consuming; a gradual wasting 
away; pulmonary disease; phthisis. 

consumptive (kon-sump'tiv), adj. 
pertaining to consumption; affected 
with phthisis. 

contact (kon'takt), n. touch; close 
union. [Latin.] 

contagion (kon-ta'jun), n, transmis- 
sion of disease by direct or indirect 
contact. 

contagious (kon-ta'jus) , adj. trans- 
mitted by contact. 

contain (kon-tan'), v.t. to hold, as a 
vessel; keep within bounds; inclose: 
v.i. to live in continence. [Latin.] 

contaminate (kon-tam'i-nat), v.t. to 
pollute. 

contemn (kon-tem'), v.t. to despise. 

contemplate (kon'tem-, or kon-tem'- 
plat), v.t. to consider with con- 
tinued attention ; meditate on ; study. 

contemporary (kon-tem'po-ra-ri) , adj. 
existing or occurring at the same 
time: n. one living at the same time 
as another. 

contempt (kon-tempt'), n. disdain; 
scorn; disobedience to the orders, 
&c, of a court. 

contemptible (kon-temp'ti-bl), adj. 
meriting scorn. 

contemptuous (kon-temp'tu-us), adj. 
disdainful. 

contend (kon-tend'), v.i. to strive in 
opposition ; vie [with with or against] ; 
dispute or debate; assert. 

content (kon-tent'), adj. satisfied; 
willing: v.t. to satisfy; gratify; ap- 
pease: n. (kon'tent), generally plu- 
ral, that which is comprised in any- 
thing. 

contention (kon-ten'shun) , n. con- 
test; debate. 

contentious (kon-ten'shus) , adj. caus- 
ing contention; quarrelsome; litigi- 
ous. 

contentment (kon-tent 'ment) , n. sat- 
isfaction. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


CONTEST 


121 


CONVENE 


contest (kon-test')i v.t. to dispute; 
oppose; litigate: v.i. to strive; con- 
tend; vie: n. (kqn'test), a struggle 
for superiority; dispute. 

context (kon'tekst), n. the parts in 
a book or discourse immediately ad- 
joining the sentence quoted. 

contiguity (kon-ti-gii'i-ti), n. contact. 

contiguous (kon-tig'u-us), adj. ad- 
jacent. 

continence (kon'ti-nens), n. chasti- 
ty; self-restraint; moderation. 

continent (kon'ti-nent), adj. chaste; 
exercising self-restraint: n. a large 
extent of land forming a geograph- 
ical division. 

contingent (kon-tin'jent), adj. ac- 
cidental; conditional: n. a possi- 
bility; quota of troops. 

continual (kon-tin'u-al), adj. pro- 
ceeding without interruption; in- 
cessant: constant. 

continuance (kon-tin'u-ans) , n. per- 
manence; uninterrupted succession; 
duration. 

continuation (kon-tin-u-a/shun), n. 
the act of continuing. 

continue (kon-tin'u), v.t. to carry on 
without interruption; persist in: v.i. 
to remain; abide; endure; persevere. 

continuity (kon-ti-nu'i-ti). n. [pi. con- 
tinuities (kon-ti-nu'i-tiz)], uninter- 
rupted succession or connection; 
cohesion. 

contort (kon-torf), v.t. to twist. 

contour (kon'toor), n. an outline; 
profile: v.t. to make an outline of. 

contraband (kon'tra-band), adj. pro- 
hibited from importation; illegal. 

contract (kon-trakt'), v.t. draw closer 
together; shorten; condense: v.i. to 
shrink up; bargain; agree upon: n. 
(kon'trakt), a compact; a written 
agreement. 

contraction (kon-trak'shun) , n. the act 
of contracting ; the state of being con- 
tracted ; the reduction of two vowels 
or syllables into one; abbrevia- 
tion. 

contradict (kon-tra-dikt') , v.t. to as- 
sert the contrary or opposite of; 
gainsay; deny. 

contradistinguish (kon-tra-dis-ting'- 
gwish), v.t. to distinguish by op- 
posite qualities. 

contralto (kon-tral't5) , n. the part 
sung by the highest male {counter- 


tenor) or the lowest female voice 
(alto) ; also the lowest female voice. 

contrary (kon'tra-ri), adj. opposite; in 
an opposite direction; perverse; 
wayward: n. a thing of opposite 
qualities. 

contrast (kon-trast'), v.t. to place in 
contrast; compare: n. (kon'trast), 
opposition or difference of qualities 
made manifest by comparison; dis- 
similitude. 

contra vallation (kon-tra-val-a'shun) , 
n. a fortification thrown up round a 
city by a besieging force for security 
against the enemy's sallies. [Latin.] 

contravene (kon-tra-ven') , v.t. to ob- 
struct; violate. 

contribute (kon-trib'ut), v.t. to give 
to some common stock; furnish as a 
share: v.i. to use one's influence. 

contrite (kon'trit), adj. penitent. 

contrition (kon-trish'un) , n. sorrow 
for sin. 

contrivance (kon-tri'vans), n. a de- 
vice; apparatus; scheme; plan. 

contrive (kon-triv'), v.t. to devise; 
invent; plan; scheme. 

control (kon-trol'), n. a check; re- 
straint; superintendence; authority: 
v.t. [p.t. & p.p. controlled: p.pr. 
controlling], to restrain; govern; 
regulate. 

controversial (kon-tro-ver'shal) , adj. 
polemical. 

controversy (kon'tro-yer-si) , n. [pi. 
controversies (kon'tro-ver-siz)], agi- 
tation of contrary opinions; debate; 
disputation. 

controvert (kon-tro-vert'), v.t. to con- 
tend against; refute; disprove. 

contumacy (kon'tu-ma-si), n. [pi. 
contumacies (kon'tu-ma-siz)], ob- 
stinate or perverse opposition to law- 
ful authority. 

contumely (kon'tu-me-li), n. [pi. con- 
tumelies (kon'tu-me-liz)], haughty 
and contemptuous rudeness; scorn- 
ful and insolent abuse. 

contuse (kon-tuz'), v.t. to wound or 
bruise without breaking the skin. 

conundrum (ko-nun'drum), n. a rid- 
dle. [Dubious Latin.] 

convalescence (kon-va-les'ens), n. 
gradual recovery after illness. 

convalescent (kon-va-les'ent) , adj. 
recovering health. 

convene (kon-ven'), v.i. to meet to- 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book : 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


CONVENIENT 


122 


COPARCENER 


gether: v.t. cause to assemble; sum- 
mon judicially. 

convenient (kon-ve'ni-ent), adj. suit- 
able; appropriate; affording accom- 
modation; handy. 

convent (kon'vent), n. a community 
of religious recluses; a nunnery; 
monastery. 

convention (kon-ven'shun) , n . a polit- 
ical or ecclesiastical assembly; a 
diplomatic agreement. 

conventionality (kon-ven-shun-al'i- 
ti), n. [pi. conventionalities (kon-ven- 
shun-al'i-tiz)], adherence to con- 
ventional rules or precedents; arti- 
ficiality. 

converge (kon-verj'), v.i. tend to 
one point. 

conversant (kon'ver-sant) , adj. ac- 
quainted or familiar with; profi- 
cient. 

conversation (kon-ver-sa'shun) , n. 
informal or familiar talk. 

converse (kon-vers'), v.i. to inter- 
change thoughts; talk familiarly: 
adj. & n. (kon'vers), reversed in 
order or relation; opposite; ac- 
quaintance; familiar talk. 

conversely (kon-vers'li) , adv. recip- 
rocally. 

conversion (kon-ver'shun), n. change 
from one state, or from one religion, 
to another. 

convert (kon-vert'). v.t. to trans- 
mute: change from one religion to 
another; cause to undergo a moral 
change; apply to any use: n. (kon'- 
vert), one who changes from one 
religion to another ; one who has un- 
dergone a moral change. [Latin.] 

convex (kon'veks), adj. curved on the 
exterior surface: opposed to con- 
cave: n. a convex body. [Latin.] 

convey (kon-va'), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. 
conveyed, p.pr. conveying], to carry 
or transport; transmit; impart; 
communicate; transfer the title to 
(property) . 

conveyance (kon-va/ans 1 ) , n. the act 
or means of conveying; a vehicle; 
the transference of property from 
one owner to another. 

convict (kon-vikt'), v.t. to prove or 
pronounce guilty of a crime charged: 
n. (kon'vikt), a criminal sentenced 
to penal servitude. [Latin.] 

conviction (kon-vik'shun) , n. the act 


of convicting; the state of being con- 
victed; strong belief. 

convince (kon-vins'), v.t. to satisfy by 
evidence or argument; persuade; 
cause to believe. 

convivial (kon-viv'i-al), adj. festive; 
jovial. 

convocation (kon-vo-ka'shun) , n. the 
act of convoking an assembly, es- 
pecially of bishops and beneficed 
clergy, or heads of a university; an 
assembly of clergy. 

convoke (kon-vok'), v.t. to call or 
summon together; convene. 

convolution (kon-vo-lu'shun) , n. a 
rolling together. 

convoy (kon-voi')» v.t. [p.t. & p.p. con- 
voyed, p.pr. convoying], to accom- 
pany on the way for protection, by 
sea or land: n. (kon'voi), a protect- 
ing force accompanying ships, goods, 
persons, &c; an escort. 

convulse (kon-vuls'), v.t. to agitate 
violently; shake; affect with convul- 
sions. 

convulsion (kon-vul'shun), n. an agi- 
tation; tumult; a violent and unnat- 
ural contraction of the muscles. 

coo (koo), v.i. [p.t. & p.p. cooed, p.pr. 
cooing], to cry like a dove or pigeon; 
to act or converse in a loving man- 
ner : n. the sound uttered by doves 
and pigeons. 

cook (kook), v.t. to prepare for eating 
by boiling, baking, or roasting: v.i. 
to act as a cook: n. one who pre- 
pares food for the table. 

cool (kool), adj. [compar. cooler, 
superl. coolest], slightly or moderate- 
ly cold; calm; deliberate: v.t. to 
make cool: v.i. to become cool. 

coop (koop), n. a cage; pen: v.t. to 
confine in, or as in, a coop; inclose. 

cooperate (ko-op'er-at) , v.i. to act or 
work jointly; concur to produce the 
same effect. 

coordinate (ko-or'di-nat), v.t. to place 
in the same order, class, &c; har- 
monize: adj. of the same rank or 
authority as another: n.pl. lines or 
other elements by which the position 
of any point is determined by a fixed 
figure or lines. 

cop (kop), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. copped, p.pr. 
copping], to seize as a prisoner: 
n. a policeman. 

coparcener (ko-par'se-ner), n. a con- 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


COPE 


123 


CORONA 


federate: one who shares with an- 
other in an act, usually wrong. 

cope (kop), v.i. to strive or contend 
(followed by with). 

copious (kd'pi-us), adj. abundant; dif- 
fusive. 

copper (kop'er), n. a red, ductile, mal- 
leable, tenacious metal; a boiler: 
v.t. to cover with copper. Also cop- 
perize. 

copse (kops), n. a thicket of brush- 
wood. Also coppice. 

copula (kop'u-la), n._ [pi. copulas or ae 
(kop'u-laz, kop'u-le)J. a word which 
joins the subject and predicate in 
a sentence or proposition. 

copulation (kop-u-la'shun) , n. sexual 
intercourse. 

copy (kop'i), n. [pi. copies (kop'iz)J. an 
imitation; a transcript; a writing 
exercise; an original work: v.t.^ to 
transcribe; reproduce: v.i. imi- 
tate. 

copyright (kop'i-rit), n. the exclusive 
right of an author in his literary or 
artistic work for a prescribed num- 
ber of years. 

coquet (ko-ket'), v.i. [p.p. & p.p. co- 
quetted, p.pr. coquetting], to flirt; 
seek to attract attention or admi- 
ration; trifle. 

coquette (ko-ket'), n. a vain woman 
who seeks to gain men's admiration. 

coral (kor'al), n. the hard calcareous 
skeleton of certain marine polyps; 
the unimpregnated roe of the lob- 
ster.: adj. pertaining to coral. 

cord (kord), n. a twisted string; a 
measure of wood = 128 cub. ft. (8 
ft. long, 4 ft. high, 4 ft. broad); a 
moral influence: v.t. to fasten or 
connect with cord. 

cordial (kor'jal), adj. hearty; sincere; 
cheering: n. a medicine that in- 
creases the strength and restores the 
spirits; an aromatic and sweetened 
spirit. 

cordiality (kor-jal'i-ti), n. sincere sym- 
pathetic geniality; sincerity; hearti- 
ness. 

cordite (kor'dit), n. a powerful ex- 
plosive, used for military pur- 
poses. 

cordon (kor'don), n. a ribbon worn as 
the badge of an order; a band; a 
course of projecting stones forming 
the coping of a scarf wall; a line of 


military posts; an elongated body of 
troops. [French.] 

corduroy (kor'du-roi), n. a stout 
ribbed or corded cotton; piled fus- 
tian: v.t. to construct (a corduroy 
road) . 

core (kor), n. the heart or innermost 
part of anything, especially of fruit: 
v.t. to remove the core from; to 
mold or cast on a core. 

cork (kork), n. the outer layer of the 
bark of the cork tree, a species of 
oak; a stopper for a bottle: adj. 
made of cork. 

cormorant (kor'mo-rant), n. a diving 
bird that preys voraciously on fish; 
a glutton. 

corn (korn), n. grain, as wheat, bar- 
ley, &c; maize, or Indian corn; 
plants that yield grain; bread- 
stuff. 

corn (korn), n. a horny excrescence on 
the toe, or foot. 

cornea (kor'ne-a), n. the horny circu- 
lar transparent _ membrane which 
forms the anterior portion of the 
eyeball. 

corner (kor'ner), n. an angle; a re- 
tired place; a mercantile ring to mo- 
nopolize some product: v.t. to drive 
or force into some position of diffi- 
culty from which there is no escape. 

cornet (kor-nef), n. a kind of trumpet; 
formerly, the lowest in rank among 
cavalry officers, corresponding to a 
midshipman in the navy. _ 

cornice (kor'nis), n. the highest pro- 
jection or border on a wall or column. 

cornstarch (korn'starch), n. starch 
made from meal of Indian corn; used 
for puddings, &c. 

cornucopia (kor-nu-ko'pi-a), n. [pi. 
cornucopia? (kor-nti-ko'pi-e) or -as 
(-az)], the horn of plenty represent- 
ed in sculpture as overflowing with 
fruit, flowers, &c. [Latin.] 

corolla (ko-rol'a), n. the inner envel- 
ope of a flower composed of two or 
more petals. 

corollary (kor'ol-a-ri), n. an additional 
deduction or inference drawn from 
a demonstrated proposition. 

corona fko-ro'na), n. [pi. coronae 
(ko-ro'ne)], a crown; the flat pro- 
jecting part of a cornice; the upper 
surface of a molar tooth; a halo 
surrounding heavenly bodies; any 


ate. arm, at, awl 


me, merge, mpt : mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hiie, hut : think, then. 


CORONATION 


124 


COST 


crown-like appendage at the top of 
an organ of a plant. [Latin.] 

coronation (kor-o-na/shun) , n. the act 
or ceremony of crowning a sovereign. 

coroner (kor'o-ner), n. an officer who 
inquires into cases of sudden or ac- 
cidental death. 

coronet (kor'o-net), n. an inferior 
crown; an ornamental head-dress. 

corporal (kor'po-ral) , adj. relating to 
the body; opposed to the mind: n. a 
communion cloth; a corporal; a non- 
commissioned officer of the lowest 
grade. 

corporation (kor-po-ra'shun), n. a 
body politic having a common seal, 
and legally authorized to act as one 
individual; a protuberant stomach. 

corporeal (kor-po're-al), adj. having 
a material body; physical. 

corps (kor), n. [pi. corps (korz)], a 
body of troops ; a body of persons 
associated in a common work. 

corpse (korps), n. a dead body. 

corpulence (kor'pu-lens), n. excessive 
fatness of body. Also corpulency. 

corpuscle (kor'pus-1), n. a minute par- 
ticle usually of blood. 

corral (kor-ral'), n. a pen for live 
stock; an enclosure with wagons; a 
strong stockade for capturing wild 
elephants: v.t. [p.t. & p.p. corralled, 
p.pr. corralling], to drive into, _ or 
secure in, a corral ; to take possession 
of, or capture; corner. [Spanish.] 

correct (ko-rekt'), v.t. to set straight; 
rectify; punish faults; amend: adj. 
exact; accurate; free from error; con- 
forming to a fixed rule or standard. 

corrective (ko-rek'tiv) , adj. able to 
correct: n. that which corrects; an 
antidote. 

correlate (kor'e-lat), v.i. to be recip- 
rocally related: v.t. to make clear the 
existence of reciprocal relations: 
adj. reciprocally related. 

correlative (kor-el'a-tiv), adj. having 
reciprocal or mutual relation: n. the 
antecedent of a pronoun. 

correspond (kor-e-spond') ; v.i. to be 
adequate to; agree; suit; answer; 
communicate by letters. 

correspondence (kor-e-spond'ens) , n. 
communication by letters; mutual 
adaptation; congruity. 

corridor (kor'i-<l6r) , n. a gallery or 
open passage in a building. 


corrigible (kor'ij-i-bl), adj. capable of 
being amended, corrected, or re- 
formed. 

corroborate (kor-rob'or-at), v.t. con- 
firm; strengthen; establish; ver- 
ify- 

corrode (kor-od'), v.t. to eat away 
gradually; consume; disintegrate. 

corrosion (kor-o'zhun) , n. the act of 
corroding; a corroded condition. 

corrosive (kor-o'siv), adj. capable of 
being corrosive. 

corrugate (kor'oo-gat), v.t. to draw, 
or shape, into wrinkles or folds. 

corrupt (kor-upf), v.t. to turn from a 
sound to an unsound and putrescent 
state; make impure; seduce; bribe: 
v.i. to become putrid: adj. altered; 
depraved; putrid; spoiled; open to 
bribery. 

corruptible (kor-up'ti-bl), adj. ca- 
pable of being corrupted; subject 
to decay; susceptible of being 
bribed. 

corruption (kor-up'shun), n. the act 
of corrupting; the state of being cor- 
rupted; physical dissolution. 

corsair (kor'sar), n. a pirate. [French.] 

corset (kor'set), n. a bodice: pi. a pair 
of stays: v.t. to inclose in corsets. 

corslet (kors'let), n. light body-armor. 

cortex (kor'teks), n. [pi. cortices (kor'- 
ti-sez)], outer bark or covering. 

coruscate (kor'us-kat) , v.i. to sparkle; 
flash. 

cosmetic (koz-met'ik), adj. imparting 
or improving beauty: n. a wash or 
preparation for such a purpose. 

cosmic (koz'mik), adj. pertaining to 
the universe and the laws which gov- 
ern it; rising or setting with the sun. 
Also cosmical. 

cosmogony (koz-mog'q-ni), n. a trea- 
tise on the world's origin. 

cosmography (koz-mog'ra-fi) , n. the 
science which treats of the constitu- 
tion of the universe. 

cosmopolitan (koz-mo-pori-tan), n. 
one who by much travel has become 
a citizen of the world. Also cos- 
mopolite: adj. at home in any part 
of the world. 

cosmos (koz'mos), n. the world or 
universe as an orderly system: op- 
posed to chaos. 

cost (kost), v.t. to be bought for, or 
had at, a price; cause to bear or 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met : mite, mit : note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


COSTERMONGER 


125 


COUNTESS 


suffer: n. charge; expense; labor: 
pi. law charges. 

costermonger (kos'ter-mung-ger), n. 
a hawker of fruit, vegetables, fish, 
&c. 

costive (kos'tiv), adj. constipated. 

costume (kos'tum), n. dress in gen- 
eral; style of dress; a walking or 
tailor-made dress: v.t. (kos-tum'), to 
dress in, or provide with, appropriate 
costumes. 

cot (kot), n. a cottage; small bed. 

coterie (ko'te-re), n. an association or 
set of persons united together for 
social or other intercourse; a clique. 

cotillion (ko-til'yun), n. a brisk, lively 
dance for eight persons. 

cottage (kot'aj), n. a small dwelling. 

cotton (kot'n), n. a white, soft, downy 
substance resembling wool envelop- 
ing the seeds of the cotton-plant; 
cotton thread or cloth: adj. pertain- 
ing to, or made of, cotton: v.i. (with 
to), to make up [to] another; seek his 
intimacy; fall in with his whims. 

couch (kouch), v.t. to place on a bed 
or other resting-place; hide; deposit 
in a bed or layer; express in words; 
include: v.i. to lie down; stoop; de- 
press or remove a cataract: n. a 
bed; sofa; a layer or stratum; a pre- 
liminary coat of size, paint, &c; a 
layer of barley spread out for malt- 
ing. 

cougar (koo'gar and kow'gar), n. the 
puma. 

cough (kof), v.i. to expel air from the 
lungs by a violent effort: v.t. to ex- 
pel from the lungs (followed by up):' 
n. an effort of the lungs, attended 
with noise, to expel irritating or 
foreign matter. 

could (kood), v.t. of can. 

council (kounsil), n. an assembly of 
persons met in consultation, or to 
give advice; a convocation; a mu- 
nicipal body. 

councilman (koun'sil-man) , n. [pi, 
councilmen (koun'sil-men)], a mem- 
ber of a municipal council. 

counsel (koun'sel), n. interchange of 
opinion; advice; consultation; de- 
liberate purpose or design; a bar- 
rister, attorney: v.t. [p.t. & p.p. 
counseled, p.pr. counseling], to give 
advice to; advise. [Latin.] 

counselor (koun'sel-er) , n. one who 


gives advice, especially legal advice; 
a member of a council. 

count (kount), n. a title of nobility. 

count (kount), v.t. to reckon or sum 
up; enumerate; place to an account; 
esteem: v.i. to tell off; mark time: 
n. the act of numbering or reckon- 
ing; the total ascertained; a separate 
and distinct charge in an indictment; 
rhythm. [French.] 

countenance (koun'te-nans), n. the 
whole form of the face; appearance; 
support: v.t. to support; encourage; 
favor. 

counter (koun'ter), n. one who, or 
that which, counts; a shop table; 
imitation money; a counter-tenor; 
a horse's breast between the shoul- 
ders and under the neck; a ship's 
stern between the water-line and the 
knuckle of the stern: a blow given in 
parrying: v.i. to give a blow while 
receiving or parrying one. 

counter (koun'ter), adv. contrary; ad- 
verse; in an opposite direction; the 
wrong way: used in composition, as 
co?/??£er-eyidence, evidence opposing 
other evidence; co?/n^r-balance, to 
weigh or act against with equal 
force. 

counteract (koun-ter-akt'), v.t. to act 
in opposition to so as to defeat or 
hinder; neutralize. 

counterfeit (koun'tcr-fit), v.t. to make 
a copy of without authority for 
fraudulent purposes; forge; imitate: 
v.i. to carry on deception: adj. 
feigned; spurious; forged: n. an imi- 
tation; a forgery. [French.] 

countermand (koun-ter-mand'), v.t. 
to revoke or annul, as an order or 
command; contradict the orders of: 
n. a revocation of a former order or 
command. 

counterpane (koun'ter-pan), n. a bed 
coverlet. 

counterpart (koun'ter-part) , n. a du- 
plicate. 

counterpoint (koun'ter-point), n. the 
science of harmony. 

countersign (koun-ter-sin') , v.t. to 
authenticate by an additional sig- 
nature: n. (koun'ter-sm), an addi- 
tional signature to a document to 
attest it; a military watchword. 

countess (koun'tes), n. the wife of an 
earl or count. [French.] 


ite, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


COUNTRY 


126 


COXCOMB 


country (kun'tri), n. [pi. countries 
(kunt'rez)], a tract of land; region; 
rural parts; one's native land: adj. 
rural; rustic; unpolished. [French.] 

county (koun'ti), n. [pi. counties 
(koun'tiz)], a definite district of a 
country separated from the rest for 
political or judicial administrative 
purposes: adj. pertaining to a 
county. 

coup (koo), n. a sudden telling blow, 
a master-stroke. [French.] 

coupe (koo-pa'), n. the front compart- 
ment of a French stage-coach; a 
small four-wheeled carriage. [French.] 

couple (kup'l), n. two of the same 
kind connected together; a pair; 
man and wife; a pair of equal and 
parallel forces; two dissimilar metal 
plates in contact forming a voltaic 
battery: v.t. to link or join together; 
unite in marriage: v.i. to copulate; 
unite. [French.] 

coupon (koo'pon), n. a certificate at- 
tached to transferable bonds, which 
is intended to be cut off and pre- 
sented for the payment of dividends 
when due; a section of a ticket en- 
titling the holder to some specified 
accommodation, &c, over a line or 
route to be traveled, or to a seat in 
a theater, &c. [French.] 

courage (ker'aj), n. fortitude; valor. 

courageous (ker-a'jus), adj. brave; 
bold. 

courier (koo'ri-er), n. an express 
messenger; a special messenger for 
a government or monarch; a travel- 
ing attendant who makes pre- 
liminary arrangements. [French.] 

course (kors), n. a race; a path or 
track; career; direction or line of 
motion; regular sequence; the por- 
tion of a meal served at one time; 
conduct; behavior; the direction a 
ship is steered; a continuous level 
range of brick or masonry of the 
same height; the chase of a hare by 
greyhounds: pi. catamenia; the sails 
set on the lower yards of a ship: 
v.t. to hunt: v.i. move swiftly; en- 
gage in coursing. [French.] 

court (kort), n. an enclosed space; a 
small paved space surrounded by 
houses; a royal palace; the retinue 
of a sovereign; a hall of justice; 
the judges, &c, engaged there; civil- 


ity; flattery: v.t. to pay court to; 
woo; flatter; solicit. [French.] 

courteous (ker'te-us), adj. polite; 
obliging. 

courtesy (ker'te-si), n. [pi. courtesies 
(ker'te-siz)], politeness combined with 
kindness; civility. [French.] 

cousin (kuz'in), n. the son or daugh- 
ter of an uncle or aunt; a kinsman; 
a title of address used by a sover- 
eign to certain noblemen. [French.] 

cove (kov), n. a small sheltered in- 
let or creek; a retired nook; a hol- 
low molding ; a fellow : v.i. to arch over. 

covenant (kuv'e-nant) , n. a written 
agreement; deed; bargain; a free 
promise of God's blessing; a solemn 
agreement of fellowship and faith 
between members of a church: v.i. to 
enter into a formal agreement; bind 
one's self by contract. [Old French.] 

cover (kuv'er), v.t. to overspread, as 
the top of anything, with something 
else; hide; save from punishment; 
shelter; clothe: v.i. put on a head 
covering: n. that which is laid on 
something else; a shelter; a covert; 
table furniture for one person: pi. 
thickets, underwood, &c, concealing 
game. [French.] 

coverlet (kuv'er-let), n. a bed quilt. 

covet (kuv'et), v.t. to desire earnest- 
ly: lust after: v.i. to indulge in in- 
ordinate desire. [French.] 

covetous (kuv'et-us), adj. inordinate- 
ly desirous, especially of money; 
avaricious. 

covey (kuv'i), n. a hatch or brood 
of birds, especially partridges. 

cow (kou), n. [pi. cows (kouz)]. the ma- 
ture female of the genus bos, or ox; 
the female of various other animals, 
as the whale, elephant, &c. [Anglo- 
Saxon] : n. a wedge placed behind a 
crab or windlass to check its mo- 
tion: v.t. to depress with fear. [Ice- 
landic] 

coward (kou'ard), n. one without cour- 
age; a dastard; poltroon. 

cowardice (kou'ard-is), n. dishonor- 
able fear. 

cower (kou'er), v.i. to crouch or sink 
down through fear. 

cowl (koul), n. a monk's hood; a re-, 
volving cover for a chimney pot. 

coxcomb (koks'kom), n. something 
resembling a cock's comb formerly 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut; think, then. 


COXSWAIN 


127 


CRATER 


worn by licensed jesters; a vain, 
pretentious, conceited fellow; a fop. 

coxswain (kok'sun), n. the steers- 
man of a boat, especially in a race. 

coy (koi), adj. modest; bashful; de- 
mure. [Old French.] 

coyote (koi-ot' or ko-yo'ta), n. the 
prairie-wolf; v.i. (koi-ot'), to search 
for gold single-handed, and as by 
chance. [Spanish, from Mexican.] 

cozen (kuz'n), v.t. to cheat. 

cozy (ko'zi), adj. warm and com- 
fortable; snug: n. a woolen cover to 
keep a teapot warm. Also cosy. 

crab (krab), n. a short-tailed, stalk- 
eyed, ten-footed crustacean; a crab- 
apple; a sign (Cancer) in the Zo- 
diac ; a name of various mechanical 
devices or machines: pi. the lowest 
cast at hazard: v.i. [p.t. & p.p. 
crabbed, p.pr. crabbing], to fish for 
crabs; to back out. 

crack (krak), n. a chink or fissure; 
a narrow fracture; a sharp sound; 
a sharp resonant blow; an altered 
tone of voice: v.t. & v.i. to burst, 
break, or sever; utter a sharp, ab- 
rupt cry; extol; injure; damage 
mentally; open a bottle; to commit 
burglary: adj. of superior excel- 
lence. 

cracker (krak'er), n. a hard biscuit; 
a firework; a kind of bonbon; a lie: 
pi. an instrument for cracking 
nuts. 

crackle (krak'l), v.i.^ to make a 
slight, sharp explosive noise: v.t. 
cover with a delicate network of 
minute cracks: n. a noise of fre- 
quent and slight cracks and re- 
ports; a surface glaze on glass or 
porcelain; the noise made by dis- 
eased lungs in breathing. 

cradle (kra'dl), n. a baby's crib or 
little bed; infancy; birthplace or 
origin; a case for a broken limb; a 
device for rescuing shipwrecked per- 
sons; a frame of timbers placed 
under a ship for launching it; a 
steel tool used in engraving ; a gold- 
washing machine; a frame of wood, 
with long teeth, fastened to a 
scythe: v.t. to rock or place in a 
cradle^ nurse or train in infancy; 
wash in a miner's cradle: v.i. to 
lie in a cradle. [Irish.] 

craft (kraft), n. manual skill; a 


trade; cunning; fraud; a small 
trading vessel. 

crafty (kraf'ti), adj. cunning; artful. 

crag (krag), n. a, steep, rugged rock; 
shelly deposits in Pliocene strata. 

cram (kram), v.t. [p.t. & p^p. crammed, 
p.pr. cramming], to stuff; fill beyond 
satiety; tell lies to: v.i. qualify 
speedily for an examination; to 
eat greedily: n. the act of cramming 
physically or mentally; hastily ac- 
quired knowledge; a lie. [Ice- 
landic] 

cramp (kramp), n. a rectangular 
piece of iron with a tightening 
screw at one end; a spasmodic mus- 
cular contraction of the limbs; a 
piece of iron bent at both ends for 
holding: v.t. to affect with muscular 
spasms; confine; secure with a 
cramp. [Danish.] 

cranberry (kran'ber-ri), n. [pi. cran- 
berries (kran'ber-riz)], the _ marsh 
whortleberry, with red acid ber- 
ries. 

crane (kran), n. a large wading bird 
with verylong legs and neck, and a 
long straight bill; a machine for 
raising heavy weights: v.t. to stretch 
or bend (the neck) like a crane. 

cranium (kra'ni-um), n. [pi. crania], 
the skull. [Grseco-Latin.] 

crank (krangk), n. a device for caus- 
ing the # rotation of an axis, or for 
converting rotary into reciprocal mo- 
tion, or the contrary; an instru- 
ment of prison discipline like a 
paddle-wheel; an iron brace; a 
fantastic form of speech; whim; 
fancy; a crotchety or impracticable 
person, especially one who has a 
monomania: adj. liable to lurch or 
capsize. 

cranny (kran'i), n. [pi. crannies (kran'- 
iz)], a chink. [French.] 

crape (krap), n._ a thin black gauze 
made of raw silk and gummed: v.t. 
to cover or drape with crape. 

crash (krash), v.t. to clash together 
with violence: v.i. to make a loud, 
clattering noise [Swedish] : n. a loud, 
sudden, confused noise; a coarse, 
heavy linen fabric. [French.] 

crass (kras), adj. gross; dense; ob- 
tuse. [French, from Latin.] 

crate (krat), n. a wicker hamper. 

crater (kra'ter), n. the cup-shaped 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book 
hue, hut ; think, tJien. 


CRAVAT 


128 


CREW 


cavity of a volcano; an ancient 
goblet. 

cravat (kra-vat'), n. a neckcloth. 

crave (krav), v.t. to ask for with 
humility; beg earnestly; long for 
eagerly. 

craven (kra'vn), adj. cowardly; base: 
n. a coward; recreant. 

crawl (krawl), v.i. move slowly and 
with difficulty; creep: n. the act of 
crawling; a pen on the sea-coast for 
fish, turtles, &c. 

crayon (kra/un), # n. a kind of chalk 
pencil; a drawing done with cray- 
ons ; one of the carbon points of an 
arc-light: adj. drawn with crayons: 
v.t. to sketch out, as with a crayon. 

craze (kraz),_ v.i. to become dement- 
ed; open in slight cracks: v.t. to 
produce cracks; render insane: n. 
a passing fashion or infatuation; 
a crack in pottery glaze. 

crazy (kra'zi), adj. insane; dilapi- 
dated: foolishly eager. [Swedish.] 

creak (krek)». v.i. to make a sharp, 
harsh, grating sound: n. such a 
sound. 

cream (krem), n. the rich, oily part 
of milk: hence the choicest part of 
anything; a soft unctuous cosmetic: 
v.t. to skim cream from; remove 
the best part of. 

crease (kres), n. a mark made by 
folding or doubling anything; a line 
drawn to define the limits of bowler 
and batsman: v.t. make a crease in. 

create (kre-at/), v.t. to cause to come 
into existence; form out of nothing; 
invest with a new rank, office, or 
function. 

creation (kre-a'shun) , n. the act of cre- 
ating; the thing created ; the universe. 

creative (kre-a'tiv), adj. constructive. 

Creator, n. theSupreme Being. 

creature (kre'tur), n. anything cre- 
ated, especially a living being; one 
dependent on the influence of anoth- 
er: adj. of, or belonging to, the 
body. 

credence (kre'dens), n. belief; trust. 

credential (kre-den'shal) , adj. giving 
a claim or title to credit: n.pl. letters 
or certificates given to a person to 
show he has a right to confidence or 
the exercise of authority. 

credible (kred'i-bl), adj. worthy of 
credit; probable. 


credit (kred'it), v.t. to believe; trust; 
have confidence in; enter on the 
credit side of an account: n. belief; 
honor; trust reposed; sale on trust; 
time allowed for payment of goods 
sold. [Latin.] 

credulous (kred'u-lus), adj. easily 
imposed upon. 

creed (kred), n. a brief statement of 
belief. [Latin.] 

creek (krek, colloq. krik), n. a small 
bay; cove. 

creep (krep), v.i. [p.t. & p.p. crept 
(krept), p.pr. creeping], to move 
slowly along the ground, as a worm 
or reptile ; grow along the ground, as 
a plant; move secretly or insidious- 
ly; fawn. 

cremate (kre-maf), v.t. to reduce to 
ashes by heat.especially dead bodies. 

crenate (kre'nat), adj. notched. 

crenellated (kren'el-a-ted), adj. dec- 
orated with indented moldings (cre- 
nelles) . 

Creole (kre'ol), n. a native of Span- 
ish America, Louisiana, or the West 
Indies, descended from European 
(originally Spanish or French) an- 
cestors: adj. pertaining to a Creole. 

creosote (kre'o-sot), n. a heavy oily 
liquid with a smoky smell, prepared 
from wood-tar: used as an antisep- 
tic, also as a wood preservative. 

crepitation (krep-i-ta'shun),n. a slight 
crackling noise. 

crept (krept), p.t. & p.p. of creep. 

crescent (kres ent), adj. growing: n. 
an increasing or new moon; a figure 
like a new moon; the Moslem pow- 
er: v.t. to form into a crescent. 

crest (krest), n. a plume of feathers 
on the head of a bird, helmet, &c; 
the ridge of a wave; summit of a 
hill; courage; pride; spirit: v.t. to 
furnish or adorn with a crest; mark 
with lines or streaks: v.i. to take 
the form of a crest or ridge. 

cretinism (kre'tn-izm) , n. an incur- 
able, endemic malady, generally ac- 
companied by goitre, which occurs 
among the inhabitants of mountain- 
ous districts, as in Switzerland, and 
is supposed to be caused by drink- 
ing snow-water. 

crevice (krev'is), n. a crack; fissure. 

crew (kroo), p.t. of crow. 

crew (kroo), n. a ship or boat's com- 


ate, arm, at awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


CRIB 


129 


CROP 


pany; a crowd or company of peo- 
ple. 

crib (knb), n. a rack or manger; a 
stall for horses or cattle; a child's 
bed; a small lodging; a situation; 
a petty theft; a plagiarism; a lit- 
eral translation: v.t. [p.t. & v.p. 
cribbed, p.pr. cribbing], to confine; 
steal; plagiarize: v.i. make notes 
for dishonest use in an examination. 

cribbage (krib'aj), n. a card game. 
See pony. 

crick (krik), n. a painful stiffness of 
the muscles of the neck, or local 
spasm. 

cricket (krik'et), n. the well-known 
game played with wickets, bats, and 
a ball, by eleven players on each 
side; a chirping insect. 

crime (krim), n. a violation of the 
law; an offense against morality or 
the public welfare; wrong-doing. 

criminal (krim'i-nal) , adj. pertaining 
to crime: n. one guilty of a 
crime. 

crimp (krimp), v.t. to bend or twist 
in regular undulations; to cause to 
contract, as the flesh of live fish; 
decoy for enlistment: n. formerly 
one who entrapped men for the Eng- 
lish navy or army, or the merchant 
service; one who keeps a low lodg- 
ing-house for seamen. 

crimson (krim'zn), n. a deep red 
color inclining to purple: adj. crim- 
son-colored: v.t. to dye with crimson: 
v.i. to blush. 

cringe (krinj), v.i. to bend or crouch 
from fear or with servility: n. a 
servile bow. 

crinkle (kring'kl), v.t. to wrinkle; 
corrugate: v.i. to be corrugated or 
crimped: n. a wrinkle; bend. 

crinoline (krin'o-lin) , n. a hoop- 
skirt; a stiff fabric for stiffening a 
garment. 

cripple (krip'l), v.t. to deprive of the 
use of a limb; disable: n. one who 
is lame. 

crisis (kri'sis), n. [pi. cri'ses (kri'sez)], 
a turning point; a critical turn 
in a disease; emergency; conjunc- 
ture. 

crisp (krisp), adj. wavy; curled; 
brittle; cheerful; terse; sparkling: 
v.t. to curl; ripple: v.i. to form 
little curls; become friable. 


criterion (krl-te'ri-on), n. [pi. cri- 
teria (kri-te'ri-a)], a standard, law, 
or rule by which a correct judgment 
can be formed. [Greek.] 

critic (krit'ik), n. one skilled in criti- 
cism; one who judges captiously. 

critical (krit'i-kal), adj. nicely exact; 
skilled in criticism; censorious; per- 
taining to the turning point of a 
disease. 

criticise (krit'i-siz), v.t. to examine or 
judge as a critic; censure: v.i. to 
review. 

criticism (krit'i-sizm), n. the art of 
judging and defining the merits of a 
literary or artistic work; censure. 

croak (krok), v.i. to make a sound 
like a raven, &c; grumble: n. the 
low, hoarse sound of the raven or 
frog. 

crochet (kro-sha'), n. a kind of knit- 
ting with a hooked needle, in cot- 
ton, wool, &c. : v.t. to work in crochet. 

crock (krok), n. soot on a kettle, 
&c; an earthenware pot or vessel: 
v.t. to blacken with soot; smudge. 

crockery (krok'er-i), n. earthenware. 

crocodile (krok'o-dil or -dil), n. a. 
large lizard-like amphibian reptile, 
with hard square scales on its back 
and tail. [French, from Latin.] 

crocus (kro'kus), n. sl genus of irida- 
ceous plants, from one species of 
which saffron is obtained. 

croft (kroft), n. a small farm, or in- 
closed field. 

cromlech (krom'lek), n. an ancient 
monument of rough stones in a 
circle and usually surrounding a 
lofty pillar of stone. Such are 
found at Stonehenge and Avebury 
in England. 

crone (kron) ; n. an old woman. 

crony (kro'ni), n. [pi. cronies (kro'- 
niz)], a familiar friend. 

crook (krook), n. a bend; a shep- 
herd's hooked staff; a bishop's staff; 
a swindler: v.t. to bend: v.i. to be 
bent. 

croon (kroon), v.i. to utter a hollow, 
continued moan; sing in a soft, 
plaintive tone. 

crop (krop), n. the produce of the 
ground, as corn, &c; a bird's craw; 
a stout hunting whip; hair cut 
close or short: v.t. [p.t. & p.p. 
cropped, cropt, p.pr. cropping], to 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


CROQUET 130 CRUSADE 

cut off the tops or ends of anything; invest with a crown; adorn or 

reap; mow; cause to bear a crop: dignify; complete; reward. 

v.i. appear unexpectedly [with up], crucial (kroo'shial), adj. cruciform; 

croquet (kro-ka'), n. a lawn game intersecting; searching. [Latin.] 

Elayed with mallets, balls, and crucible (kroo'si-bl) , n. a melting-pot. 

oops: v.t. to drive away, as an op- crucifix (kroo'si-fiks), n. [pi. crucifixes 

ponent's ball, after placing one's own (kroo'si-fiks-ez)], a cross with the 

in contact with it. sculptured figure of Christ. 

cross (kros), n. a gibbet of wood crucifixion (kroo-si-fik'shun) , n. the 

formed of an upright and a cross act of crucifying, especially the cruci- 

piece, used in the punishment of fixion of Christ upon the cross; 

crucifixion: now the emblem of the great mental trial, or suffering. 

Christian faith; a device resembling crucify (kroo'si-fl), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. cru- 

a cross, of which there are many cified, p.pr. crucifying], to put to 

kinds, i.e. the Greek cross, St. death by nailing the hands and feet 

Andrew's cross, St. George's cross, to a cross; torture; destroy the 

the Maltese cross, &c; a mark made power of (Gal. v. 24). [Latin.] 

on a document by those who can- crude (krood), adj. in a natural 

not write; a trial of patience; an state; raw; uncultured; harsh in 

animal of a cross-breed: v.t. to put, color, or half-digested. [Latin.] 

or draw, across; cancel; pass; thwart; crudity (krood'i-ti) , n. [pi. crudities 

obstruct; make the sign of a cross (kr5od'i-tiz)], the state or condition 

upon [French]; to cause to inter- of being crude, 

breed: v.i. to be athwart; be in- cruel (kroo'el), adj. disposed to give 

consistent; interbreed: adj. falling pain to others; merciless; hard- 

athwart; not parallel; fretful; per- hearted; unrelenting, 

verse; untractable. cruelty (kroo'eHi), n. [pi. cruelties 

crouch (krouch), v.i. to stoop low; (kroo'el-tiz)], inhumanity; savage- 
cringe, ry. 

croup (kroop), n. the rump or but- cruise (krooz), v.i. to sail to and fro; 

tocks of certain animals; the place wander about: n. a voyage from 

behind the saddle [French]; inflam- place to place for warlike purposes, 

mation of the trachea and larynx, or for pleasure. [Danish.] 

with a hoarse cough and difficult cruiser (krooz'er), n. a person, or ship, 

breathing. [Scottish.] that cruises; a fast warship, either 

crow (kro), v.i. [p.t. & p.p. crowed, armored, unarmored, belted, &c. 

crew, p.pr. crowing], to make a An armored cruiser is practically 

shrill sound like a cock; boast in the same as a battleship. See 

triumph; utter a cry of pleasure: battleship. 

v.t. to "eat crow," to submit to an act crumb (krum), n. the soft inner part 

of humiliation: n. the cry of a cock; of bread; a fragment of bread; a 

a general name for birds of the little piece: v.t. to dress with crumbs, 

genus Corvus, usually black, and crumple (krum'pl), v.t. to press into 

with a strong conical bill. wrinkles; rumple: v.i. to become 

crowd (kroud), n. a number of per- rumpled. 

sons or things collected closely to- crunch (krunch), v.t. to crush with 

gether; the populace: v.t. to press the teeth; grind violently: v.i. to 

closely together; fill to excess; im- chew audibly: n. the act of crunch- 

portune, as for a debt: v.i. to press ing. 

in numbers. crupper (krup'er), n. the buttocks of 

crown (kroun), n. a royal head-dress a horse; the looped leather band 

of jewels and gold worn as the in- passing round a horse's tail: v.t. 

signia of sovereignty; regal power; a to put a crupper on. [French.] 

wreath; the top; an English silver crusade (kroo-sad'), n. a mediaeval 

coin ($1.25); the corona of a flower; military expedition under the ban- 

the upper part of a tooth; a size of ner of the cross headed by any one 

printing paper (15 x 20 in.): v.t. to of the Christian powers, to recover 

ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


CRUSE 131 CULTIVATE 

the Holy Land; vigorous concerted of 5: v.t. to raise to the third power, 
action for the defense of some cause. or cube. [Graeco-Latin.] 
cruse (krooz), n. an earthen pot or cubic (ku'bik), adj. having the form 
dish ; a small vessel for holding or properties of a cube. Also cubic- 
liquids; a vial. Also cruise. al. 
crush (krush), v.t. to press between cubit (ku'bit), n. an ancient measure 
two opposite bodies; squeeze; break of about 18 inches; the forearm 
by pressure; bruise; ruin; quell: from the elbow to the wrist. [Latin.] 
yd. to be pressed out of shape or cuckoo (kook'oo), n. a passerine 
into smaller compass: n. a violent bird with a dark plumage and 
compression or collision. curved bill: so named from its char- 
crust (krust), # n. a hard external acteristic note. 

coating or rind; the exterior solid cucumber (ku'kum-ber), n. a creep- 
part of the earth's surface; a shell ing plant, the elongated fruit of 
or hard covering: v.t. to cover over which is used as a salad, and as a 
with crust: v.i. to contract into a pickle. 

hard covering. [Latin.] cud (kud), n. food brought from the 
crutch (kruch), n. a support for first stomach of a ruminating ani- 
cripples ; any mechanical device like mal back into the mouth and chewed 
a crutch; the forked rest on a again. See quid, 
woman's saddle. cuddle (kud'l), v.t. to embrace close- 
cry (kri), v.i. [p.t. & p.p. cried, p.pr. ly: v.i. to lie close or snug: n. a 
crying], to call aloud; proclaim; close embrace. 

exclaim vehemently; implore; re- cudgel (kuj'el), n. a short thick 

quire redress; shed tears: v.t. to stick: v.t. [p.t. & p.p. cudgeled, 

utter loudly and publicly in giving p.pr. cudgeling], to beat with a 

notice: n. loud or passionate utter- cudgel. 

ance, especially of weeping or lam- cue (ku), n. the tail or end of a 
entation; an exclamation of won- thing; a queue; a hint; the last 
der or triumph; outcry; clamor; word of an actor's speech; the part 
acclamation; proclamation; common one has to play; a number of per- 
report; a pack of hounds; a battle sons waiting ranged in a line; the 
cry; a party catchword or phrase. tapering rod used in billiards. 
crypt (kript), n. a subterranean cell cuff (kuf), n. a blow; the ornamental 
or vault, usually under a church: fold of the sleeve of a garment at the 
sometimes used as a chapel or wrist: v.t. to strike with the hand, 
shrine. [Greek.] cuirass (kwe-ras'), n. a breastplate. 
cryptogram (krip'to-gram), n. a writ- culinary (kii'li-na-ri) , adj. pertain- 
ing, or a system of writing, in ing to the kitchen, or the art or proc- 
cipher. ess of cooking. 
crystal (kris'tal), n. _ an inorganic cull (kul), v.t. to pick out; select; 
body having a definite geometrical gather. 

form; a glass of superior clearness; culminate (kul'mi-nat) , v.i. to reach 

anything transparent and clear: adj. the highest point of altitude, rank, 

consisting of crystal; clear; trans- power, &c; come to the meridian, 

parent. [Greek.] culpable (kul'pa-bl), adj. deserving 

crystallize (kris'tal-iz), v.t. to cause censure: criminal; blameworthy, 

to form crystals or a crystalline culprit (kul'prit), n. one arraigned be- 

structure: v.i. to be converted into fore a judge; one accused of a crime 

crystals; assume a definite shape. or fault, 

cub (kub), n. the young of certain cult (kult), n. a particular ritual or 

animals, as the fox. system of worship; a subject of 

cube (kub), n. a regular solid body special study; devoted or extraya- 

with six equal square sides or faces; gant homage or adoration. [Latin.] 

the product obtained by multiplying cultivate (kul'ti-vat), v.t. to till; 

the square of a quantity by the quan- improve by care, labor, or study ; 

tity itself, as 5 x 5 x 5 = 125, cube seek the society of. 

ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
9 hue, hut ; think, then. 


CULTIVATION 


132 


CURSE 


cultivation (kul-ti-va/shun), n. the 
act of cultivating; tillage; cul- 
ture. 

culture (kul'tiir), n. tillage; the train- 
ing or refining of the moral or in- 
tellectual faculties; care given to 
the growth and development of ani- 
mals and plants; the propagation 
of bacteria for scientific study. 

culvert (kul'vert), n. sl drain or water- 
way of masonry or brickwork under 
a road, &c. 

cumbrous (kum'brus), adj. trouble- 
some; vexatious; heavy; obstructing. 

cumulative (ku'mu-la-tiv), adj. aug- 
menting or giving force; increasing 
by successive additions. 

cuneiform (ku-ne'i-form) , adj. having 
the form of a wedge; said of the 
wedge-shap'ed characters of the 
Assyrian and ancient Persian in- 
scriptions. Also arrowhead. [Latin.] 

cunning (kun'ing), adj. crafty; sly; 
designing; subtle: n. deceit; crafti- 
ness; the natural instinct of an 
animal. 

cup (kup), n. a small drinking ves- 
sel; something shaped like a cup; a 
chalice; a piece of plate offered as 
a prize; a vessel for drawing blood: 
pi. repeated potations: v.t. [p.t. & 
p.p. cupped, p.pr. cupping], to bleed 
by means of a cupping-glass: v.i. to 
strike or indent the ground with 
a golf-club when striking the ball. 

cupidity (ku-pid'i-ti), n. covetous- 
ness. 

cupola (ku'po-la), n. [pi. cupolas 
(ku'po-laz)], a spherical cup-shaped 
roof; a revolving shot-proof turret. 

cur (ker), n. a mongrel dog; a surly, 
ill-bred person. 

curate (kii'rat), n. a clergyman who 
assists a vicar or incumbent. 

curative (ku'ra-tiv) , adj. pertaining to 
the cure of diseases; promoting 
cure: n. that which cures or serves 
to cure. jLatin.] 

curator (ku-ra/ter), n. the superin- 
tendent of a museum, art gallery, 
&c. 

curb (kerb), v.t. restrain; keep in sub- 
jection; furnish with, or as with, a 
curb: n. that which checks, re- 
strains, or subdues; a part of a 
horse's bridle; a curbstone. 

curd (kerd), n. the coagulated part of 


milk, containing casein: v.t. to cause 
to curdle. [Irish.] 

cure (kur), n. restoration to health; 
the act, or art, of healing; spiritual 
charge; the office of a parish priest 
or curate: v.t. to heal; restore to 
health; preserve by salting. 

curiosity (kti-ri-os'i-ti), n. [pi. curi- 
osities (ku-ri-os'i-tiz)], inquisitive- 
ness; something strange or rare. 

curious (kti'ri-us), adj. desirous to see 
or know something new or strange ; 
inquisitive; scrutinizing; exact; ex- 
traordinary. 

curl (kerl), n. a ringlet of hair; an 
undulation or bend; a disease in 
fruit trees and potatoes: v.t. to 
twist into ringlets; crisp; coil; raise 
in undulations ; curve : v.i. to con- 
tract or bend into ringlets; move 
in spirals or undulations; become 
curled; play at the game of curling. 

curling (kerl'ling), n. a popular Scot- 
tish game played on the ice with 
smooth, flat, cheese-shaped stones, 
fitted with handles. 

curmudgeon (ker-mud'jun), n. a 
grasping, churlish fellow; a niggard. 

currant (ker'ant), n. a small variety 
of dried grape ; the well-known shrub 
and its berry. 

currency (ker 'en-si), n. a continual 
passing from hand to hand; unin- 
terrupted course; the circulating 
monetary medium of a nation. 

current (ker'ent), adj. widely circu- 
lated; now passing as time; gener- 
ally accepted or credited: n. a flow: 
said of fluids; body of air or water 
flowing in a certain direction; gen- 
eral tendency. [French.] 

curriculum (ker-ik'u-lum) , n. [pi. cur- 
ricula (ker-ik'u-la)], a course; a 
prescribed course of study in a uni- 
versity, school, &c. [Latin.] 

curry (ker'i), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. curried, 
p.pr. currying], to dress (leather) 
after tanning; beat; flatter; dress or 
clean (a horse). 

curry (ker'i), n. [pi. curries (ker'iz)], 
a highly-spiced East Indian sauce: a 
stew of rice, fowl, &c, flavored with 
curry: v.t. [p.t. & p.p. curried, p.pr. 
currying], to cook or flavor with 
curry. 

curse (kers), n. an imprecation of 
evil; that which brings or causes 


ate, arm, at, awl; me, merge, met; mite, mit ; note, north, not; boon,, book; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


CURSORY 


133 


CYMBAL 


evil or trouble; a profane oath: v.t. 
to imprecate evil upon; cause evil 
to; anathematize: v.i. to swear. 

cursory (ker'so-ri), adj. hasty; superfi- 
cial. 

curst (kerst), p.p. of curse. 

curt (kert), adj. abrupt; short. 

curtail (ker-tal'), v.t. to cut short; 
reduce. 

curtain (ker'tin), n. a textile hanging 
screen which can be drawn up or 
set aside at pleasure; the part of 
the rampart and parapet between 
two bastions or gates: v.t. to in- 
close in, or as with, curtains. 

curtsy (kert'si), n. [pi. curtsies (kert'- 
siz)], a salutation made by bending 
the knees. t Also curtsey: v.i. [p.t. & 
p.p. curtsied, p.pr. curtsying], to 
make a curtsy. 

curve (kerv) , adj. bent without angles : 
n. a bending without angles; a 
draughtsman's instrument for form- 
ing curves: v.t. to bend. 

cushion (koosh'un), n. a pillow or 
soft pad for sitting or reclining upon ; 
a pillow used in lace-making; the 
elastic rim of a billiard-table: v.t. 
to seat upon a cushion; furnish with 
a cushion: v.i. make the cue-ball 
strike against the cushion. 

cusp (kusp), n. the horn of a crescent; 
a sharp rigid point; a spear-shaped 
architectural ornament. 

cuspidor (kus'pi-dor), n. a spittoon. 
[Spanish.] 

custard (kus'terd), n. a composition 
of eggs and milk, &c, baked or boiled. 

custody (kus'to-di), n. guardianship; 
imprisonment; security. [Latin.] 

custom (kus'tum), n. frequent or ha- 
bitual repetition of the same act; 
established usage; business support ; 
unwritten law; duties on imported 
or exported goods: v.i. to be accus- 
tomed. [French.] 

customary (kus'tum-a-ri), adj. habit- 
ual; conventional; common. 

customer (kus'tum-er) , n. a purchaser. 

cut (kut), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. cut, p.pr. 
cutting], to cleave or separate with 
a sharp instrument; make an in- 
cision in; divide; trim; castrate; 
excavate; intersect; abridge; di- 
minish; pass deliberately without 
recognition; divide (a pack of 
cards) at random; strike (a ball) 


so as to send it at right angles 
to the batsman: v.i. to make an in- 
cision ; perform the work of an edged 
instrument ; grow through the gums : 
n. an incision or wound made by a 
sharp instrument; gash; a sharp 
stroke; a sarcastic remark; a trench, 
channel, &c, made by digging; a 
slice ; a near passage ; a block on which 
an engraving is cut; the fashion of 
a garment; shape; deliberate ignor- 
ing of an acquaintance; the. division 
of a pack of cards; a particular 
stroke in cricket, and lawn tennis; 
a diminution in price below another 
merchant : adj. divided or separated ; 
gashed; having the surface orna- 
mented or fashioned. 

cute (kut), adj. sharp; clever. 

cuticle (ktrt'i-kl), n. the scarf-skin; 
the thin exterior bark of a plant. _ 

cutlass (kut'las), n. a broad cutting 
sword, 

cutler (kut'ler), n. one who makes or 
sells knives or other cutting instru- 
ments. 

cutlery (kut'ler-i), n. edged or cutting 
instruments. 

cutlet (kut'let), n. a slice of meat. 

cycle (si'kl), n. a revolution of a cer- 
tain period of time, which recurs 
again in the same order; an imagi- 
nary circle in the heavens; the ag- 
gregate of traditional or legendary 
matter connected with a mytholog- 
ical personage or event; a bicycle 
or tricycle: v.i. [p.t. & p.p. cycled, 
p.pr. cycling], to occur, or recur, in 
cycles; ride a bicycle or tricycle. 

cyclone (si'klon), n. a violent storm; 
an atmospheric movement in which 
the wind blows spirally round to- 
wards a center. 

cyclopaedia or cyclopedia (si-klo-pe'- 
di-a), abbreviation of encyclopaedia. 

cylinder (sil'in-der), n. a long circu- 
lar body, solid or hollow, of uniform 
diameter; a chamber in which force 
is exerted on the piston of a steam 
engine; the barrel of a pump; a hol- 
low roller for printing; a # roller- 
shaped stone with cuneiform inscrip- 
tions. 

cymbal (sim'bal), n. one of a pair 
of circular disk-shaped brass plates, 
which when struck produce a clash- 
ing sound. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


CYNIC 


134 


CZARINA 


cynic (sin'ik), n. a morose, surly, or 
sarcastic person; one of a sect of 
ancient Greek philosophers. The 
word means "dog-like." [Greek.] 

cynicism (sin'i-sizm), n. the temper 
and practice of a cynic. 

cynosure (si'no- or sin'o-shur), n. an 
object of general attraction. 
[Greek.] 

cypress (si'pres), n. a coniferous tree, 
the emblem of mourning: adj. be- 
longing to, or made of, cypress. 


cyst (sist), n. a bladder; pouch, usu- 
ally membranous, containing mor- 
bid matter. 

Czar (zar) or Tzar (tsar), n. the title 
of the Russian Emperor. 

Czarevitch (zar'e-vich) or Tsare- 
vitch (tzarM, n. the eldest son of 
the Czar. Also Czarewitch, Caesare- 
witch. 

Czarina (za-re'na) or Tsarina (tsa-), 
n. an empress of Russia; the wife of 
the Czar. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut; think, tfften. 


D 


D, the fourth letter in the Greek 
and Latin alphabets, as in English 
and others of Western Europe. It 
was formed from a West Greek 
delta in which that letter A was 
rounded at the right side. The 
name delta, derived from the Phoeni- 
cian, means "a door," or the flap 
of a tent. D (d), as an abbreviation 
in Great Britain, meaning a penny, 
is from the Latin denarius, a small 
coin. 

dab (dab), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. dabbed, 
p.pr. dabbing], to strike or touch 
ligntly: n. a small soft lump; a 
gentle blow; a salt-water flounder; 
an alleged expert : adj. clever ; handy. 

dabble (dab'l), v.t. to dip slightly and 
often; moisten; spatter: v.i. to play 
in water; do anything in a superfi- 
cial manner. 

dachshund (daks'hoont) , n. the Ger- 
man badger-dog. 

dactyl (dak'til), n. a poetical foot of 
three syllables, one long followed by 
twoshort (- w. ~). [Greek, "afinger."] 

daffodil (daf'o-dil), n. the narcis- 
sus. 

daft (daft), adj. simple; silly. 
[Gaelic] 

dagger (dag'er), n. a short edged and 
pointed weapon, used for stabbing; 
a reference mark in printing (t)^ 

dago (da/go) , n. [pi. dagos (da'goz)], 
a nickname for a dark-complexioned 
person, especially of Spanish, Portu- 
guese, or Italian descent; a sailor's 
name for a person speaking Portu- 
guese or Spanish. 

daguerreotype (da-ger'o-tip), n. a pic- 
ture produced on a silver plate, called 
from its inventor, M. Daguerre, who 
gave to the world this, the first form 
of photograph, in 1839. 

dahlia (dal'ya), n. [pi. dahlias (dal'- 
yaz)l, a composite plant, with large 
bright-colored flowers. 


daily (da'li), n. [pi. dailies (da'liz)], a 
newspaper or periodical published 
each week-day ; adj. occurring or re- 
curring each successive day ; diurnal : 
adv. day by day. 

dainty (dan'ti), n. [pi. dainties (dan'- 
tiz)], something choice or delicious: 
adj. refined as regards taste; fastidi- 
ous; delicious; elegant; sensitive; 
choice. 

dairy (da'ri), n. [pi. dairies (da'riz)], 
a place where milk is kept and con- 
verted into butter and cheese, &c, 
the shop where dairy produce is 
sold. 

dais (da/is), n. a raised platform. 

daisy (da'zi), n. [pi. daisies (da'ziz)], 
a low composite herb with a yellow 
disk, and white or rose-colored rays; 
in colloquial language, a pretty girl. 

dale (dal), n. a vale; glen. 

dally (dal'li), v.i. [p.t. & p.p. dallied, 
p.pr. dallying], to trifle away time; 
to loiter; procrastinate; to consume 
in neglect; to toy with; act volup- 
tuously (with) ; to waste time in friv- 
olous talk. 

dam (dam), n. a barrier across a water- 
course; any artificial contrivance to 
stop the flow of water or a gas; a 
female parent: said of beasts: _ v.t. 
[p.t. & p.p. dammed, p.pr. damning], 
to confine, or raise the level of, by a 
dam ; restrain [usually with in or up] . 

damage (dam'aj), n. injury or haim; 
harm wilfully done to a person's 
character, person, or estate: pi. 
money recovered for loss suffered: 
v.t. to injure: v.i. to receive in- 
jury. 

damask (dam'ask), n. a rich silk fab- 
ric woven with elaborate patterns; a 
fine twilled table-linen; a fabric of 
silk and wool, silk and cotton, &c, 
with a variegated design; Damascus 
steel or work; deep pink: adj. per- 
taining to, or made of, damask: 


ate, arm, at, -awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


DAME 


136 


DATIVE 


v.t. to work flowers upon; ornament 
(metals) with wavy, silvery devices. 

dame (dam), n. a title formerly used 
instead of mistress, written Mrs.; 
the mistress of an elementary school; 
an elderly woman. Originally, how- 
ever, like the French dame, it 
denoted a lady of position, and 
usually the wife or widow of a 
knight. 

damn (dam), v.t. to sentence to pun- 
ishment judicially; consign to a cer- 
tain fate; condemn as bad or as a 
failure; to invoke a malediction 
upon: v.i. curse inwardly: n. a curse. 

damnation (dam-na'shun), n. the 
state of being damned; ruination by 
adverse criticism; punishment in a 
future state. 

damp (damp), n. moisture; fog; humid 
exhalation; adj. moist; foggy; humid; 
dejected: v.t. to moisten; discourage; 
depress; diminish the vibrations of: 
p.p. sometimes dampen. 

dance (dans), v.i. to move with meas- 
ured steps or to a musical accom- 
paniment; perform the figures of a 
dance; move nimbly, or merrily; 
exult: v.t. to give a dancing motion 
to; perform as a dancer: n. a regu- 
lated movement of the feet to a 
rhythmical musical accompaniment; 
a dancing party, less formal than a 
ball. 

dandelion (dan'de-li-un) , n. a bien- 
nial composite plant with large yel- 
low flowers and deeply notched 
leaves. 

dandle (dan'dl), v.t. to move up and 
down on the knee or in the arms in 
affectionate play; fondle. 

dandruff (dan'druf), n. scurf on the 
scalp. 

dandy (dan'di), n. [pi. dandies (dan'- 
diz)], a fop; coxcomb; something 
very neat and trim. 

danger (dan'jer), n. hazard; peril. 

dangerous (dan'jer-us) , adj. involving, 
or beset with, danger; ready to do 
harm or injury; perilous; hazard- 
ous. 

dangle (dang'gl), v.i. to hang or swing 
loosely; follow: v.t. to cause to 
dangle. 

dank (dangk), adj. humid; damp. 

dapper (dap'er), adj. small and ac- 
tive; trim and neat in appearance. 


darbies (dar'bez) , n. a word used by the 
police for handcuffs; also nippers. 
[English.] 

Dardanelles (dar'dan-els), n. a forti- 
fied strait connecting the Sea of 
Marmora with the Aegean Sea, sep- 
arating the Gallipoli Peninsula from 
Asia Minor; in 1915 scene of attacks 
by the Allies in the European War. 

dare (dar), v.i. [p.t. dared, durst, p.p. 
dared, p.pr. daring], to have cour- 
age; attempt; venture: v.t. to defy; 
challenge. 

dark (dark), adj. destitute of light; 
not reflecting fight; wholly black or 
grey; producing gloom; unenlight- 
ened, mentally or physically; ob- 
scure; untried; of a brunette com- 

_ plexion: n. darkness. 

darling (dar 'ling) , t meaning "little 
dear, n. a favorite; pet: adj. ten- 
derly beloved ; very dear. 

darn (darn), v.t. to mend (a rent) by 
filling in the hole with yarn or thread 
by means of a needle: n. a patch 
made by darning. 

dart (dart), n. a small lance or spear; 
a kind of eel-spear; the arrow of a 
blow-gun; a swift, sudden move- 
ment; the dace: v.t. throw; give out 
or send forth: v.i. move swiftly; 
start suddenly and run quickly. 

dash (dash), v.t. to throw violently or 
hastily; break by collision; hurl; 
shatter; suffuse; depress; confuse; 
mingle; sketch rapidly: v.i. to rush 
with violence; fly off the surface 
with a violent noisy motion: n. a 
collision; a slight addition; ostenta- 
tious parade; a mark ( — ) in writing 
or printing. 

dastard (das'tard), n. a coward: adj. 
meanly shrinking from danger; cow- 
ardly. 

date (dat), n. the time of an epoch or 
transaction; the inscription which 
specifies when a writing or inscrip- 
tion was executed; duration; the 
edible oval fruit of the date-palm: 
v.t. to mark with a date: v.i. to have 
a date; reckon. 

dative (da'tiv), adj. denoting the case 
of a noun, pronoun, or adjective 
which expresses the remoter object: 
usually indicated in English by to or 
for with the objective case: n. the 
dative case in Greek and Latin. 


ate, arm, at, awl; me, merge, met; mite, mit ; note, north, not; boon, book; 
hue, hut; think, then. 


DATUM 


137 


DEBAUCH 


datum (da'tum), n. [pi. data (da'ta)], 
something assumed, known, or con- 
ceded for the basis of an argument 
or inference [usually in pi.]. 

daub (dawb), v.t. to cover or smear 
with adhesive matter; paint coarse- 
ly or unskilfully ; plaster ; flatter gross- 
ly: n. a coarse or rudely-executed 
painting; a smear; a cheap kind of 
mortar. 

daughter (daw'ter), n. the female off- 
spring of a man or woman ; a female 
in a childlike relation; something 
conceived of as feminine. 

daunt (dawnt), v.t. to intimidate; dis- 
hearten. 

dauntless (dawnt'les), adj. fearless. 

daw (daw), n. a bird of the crow 
family; a jackdaw. 

dawdle (daw'dl), v.i. to waste time 
in a trifling manner; loiter: n. a 
dawdler. 

dawn (dawn), v.i. to begin to grow 
light; glimmer; break as the day: n. 
the first appearance of light in the 
morning; beginning. 

day (da), n. the period of light be- 
tween sunrise and sunset; daylight; 
sunshine; the space of twenty-four 
hours, reckoning from midnight to 
midnight (the civil day), or from 
noon to noon (the astronomical 
day); in the East, a distance that 
can be traveled in twenty-four 
hours; a specified time or pe- 
riod. 

daze (daz), v.t. to dazzle: n. the state 
of being dazed. 

dazzle (daz'l), v.t. to overpower by a 
glare of light; dim by excess of 
light; overpower by splendor: v.i. to 
be overpowered by light: n. excess 
of light. 

deacon (de'kn), ?i.the lowest order 
of the clergy in the Anglican 
Church; in non-episcopal churches, 
a layman appointed to assist the 
minister and manage the temporal 
affairs of a church. 

dead (ded), adj. destitute of life; 
inanimate; resembling death; in- 
active; unprofitable; monotonous; 
tasteless; unerring; without reli- 
gious vitality; flat; not transmitting 
a current; deprived of civil rights; 
out of the game or play: n. dead 
persons individually or collectively; 


the point or degree of greatest life- 
lessness: adv. absolutely; exactly. 

deal (del), n. an indefinite quantity, 
degree, or extent; a division of cards 
to the players; a mercantile com- 
bination ; the wood of the fir or pine 
tree cut into boards or planks: v.t. 
[p.t. & p.p. dealt, p.pr. dealing], to 
distribute, apportion, or divide; 
throw about; scatter: v.i. to have 
business; make a private arrange- 
ment. 

dealt (delt), p.t. of deal. 

dean (den), n. the presiding ecclesias- 
tical dignitary in cathedral and col- 
legiate churches, in his own juris- 
diction the superior of a bishop ; the 
chief officer of any faculty in a 
college; the oldest member, by rea- 
son of service, in a constituted body 
of which he acts as president; the 
senior member of a diplomatic corps ; 
the oldest and most distinguished 
representative of the literature of a 
country. [French.] 

dear (der), adj. expensive; costly; 
marked by scarcity or dearth; be- 
loved; highly esteemed; precious :n. 
a darling; favorite: adv. at a high 
price or rate: inter j. expressing sur- 
prise, pity, or emotion. 

dearth (derth), n. want; scarcity; 
famine. 

death (deth), n. extinction of life or 
feeling; the state of the dead; a 
general mortality; decay; destruc- 
tion; spiritual ruin after physical 
death (Rom. viii. 6). 

debar (de-bar'), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. de- 
barred, p.pr. debarring], to shut 
out; exclude; hinder from approach, 
enjoyment, or action; preclude [with 
from], 

debarkation (de-bar-ka'shun) , n. the 
act of disembarking. 

debase (de-bas'), v.t. to reduce from 
a higher toa lower state; lower in 
character, virtue, purity, or quality. 

debate (de-bat), v.t. to contend for 
in words or arguments; meditate 
upon; deliberate together: v.i. to ar- 
gue or discuss a point; reflect: n. 
contention in words or argument; 
controversy; discussion. 

debauch (de-bawch'), v.t. _ to cor- 
rupt in morals or principles; se- 
duce; pollute; vitiate: v.i. to engage 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit : note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


DEBENTURE 


138 


DECLINE 


in debauchery or riot: n. excess in 
eating and drinking; lewdness. 

debenture (de-ben 'tur), n. a written 
acknowledgment of a debt. 

debilitate (de-bil'i-tat) , v.t. to en- 
feeble; enervate. 

debility (de-biri-ti), n. [pi. debilities 
(de-bil'i-tiz)], abnormal functional 
weakness; languor. 

debit (deb 'it), n. that which is ow- 
ing, entered on the debtor side of a 
ledger: opposed to credit: adj. re- 
lating to debts: v.t. to charge with 
debt; enter on the debtor's side of 
an account. 

debt (det), n. that which is due from 
one person to another; obligation; 
trespass. [Latin.] 

debtor (det'er) , n. one who owes some- 
thing to another; one who is in 
debt. 

decade (dek'ad), n. a group of ten; 
ten consecutive years. 

decadent (dek'a-dent) , adj. deteriorat- 
ing. 

decagon (dek'a-gon), n. plain figure 
having ten sides and ten angles. 

decalogue (dek'a-log) , n. the ten com- 
mandments (Ex. xx.) ; the moral 
law. [Greek.] 

decamp (de-kamp'), v.i. to depart 
speedily; go away secretly or un- 
ceremoniously. 

decanter (de-kant'er) , n. an orna- 
mental glass bottle for holding 
wines, &c. 

decapitation (de-kap-i-ta'shun) , n. 
beheading. 

decay (de-ka'), v.i. [p.t. & p.p. de- 
cayed, p.pr. decaying], to become 
impaired; rot; decline or fall: n. 
deterioration ; decline ; rotten- 
ness. 

decease (de-ses'), v.i. to die: n. 
death. 

deceit (de-set'), n. deception; false- 
hood. 

deceitful (de-set 'fool), adj. full of 
deceit. 

deceive (de-sev'), v.t. to mislead or 
cause to err; delude; impose upon; 
disappoint. 

December (de-sem'ber), n. the twelfth 
month of the year. 

decennial- (des-en'i-al), adj. lasting 
for or occurring every ten years. 

decent (de'sent), adj. decorous; be- 


coming; respectable; modest; pass- 
able. 

deceptive (de-sep'tiv), adj. tending to 
deceive. 

decide (de-sid'), v.t. to bring to an 
issue or conclusion; fix the end of; 
resolve: v.i. to give a judgment or 
decision; arbitrate. 

deciduous (de-sid 'ti-us), adj. falling 
off at maturity, or in season; shed 
periodically. [Latin.] 

decimal (des'i-mal), adj. pertaining 
to, or based upon, the number 10: 
n. a decimal fraction. 

decimate (des'i-mat), v.t. to select 
by lot and put to death, or punish, 
every tenth man; destroy a large 
proportion of. 

decipher (de-si'fer), v.t. to read (se- 
cret writing) ; discover or make out 
the meaning of; solve; unravel. 

decision (de-sizh'un), n. the act of de- 
ciding; determination; judgment; 
settlement. 

decisive (de-sl'siv), adj. final; conclu- 
sive. 

deck (dek), v.t. to array in finery or 
ornaments; adorn; to furnish _ with 
a deck: n. the flooring of a ship. 

declaim (de-klam'), v.t. to speak in 
a rhetorical style; speak as an exer- 
cise in elocution; harangue. 

declamation (dek-la-ma'shun), n. the 
art_ of declaiming according to rhe- 
torical rules; impassioned oratory; 
distinct and correct enunciation of 
words in vocal music. 

declaration (dek-la-ra'shun) , n. the 
act of declaring or proclaiming; that 
which is declared; an assertion; 
publication. 

declarative (de-klar'a-tiv) , adj. ex- 
planatory. 

declare (de-klar'), v.t. to make known; 
tell openly or publicly; proclaim 
formally; publish; make a solemn 
affirmation before witnesses; make 
a full statement as to goods, &c: 
v.i. to make a declaration; avow 
[with for or aoainst]. 

declension (de-klen'shun) , n. decline; 
a falling off, or away; deterioration; 
the inflection of nouns, pronouns, 
and adjectives. 

decline (de-klin'), v.i. to incline from 
a right line; bend or lean down- 
wards; droop; draw to a close; be- 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit : note, north, not ; boon, book 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


DECLIVITY 


139 


DEFECATE 


come weak; deviate from rectitude: 
v.t. to refuse; bend downwards; de- 
press; inflect: n. diminution; de- 
cay: deterioration; consumption. 

declivity (de-kliv'i-ti), n. [pi. declivi- 
ties (de-kliv'i-tiz)], a gradual de- 
scent ; deviation from a horizontal 
line: opposed to acclivity. 

decoct (de-kokt'), v.t. the act of boil- 
ing anything to extract its essence. 

decomposition (de-kom-po-zish'un) , 
n. the act of resolving into con- 
stituent elements; analysis; disin- 
tegration. 

decorate (dek'6-rat), v.t. to orna- 
ment, embellish, adorn, or beautify; 
confer a badge_of honor upon ; grace. 

decorous (de-ko' or dek'er-us), adj. 
marked by propriety; decent; fit; 
proper. 

decorum (de-ko 'rum), n. propriety 
and decency of words, dress, and 
conduct. 

decoy (de-koi'), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. de- 
coyed, p.pr. decoying], to lead or al- 
lure into danger by artifice: v.i. to 
be allured by means of a decoy: n. 
a deceptive stratagem; a lure;_ a 
piece of enclosed water into which 
wild fowl are decoyed. 

decrease (de-kres'), v.i. to become 
less; diminish; abate; wane; fail: 
v.t. to cause to grow less; reduce 
gradually in size or extent: dwindle: 
n. gradual diminution, or decay; the 
amount or degree of lessening; the 
wane of the moon. [Latin.] 

decree (de-kre'), n. an ordinance, 
law, or edict; a judicial decision; 
the award of an umpire or arbitra- 
tor; the predetermined purpose of 
God: v.t. to determine by a decree; 
ordain; constitute by edict; assign: 
v.i. to make a decree; determine. 

decrepit (de-krep'it), adj. enfeebled 
by age, or infirmity; wasted; worn 
out. [Latin.] 

decrepitude (de-krep'i-tud), n. phys- 
ical infirmity caused by old age. 

decry (de-kri'). v.t. [p.t. & p.p. de- 
cried, p.pr. decrying], to blame 
clamorously; cry down; censure; 
disparage. 

dedicate (ded'i-kat), v.t. to set apart 
by a solemn act or religious cere- 
mony; devote or set apart to some 
work or duty; inscribe, as a literary 
work. [Latin.] 


dedication (dcd-i-ka'shun), n. the act 
of dedicating; an inscription or ad- 
dress. 

deduce (de-dus'), v.t. to gather by 
reasoning; infer; derive [with from 
or out of\. 

deduct (de-dukt';, v.t. to take away. 

deduction (de-duk'shun), n. the act 
or process of deducting; subtraction; 
in logic, the process of reasoning 
from a single fact by a general law 
through a series of related facts to 
a conclusion; syllogistic reasoning. 
See induction. 

deed (ded), n. that which is done by 
a responsible agent; an act; an il- 
lustrious achievement; a written in- 
strument for the transfer of real es- 
tate: v.t convey by deed. 

deem (dem), v.t. to think; determine: 
v.i. to have, or be of, an opinion; 
judge. [Gothic] 

deep (dep), adj. extending far below 
the surface; low in situation; pen- 
etrating; sagacious: profound: dif- 
ficult to understand; absorbed; 
grave in tone, or low in pitch: 
strongly colored: n. that which is of 
great depth; a great body of wa- 
ter. 

deer (der), n. sing. & pi. a general 
name for solid-horned ruminants of 
the genus Cervus. 

deface (de-fas'), v.t. to mar or de- 
stroy the surface of: disfigure: im- 
pair the legibility of; injure; 
spoil. 

defalcation fde-fal-ka'shun). n. a def- 
icit of funds through a breach of 
trust; embezzlement: diminution. 

defamation _(def-a-ma'shun), n. the 
act of injuring one's good name or 
reputation without justification, 
either orally, or by a written com- 
munication. 

defame (de-fam'), v.t. to injure or 
destroy the good reputation of; ac- 
cuse falsely; asperse; vilify. 

default (de-fa wit'), n. failure or 
omission to do any act: failure to 
satisfy the acts required in a law- 
suit: v.t. to make a default in; neg- 
lect: v.i. to make a default. 

defeat (de-fet'), v.t. to overcome or 
vanquish; frustrate: baffle: n. the 
act of defeating; frustration; over- 
throw. 

defecate (def'e-kat), v.t. to clarify: 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit : note, north, not ; boon, book 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


DEFECT 


140 


DEIST 


v.i. to become clear; discharge ex- 
cremental matter from the bowels. 

defect (de-fekt'), n. an imperfection, 
moral or physical; insufficiency; 
fault; error. 

defection (de-fek'shun), n. a falling 
away from duty or allegiance; de- 
sertion. 

defective (de-fek'tiv), adj. having a 
defect or flaw of any kind; incom- 
plete; faulty; wanting some of the 
usual grammatical forms. 

defend (de-fend'), v.t. to guard or 
protect; maintain; vindicate one's 
legal rights by force of argument or 
evidence; v.i. to formally enter a de- 
fense to an action. 

defense (de-fens'), n. the act or state 
of defending or being defended; pro- 
tection; vindication by force or ar- 
gument; a defendant's plea or an- 
swer. 

defensive (de-fen'siv), adj. serving to 
defend or protect; carried on in de- 
fense. 

defer (de-fer'), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. de- 
ferred, p.pr. deferring], to put off to 
a future time; delay: v.i. to pro- 
crastinate. 

deference (def'er-ens), n. a yielding 
to the opinions or wishes of another; 
regard, as shown in act or man- 
ner. 

defiant (de-fi'ant), adj. characterized 
by defiance. 

deficient (de-fish'ent), adj. wanting; 
incomplete. 

deficit (def'i-sit), n. a falling off, or 
deficiency, in amount or quantity, 
especially of receipts. 

defile (de-fil'), v.t. to make foul or 
impure; tarnish; corrupt the chas- 
tity of: v.i. to march off in a file: n. 
a long narrow mountainous 
pass. 

define (de-fin'), v.t. to determine the 
limits of; describe the nature or 
properties of. 

definite (def 'i-nit) , adj. having fixed or 
distinct limits; certain; pointing out. 

definition (def-i-nish'un), n. a brief 
description or explanation of the 
precise meaning of a term, phrase, 
&c; a concise statement. 

deflect (de-flekt'), v.t. to bend from 
a straight line: v.i. to swerve; bend 
or turn aside. 


deform (de-form'), v.t. to render ugly 
or unshapely; disfigure; mar. 

deformity (de-form'i-ti) , n. [pi. de- 
formities (de-form'i-tiz)], physical 
malformation; disfigurement; want 
of beauty or harmony. 

defraud (de-frawd'), v.t. to deprive of 
some right or interest by deception; 
cheat; withhold wrongfully. 

defray (de-fra'), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. de- 
frayed, p.pr. defraying], to dis- 
charge (the expenses of anything); 
pay; settle. 

deft (deft), adj. dexterous; handy; 
clever. 

defunct (de-fungkt') , adj. dead; ex- 
tinct: n. a dead person; the dead 
(collectively). 

defy (de-fi'), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. defied, 
p.pr. defying], to challenge or pro- 
voke to strife; set at defiance; re- 
sist openly. 

degenerate (de-jen'er-at), v.i. to be- 
come inferior in goodness or quality ; 
become of a lower type; pass to an 
inferior or worse state; deteriorate: 
adj. deteriorated; degraded: n. a 
degenerate person or organism. 

degeneration (de-jen-er-a'shun), n. 
the act, state, or process of growing 
worse; degeneracy; decline; the 
morbid impairment of any struc- 
tural tissue or organ. 

deglutition (deg-loo-tish'un) , n. swal- 
lowing. 

degrade (de-grad'), v.t. to reduce in 
grade or rank; deprive of honors, 
office, or dignity; lower physically 
or morally; tone down; diminish; 
wear away. 

degree (de-gre'), n. a step or grade; 
rank or station; relationship be- 
tween a person and the next in line 
of descent; rank conferred by a 
diploma after examination; one of 
three degrees in the comparison of 
an adjective or adverb; a certain 
amount or interval; the 360th part 
of the circumference of a circle; 
60 geographical miles. 

deify (de'i-fi) t , v.t. [p.t. & p.p. deified, 
p.pr. deifying], to make, or exalt 
to the rank of, a deity; idolize. 

deign (dan), v.i. to condescend; 
vouchsafe: v.t. to permit. 

deist (de'ist), n. one who believes in 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit : note, north, not ; boon, book 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


DEITY 


141 


DEMARCATION 


the existence of a personal God, 
but not in revealed religion. 

Deity, n. God; Jehovah; the charac- 
ter, nature, or attributes of God; 
the Godhead. 

deject (de-jekf), v.t. to depress the 
spirits of; dishearten; sadden. 

delay (de-la'), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. de- 
layed, p.pr. delaying!, to postpone; 
hinder for a time: v.i. to act or pro- 
ceed slowly: n. postponement; pro- 
crastination. 

delectable (de-lek'ta-bl) , adj. pleas- 
ing; delightful. 

delegate (del'e-gat), v.t. to send as 
a representative with authority to 
act; entrust; commit: n. one sent 
to represent and act for others. 

delegation (del-e-ga'shun), n. the act 
of delegating; a person or body of 
persons chosen to act for others. 

delete (de-lef), v.t. to blot out; 
erase. 

deleterious (del-e-ter'i-us) , adj. harm- 
ful, morally or physically; poison- 
ous. 

deliberate (de-lib 'er-at), v.t. to think 
upon or consider ; weigh in the mind ; 
ponder: v.i. to take counsel with 
one's self or others: adj. circum- 
spect; slow in determining or in 
action; well-considered ._ 

deliberation (de-lib-er-a'shun) , n. 
calm and careful consideration ; slow- 
ness in action. 

delicacy (del'i-ka-si) , n. \pl. delica- 
cies (del'i-ka-siz)], the state or 
quality of being delicate; agreeable- 
ness to the taste or other senses; 
grace ; sensitiveness ; refinement ; sen- 
sibility; consideration for the feel- 
ings of others ; susceptibility to dis- 
ease. 

delicious (de-lish'us) , adj. highly 
pleasing to the senses, taste, or 
mind; exquisite. 

delight (de-lit'), v.t. to gratify, or 
please greatly; charm: v.i. be high- 
ly gratified or pleased [with in] : _ n. 
an extreme degree of pleasure; high 
satisfaction; joy. 

delineate (de-lin'e-at), v.t. to mark 
out with lines; sketch; portray; 
describe minutely and accurately in 
words. 

delinquent (de-lin'kwent) , adj. falling 
short of duty: n. one who neglects, 


or fails to perform, a duty; an of- 
fender. 

deliquescent (del-i-kwes'ent), adj. 
liquefying or melting on exposure to 
the atmosphere. 

delirious (de-lir'i-us) , adj. light-head- 
ed; insane; frantic with delight. 

delirium (de4ir'i-um), n. excitement 
and aberration of the mind, caused 
by fever, &c. 

deliver (de-liv'er), v.t. to set free; 
save; yield possession or control of; 
send forth vigorously; discharge; 
communicate; speak; disburden of 
a child. 

deliverance _ (de-liv'er-ans) , n. the 
act of delivering; rescue; an au- 
thoritative utterance by an official 
or judge on some technical point. 

delivery (de-liv'er-i), n. [pi. deliveries 
(de-liv'er-riz)], the act of delivering; 
a setting free; a surrender; transfer; 
manner of utterance ; a distribution 
of letters, &c; the act or manner of 
delivering a ball; parturition. 

dell (del), n. a small secluded valley. 

delta (del'ta), n. [pi. deltas (del'taz)], 
an alluvial deposit, shaped like the 
Greek letter A formed at the mouth 
of a river; any triangular surface. 

delude (de-hud'), v.t. to impose upon 
the mind or judgment of; beguile; 
deceive. 

deluge (del'uj), n. an inundation; a 
great overflowing of the land by 
water, especially that of the time of 
Noah (Genesis vii.) ; a sudden and 
resistless calamity: v.t. to over- 
whelm. 

delusion (de-lu'zhun), n. the act of 
deluding; deceit; imposition; illu- 
sion. 

delve (delv), v.t. to open with a 
spade; fathom; penetrate. 

demagogue (dem'a-gog), n. a popular 
and factious orator, especially one 
who inveighs against constituted au- 
thority. [Greek.] 

demand (de-mand'), v.t. to claim as 
by right or authority; ask in a per- 
emptory manner; summon: n. an 
authoritative claim; a peremptory 
request; the state of being much 
sought after. 

demarcation (de-mar-ka'shun), n. 
the act of defining, or marking, the 
bounds of. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


DEMEANOR 


142 


DENY 


demeanor (de-men'er) , n. behavior; 
deportment. 

dement (de-ment'), v.t. to make in- 
sane. 

dementia (de-men'shi-a) , ft. insanity. 

demesne (de-men'), ft. landed estate 
attached to a manor: adj. pertaining 
to a demesne. 

demise (de-miz'), ft.; death, especially 
of a royal personage; the conveyance 
or transfer of an estate to a suc- 
cessor: v.t. to give or grant by will: 
v.i. to pass by bequest or inheritance. 

democracy (de-mok'ra-si) , ft. [pi. de- 
mocracies (de-mok'ra-siz)], govern- 
ment by the people collectively by 
elected representatives; political or 
social equality. 

demolish (de-mol'ish) , v.t. to throw 
down; reduce to ruins; destroy; 
annihilate. [Latin.] 

demon (de'mon), n. an evil spirit; 
devil; a guardian spirit or gen- 
ius. 

demonetize (de-mon'e-tiz), v.t. to de- 
prive of standard value, as currency ; 
withdraw from use as money. 

demonstrate (de-mon' or dem'on- 
strat), v.t. to prove beyond the pos- 
sibility of a doubt; teach by exam- 
ples: v.i. to organize, or take part 
in, a party demonstration. 

demonstrative (dem-on'stra-tiv), adj. 
having the power of demonstration; 
conclusive; manifesting the feelings 
openly and strongly: n. a demon- 
strative pronoun. 

demoralize (de-mor'al-iz), v.t. to cor- 
rupt, or undermine, the morals of; 
deprive of spirit or energy ; throw 
into confusion. 

demur (de-mur'), v.i. [p.t. & p.p. de- 
murred, p.pr. demurring], to hesi- 
tate; raise objections; to interpose 
a demurrer: ft. an objection or ex- 
ception. 

demure (de-mur'), adj. grave: sober; 
decorous in bearing; affectedly mod- 
est or grave. 

den (den), n. the cave of a wild beast; 
lair; a small or secluded apartment, 
used as a retreat for work and lei- 
sure. 

denationalize (de-nash'un-al-iz), v.t. 
to deprive of national rights or char- 
acter; render local. 

denaturalize (de-nat'u-ral-iz), v.t. to 


make unnatural ; divest of the ac- 
quired rights of citizenship in a for- 
eign country. 

denial (de-m'al), n. the act of deny- 
ing; refusal; contradiction; non-com- 
pliance. 

denizen (den'i-zen), n. an inhabitant; 
citizen; an alien who has received 
letters patent admitting him to the 
rights of citizenship. 

denomination (de-nom-i-na'shun) , n. 
the act of designating; a sect, class, 
or division. 

denominative (de-nom'i-na-tiv) , adj. 
giving a name; formed from a sub- 
stantive or adjectival stem; conno- 
tative: n. a verb formed from a sub- 
stantive or adjectival stem. 

denominator (de-nom'i-na-ter) , n. 
one who, or that which, denominates; 
the expression of a fraction which, 
when placed below the line, gives 
the name or value to the unit. 

denote (de-nof), v.t. to signify or iden- 
tify by a visible sign; indicate; be- 
token. 

denounce (de-nouns'), v.t. to threaten 
or accuse publicly; censure; stigma- 
tize; lay claim to (as a new, or an 
abandoned, mine); to give notice to 
a government that the government 
of another nation intends to termi- 
nate a treaty. 

dense (dens), adj. thick; compact; in- 
tense. 

density (den'si-ti), ft. compactness; 
mass of matter per unit of volume; 
depth of shade. 

dent (dent), ft. a slight depression 
caused by a blow or pressure; the 
tooth of a wheel; a cog, card, comb, 
or metallic brush: v.t. to make a 
dent in. 

dental (den'tal) , adj. pertaining to the 
teeth; pronounced by the aid of the 
teeth: n. a letter pronounced by the 
aid of the teeth. 

dentifrice (den'ti-f ris) , n. tooth-pow- 
der. 

denude (de-nud'), v.t. to make bare 
or naked; lay bare (rocks) by ero- 
sive action. 

denunciation (de-nun-si-a'shun) , n. 
the act of denouncing; a threat; 
menace. 

deny (de-nl'), v.t. to refuse to believe 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


DEODORIZE 


143 


DERELICT 


or admit ; contradict ; refuse to grant ; 
abjure. 

deodorize (de-o'der-iz), v.t. to disin- 
fect. 

depart (de-part'), v.i. to go or move 
away; leave; die; desist. 

department (de-part 'ment), n._ a sepa- 
rate room or office for business; a 
branch of business, study, or science; 
a territorial administrative division. 

department - store (de - part'ment- 
stor), n. a large retail store carrying 
on many different lines of business. 

depend (de-pend'), v.i. to rely for sup- 
port; trust; hang down. 

dependent (de-pend'ent), adj. m hang- 
ing down; contingent; conditional; 
subordinate: n. one dependent upon 
another; a retainer; consequence. 

depict (de-pikt'), v.t. to paint or por- 
tray; describe or represent vividly. 

depilatory (de-pil'a-tq-ri) , adj. having 
the power of removing hair: n. an 
application for removing superfluous 
hairs. 

depletion (de-ple'shun) , n. the act of 
emptying or exhausting; blood-let- 
ting. 

deplore (de-plor'), v.t. to lament; 
grieve for. 

deploy (de-ploi'), v.t. & v.i. [p.t. & p.p. 
deployed, p.pr. deploying], to open 
out; extend in line so as to present 
a wider front: n. the act of deploy- 
ing. Also deployment. 

deponent (de-pon'ent), adj. denoting 
a Latin verb with_ a passive form 
and an active meaning: n. a witness 
who makes an affidavit to a state- 
ment of fact. 

depopulate (de-pop 'u-lat), v.t. to de- 
prive of inhabitants; devastate; lay 
waste. 

deport (de-port'), v.t. to carry from 
one country to another; banish; be- 
have (one's self). 

deportment (de-port'ment), n. con- 
duct; behavior. 

depose (de-poz'), v.t. tp remove from a 
throne, or other high station; de- 
prive of office: v.i. testify on 
oath. 

deposit (de-poz'it), v.t. to put or set 
down; place; intrust to another for 
security: n. anything deposited; 
something committed to the care of 
another; a pledge; rocks produced 


by denudation or by the laying down 
of other formations. 

deposition (dep-o-zish'un), n. the act 
of depositing or deposing; that 
which is deposited or deposed; an 
affidavit. 

depository (de-poz 'i-to-ri), n. [pi. de- 
positories (de-poz'i-to-riz)], the place 
where anything is deposited for se- 
curity; a depot for the sale of publi- 
cations. 

depot (de'po or dep'o), n. a ware- 
house; a magazine for military 
stores, &c; the headquarters of a 
regiment; a railway station. 

deprave (de-prav'), v.t. to make bad. 

depravity (de-prav'i-ti), n. the state 
of being depraved or corrupt; wick- 
edness. 

deprecate (dep're-kat), v.t. to pray 
against; disapprove strongly; ex* 
press regret for. 

depreciate (de-pre'shi-at) , v.t. to 
lower the value, or rate, of; dis- 
parage: v.i. to fall in value. 

depress (de-pres'), v.t. to press or 
thrust down; humble; dispirit; lower 
or cheapen. 

deprivation (dep-ri-va'shun) , n. the 
act of taking away; destitution; loss; 
the deposition of a cleric from his 
office or functions. 

deprive (de-priv'), v.t. to take from; 
dispossess; debar; depose from of- 
fice. 

depth (depth), n. the state or degree 
of being deep; profoundness; extent 
of penetration; richness of tone or 
color. [Gothic] 

depute (de-put'), v.t. to appoint as an 
agent or deputy; send with authority 
to act on behalf of the principal. 

deputy_ (dep'u-ti), n. [pi. deputies 
(dep'u-tiz)], one appointed to act 
for another ; a delegate ; in the French 
Parliament a member of the lower 
house. 

derail (de-ral'). v.i. to run off the rails: 
v.t. to cause to leave the rails. 

derange (de-ranj'), v.t. to throw into 
confusion ^disturb the normal func- 
tions of; displace. 

derby (der'bi and in England dar'bi), 
n. a kind of stiff felt hat, with convex 
crown and curved brim. 

derelict (der'e-likt), adj. abandoned; 
adrift: n. anything left, forsaken, or 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


DERIDE 


144 


DESPATCH 


cast away intentionally, as at sea: 
pi. abandoned goods found at sea; 
also, morally neglected. 

deride (de-rid'), v.t. to mock; laugh at: 
v.i. m to indulge in mockery, scorn, or 
ridicule. 

derision (de-nzh'un), n. the act of de- 
riding; ridicule; scorn; contempt. 

derivation (der-i-va/shun) , n. the act 
of deriving, or the condition of being 
derived; the process of tracing a 
word from its original source; ety- 
mology; evolution; deduction. 

derivative (de-riv'a-tiv), adj. derived 
or taken from another; deducible; 
secondary: n. a word obtained from 
some other by a prefix or suffix, or 
other modification. 

derive (de-riv'), v.t. to draw from an 
original source; obtain by trans- 
mission or descent; trace (a word) 
to its original root or stem; deduce; 
infer. 

derogate (der'o-gat), v.t. to take away; 
annul partially: v.i. detract [with 
from] . 

derrick (der'ik), n.an apparatus for 
hoisting heavy weights. 

dervish (der'vish), n. a Mohammedan 
monk who professes extreme pov- 
erty, chastity, and humility, and 
leads a very austere life; any Sou- 
danese who adhered to the Mahdi 
in his attempt to expel the English 
from Egypt. 

descant (des'kant), n. a varied song 
or melody; a disquisition or com- 
ment: (des-kant') v.i. to comment 
freely; discourse at length. 

descend (de-send'), v.i. to pass from 
a higher to a lower position; fall 
upon or invade ; be derived from ; 
fall in order of inheritance, or from 
one generation to another; move to- 
ward the south: said of a star: v.t. 
to move or pass along down- 
wards. 

descendant (de-send'ant) , n. one who 
is lineally descended from an an- 
cestor: offspring. 

descent (de-senf), n. change from a 
higher to a lower place; a sudden 
hostile invasion or attack; moral or 
social declension; transmission of an 
estate; derivation from a common 
ancestor ; birth ; a passage from a 
higher to a lower pitch. 


describe (de-skrib'), v.t. to delineate 
or trace out; narrate; set forth. 

descriptive (de-skrip'tiv), adj. tend- 
ing to, or serving to, describe; con- 
taining description. 

desecrate (des'e-krat) , v.t. to divert 
from a sacred to a secular use; pro- 
fane. 

desert (de-zerf), v.t. to forsake; aban- 
don: v.i. abscond from duty. 

desert (dez'ert), n. a barren tract in- 
capable of supporting life or vege- 
tation; a solitude ; that which is 
merited: adj. pertaining to a desert. 

deserve (de-zerv'), v.t. to earn by serv- 
ice; be justly entitled to, or worthy 
of, merit: v.i. to be worthy or de- 
serving [usually with well or ill]. 

desiccation (des-i-ka'shun) , n. the act 
of drying. 

desiderate (de-sid'er-at) , v.t. to be 
in want or need of; desire to 
have. 

design (de-zin'), v.t. to draw, mark, or 
plan out; project; set apart mental- 
ly: v.i. to formulate designs or exe- 
cute original work: n. an outline, 
plan, or drawing; project; inten- 
tion. 

designate (dez'ig-nat), v.t. to indi- 
cate by marks, lines, or a descrip- 
tion the limits of; point out; dis- 
tinguish; name: adj. designated; 
selected. 

desire (de-zir'), v.t. to wish earnestly 
for; crave : v.i. be in the state of 
desire: n. a longing for the posses- 
sion of some object; a petition or 
prayer ; natural or sensual tendency ; 
the object longed for. [French.] 

desirous (de-zlrus), adj. full of desire. 

desist (de-zist'), v.i. to cease from. 

desk (desk), n. a sloping frame or 
table for reading or writing upon; a 
clerk's position. 

desolate (des'o-lat), v.t. to lay waste; 
deprive of inhabitants; overwhelm 
with sorrow : adj. deprived of inhabi- 
tants; solitary; laid waste; aban- 
doned; miserable. 

despair (des-par'), v.i. to abandon all 
hope, or expectation; become hope- 
less: v.t. to lose hope or confidence 
in: n. loss of hope or confidence; 
hopelessness ; desperation. 

despatch (des-pach') or dispatch 
(dis-), v.t. to send off; expedite; 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


DESPERATE 


145 


DETRIMENT 


put to death; finish quickly: n. 
speedy performance; celerity; an ex- 
press; an ofhcial document sent to a 
minister abroad. 

desperate (des'per-at), adj. regard- 
less of danger or consequences. 

despise (de-spiz'), v.t. to look down 
upon with scorn or contempt; dis- 
dain. 

despite (de-spit') , n. extreme con- 
tempt; malicious anger; scorn; ha- 
tred: prep, notwithstanding. 

despoil (de-spoil'), v.t. to rob; deprive. 

despond (de-spond'), v.i. to be cast 
down in spirits; give way to de- 
spondency. 

despot (des'pot), n. an absolute irre- 
sponsible ruler; an autocrat; tyrant. 

despotic (des-pot'ik), adj. absolute in 
power; autocratic; irresponsible; ar- 
bitrary; tyrannical. 

dessert (dez-ert'), n. a course of 
fruits, sweets, &c, usually served 
last at dinner. [French.] 

destination (des-ti-na'shun), n. pur- 
pose or end for which anything is 
appointed; ultimate design; goal; 
termination. 

destine (des'tin), v.t. to appoint to 
any use or purpose; fix unalterably; 
doom. 

destiny (des'ti-ni), n. [pi. destinies 
(des'ti-niz)J, premeditated lot; fate; 
inevitable necessity. 

destitute (des'ti-tut), adj. without 
means of existence; forsaken; poor; 
penniless. 

destroy (de-stroi'), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. 
destroyed, p.pr. destroying], to pull 
down; overturn; lay waste; render 
desolate ; kill ; put an end to ; disprove. 

destroyer (de-stroi'er) , n. one who de- 
stroys; a torpedo-boat destroyer. 

destruction (de-struk'shun) , n. the 
act or process of destroying; sub- 
version; overthrow; ruin; death. 

destructive (de-struk'tiv), adj. tend- 
ing to, or causing, destruction; ruin- 
ous; hurtful. 

desuetude (des'we-tud), n. disuse. 

desultory (des'ul-to-ri), adj. passing 
from one thing to another without 
order or method; cursory; erratic. 

detach (de-tach'), v.t. to disconnect; 
detail for a specific purpose; send 
away from. 

detachment (de-tach'ment), n. the 


act of detaching; the thing detached; 
a body of troops, or certain ships, 
detached from the main body and 
sent on special service; mental aloof- 
ness. 

detail (de-tal), v.t. to relate minute- 
ly; enumerate; tell off for a given 
duty: v.i. to give details of: n. an 
item; a particular or minute ac- 
count; a small detachment for spe- 
cial service: pi. minute parts of a 
picture, statue, &c. [French.] 

detain (de-tan'), v.t. to hold back; 
restrain from departure; retain in 
custody. 

detect (de-tektO, v.t. to discover ; bring 
to light; expose; find out; ascertain 
the charactor of. 

detectable (de-tek'ta-bl), adj. that 
may be detected. 

detection (de-tek'shun), n. the act of 
detecting or its result; discovery. 

detective (de-tek'tiv), adj. employed 
in detecting; pertaining to detec- 
tives, or detection: n. one whose 
business it is to trace wrong-doers. 

detention (de-ten'shun) , n. the act of 
detaining or withholding; restraint; 
delay. 

deter (de-ter'),_ v.t. [p.t. & p.p. deterred, 
p.pr. deterring], to discourage, or 
hinder, by fear; restrain; dishearten. 

detergent (de-ter'jent), n. any lotion 
or medicine that is applied to cleanse 
and help to heal ulcers, wounds, 
&c. 

deteriorate (de-te'ri-o-rat), v.t. to re- 
duce to an inferior quality or value; 
impair: v.i. to grow worse. 

determine (de-ter'min), v.i. to de- 
cide; end: v.t. to fix or settle the 
bounds of; put an end to; restrict. 

deterrent (de-ter'ent), adj. serving, or 
tending, to deter: n. that which de- 
ters. 

detest (de-test'), v.t. to hate intensely. 

dethrone (de-thron'), v.t. to remove 
from a throne; deprive of author- 
ity. 

detonate (det'o-nat), v.t. to cause to 
explode with a loud and sudden re- 
port: v.i. to explode loudly and sud- 
denly. [Latin.] 

detract (de-trakt'), v.t. to draw or 
take away [with from]: v.i. take 
away the reputation. [Latin.] 

detriment (det'ri-ment), n. that which 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut; think, then. 


DEUCE 


146 


DIAL 


injures, reduces in value, or causes 
damage. 

deuce (dus), n. the devil; a card or 
dice with two spots; a term used in 
scoring at lawn tennis. [Deuce in the 
sense of devil came from, the early 
Teutons, who believed in a hairy 
wood demon whom they called Dus. 
The Celts gave him the name Scrat, 
whence "Old Scratch."] 

devastate (dev'as-tat), v.t. to lay 
waste; desolate; ravage; plunder. 

develop (de-vel'op), v.t. to unfold 
gradually; make known in detail; 
complete; to cause to go from a 
lower to a higher state; bring to 
view by inducing changes on a sen- 
sitized plate: v.i. to advance from 
one stage to another; become grad- 
ually apparent. 

development (de-vel'op-ment), n. the 
act of developing. 

devest (de-vest'), v.t. to alienate or 
annul, as right or title: v.i. to be 
lost or alienated. 

deviate (de'viat), v.i. to turn aside 
from a certain course; diverge; err: 
v.t. to change the direction or posi- 
tion of. 

device (de-vis'), n. a contrivance; in- 
vention; a stratagem; a fanciful de- 
sign or pattern; a heraldic emblem. 

devil (dev'l), n. the Evil Spirit, Satan; 
a fallen angel: feminine, she-devil; 
a false god or demon; a very wicked 
person; a bold dashing fellow; a 
malicious spirit in a person; a 
printer's apprentice; a machine for 
dividing rags or cotton in paper- 
making: v.t. to season cold meat 
highly with cayenne pepper, mus- 
tard and other condiments and then 
to broil it; prepare work for another; 
to stir up disturbance. Also be- 
devil. [Late Latin, Anglo-Saxon.] 

deviltry (dev'1-tri), n. malicious mis- 
chief; diabolical wickedness. 

devious (de'vi-us), adj. rambling; 
circuitous. 

devise (de-vlz'), v.t. to imagine; 
scheme; contrive; concoct; bequeath 
by will: n. a gift of real property 
by will; a will. 

devoid (de-void'), adj. destitute of. 

devolve (de-volv'), v.t. to transfer 
from one to another; transmit: v.i. 
to be transferred or transmitted. 


devote (de-vof), v.t. to dedicate or 
consecrate; consign to evil; give up 
wholly to; apply (one's self, &c.) to 
some object. 

devotion (de-vo'shun), n. the act of 
devoting or consecrating; the state 
of being devoted; strong affection; 
ardent love ; religious worship; 
prayer [usually pi.]. 

devour (de-vour'), v.t. to swallow 
greedily or ravenously; consume or 
destroy rapidly; annihilate; enjoy 
with avidity. 

devout (de-vouf), adj. devoted to re- 
ligious thoughts and exercises; heart- 
felt. 

dew (du), n. aqueous vapor con- 
densed from the atmosphere and de- 
posited in small drops at evening; 
that which falls lightly and in a re- 
freshing manner. 

dexterity (deks-ter'i-ti), n. manual 
skill; mental or physical adroitness; 
cleverness. 

dexterous (deks'ter-us), adj. pos- 
sessing manual skill; quick, men- 
tally or physically; adroit; clever. 
Also dextrous. 

dey (da), n. the former title of the 
governor of Algiers, and of the chief 
of the Turkish Janizaries. 

diabetes (di-a-be'tez), n. a disease 
characterized by a morbid and ex- 
cessive discharge of urine. [Greek.] 

diabolic (di-a-bol'ik) or diabolical 
(dI-a-bori-kal),ad/. aevilish; impious. 

diadem (di'a-dem), n. a crown; tiara. 

diagnosis (di-ag-no'sis), n. [pi. diag- 
noses (di-ag-no'sez)], scientific dis- 
crimination; the recognition of a 
disease by its symptoms. 

diagonal (di-ag'o-nal), adj. extending 
from one angle to another: n. a 
straight oblique line dividing a rec- 
tangular figure into equal parts. 

diagram (di'a-gram), n. a geomet- 
rical figure; a mechanical plan; an 
outline, drawing, or figure. 

dial (di'al), n. an instrument for 
showing the time by the sun's shad- 
ow; the face of a timepiece; any 
plate on which an index finger 
marks revolutions, pressure, &c; 
an insulated fixed wheel used in 
telegraphy: v.t. to measure or in- 
dicate by a dial; survey with a 
miner's compass. [Latin.] 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


DIALECT 


147 


DIET 


dialect (di'a-lekt), n. the peculiar 
manner in which a language ia 
spoken in a province or district of 
a country; idiom; a sub-division of 
a language, as the Yorkshire dialect 
in England, the Suabian dialect in 
Germany, and the Provengal dialect 
in France. [Greek.] 

dialogue (di'a-log), n. a conversation 
between two or more persons; a 
literary composition in which per- 
sons are represented as reasoning 
on, or discussing, a subject. 

diameter (di-am'e-ter), n. the length 
of a line passing through the center 
of any object from one side to the 
other; the distance through the 
lower part of the shaft of a col- 
umn. 

diamond (dl'a-mund), n. a gem of 
extreme hardness and refractive 
power; a rhomboidal figure; a play- 
ing card with one or more lozenge- 
shaped figures; a glass cutter's tool; 
the smallest kind of type generally 
used (see type): adj. resembling a 
diamond, as the so-called "base- 
ball diamond" where the ground 
for the players is laid out diamond- 
wise. [French.] 

diapason (di-a-pa/zon) , n. the entire 
compass of a voice or instrument; 
a recognized musical standard of 
pitch; the foundation stops of an 
organ. 

diaper (di'a-per), n. linen cloth woven 
in geometric patterns; a napkin; 
surface decoration of one or more 
simple figures repeated: v.t. to varie- 
gate or embroider; work in dia- 
per. 

diaphanous (dl-af'a-nus), adj. trans- 
parent. 

diaphragm (di'a-fram), n. the mid- 
riff, which divides the chest from 
the abdomen; any substance that in- 
tercepts or divides. 

diarrhoea (di-a-re'a), n. a morbidly 
persistent purging or looseness of 
the bowels. Also diarrhea. 

diary (di'a-ri), n. [pi. diaries (dr'a- 
riz)], a register of daily occurrences 
or duties; a book for daily memo- 
randa. 

diastole (di-as'to-le), n. the rhythmi- 
cal expansion and dilatation of the 
heart and arteries in beating; the 


lengthening of a syllable naturally 
short. 

diatonic (dl-a-ton'ik) , adj. designat- 
ing the regular tones of a key or 
scale. 

diatribe (dl'a-trib) , n. a continued dis- 
course or disputation; a strain of 
violent abuse; bitter criticism. 

dice (dls),n.pl. small cubes marked 
on the sides with one to six spots 
or pips: used in games of chance: 
v.i. to play with dice : v.t. to decorate 
with woven patterns to resemble 
cubes; to cut into cubes. 

dictate (dik'tat), v.t. declare with 
authority; express orally so that 
another may take words down in 
writing: v.i. to speak with author- 
ity. 

diction (dik'shun), n. manner of 
speaking or expression; choice of 
words; style. [Latin J 

dictionary (dik'shun-a-ri) , n. [pi. 
dictionaries (dik'shun - a - riz)], a 
book containing all, or the prin- 
cipal, words .in a language, with 
phonetics indicative of the sound of 
each, followed by definitions and 
other explanatory matter. 

did (did), p.t. of do. 

didactic (di-dak'tik) , adj. teaching; 
instructing; explanatory. Also di- 
dactical. [Greek.] 

die (di), v.i. [p.t. & p.p. died, p.pr. 
dying], to cease to live; expire; 
perish; wither; become extinct grad- 
ually; languish with pleasure. 

die (di), n. [pi. dies (dis)], a small 
cube (pi. dice, see dice) ; a piece of 
engraved metal with a device used 
for coining money, medals, &c. 

dieresis (dl-er'e-sis), n. a sign (") 
placed over the second of two sepa- 
rate vowels to show that each has 
a separate sound in pronuncia- 
tion. 

Diesel engine (de'sel en 'gin) , n. an oil- 
engine, using heavy oil, invented by 
Rudolf Diesel, in which the vapor 
produced from the oil is injected 
under extremely high pressure and is 
ignited by air raised to incandes- 
cence by compression, employed on 
*>hips. 

diet (dl'et), n. solid or liquid food; 
manner of living, with special refer- 
ence to food; a deliberative conven- 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
10 hue, hut ; think, then. 


DIFFER 


148 


DILIGENCE 


tion; a national or legislative assem- 
bly, as the Hungarian Diet. [Greek.] 

differ (dif'er), v.i. to be dissimilar; 
be distinguished from, or have dif- 
ferent properties or qualities; dis- 
agree; contend. 

difference (dif' er-ens) K n. the act or 
state of being unlike; disparity; 
distinction; controversy; quarrel; 
on the Stock Exchange, the margin 
payable on settlement: v.t. to distin- 
guish between; discriminate; take 
the difference of. 

different (dif 'er-ent) , adj. unlike; dis- 
tinct. 

differentiate (dif-er-en'shi-at) , v.t. 
to constitute a difference between; 
specialize in structure or functions: 
v.i. to acquire a distinctive and sepa- 
rate character. 

difficult (dif'i-kult), adj. not easy; 
arduous; perplexing; not easily 
managed. 

difficulty (dif'i-kul-ti), n. [pi. dif- 
ficulties (dif'i-kul-tiz)], something 
that requires labor or skill to over- 
come; scruple; objection; contro- 
versy: pi. complication of affairs; 
embarrassment; perplexity. 

diffident (dif 'i-dent) , adj. lacking self- 
reliance; shy; modest. 

diffuse (dif-uz'), v.t. to pour out and 
spread all around; scatter; circu- 
late: adj. (dif-us'), widely spread; 
verbose: redundant. 

diffusive (dif-tis'iy), adj. capable of 
diffusing; spreading every way; wide- 
ly reaching. 

dig (dig), v.i. [p.t. & p.p. dug or 
digged, p.pr. digging], to work with 
a spade; cast up earth; study hard: 
v.t. to excavate; break up (ground); 
search; thrust or force in. 

digest (di'jest), n. any compilation, 
abridgment, or summary of laws ar- 
ranged methodically under proper 
heads, or titles; the Pandects of the 
Emperor Justinian; a synopsis: v.t. 
(di-jesf), to arrange methodically un- 
der proper heads or titles; classify; 
dissolve in the stomach by the ac- 
tion of digestive juices; think over 

digestion (di-jes'chun), n. the act of 
digesting; the conversion of food by 
the action of the gastric juices into 
soluble products; mental or physical 
assimilation. 


dig in, v. m reflexive (of an invading 
force); intrench for a prolonged 
stay. 

digit (dij'it), n. a finger or toe; a 
measure (Y± inch); l-12th of the di- 
ameter of the sun or moon; any one 
of the ten Arabic numerals. 

dignify (dig'ni-fl), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. dig- 
nified, p.pr. dignifying], to invest 
with, or exalt in, dignity or rank; 
confer honor upon; elevate; ennoble. 

dignitary (dig'ni-ta-ri), n. [pi. digni- 
taries (dig'ni-ta-riz)], one who holds 
a position of dignity or honor; an 
ecclesiastic above a priest or canon. 

dignity (dig'ni-ti), n. [pi. dignities 
(dig'ni-tiz)], elevation of rank; de- 
gree of excellence; moral worth; 
qualities suited to inspire or com- 
mand respect and reverence. _ 

digraph (dl'graf), n. combination of 
two sounds or characters to repre- 
sent one simple sound, as read. 
Also digram. 

digress (di- or di-gres'), v.i. to turn 
aside; deviate from the main sub- 
ject or line of argument; wander. 

dike (dik), n. an embankment or cut- 
ting of earth, especially one thrown 
up as a protection against the sea, 
floods, &c. ; a mass of igneous intru- 
sive rock. Also dyke: v.t. to sur- 
round, protect or inclose with a 
dike; drain by ditching. 

dilapidate (di-lap'i-dat), v.t. to bring 
into partial ruin by neglect or mis- 
use: v.i. to become dilapidated. 

dilate (di-lat'), v.t. to enlarge or ex- 
pand in all directions; distend: v.i. 
to be extended or enlarged; speak 
fully and copiously. 

dilatory (dil'a-to-ri) , adj. causing, or 
tending to cause, delay; slow; inac- 
tive. 

dilemma (di- or di-lem'a), n. an 
awkward or vexatious situation; an 
argument which presents an antag- 
onist with alternatives, each of which 
is fatal to his cause. 

dilettante (dil-e-tan'te), n. [pi. dilet- 
tanti (dil-e-tan'te)], one who pur- 
sues the fine arts, literature, or 
science, only for amusement; an 
amateur: opposed to connoisseur: 
adj. pertaining to dilettanti, or 
dilettantism. [Italian.] 

diligence (dil'i-jens), n. careful atten- 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


DILL 


14'., 


DIRECTION 


tion; assiduity; industry; a French 
stage-coach (de-le-zhiins') . 

dill (dil), n. an herb belonging to the 
parsley family, with an aromatic 
fruit. 

dilute (di- or di-lut'), v.t. to thin or 
weaken by the admixture of another 
fluid, especially water; weaken: v.i. 
to become thinner. 

diluvial (di-lu'vi-al), adj. pertaining 
to, produced by, or resulting from, a 
deluge or flood. 

dim (dim), adj. [com p. dimmer, su- 
per!, dimmest], somewhat dark; 
hazy; obscure; faint; tarnished; ill- 
defined: v.t. [p.t. & p.p. dimmed, 
p.pr. dimming], to render obscure or 
less distinct; cloud; tarnish; dull: 
v.i. to become dim; fade. 

dime (dim), n. a silver coin = l-10th 
of a dollar, or ten cents: adj. of the 
value of a dime. 

dimension (di-men'shun) , n. the size 
or measured extent of a body; cubic 
capacity ; the literal factor of an 
algebraic product or term: pi. mag- 
nitude or importance. 

diminish (di-min'ish), v.t. to make- 
less; reduce in bulk or amount; 
weaken; impair; detract from; re- 
duce by a semitone: v.i. to lessen; 
dwindle. 

diminutive (di-min'u-tiv), adj. be- 
low the average size; little; con- 
tracted; narrow: n. a w r ord formed 
from another to express the sense of 
littleness. 

dimity (dim'i-ti), n. [pi. dimities (dim'i- 
tiz)], a cotton cloth of thick texture 
with a ridged surface. 

dimple (dim 'pi), n. a small depres- 
sion or hollow in the cheek or chin; 
an indentation: v.i. to form dim- 
ples, as the sea: v.t. to mark with 
dimples. 

din (din), n. a continued and violent 
noise: v.t. [p.t. & p.p. dinned, p.pr. 
dinning], to stun with noise: v.i. 
make a clamor. 

dine (din), v.i. to take dinner: v.t. to 
give or provide a dinner for; feed. 

dingle (ding'gl), n. a narrow hollow 
between hills; the enclosed weather- 
porch of a house. [Americanism.] 

dingy (din'ji), adj. dark-colored; dirty. 

dinner (din'er), n. the chief meal of 
the day; a dinner party. [French.] 


dint (dint), n. a mark left by a blow 
or pressure; force or power [with 
of]: v.t. to make a mark on or 
in. 

diocese (dl'o-ses), n. [pi. dioceses (di'- 
o-se-sez)], a bishop's see; a bishop- 
ric. 

diorama (dl-o-ra'ma) , n. an exhibition 
of pictures on movable screens, 
viewed through a large opening in a 
darkened room. 

dip (dip), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. dipped, 
p.pr. dipping], to plunge for a short 
time into a fluid ; baptize by im- 
mersion; lower and raise quickly: 
v.i. to immerse one's self; enter 
slightly into anything; sink: n. the 
act of dipping; the inclination of the 
magnetic needle, or the angle made 
by it; the angle of inclination of 
strata to the horizon. 

diphtheria (dif- or dip-the'ri-a), n. 
a contagious throat-disease charac- 
terized by the formation of a false 
membrane in the air-passages. Also 
diphtheritis._ [Greek.] 

diphthong (dif 'thong), n. the union of 
two vowel-sounds pronounced in one 
syllable, as Caesar, boil. 

diploma (di-plo'ma), n. a writing on 
parchment or paper under sign and 
seal, conferring some honor or au- 
thority; any ancient record, such as 
a charter, royal proclamation, war- 
rant, or legal document. [Latin.] 

diplomacy (di-plom'a-si), n. [pi. dip- 
plomacies (di-plom'a-siz)], the art 
of conducting negotiations between 
two States or nations; or of trans- 
acting international business; skill 
in conducting negotiations. [French.] 

dipper (dip'er), n. one who, or that 
which, dips; a water-fow r l; a tin cup 
with a long handle used in the coun- 
try for dipping water. 

dire (dir), adj. dreadful; mournful. 

direct (di-rekt'), adj. _ straight; not 
circuitous; open; plain; straightfor- 
ward; not of collateral descent; not 
retrograde: v.t. to aim or drive in a 
straight line; guide or show; point 
out or determine with authority: v.i. 
to act as a guide. 

direction (dl-rek'shun), n. relative po- 
sition; a command; order; guid- 
ance; the address of a person on a 
package or ticket. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


DIRECTOR 


150 


DISCOMFITURE 


director (di-rekt'ter), n. one who 
directs or superintends ; one appoint- 
ed to transact the affairs of the com- 
pany, &c; a spiritual guide or ad- 
viser; a surgical instrument. 

directory (di-rekt'to-ri) , n. [pi. direc- 
tories (dl-rekt'to-riz)], a book con- 
taining the names, addresses, and 
occupations of the residents of a 
place; a body of directors; a book of 
ecclesiastical rules or directions for 
divine worship: adj. guiding 

direct primary (di-rekf pri'ma-ri) , n. 
method of selecting the nominees of a 
party for political office by direct vote 
of the people, winners of the primary 
becoming the party's candidates in 
the regular election. 

direful (dir'fool), adj. dreadful; dis- 
mal. 

dirge (derj), n. a funeral hymn. 

dirigible (dir'i-ji-bl) , adj. that may 
be guided or steered: n. a dirigible 
aircraft. 

dirk (derk), n. a dagger. 

dirt (dert), n. any foul or filthy sub- 
stance; garden earth. 

dis-, Latin prefix, signifies separation, 
privation or negation. 

disable (dis-a'bl), v.t. to deprive of 
power; disqualify; impoverish; in- 
capacitate. 

disabuse (dis-a-buz') , v.t. to clear from 
mistakes or false conceptions; set 
right. 

disaffect (dis-a-f ekt') , v.t. to fill with 
discontent; alienate the affections 
from; disturb the functions of. 

disagree (dis-a-gre'), v.i. to be at 
variance; to differ. 

disagreeable (dis-a-gre'a-bl) , adj. ex- 
citing repugnance or displeasure: n. 
that which is displeasing or un- 
satisfactory. 

disappear (dis-a-per'), v.i. to pass 
away; vanish. 

disappoint (dis-ap-point') , v.t. to 
thwart or frustrate the hopes of; 
fail to keep an appointment 
with. 

disappointment (dis-a-point'ment) , 
n. defeat or failure of expectation; 
state of depression caused by failure, 
&c. 

disarm (dis-arm'), v.t. to deprive of 
arms; reduce to a peace footing, 
render harmless; subdue. 


disaster (dis-as'ter) , n. a sudden or un- 
expected misfortune; a serious acci- 
dent. 

disavow (dis-a-vow'). v.t. to ab- 
jure. 

disband (dis-band')., v.t. to dismiss 
from military service; break up: v.i. 
to be dismissed. 

disbar (dis-bar), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. dis- 
barred, p.pr. disbarring], to deprive 
a lawyer of his right to prac- 
tice. 

disburse (dis-bers'), v.t. to ex- 
pend. 

discard (dis-kard'), v.t. to cast off as 
useless; dismiss from service; reject 
as useless: v.i. in card-playing, to 
throw out cards not required. 

discern (diz-ern'), v.t. to distinguish 
mentally, or with the eye; judge or 
decide between: v.i. to make distinc- 
tion. 

discernment (diz-ern 'ment) , n. acute- 
ness in judgment; penetration; dis- 
crimination. 

discharge (dis-charj'), v.t. unload; dis- 
embark; free from any burden, im- 
pediment, or obligation; exonerate 
or acquit; free from restraint or 
custody; let fly; explode; perform 
(a trust or duty): v.i. to send out 
liquid matter: n. the act of discharg- 
ing; that which is discharged; an 
explosion; a flowing or issuing out; 
dismission from office or employ- 
ment; liberation. 

disciple (di-si'pl), _ n. one who re- 
ceives the teaching of another; a 
scholar; a follower. 

discipline (dis'i-plin), n. mental or 
moral training; education; subjec- 
tion to control; military regulation; 
chastisement: v.t. to train to obe- 
dience or efficiency; regulate; chas- 
tise. 

disclaim (dis-kiam'), v.t. to disown; 
repudiate. 

disclose (dis-kloz'), v.t. to uncover; 
reveal. 

disclosure (dis-kloz 'ur) t n. the act of 
revealing anything secret; discov- 
ery. 

discolor (dis-kul'er), v.t. to change 
from the natural color; give a false 
complexion to; stain. 

discomfiture (dis-kum'fi-tur), n. de- 
feat; disappointment. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


DISCOMMODE 


151 


DISHONOR 


discommode (dis-kom-od') , v.t. to 
inconvenience. 

discompose (dis-kom-poz'), v.t. dis- 
arrange; vex; ruffle. 

disconcert (dis-kon-sert/), v.t. to dis- 
turb the composure or self-posses- 
sion of; frustrate. 

disconsolate (dis-kon'so-lat) , adj. 
hopeless; sad. 

discord (dis'kord), n. disagreement; a 
confused noise; a combination of 
discordant sounds; disagreement in 
coloring or parts. 

discordant m (dis-kord'ant), adj. at 
variance; inharmonious; jarring; in- 
congruous. 

discount (dis'kount), n. a sum de- 
ducted or allowed for prompt pay- 
ment of an _ account ; a deduction 
made according to. the current rate 
of interest; v.t. (dis-kount'), to al- 
low a discount on; advance money, 
deducting a certain rate per cent.; 
make a deduction from; anticipate. 

discourage (dis-kur'aj), v.t. to deprive 
or lessen the courage of; dishearten; 
deter. 

discouragement (dis-kur'aj-ment) , n. 
the act of depriving of confidence; 
that which destroys courage. 

discourse (dis-kors'), n. speech or lan- 
guage; conversation; a treatise or 
dissertation; sermon: v.t. & v.i. to 
talk or converse; utter; communi- 
cate ideas orally. 

discover (dis-kuv'er) , v.t. to bring to 
light; reveal; find (something previ- 
ously unknown). 

discovery (dis-kuv'er-i) , n. [pi. dis- 
coveries (dis-kuv'er-iz)], a bringing 
to light or making known, especially 
for the first time; disclosure. 

discreet (dis-kret'), adj. prudent; cir- 
cumspect. 

discrepant (dis-krep'ant), adj. dis- 
agreeing; different. 

discrete (dis-kret'), adj. separate from 
others; distinct; not continuous. 

discretion (dis-kresh'un) , n. prudence; 
judgment; sagacity ; skill. 

discriminate (dis-krim'i-nat), v.t. to 
observe or mark the differences be- 
tween; select: v.i. to make a differ- 
ence or distinction. 

discursive (dis-ker'siv), adj. desultory. 

discuss (dis-kus'), vt. to debate; agi- 
tate; reason upon; test (viands). 


discussion (dis-kush'un), n. argument; 
debate; ventilation of a question. 

disdain (dis-dan'), v.t. to think unwor- 
thy; deem unsuitable; look upon 
with contempt or scorn: n. con- 
tempt; haughty, or indignant 
scorn. 

disease (di-zez'), n. any mental, 
moral, or physical disorder; mal- 
ady; illness: v.t. to cause disease in; 
derange. 

disembowel (dis-em-bou'el) , v.t. [p.t. 
& p.p. disemboweled, p.pr. disem- 
boweling], to deprive of bowels; 
wound in the abdomen, so that the 
bowels protrude. 

disfigure (dis-fig'ur), v.t. to injure the 
shape, form, or beauty of; deform. 

disfranchise (dis-fran'chiz), v.t. to de- 
prive of electoral or municipal priv- 
ileges; especially the right to vote. 

disgorge (dis-gorj'), v.t. to force out of 
the mouth or stomach with violence ; 
surrender what has been unlawfully 
obtained; make restitution of. 

disgrace (dis-gras'), n. the. state of be- 
ing out of favor; ignominy; shame; 
dishonor: v.t. to bring shame, re- 
proval or dishonor upon; dismiss 
with dishonor. [Old French.] 

disguise (dis-giz'), v.t. to change the 
appearance of, as by an unusual 
dress; counterfeit; conceal: n. a 
dress designed to conceal the. iden- 
tity of the wearer; counterfeit ap- 
pearance; false pretense. [French.] 

disgust (dis-gust'), v.t. to cause aver- 
sion in, or repugnance to ; offend the 
moral sense of: n. strong aversion 
or repugnance. [French.] 

dish (dish), n. a broad hollow vessel 
with a rimmed edge ; food served in 
a dish: v.t. to put into a dish for 
serving at table [often with up]; 
frustrate. 

dishearten (dis-har'tn) , v.t. to discour- 
age. 

dishevel (dis-hev'l) ,_ v.t. [p.t. & p.p. 
disheveled, p.pr. disheveling], to dis- 
order (the hair) or cause it to hang 
negligently: v.i. to be spread in dis- 
order. 

dishonor (dis-on'er), v.t. to deprive of 
honor; bring shame upon the char- 
acter of; lessen the reputation of; 
violate the chastity of; refuse, or 
fail, to pay (a bill or note when due 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit : note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


DISINCLINATION 


152 


DISPORT 


and presented): n. disgrace; igno- 
miny; shame; violation of dignity. 

disinclination (dis-in-kli-na'shun), n. 
unwillingness. 

disinfect (dis-in-fekt'),*U-tofree from 
infection; to purify. 

disingenuous (dis-in-jen'u-us), adj. 
not frank or open; crafty. 

disintegrate (dis-in'te-grat) , v.t. to 
break up into component parts by 
mechanical or atmospheric agency: 
v.i. separate. . 

disjunctive (dis-jungk'tiv), adj. serv- 
ing, or tending, to disjoin or sepa- 
rate: n. a disjunctive conjunction 
which connects grammatically two 
words or clauses disjoined in meaning. 

disk (disk), n. an ancient quoit; a 
flat circular plate, or anything re- 
sembling it; the whole surface of a 
leaf. Also disc. [Greek.] 

dislike (dis-lik'), n. a strong feeling 
of repugnance or aversion; antip- 
athy: v.t. to regard with aversion. 

dislocate (dis'lo-kat), v.t. to put out of 
joint; interrupt the continuity of. 

dislodge (dis-loj'), v.t. to remove or 
drive out from a place of lodgment; 
drive from a hiding place or chosen 
station. 

disloyal (dis-loi'al), adj. unfaithful to 
one's sovereign or country; untrue 
to plighted faith or duty. 

dismal (diz'mal), adj. gloomy; de- 
pressing; dark; horrid; sorrowful. 

dismantle (dis-mant'l), v.t. to strip 
or divest of furniture, equipment, or 
means of defense; raze; demolish. 

dismay (dis-ma/), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. dis- 
mayed, p.pr. dismaying], to terrify; 
dispirit; discourage; intimidate: n. 
loss of courage through fear. 

dismember (dis-mem'ber) , v.t. to cut 
or tear limb from limb; sever into 
parts and distribute; dislocate; sev- 
er; divide. 

dismiss (dis-mis'), v.t. to send away; 
permit to depart; discharge from of- 
fice or employment. 

dismount (dis-mount'), v.t. to re- 
move from a horse or the like: to 
displace from a mounting, as a can- 
non: v.i. to_alight; to descend. 

disobey (dis-o-ba'), v.t. to refuse to 
submit to lawful authority. 

disorder (dis-or'der) , n. want of order 
or arrangement; lack of system; ir- 


regularity; breach of public order; 
riot; mental or physical disease: v.t. 
to throw into confusion; disturb the 
regular mental or physical func- 
tions; derange; ruffle. 

disorganize (dis-or'ga-nlz) , v.t. to 
throw into confusion. 

disown (dis-on'), v.t. to cast off; to 
sever specific or general relations. 

disparage (dis-par'aj), v.t. treat with 
contempt; criticise unjustly; depre- 
ciate; belittle. 

disparity (dis-par'i-ti), n. [pi. dispari- 
ties (dis-par'i-tiz)], inequality of 
rank, station, degree, or excellence; 
disproportion. 

dispassionate (dis-pash'un-at) , adj. 
free from passion; calm; unpreju- 
diced; impartial. 

dispatch, same as despatch. 

dispel (dis-pel'), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. dis- 
pelled, p.pr. dispelling], to drive 
away by, or as by, scattering; dis- 
perse; dissipate. 

dispensary (dis-pen'sa-ri) , n. [pi. dis- 
pensaries (dis-pen'sa-riz)], a place 
where medicines are kept and made 
up; a charitable institution for 
providing the poor with medical 
advice and medicines. 

dispensation (dis-pen-sa'shun) , n. the 
act of dispensing; distribution; that 
which is appointed or bestowed by a 
higher power. 

dispense (dis-pens'), v.t. to deal out 
in portions; distribute; give forth 
effusively; excuse: v.i. to .give dis- 
pensation; distribute medicines. 

disperse (dis-pers'). v.t. to scatter 
in different directions or parts; dif- 
fuse; spread; cause to vanish: v.i. 
to separate; go to different parts; 
vanish out of sight. 

dispirit (dis-pir'it) , v.t. to depress the 
spirits of; dishearten; render cheer- 
less. 

displace (dis-plas'), v.t. to put out of 
place; disorder; depose from office 
or dignity. 

display (dis-pla/), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. dis- 
played, p.pr. displaying], to spread 
out; unfold; exhibit; force into no- 
tice; manifest mentally or physically : 
v.i. to make a display ._ 

displeasure (dis-plezh'ur), n. annoy- 
ance; vexation; distaste; pique. 

disport (dis-porf), v.t. to amuse or 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, nSrth, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, tlten. 


DISPOSE 


153 


DISTINCTION 


divert [with self]; to display gaily: 
v.i. to play. 

dispose (dis-poz'), v.t. to place; ar- 
range; order; distribute; adapt; in- 
cline. 

disposition (dis-po-zish'un), n. the 
act of disposing; order; arrange- 
ment; natural temperament. 

disputation (dis-pii-ta'shun) , n. a. ver- 
bal controversy; an altercation. 

dispute (dis-put'), v.i. to debate; 
argue: v.t. contend for by words or 
actions; express doubt of; contro- 
vert: n. a controversy; altercation; 
quarrel; contest. 

disquisition (dis-kwi-zish'un), n. a 
systematic investigation or discus- 
sion of some subject; an elaborate 
essay. 

disrate _(dis-rat'), v.t. to degrade or 
lower in rank, as a petty officer. _ 

disruption (dis-rup'shun), n. forcible 
separation; breach. 

dissatisfaction (dis-sat-is-f ak'shun) , 
n. discontent; uneasiness of mind 
arising from disappointed wishes. 

dissect (di-sekt'), v.t. to cut in pieces; 
anatomize; divide and examine mi- 
nutely. [Latin.] 

dissemble (di-sem'bl), v.t. to hide un- 
der a false appearance ; give the sem- 
blance of something else to: v.i. 
to act the hypocrite. 

disseminate (di-sem'i-nat) , v.t. to scat- 
ter abroad, like seed; propagate; 
diffuse. 

dissension (dis-sen'shun) , n. strife; 
disagreement; breach of union; va- 
riance. 

dissent (di-sent'), v.i. to disagree in 
opinion [with from]; refuse adher- 
ence to an Established Church. 

dissertation (dis-er-ta/shun) , n. a for- 
mal discourse; treatise, 

dissever (di-sev'er), v.t. to cut in two; 
disjoin; divide ;_ separate. 

dissidence (dis'i-dens) , n. disagree- 
ment. 

dissilient (di-sil'i-ent) , adj. springing 
asunder, or bursting open with force. 

dissimulate (di-sim'u-lat) , v.i. & v.t. 
to dissemble; feign; disguise. 

dissipate (dis'i-pat), v.t. to scatter 
completely; drive in different direc- 
tions; squander: v.i. to engage in 
dissipation. 

dissipation (dis-i-pa'shun) , n. the act. 


or state of being dissipated ; mental 
distraction; excessive indulgence in 
luxury. 

dissociate (di-so'shi-at), v.t. to separate. 

dissoluble (dis'ol-ii-bl) , adj. capable of 
being dissolved or converted into a 
fluid. 

dissolute (dis'o-lut), adj. given to vice 
or dissipation ; loose in morals or con- 
duct. 

dissolution (dis-o-lu'shun) , n. the act 
of dissolving or liquefying; separa- 
tion of component parts; separation 
of the soul from the body; death. 

dissolve (dis-olv'), v.t. to liquefy; 
melt; terminate; annul: v.i. to be- 
come liquefied; waste away; sepa- 
rate. 

dissonance (dis'o-nans) , n. discord; 
lack of harmony. 

dissuade (di-swad% v.t. to advise or 
counsel against; divert by argument. 

dissyllable (di-sil'a-bl) , n. a word of 
two syllables. 

distaff (dis'taf), n. [pi. distaffs (dis'- 
tafs)], the staff from which flax is 
^ drawn in spinning. 

distance (dis'tans), n. the space or 
interval between two objects or 
points; remoteness of time, rank, re- 
lationship or place; interval between 
two notes; reserve of manner; alien- 
ation: v.t. to place remotely; leave 
behind in a race. 

distant (dis'tant), adj. remote; re- 
served. 

distaste (dis-tast')., n. aversion of the 
palate; dislike; disinclination. 

distasteful (dis-tast'fool), adj. un- 
pleasant to the taste; expressive of 
dislike. 

distemper (dis-tem'per), n. a morbid 
state of body or mind: v.t. to dis- 
order or disease. 

distend (dis-tend'), v.t. to stretch out 
in all directions; expand: v.i. to 
swell. 

distich (dis'tik), n. a couplet. 

distil (dis-th"), v.i. [p.t. & p.p. dis- 
tilled, p.pr. distilling], # to fall in 
drops; flow gently; trickle forth; 
practice the art of distillation: v.t. 
to let fall in drops ; obtain by dis- 
tillation; rectify. 

distinct (dis-tingkt'), adj. separate; 
different; clear; plain; unconfused. 

distinction (dis-tingk'shun), n. mark 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


DISTINCTIVE 


154 


DIVISION 


of difference or superiority; emi- 
nence of rank or conduct; fame; dis- 
crimination. 

distinctive (dis-tingk'tiy) , adj. mark- 
ing a difference or distinction ; char- 
acteristic; discriminating; plain. 

distinguish (dis-ting'gwish) , v.t. to 
separate from others by some mark 
of honor or preference; designate 
by special characteristics; discrim- 
inate; make known: v.i. to make a 
distinction [with between]. 

distort (dis-tort), v.t. to twist or turn 
from the natural shape or figure; 
twist; pervert from the true mean- 
ing; misrepresent. 

distract (dis-trakf; , v.t. to perplex; 
harass; confuse the mind; bewilder; 
derange. 

distrain (dis-tran'), v.t. to seize and 
hold (goods or chattels) as security 
for payment of a debt: v.i. to levy 
a distress. 

distrait (dis-tra'), adj. absent-minded. 

distraught (dis-trawt'), adj. bewil- 
dered or harassed. 

distress (dis-tres'), v.t. to inflict pain 
or suffering upon; grieve; harass; 
perplex; in law, to seize for debt: n. 
physical or mental anguish; the act 
of distraining; goods taken in dis- 
traint. 

distribute (dis-trib'ut), v.t. to deal 
out or divide ; allot ; apportion ; ar- 
range according to classification; 
dispose of separately; separate and 
return (as types) to their respective 
cases. 

district (dis'trikt), n. a territorial di- 
vision; circuit; region or tract of 
country. 

distrust (dis-trust'), n. want of confi- 
dence, faith or reliance; suspicion; 
discredit: v.t. to have no confidence 
or trust in; doubt; suspect. 

disturb (dis-terb), v.t. to trouble; vex; 
throw into confusion; agitate; dis- 
place. 

disturbance (dis-terb 'ans), n. the in- 
terruption of a settled state; uproar; 
mental agitation. 

disuse (dis-us'), n. cessation of use or 
custom. 

ditch (dich), n. a trench cut in the 
earth; a moat: v.i. make a ditch: 
v.t. surround with a ditch. 

ditto (dit'to), n. that which has been 


said; a duplicate: adv. as before; 
likewise. [Italian.] 

ditty (dit'i), n. [pi. ditties (dit'iz)],a 
little song. 

divan (di : van'), n. a court of justice; 
a council of state in Turkey ; a coun- 
cil-hall; a smoking-room: couch. 

dive (dry), v.i. to plunge head fore- 
most into water; enter deeply into 
any subject or question: v.t. to ex- 
plore by diving: n. a sudden plunge 
head foremost into water. 

diverge (di-verj'), v.i. to spread out 
from one point; recede from. 

divergence (dl-ver'jens), n. a receding 
from each other: a tending apart. 

diverse (di'yers or dl-yers')., adj. es- 
sentially different; dissimilar; sep- 
arate. 

diversion (di-ver'shun) , n. variation; 
alteration; pastime; the act of di- 
verting the attention of an enemy 
from the real point of attack. 

divert (di-vert'), v.t. to turn aside 
from any direction or course ; draw 
away from; entertain; amuse. 

divest (di-yest'), v.t. to strip or deprive 
of anything; despoil; make bare. 

divide (di-vld'), v.t. to cut into two 
or more parts; separate; keep apart; 
disunite by discord; distribute: v.i. 
to be separated; cleave; diverge; 
have a share; vote by division: n. 
a watershed. _ 

dividend (div'i-dend), n. a share of 
the profits of a public company or 
business; a sum paid pro rata out of 
a bankrupt's estate; interest payable 
on money invested in the public 
funds; a number or quantity to be 
divided. [Latin.] 

divine (di-vin'), adj. partaking of the 
nature of God ; excellent in the high- 
est degree; godlike; sacred; holy; 
pertaining to theology: n. a the- 
ologian; clergyman: v.t. to foretell; 
presage: v.i. to conjecture; guess. 

divinity (di-vin'i-ti), n. [pi. divinities 
(di-vin'i-tiz)], the state or quality of 
being divine; Godhead; a pagan or 
heathen deity; theology. 

division (di-vizh'un) , n. the act or 
state of being divided; separation; 
a partition; section; discord; dif- 
ference: the separating of the mem- 
bers of a legislative or municipal 
assembly in order to take a vote; 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit : note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


DIVISOR 


155 


DOMESTIC 


two or more brigades under the com- 
mand of a general officer; a section 
of a fleet under one commander; the 
process of finding how many times 
one number or quantity is contained 
in another. 

divisor (di-vi'zor), n. the number by 
which another (the dividend) is 
divided. [Latin.] 

divorce (di-vors'),' n. a dissolution of 
the marriage bond by legal au- 
thority: v.t. to dissolve the mar- 
riage contract between by legal 
authority; release from clos° union. 

divulge (di-yulj'), v.t. to make known, 
as something previously kept secret; 
disclose. 

dizzy _(diz'i), adj. giddy. 

do (doo), v.t. [p.t. did, p.p. done, p. 
pr. doing], to perform; achieve; 
cause to bring about; make ready 
for some object or purpose; cheat or 
swindle: v.i. to act or behave; suc- 
ceed; suffice; fare as to health: n. a 
trick or hoax. 

docile (dos'il) , adj. easy to teach; 
tractable; easily managed. 

dock (dok). n. a place for constructing 
and laying up ships; the place where 
a prisoner stands in a court to be 
tried; a coarse weed with broad 
leaves; the tail of a horse after it 
has been docked: v.t. to cut off or 
curtail; deduct from; diminish. 

docket (dok'et), v.t. to mark the con- 
tents or titles of papers on the back 
of them; indorse: n. a directed label 
or ticket tied on goods; a summary 
of a larger writing; a digest. 

dockyard (dok'yard), n. a place where 
ships are built and naval stores are 
kept. 

doctor (dok'ter), n. one skilled in any 
particular branch of knowledge; an 
academical degree denoting the 
highest proficiency in a faculty of 
a university ; a learned man ; a medi- 
cal practitioner: v.t. to treat medi- 
cally; tamper with. 

doctrine (dok'trin), n. that which is 
taught; the principles, belief, or 
dogma of any church, sect or party. 

document (dok'Q-ment), n. a printed 
or written paper relied upon to es- 
tablish some fact or assertion, or con- 
veying information. 

dodge (doj), v.i. to start aside and shift 


about; evade by craft; avoid; prac- 
tice tricky devices: v.t. to establish 
by starting aside: n. the act of 
dodging; a trick. 

doe (do), n. the female of a buck or 
fallow deer, or of an antelope, rab- 
bit, or hare. 

doff (dof), v.t. to take or put off, 
as clothes: v.i. remove the hat in 
saluting. 

dog (dog), n. a domesticated carnivo- 
rous animal belonging to the genus 
Canis; name of various mechanical 
contrivances: v.t. [p.t. & p.p. dog- 
ged, p.pr. dogging], to hunt as a 
dog; follow pertinaciously. 

doggerel (dog'er-el), n. a kind of verse 
devoid of skill or rhythm: adj. weak 
and illiterate in construction: said of 
verse. 

dogma (dog'ma), n. [pi. dogmas (dog'- 
maz)] or dogmata (dog'ma -ta), 
an established principle, tenet, or 
doctrine; a doctrine stated in a for- 
mal manner and received by the 
Church as authoritative. 

doily (doi'li), n. [pi. doilies (doi'liz)], 
a small mat or napkin: used on 
dessert plates, &c. 

dole (dol), n. that which is dealt out 
sparingly; a charitable gift of mon- 
ey or food; alms: v.t. to deal out 
sparingly. 

doll (dol), n. a girl's puppet or toy- 
baby; a childish-featured girl or 
woman. 

dollar (dol'ar), n. a silver coin current 
in the United States and Canada = 
100 cents; a coin of various other 
countries. [Dutch.] 

dolman (dol'man), n. a long outer 
garment worn by the Turks; an 
hussar's uniform jacket; a woman's 
sleeveless mantle. 

dolorous (dol'o-rus), adj. sorrowful. 

dolphin (dol'fin), n. a marine animal 
closely resembling the porpoise. 

dolt (dolt), n. a heavy, stupid fellow. 

domain (do-man'), n. lordship; au- 
thority; empire; landed property; 
demesne. 

dome (dom), n. a hemispherical 
roof. 

domestic (do-mes'tik), adj. pertain- 
ing to the house or household af- 
fairs; private; home-made: n. a 
household servant: pi. articles of 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


DOMESTICATE 156 DOUGHTY 

home manufacture, especially cot- dormant (dor'mant), adj. sleeping; 

ton-cloths. _ quiet; in abeyance. 

domesticate (do - mes'ti - kat) , v.t. dormitory (dor'mi-to-ri) , n. [pi. dormi- 
to make domestic; familiarize with tories (dor'mi-to-riz)], a large apart- 
domestic life; tame: v.i. to become ment capable of holding several beds, 
domestic. % dory (do'ri), n. [pi. dories (do'riz)], a 

domicile (dom'i-sn), n. a permanent popular name for a golden-colored 

residence or place of abode; home: fish much esteemed for the table; 

v.t. to establish in a fixed resi- the wall-eyed pike-perch, John Dory ; 

dence. . a small flat-bottomed skiff with a 

dominant (dom'i-nant), adj. exercis- sharp prow. 

ing chief authority; ruling; predomi- dose (dos), n. the quantity of medi- 

nant; ascending: n. the recitative cine to be taken at one time; any- 

note in Gregorian scales; the fifth thing nauseous; quantity: v.t. to 

tone of a musical scale in any as- give doses to; administer anything 

cending key. objectionable or nauseous. 

dominate (dom'i-nat), v.t. to govern; dost (dust), 2 p. sing. pres. indie, of do. 

rule; predominate over: v.i. to be dot (dot), n. a small point or speck; 

dominant. a diminutive child: v.t. [p.t. & p.p. 

domineer (dom-i-ner'), v.i. to exer- dotted, p.pr. dotting], to mark with 

cise authority arrogantly or tyrannic- dots or specks, 

ally: bluster. dotage (do'taj), n. imbecility of 

dominion (do-min'yun) , n. supreme mind due to old age; foolish or ex- 
authority; sovereignty; independent cessive affection, 
right or possession; a territory or doth (duth), 3 p. sing, indie, of do. 
country subject to the control of one double (dub'l), adj. twofold; two of 
government; such especially is the a sort; being in pairs; twice as 
Dominion of Canada. much; deceitful; insincere: n. twice 

don (don), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. donned, the quantity; a duplicate; trick; a 

p.pr. donning], to put on; invest turning back to escape pursuit; an 

with; assume: n. a Spanish title apparition; a fold or plait: pi. 

of courtesy [Latin]; [fern. Dona changes rung on five bells; games 

(don'ya')]; a fellow or collegiate dig- played by two on a side: v.t. to 

nitary. _ make double; duplicate; repeat; 

donate (do'nat), v.t. to contribute, fold; sail round or by: v.i. to in- 

especially to some religious or phil- crease to twice the quantity; return 

anthropic object. on one's track; march at double 

done (dun), p. adj. completed; pub- quick time: adv. twice over. 

lished officially; cooked sufficiently; doublet (dub'let), n. a duplicate; 

thoroughly fatigued; cheated: inter j. pair; a kind^ of close-fitting man's 

agreed! garment; a ring in which the stone 

donjon (don' or dun'jun), n. the has been split into two halves, or 

principal tower or keep of a mediae- one shallow stone imposed upon 

val castle, containing the another, 

prison. # doubt (dout), v.i. to waver in opin- 

donkey (dong'ki), n. [pi. donkeys ion; hesitate; be in suspense: v.t. 

(dong'kiz)], an ass; a stupid or obsti- to suspect; distrust: n. uncertainty 

nate fellow. of mind; suspense; scruple; per- 

doom (d5om), n. a judicial sentence plexity. 

of condemnation; the infliction of doubtful (dout'fool), adj. of uncer- 

a sentence; irrevocable destiny; tain issue; questionable; hazardous; 

fate; ruin; the Day of Judgment: insecure. 

v.t. to pronounce condemnation doubtless (dout'les), adv. assuredly; 

upon; sentence to punishment; or- certainly. 

dain as a penalty. dough (do), n. a soft mass of mois- 

door (dor), n. the gate or entrance tened flour yet unbaked. 

of a house; portal; means of access, doughty (dou'ti) , adj. valiant ; strong. 

ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit : note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


DOVE 


157 


DRAPERY 


dove (duv), n. a pigeon of the genua 
Columba; a term of endearment. 

dovetail (duv'tal), v.t. to unite by a 
joint resembling a dove's tail spread 
out; fit closely and exactly. 

dowager (dou'a-jer), n. the widow 
of a king, prince, or person of rank; 
a widow with a jointure. [Old 
French.] 

dowdy (dow'di) and dowd (doud), n. 
[pi. dowdies (dow'diz)], a slatternly 
woman who affects finery: adj. 
slovenly or ill-dressed; shabby. 

dower (dou'er), n. that part of a hus- 
band's property which his widow en- 
joys during her life; jointure; per- 
sonal endowment. 

down (doun), n. soft feathers, hair, 
or wool; the soft fibres of plants: 
pi. a tract of bare, hilly land used 
for pasturing sheep; banks or round- 
ed hillocks of sand: adv. from a 
higher to a lower degree or position; 
at the lowest point; on the ground; 
below the horizon; from earlier to 
later times; in hand, or on the 
counter; on paper, or in a book: 
adj. dejected; downcast: prep, along 
a descent; from a higher place to a 
lower: along the course or current of. 

downward (doun'ward), adj. tending 
to the ground; moving from a higher 
to a lower place, grade, or direc- 
tion; descending '.adv. from a higher 
to a lower condition, state, or place; 
from the source. Also downwards. 

dowry (dou'ri), n. [pi. dowries (dou'- 
riz)], the property a woman brings 
to her husband at marriage; gift 
or possession. 

doxology (doks-ol'o-ji) , n. [pi. dox- 
ologies (doks-ol'o-jiz)], an as- 
cription or short hvmn of praise to 
God. [Greek.] 

doze (doz), v.i. to sleep lightly or fit- 
fully: n. a light sleep, or nap. 

dozen (duz'n), n. twelve units. [A 
remnant of the duodecimal system.] 

drab (drab), n. a kind of thick dull 
brown or yellowish-grey woolen 
cloth; a tint of such a color; a dis- 
solute woman; a prostitute: adj. 
of a drab color. 

draft (draft), n. a sketch or outline; 
bill of exchange; an order for mon- 
ey; detachment of soldiers; the act 
of drawing a load; the state of be- 


ing drawn; the act of drinking or 
the amount drunk at once; an out- 
line or sketch; the act of sweeping 
with a net; the quantity of fish 
caught at one draw of the net; the 
depth of water a vessel draws or 
to which she sinks ; a current of 
air: v.t. to delineate or sketch out; 
call forth; select by a draft for mili- 
tary service. 

drag (drag), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. dragged, 
p.pr. dragging], to pull or draw 
along by force; draw along slowly 
or heavily; haul; tug: v.t. to trail 
along _ the ground: n. the act of 
dragging; a net or apparatus for 
drawing along the bottom of the 
water: a coach drawn by four 
horses; a kind of sledge for heavy 
loads: the difference between the 
draft of water forward or aft of a ship. 

dragon (drag'un), n. a fabulous animal 
represented as a winged serpent or 
lizard ; a fierce person; a winged 
heraldic beast: adj. fierce: destruc- 
tive. [Greek.] 

dragoon (dra-goon'), n. originally a 
kind of mounted infantry, now cav- 
alry, either light or heavy, wearing 
helmets: v.t. to harass or reduce to 
submission by military force; to 
harass: to worry; to force into some 
action against one's will. 

drain (dran), v.t. to draw off grad- 
ually; exhaust: v.i. to become dry: 
n. a channel or pipe for superfluous 
water; a sewer; the act of exhaust- 
ing. 

drake (drak), n. a male duck. 

dram (dram), n. 1-Sth of an ounce 
troy, and l-16th of an ounce avoir- 
dupois; a small quantity of spiritu- 
ous liquor. 

drama (dra'ma), n. a. prose or poet- 
ical composition depicting a story of 
human life in character , &c, on the 
stage; theatrical entertainment. 

dramatic (dra-mat'ik) , adj. pertain- 
ing to, or appropriate to, the drama. 

drank, p.t. & p.p. of drink. 

drape (drap), v.t. to cover with cloth; 
arrange in folds^ or hangings. 

drapery (dra'per-i), n. [pi. draperies 
(dra'per-iz)], textile cloths pr fabrics 
used for garments or hangings; cos- 
tumes represented in sculpture or 
painting. 


ate, arm, at, awl 


me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


DRASTIC 


158 


DRIP 


drastic (dras'tik), adj. powerful; 
vigorous; severe. [Greek.] 

draught (draft), n. Same as draft. 

draw (draw), v.t. [p.t. drew, p.p. 
drawn, p.pr. drawing], to pull along 
or haul; raise; suck in; pull out; 
force out; elongate; disembowel; 
win, as in a lottery; drive or beat 
out; sketch; draft ; require a cer- 
tain depth to float in; entice or al- 
lure; induce; receive; write out; 
leave undecided : v.i. to produce mo- 
tion; act as an inducement; shrink; 
come together or near; practice 
drawing; settle in the water to a 
certain depth: n. the act of draw- 
ing ; a lot or chance drawn ; a game 
left undecided; a feeler; the act of 
drawing a covert. 

drawer (draw'er), n. one who draws; a 
draftsman; a sliding box-like ar- 
rangement for holding clothes, pa- 
pers, &c; one who draws a bill of 
exchange, or an order for the pay- 
ment of money: pi. an under-gar- 
ment worn by both sexes, covering 
the lower part of the body and 
legs. 

drawl (drawl), v.t. to utter in a slow, 
lazy tone: n. a slow, lazy manner of 
speaking. 

drawn (drawn), p. adj. left unde- 
cided; disemboweled; contracted. 

dray (dra), n. a low, stoutly-built 
cart used for heavy loads. 

dread (dred), v.t. to fear greatly; an- 
ticipate with shrinking or terror; 
venerate: %i. m to be in great fear: 
n. apprehensive terror; reverential 
awe: adj. awful; solemn. 

dreadful (dred 'fool), adj. inspiring 
dread. 

dream (drem), n. a train of thoughts 
or images passing through the mind 
during sleep; an idle fancy: v.t. [p.t. 
& p.p. dreamt, p.pr. dreaming], to 
see or imagine in sleep; think about 
vainly: v.i. to have a train of ideas 
in sleep. 

dreary (drer'i), adj. cheerless; 
gloomy. 

dredge (drej), n. a drag or instru- 
ment for sweeping the bottoms of 
rivers to bring up something: v.t. 
to clean out and deepen by a dredge; 
gather with a dredge; sprinkle flour 
upon. 


dregs (dregz), n.pl. the sediment of 
liquor; lees; worthless matter. 

drench (drench), v.t. to wet thorough- 
ly; steep in moisture; forcibly ad- 
minister a draft to: n. a large draft; 
a dose of medicine for a horse or cattle. 

dress (dres),v.t. [p.t. & p.p. dressed, 
p.pr. dressing], to invest with, or 
as with, clothing; adorn; deck out; 
embellish; prepare or make ready; 
cook; curry or rub down; adjust 
to a straight line; prune or trim: v.i. 
to put on clothes: n. a covering for 
the body; a robe; external finish or 
ornament; adjustment. [Old French.] 

drew (droo), p.t. of draw. 

dried (drld), p.t. & p.p. of dry. 

drier (dri'er), n. one who, or that 
which, dries; a substance added to 
paint, &c, causing it to dry quick- 
ly; an apparatus for drying off 
moisture. 

drift (drift), n. the direction in 
w T hich anything is driven; an im- 
pellent force ; overbearing influence ; 
an accumulation heaped up by sea 
or wind; tendency; scope; the hori- 
zontal passage of a mine; a collec- 
tion of loose earth, rocks, &c, trans- 
ported from a distance by the 
agency of ice; leeway made in a 
gale; the direction of a current: v.t. 
to drive along, or in heaps; coyer 
with driftage: v.i. to be carried 
along by a current, or by circum- 
stances; accumulate in heaps. 

drill (dril), v.t. to pierce with a 
drill; bore; perforate; instruct thor- 
oughly in the rudiments of any busi- 
ness, &c; train; sow in lines or 
rows: v.i. to engage in military ex- 
ercises: n. a tool for boring or mak- 
ing holes in a hard substance; a 
machine for sowing seeds in rows; 
military exercise. 

drink (dringk), y.i. m [p.t. drank, p.p. 
drunk, p.pr. drinking], to swallow a 
liquid; imbibe alcoholic liquors ha- 
bitually: n. any beverage swallowed 
to quench thirst; as much liquor as 
can be taken at once; strong or in- 
toxicating liquor. 

drip (drip), v.i. [p.t. & p.p. dripped, 
p.pr. dripping], to fall in drops: v.t. 
to let fall in drops: n. that which 
falls in drops; a projecting cornice 
to throw off rain. 


ate, arm, at, awl; me, merge, met; mite, mit ; note, north, not; boon, book; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


DRIVE 159 DUCAL 

drive (driv), v.t. [p.t. drove, p.p. by immersion in water; overwhelm; 

driven, p.pr. driving], to impel or inundate; deluge, 

urge forward by force; propel; com- drowse (drouz), v.i. to be heavy with 

municate motion to; convey in a sleepiness; be half -asleep: n. a light 

vehicle: v.i. to press, or be impelled, sleep. 

forward with violence; travel in a drowsy (drouz'i), adj. sleepy; sluggish, 

carriage; aim a blow [with let]: n. drub (drub), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. drubbed, 

the act of driving or impelling; a p.pr. drubbing], to bea't vigorously: 

strong blow; a road prepared for n. a thump. 

driving; an excursion in a carriage; drudge (drudj), v.i. to labor hard at 

an annual gathering of cattle for mean or uncongenial tasks; slave: 

branding; a forward blow given to v.t. to spend or pass laboriously: n. 

a ball at cricket; a forward movement one employed in menial work who 

in force by an army. works hard for insufficient remu- 

drizzle (driz'l), v.i. to rain slightly neration. 

or in misty drops: n. fine misty rain, drug (drug), n. an ingredient used 
droll (drol), adj. ridiculous; queer. in medicine; a narcotic; an unsal- 
drone (dron), v.i. to utter in a mo- able article: v.t. [p.t. & p.p. drug- 
notonous tone or sound; live in idle- ged, p.pr. drugging], to mix drugs 
ness: v.t. to read in a monotonous with; render stupid by a narcotic 
tone: n. a dull, monotonous tone; drug; to take or to administer drugs 
one of the pipes of a bagpipe; the habitually. [French.l 
male of the honey-bee which pro- drugget (drug'et), n. a coarse woolen 
duces no_ honey; a lazy fellow. fabric used as a floor-cloth. 
droop (droop), v.i. to sink or hang drum (drum), n. an instrument of 
down; languish; bend down gradu- percussion, consisting of a hollow 
ally: v.t. cause to hang down: n. cylinder with vellum at the ends, 
the act of drooping. and beaten with sticks (drum- 
drop (drop), v.i. [p.t. & p.p. dropped, sticks); the tympanum of the ear 
dropt, 'p.pr. dropping], to fall in beat a drum; beat up recruits; beat 
drops; distil; sink to a lower posi- rapidly with the fingers: v.t. to play 
tion; fall in death; visit informally on a drum ; din ; expel ignominiously 
[with in]: v.t. to let fall; discon- [with out]. [Danish.] 
tinue; utter casually; send off (a drunk (drungk), p.p. of drink: n. a 
hasty note): n. a globule of mois- fit of drunkenness; a drunken per- 
ture; something that hangs like a son: adj. intoxicated, 
drop; a small quantity of a liquid; a drunkard (drungk'ard), n. one habit- 
falling trap-door; the painted cur- ually drunk. 

tain of a theater (drop-scene): pi. dry (dri), adj. [comp. drier, superl. 
medicine regulated by drops. driest], free from moisture or wet- 
dropsy (drop'si), n. an unnatural accu- ness; not yielding juices; devoid of 
mulation of serous fluid in any interest; unintentionally humorous 
cavity of the body or its tissues; a or quaint: v.t. free from moisture or 
disease affecting the food-sac of juice; stop the flow of; parch, 
young trout; blue swelling. dry dock (dri'dok), n. a dock, or basin, 
dropt, p.t. & p.p. of drop. in which ships are laid up dry for re- 
dross (dros), n. the scum or slag of pairs. 

melted metal; sediment; refuse. dual (du'al), adj. expressing or com- 

drought (drout), n. continued ab- posed of the number two.: n. the 

sence of rain or moisture; 'dry- form of the noun or verb connoting 

ness. two persons or tilings, as in Greek. 

drove (drov), v.t. of drive: n. a collec- duality (du-al'i-ti), n. the 3tate or 

tion of cattle or sheep driven in a quality of being twofold; division 

body; a crowd; sprats caught early into two. _ 

in the season. dubious (du'bi-us), adj. doubtful, 

drown (droun), v.i. to perish by suf- ducal (du'kal), adj. pertaining to a 

focation in water: v.t. to suffocate duke. 

ate, arm, at, awl; me, merge, met; mite, mit ; note, north, not; boon, book; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


DUCHESS 


160 


DUPLICATE 


duchess (duch'es), n. the consort or 
widow of a duke. 

duck (duk), n. any bird of the fam- 
ily Anatidse, especially the domestic 
duck; the female of this bird, as dis- 
tinguished from the drake; an ex- 
pression of endearment, also of 
slight contempt; a strong linen un- 
twilled fabric: pi. sailors' trousers or 
light clothes worn in hot climates: 
v.i. to plunge the head under water 
and then withdraw it quickly; bob 
the head. 

duct (dukt), n. a passage, tube, or 
canal by which a fluid or secretion 
is conveyed. 

ductile (duk'til) , adj. capable of being 
drawn out into threads or wire; 
tractable. 

dude (dud), n. a kind of dandy, 
characterized by over-affectedness 
in manners, dress, &c. [Slang.] 

dudgeon (duj'un)^ n. sullen anger; 
resentment; ill-will. 

due (du), adj. owed or owing; pay- 
able; fulfilling obligation; suitable 
to a case;_ ascribable; proper: adv. 
exactly; directly: n. that which is 
owed or required by an obligation; 
a custom, toll, tribute, or fee. 

duel (du'el), n. a combat between two 
persons with deadly weapons: v.i. 
to fight in a duel. [French.] 

duet (du-ef), n. a vocal or instru- 
mental composition for two per- 
formers. Also duetto. [Italian.] 

duff(duf), n. a pudding of flour, &c, 
boiled in a bag; a vegetable growth 
accumulated in forest ground. When 
duff is dealt out to sailors, sweetened 
or with currants, they style it 
"plum-duff." 

dug, p.t. & p.p. of dig: n. a teat. 

dugout (dugout), n. a canoe hol- 
lowed out from a log; a rough kind 
of shelter excavated in the side of a 
hill or bank. 

duke (duk) , n. the highest order in the 
British peerage and ranking next 
below an archbishop and the princes 
of the blood. A m title given in 
monarchical countries on the Con- 
tinent of Europe, but carrying no 
right to legislate, as is the case with 
peers of the United Kingdom. 

dulcet (dul'set), adj. sweet or pleas- 
ant to the ear; harmonious. 


dull (dul), adj. slow of apprehension 
or action; stupid; sluggish; with- 
out sensibility; not bright or clear 
to the eye; blunt; without wind: 
v.t. to deprive of sharpness; make 
stupid or heavy; tarnish. 

duly (du'li), adv. in a fit and becom- 
ing manner; fitly; regularly. 

dumb (dum), adj. incapable of speech. 

dummy (dum'i), n. [pi. dummies 
(dum'iz)], one who is mute or 
silent; that which imitates a reality; 
an exposed hand at whist when three 
persons are playing: adj. fictitious. 

dump (dump), n. a thud or heavy 
sound; anything short, thick, and 
heavy; a place to discharge rub- 
bish in: pi. low spirits: v.t. to throw 
down and empty. 

dumpling (dump'ling), n. a pudding 
of paste or dough, often put around 
fruit or meat. 

dun (dun), adj.^ of a dull brown col- 
or: n. a creditor who presses per- 
sistently for payment of a debt; a 
fortified eminence; earthwork; 
mound: v.t. [p.t. & p.p. dunned, 
p.pr. dunning], to urge 'importunate- 
ly, especially for a debt; cure, as 
codfish, after salting, to impart a 
dark color. 

dunce (duns), n. a dull, ignorant 
person. 

dune (dun), a heap of drifted sand 
piled up on the sea-shore by the 
action of the wind. 

dung (dung), n. the excrement of 
animals; anything filthy or rotten: 
v.t. to manure with dung. 

dungeon (dun'jun), n. the principal 
keep of a mediaeval castle; a dark 
underground cell; a prison. 

duodecimal (du-o-des'i-mal), adj. con- 
sisting of, or computing by, twelves. 

dupe (dup), n. one who is, or can be, 
easily tricked; a credulous person: 
v.t. to deceive by trickery; cheat. 

duplex (dii'pleks), adj. double; com- 
pound: applied to the transmission 
of two telegraphic messages over 
a single wire at the same time: v.i. 
to transmit telegraphic messages by 
the duplex system. 

duplicate (du'pli-kat), v.t. to make or 
render double; make a copy or 
copies of: v.i. to celebrate Mass or 
receive the Eucharist twice in one 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, nCrth, not ; boon, book 
hue, hut; think, then. 


DUPLICITY 


161 


DYSPEPSIA 


day: adj. corresponding exactly with 
another; twofold; double; growing 
in pairs: n. facsimile; counterpart; 
an exact copy. 

duplicity (du-plis'i-ti), n. deceit; 
hypocrisy. 

durable (du'ra-bl), adi. not perishing; 
permanent; stable; lasting; 

durance (du'rans), n. imprisonment. 
[French.] 

duration (du-ra'shun), n. continuance 
in time; permanency. 

during (dur'ing), prep, in the time 
of; at some period of. 

durst (derst), p.t. of dare. 

dusk (dusk), adj. tending to dark- 
ness; shadowy; swarthy: n. incip- 
ient darkness; twilight. [Swedish.] 

dust (dust), n. fine dry particles of 
matter; a stirring of such fine par- 
ticles; gold-dust, hence money; un- 
organized matter; pollen; obscurity; 
confusion: v.t. to brush away from; 
cover with a powdered substance. 

dutiful (dii'ti-f ool) , adj. respectful; 
obedient to parents. 

duty (du'ti), n. \pl. duties (du'tiz)], 
obligatory service; tax, impost, or 
toll levied by Government on cer- 
tain articles. 

dwarf (dwawrf), n. a human being, 
animal, or plant much below the 
average height: adj. of smaller size 
or height than the average: v.t. hin- 
der from growing to the natural size. 


dwell (dwel), v.i. [p.t. & p.p. dwelt,, 
v.pr. dwelling], to reside for a 
length of time; have a fixed abode; 
continue; linger: i>,(, to inhabit. 

dwelling (dwel'ing), n. a house or 
place of abode. 

dwindle (dwin'dl), v.i, to become 
gradually less; diminish; decrease. 

dye (di), v.t. [p.t, t & p.p. dyed, p.pr. 
dyeing], to stain or color: v.i. to 
follow the trade of a dyer: n. a col- 
oring liquid or stain. 

dynamic (di-nam'ik), adj. pertaining 
to mechanical forces not in equilib- 
rium; effective. [Greek.] n.pl. that 
branch of mechanics which treats of 
the effects of force in producing 
motion. Also kinetics, 

dynamite (di'na-mit), n. a highly ex- 
plosive compound of nitro-glycerine 
mixed with sawdust or infusorial 
silica: v.t. to destroy by dyna- 
mite. 

dynamo (di'na-mo), n. an electric ma- 
chine for converting mechanical into 
electric energy. 

dynasty (di'nas-ti), n. [pi. dynasties 
(di'nas-tiz)], a lineor succession of 
sovereigns of a particular family ; the 
length of time during which a cer- 
tain family rei-ms, 

dysentery (dis'ei. -ter-i) , n. a tropic-* 
al disease akin to diarrhoea, at- 
tended with fever. 

dyspepsia (dis-pep'si-a) , n. indigestion* 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, nOrth, not ; boon, book ;• 
hue, hut; think, then. 


E 


E, the fifth letter of the English al- earth; place in connection with the 

phabet, deriving its form from a earth: v.i. to burrow. 

Phoenician sign through the Greek earthly (erth'li), adj. pertaining to the 

and Latin scripts. E occurs with earth; sensual; worldly; possible; 

great frequency because it came in- conceivable. 

discriminately to take the place of earthquake (erth'kwak), n. a shaking 

other vowels at the end of words in or trembling of the earth produced 

Latin, a, i(s),u(s). by subterranean volcanic forces. 

each (ech), adj. & pron. every one; ease (ez), n. freedom from pain, dis- 

either. _ turbance, labor, or affectation; 

eager (e'ger), adj. impetuous; vehe- quiet; repose; facility: v.t. to free 

ment; earnest; keen; enthusias- from pain, anxiety, or trouble; give 

tic. rest or relief. 

eagle (e'gl), n. a bird of prey, genus easel (e'zl), n. a wooden frame or 

Aquila, noted for its strength, size, tripod for supporting a canvas, 

and keenness of vision; a gold coin blackboard, &c. 

of the United States = 10 dollars; the east (est), n. that part of the heavens 

military standard of ancient where the sun is seen to rise; one 

Rome. of the four cardinal points; the 

ear (er), n. the organ of hearing; eastern part of the earth: adj. com- 

delicate perception of sounds; at- ing from the east; near the altar of 

tention; a spike of corn; anything a church, as seen from the nave: 

that resembles an ear. adv. in an easterly direction. 

earl (erl), n. an English nobleman next Easter (es'ter), n. a festival of the 

in rank below a marquis. On the Christian Church to commemorate 

Continent the title "count" is the the resurrection of Jesus Christ: 

same in origin. adj. pertaining to Easter._ 

early (er'li), # adj. [comp. earlier, easy (ez'i), adj. [comp : easier, superl. 

superl. earliest 1 ], before the usual easiest], free from pain, disturbance, 

time; seasonable: adv. soon; sea- &c; not burdensome; moderate; 

sonably. credulous; natural; _ not formal; 

earn (ern), v.t. to gain as a just yielding; gentle; self-indulgent: adv. 

recompense for one's labor, service, easily. 

&c; merit. eat (et), v.t. [p.t. ate, p.p. eaten, p.pr. 

earnest (ern'est) , ac?; . in serious reality; eating], to chew ana swallow, as 

serious in speech or action; ardent; food; devour; consume; corrode; 

zealous; eager: n. a portion of waste or wear away: v.i. to take 

something given or done in advance food; penetrate; taste, 

as a pledge. eaves (evz), n.pl. the edges of the 

earth (erth), n. the inhabited terra- roof which overhang a build- 

queous globe; the solid materials ing. 

which compose the globe; ground; ebb (eb), n. the flowing back of the 

soil; a region or land; worldly tide; ebb-tide; decline: v.i. to flow 

things or interests: the inhabitants back or return, as the tide to the 

of the globe; that part of the ground sea; decline; recede, 

forming part of an electric cir- ebony (eb'un-i). n. a hard, heavy, dur- 

cuit: v.t. to hide or bury in the able black-colored wood [pi. ebonies 

ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit : note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


EBULLITION 


163 


E'ER 


(eb'un-iz)], negroes: adj. made of, or 
like, ebony. 

ebullition (eb-u-lish'un), n. the act 
of boiling; effervescence; a sudden 
outburst of feeling. 

eccentric (ek-sen'trik), adj. not sit- 
uated in, or deviating from, the cen- 
ter; peculiar in manner or char- 
acter; erratic; not having the same 
center: opposed to concentric: n. a 
circle or sphere not having the same 
center as another circle; a mechani- 
cal device for converting continuous 
circular motion into reciprocating 
rectilinear motion. 

ecclesiastical (e-kle-zi-as'ti-kal), adj. 
pertaining to the Church and its 
organization or government. 

echo (ek'o), n. [pi. echoes (ek'oz)], the 
repetition of a sound caused by 
reflection ; the _ repetition of the 
words or opinions of others : v.i. 
[p.t. & p.p. echoed, p.pr. echoing], 
to emit an echo; give, or reflect 
back, a sound: v.t. to repeat the 
sound of; repeat closely (the words, 
&c, of others). 

eclat (a-kla'), n. a bursting forth, as 
of applause or admiration; renown; 
striking effect; splendor. [French.] 

eclectic (ek-lek'tik) , adj. selecting or 
choosing from different systems, doc- 
trines, or sources; liberal and broad 
in taste or belief: n. one of a class 
of ancient philosophers. [Greek.] 

eclipse (e-klips'), n. the total or par- 
tial obscuration of the light of a 
heavenly body caused by its entering 
the shadow of another body: hence 
diminution: obscuration; temporary 
failure: adj. pertaining to an eclipse: 
v.t. to cover or obscure by an eclipse; 
darken or conceal; overshadow. 

ecliptic (e-klip'tik), n. the apparent 
path of the sun, or real path of the 
earth, in the heavens during a year. 

economize (e-kon'o-miz), v.t. to man- 
age with care or frugality: v.i. to be 
careful in outlay. 

economy (e-kon'o-mi), n. [pi. econ- 
omies (e-kon'o-miz)], the regulation 
of household affairs ; frugality in ex- 
penditure; any system of religious 
laws, rites, or ceremonies. [Greek.] 

ecstasy (ek'sta-si), n. [pi. ecstasies 
(ek'sta-siz)], the state of being beside 


one's self; excessive joy; a kind cf 
cataleptic trance. [Greek.] 

eczema (ek'ze-ma), n. an inflamma- 
tory disease of the skin. 

eddy (ed'i), n. [pi. eddies (ed'iz)], a 
contrary current of air or water 
causing a circular motion; a small 
whirlpool: v.i. to move with a circu- 
lar motion; whirl. 

edge (ej), n. the thin, sharp or cut- 
ting part of an instrument; extreme 
border; brink; margin; keenness; 
mental acuteness: v.t. to furnish 
with an edge or a border; exasper- 
ate; incite; move forward little by 
little: v.i. to sail close to the wind 

edible (ed'i-bl), adj. fit to be eaten a« 
food: n. something fit to be eaten 
[usually in pi.]. [Latin.] 

edict (e'dikt), n. a public proclama- 
tion or decree issued by a sovereign 
and having the force of a law. 

edify (ed'i-fl), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. edified, 
p.pr. edifying], to build up or 
strengthen, especially in faith or 
morals; impart instruction to. 

edit (ed'it), v.t. to revise and prepare 
for publication; direct, select, and 
adapt literary matter for the press; 
make a revision of. 

edition (e-dish'un), n. the published 
form of a literary work; the number 
of copies of a book, magazine, or 
newspaper published at one time; 
reproduction. 

editor (ed'i-ter), n. one who superin- 
tends, revises, or prepares a literary 
work for publication; one who con- 
ducts a newspaper, magazine, &c. 

editorial (ed-i-tor'i-al) , adj. pertaining 
to an editor, or his duties: n. a lead- 
ing article. 

educate (ed'u-kat), v.t. to impart 
knowledge to ; cultivate the moral or 
intellectual faculties of; instruct; 
train. 

education (ed-u-ka'shun) , n. the act, 
process, or result of educating; the 
systematic training of the moral and 
intellectual faculties; the rearing of 
animals. 

eel (el), n. an elongated fish, destitute 
of ventral _ fins, having a slippery 
mucous skin. 

e'en (en), contraction of even and 
evening. [Poetical.] 

e'er (ar), contraction of ever. 


ate, arm, at, awl;, me, merge, met; mite, mit ; note, north, not; boon, book; 
•jl hue, hut ; think, then, 


EFFACE 


164 


ELBOW 


efface (ef-fas'), v.t. to obliterate; 
render indistinguishable; destroy. 

effable (ef'a-bl), adj. capable of be- 
ing expressed. 

effect (ef-fekf), v.t. to produce as a 
cause, consequence, or result; ac- 
complish; fulfil: n. result; purpose; 
realization; efficiency; purport: pi. 
goods; personal estate. 

effective (ef-f ekt'iv) , adj. having the 
power to effect; operative; efficient; 
powerful: n. a soldier fit for duty. 

effeminate (ef-fem'i-nat), v.t. to make 
womanish or delicate: v.i. become 
womanish: adj. having the qualities 
or characteristics of a woman; deli- 
cate or unmanly. [Latin.] 

efferent (ef'fer-ent), adj. conveying or 
discharging outwards. 

effervesce (ef-fer-ves'), v.i. to be in a 
state of natural ebullition ; bubble 
or hiss. [Latin.] 

effete (ef-fet/), adj. worn out; barren; 
exhausted. 

efficacy (ef'i-ka-si), n. power to pro- 
duce results or effects; ability. 

efficient (e-fish'ent), adj. producing 
or causing effects or results; power- 
ful; ready: n. an agent or cause; a 
qualified person. 

effigy (ef'i-ji), n. [pi. effigies (ef'i-jiz)], 
an image; a likeness or figure in 
sculpture, painting, or on coins, &c. 

efflorescence (e-flo-res'ens), n. the 
time or state of flowering; the pro- 
duction of flowers; redness of the 
skin; the formation of fine white 
crystals on the surface of efflorescing 
substances. 

effluence (ef flu-ens), n. an issuing 
out. 

effluvium (e-flu'vi-um), n. [pi. effluvia 
(e-flu'vi-a)], an invisible subtle em- 
anation ; disagreeable exhalations 
arising from decaying matter. 

efflux (ef'fluks), n. the act of flowing 
out; effluence; emanation; a passing 
away. 

effort (effort), n. strenuous exertion, 
physical or mental; struggle; at- 
tempt. 

effrontery (e-f runt'er-i) , n. impu- 
dence. 

effulgence (e-ful'jens), n. a great lus- 
ter, brightness, or splendor. 

effusive (e-fu'siv), adj. pouring forth 
freely or widely. 


©gg.(eg). n. the oval or roundish body 
laid by birds and certain other ani- 
mals, from which their young are 
produced; something shaped like an 
egg; the germ or first principle of 
anything: v.t. to urge on or incite; 
pett with eggs. 

ego (e'go), pr. I: n. self; personality. 
[Latin.] 

egotism (e'go- or eg'o-tizm), n. self- 
exaltation in thought, speech, or 
writing; vanity. Also egoism. 

egregious (e-gre'jus), adj. extraordi- 
nary. 

egress (e'gres), n. departure. 

eider (I'der), n. a large marine duck, 
the down of which is an article of 
commercial value. [Icelandic] 

eight (at), adj. one more than 7: a 
cardinal numeral: n. the sum of 7 
and 1 ; a symbol (8, VIII., viii.) de- 
noting this number. 

eighteen (a/ten), adj. one more than 
17: a cardinal numeral: n. the sum 
of 17 and 1; a symbol (18, XVIII., 
xviii.) denoting this number. 

eighth (a'th), adj. next after sev- 
enth: an ordinal numeral: n. an in- 
terval of an octave. 

eightieth (a'ti-eth), adj. next to 79th. 

eighty (a'ti), adj. 8 times 10. 

either (e' or i'ther), adj. one or the 
other of two; both: pron. one of 
two: conj. the correlative to or. 

ejaculate (e-jak'u-lat), v.t. to utter 
suddenly: v.i. to utter ejaculations. 

eject (e-jekt'), v.t. to cast forth; dis- 
miss from office; evict. 

ejection (e-jek'shun), n. expulsion. 

eke (ek), v.t. to extend or lengthen 
[with out]: adv. also; likewise. [Poet.] 

elaborate (e-lab'6-rat), v.t. to pro- 
duce with labor; improve or refine 
with study or labor: adj. highly- 
finished; complicated. 

elapse (e-laps'), v.i. to slip or glide 
away; run out without notice. 

elastic (e-las'tik) , adj. springing back : 
having the power of returning to its 
original form; rebounding; springy; 
capable of extension: n. an elastic 
woven fabric made partly of india- 
rubber. 

elate (e-lat'), v.t. to raise the spirits 
of; cause to feel exultant; excite. 

elbow (el'b5), n. the joint or bend of 
the arm; anything bent or curved 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


ELDER 


165 


ELK 


like an elbow: v.t. to thrust on one 
side. 

elder (el'der), adj. older; exceeding an- 
other in age; prior in time, origin, 
or appointment : n. one older in age, 
rank, or station. 

elect (e-lekt'), v.t. to choose for any 
office or use ; choose by ballot ; select 
from a number: adj. taken in prefer- 
ence ; chosen to an office but not yet 
invested with the dignity: n.pl. 
those chosen to eternal hie by Divine 
Sovereignty. 

election (e-lek'shun), n. the act of 
electing ;_ voluntary preference. 

elective (e-lek'tiv), adj. regulated by 
choice; exerting the power of choice; 
opposed to hereditary; having the 
tendency to attract, or combine 
with. 

electricity (e-lek-tris'i-ti) , n. an im- 
ponderable and invisible agent pro- 
ducing light, heat, chemical decom- 
position, and other physical phenom- 
ena; the science of the laws and 
phenomena which characterize elec- 
tricity. 

electrify (e-lek'tri-fl), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. 
electrified, p.pr. electrifying], to 
charge with, or act upon, by elec- 
tricity; pass an electric current 
through. Also electrize. 

electro (e-lek'tro), a Greek prejix de- 
noting electricity as the motive 

. power or operating agent. 

electrocution (e-lek-tro-ku'shun) , n. 
the act of electrocuting. 

electron (e-lek'tron) , n. an atom 
corpuscle; the Beta ray of radium; 
the carrier of negative electricity. 

electroplate (e-lek'tro-plat), v.t. to 
cover or give a coating of metal to 
by means of a current of electricity: 
n. an article thus coated: generally 
applied to silver plate. 

electrotype (e-lek/tro-tip), n. a fac- 
simile in metal of any object made: 
v.t. to take a copy of by electrical 
deposition. 

eleemosynary (el-e-mos'i-na-ri) , adj. 
pertaining to alms; devoted to 
charitable purposes ; dependent 
upon charity: n. one who lives on 
alms. 

elegance (el'e-gans), n. [pi. elegances 
(el'e-gan-siz)], the state or quality 


of being elegant; polish; refinement; 
symmetry. [French.] 

elegant (el'e-gant), adj. characterized 
by refinement and good taste; re- 
fined; polished; beautiful in form, 
color, or design. 

elegy (el'e-ji), n. [pi. elegies (el'e-jiz)], 
a funeral song or ode; dirge; re- 
quiem. 

element (el'e-ment), n. a first or con- 
stituent principle; a component or 
essential part; a substance which 
cannot be decomposed by any known 
method; natural environment; in- 
gredient: pi. the letters or sounds 
of the alphabet; the Eucharistic 
bread and wine. 

elephant (el'e-fant), n. a large five- 
toed proboscidian mammal with a 
flexible trunk and large tusks. 

elevate (el'e-vat), v.t. to raise from a 
lower to a higher position; ennoble; 
animate; inspire; raise by training 
or education; to intoxicate slightly. 

elevator (el'e-va-ter), n. that which 
raises up or exalts; a hoisting ma- 
chine or lift; a warehouse for the 
storage of grain. 

eleven (e-lev'n), adj. 10 with 1 added: 
a cardinal numeral: n. the sum of 10 
with 1 added. 

elf (elf), n. [pi. elves (elvz)l, a di- 
minutive mischievous sprite sup- 
posed to haunt hills and wild places; 
a dwarf; fairy. 

elicit (e-lis'it), v.t. to draw out. [Latin.] 

elide (e-lkT), v.t. to slur over, or cut 
off, as a final vowel. [Latin.] 

eligible (ei'i-ji-bl) , adj. capable of 
being, or fit to be, chosen; legally 
qualified. 

eliminate (e-lim'i-nat), v.t. to leave 
out of consideration, or cast 
aside. 

elision (e-lizh'un), n. the cutting off 
of a vowel or syllable for the sake 
of euphony, as o'er for over. 

elite (a-let'), n. the choicest part, as 
of society, a profession, an army, 
&c. 

elixir (e-lik'ser), n. an imaginary 
liquid of the alchemists supposed to 
be capable of prolonging life indefi- 
nitely, and of changing baser metals 
into gold; a tincture, essence, or 
cordial. [Arabic] 

elk (elk), n. a very large deer of North 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


ELL 


166 


EMBRASURE 


America and Northern Europe; the 
moose-deer. [Icelandic] 

ell (el), n. a measure formerly used 
for cloth, varying in different coun- 
tries, an English ell being 45 
inches. 

ellipse (el-lips'), n. one of the sec- 
tions of a cone; the elliptical orbit 
of a planet. [Greek.] 

ellipsis (el-lips'is), n. the omission of a 
word or words in a sentence, the 
sense of which is obvious. 

elm (elm), n. a tree of various spe- 
cies belonging to the genus Ulmus. 

elocution (el-o-ku'shun) , n. the art, 
manner, or style of speaking in pub- 
lic; delivery. 

elongate (e-16ng'gat) , v.t. to stretch 
out; extend; lengthen. 

elope (e-lopO, v.i. to escape private- 
ly ; run away with a lover or para- 
mour. [Dutch.] 

eloquent (el'o-kwent), adj. having the 
power of fluent and elegant oratory. 

else (els), adv. besides; otherwise. 

elsewhere (els'hwar), adv. in another 
place. 

elucidate (e-lus'i-dat), v.t. to make 
clear; render intelligible; illus- 
trate. 

elude (e-lud'), v.t. to avoid by artifice 
or dexterity ; shun ; escape. 

em (em), n. the square body of any 
size of type, serving as a unit of 
measurement^ 

emaciate (e-ma'shi-at), v.i. to lose 
flesh gradually; pine away: v.t. to 
make thin. [Latin.] 

emanate (em'a-nat), v.i. to flow out, 
issue, or proceed, as from a source. 

emancipate (e-man'si-pat), v.t. to 
liberate from servitude or bondage; 
set free; enfranchise. _ 

emasculate (e-mas'ku-lat), v.t. to 
castrate; deprive of virility; weaken 
by expurgation; adj. castrated. 

embalm (em-bam'), v.t. to preserve 
from decay by balsams, aromatic 
spices or antiseptics. 

embank (em-bangk'), v.t. to inclose 
with a bank; protect by a bank. 

embargo (em-bar'go), n. [pi. embar- 
goes (em-bar'goz)], an order by au- 
thority prohibiting the departure 
of vessels from a port. 

embark (em-bark'), v.t. to put on 
board ship; venture or invest: v.i. to 


go on board a vessel; engage in any 
affairs. 

embarrass (em-bar'as), v.t. to hinder; 
perplex; involve in pecuniary diffi- 
culties; distress. 

embassy (em'ba-si), n. [pi. embassies 
(em'ba-siz)], the public function, or 
official residence of an ambassador. 

embattled (em-bat'ld), p. adj. fur- 
nished with battlements; drawn up 
in battle array. 

embed (em-bed'), v.t. to lay in, or as 
in, a bed; set in surrounding mat- 
ter. 

embellish (em-bel'ish) , v.t. to make 
beautiful; set off by ornamentation. 

ember (em'ber), n. a small live coal 
or unextinguished smoldering ashes. 

embezzle (em-bez'l), v.t. to appropri- 
ate fraudulently, as property en- 
trusted to one's care. 

embitter (em-bit'er), v.t. to make bit- 
ter, or more bitter; exasperate. 
Also imbitter. 

emblazon (em-bla'zn), v.t. to adorn 
with heraldic figures; blazon; deco- 
rate; celebrate the praises of. 

emblem (em'blem), n. a symbolical fig- 
ure or design ; a visible sign of an idea. 

embody (em-bod'i), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. 
embodied, p.pr. embodying], to 
collect into one mass or united 
whole; invest with, or as with, a 
material body; v.i. to coalesce. 

embolden (em-bold'en), v.t. to en- 
courage. 

embosom (em-booz'um), v.t. to hold 
in the bosom; inclose in the midst; 
shelter. 

emboss (em-bos'), v.t. to cover with 
bosses or studs; raise in relief from 
the surface. 

embower (em-bou'er), v.t. to cover 
with, or as with, a bower: v.i. to rest, 
as in a bower; form a bower. 

embrace (em-bras'), v.t. to take in 
close, or press to the bosom with 
affection; hug; cling to; receive 
with willingness; in law, to attempt 
to influence by threats or bribes: 
v.i. to join in an embrace: n. the act 
of embracing; a clasping in the arms; 
a hug. 

embrasure (em-bra'zhur) , n. an open- 
ing in a wall or parapet from which to 
fire guns; a window or door having 
its sides slanted on the inside. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


EMBROCATE 


167 


ENABLE 


embrocate (em'bro-kat), v.t. to mois- 
ten and rub, as a diseased or injured 
part, with a lotion. 

embroider (em-broid'er), v.t. to deco- 
rate with needlework; embellish with 
additions. 

embroil (em-broil'), v.t. to throw into 
confusion; involve in contention; 
mix up; entangle. 

embryo (em'bri-o), n. [pi. embryos 
(em'bri-oz)], the first germ or rudi- 
ment of an organism ; the first or 
undeveloped state of anything. 

emend (e-mend'), v.t. to. alter or 
correct a text or manuscript. 

emerge (e-merj'), v.i. to rise up, or 
come forth, from anything which 
conceals; become apparent. 

emergency (e-mer'jen-si), n. [pi. 
emergencies (e-iner'jen-siz)], a sud- 
den occasion; pressing necessity; 
strait; crisis: adj. pertaining to, or 
used in, an emergency. 

emeritus (e-mer'i-tus), adj. retired 
from service with honor: said of a 
university or college professor, or of 
the rector of a church. [Latin.] 

emery (em'er-i), n. a very hard va- 
riety of corundum; used when pow- 
dered for grinding or polishing. 

emetic (e-met'ik), adj. inducing vom- 
iting: n. a medicine possessing 
emetic properties. 

emigrate (em'i-grat), v.i. to leave one's 
country to settle in another. 

eminent (em'i-nent), adj. _ high in 
office, rank, or reputation; dis- 
tinguished; exalted; conspicu- 
ous. 

emissary (em'i-sa : ri) , n. [pi. emis- 
saries (em'i-sa-riz)], a person, or 
agent, sent on a mission, especially 
of a secret nature. 

emit (e-mit'), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. emitted, 
p.pr. emitting], to send or give 
forth; issue, as an order or decree; 
to print and send into circulation, 
as bank notes. [Latin.] 

emollient (e-mol'yent) , adj. soften- 
ing: n. a medicine that has a soften- 
ing effect on living tissues. 

emolument (e-mql'u-ment), n. profit; 
remuneration; income; pecuniary 
gain. 

emotion (e-mo'shun), n. mental agi- 
tation; excited feeling; passion. 

emperor (em'per-er), n. the sover- 


eign or supreme ruler of an em- 
pire. 

emphasis (em'fa-sis), n. a particular 
stress of the voice on a word or 
words in reading or speaking; spe- 
cial force of language or thought. 

emphatic (em-fat'ik), adj. uttered 
with emphasis; forcibly significant; 
impressive; earnest. Also emphati- 
cal. 

empire (em'pir), n. supreme power or 
dominion; imperial rule or sover- 
eignty; the region ruled over by an 
emperor or sovereign; sway; con- 
trol. [French.] 

empiric (em-pir'ik), adj. pertaining 
to, founded upon, or derived from, 
experience. Also empirical. 

employ (em-ploi'). v.t. [p.t. & p.p. em- 
ployed, p.pr. employing], to give oc- 
cupation to; keep busy; exercise; 
make use of; apply or devote to an 
object: n. occupation. 

employment (em-ploi'ment) , n. busi- 
ness; occupation. 

emporium (em-po'ri-um), n. a com- 
mercial center or place of trade; a 
large shop. 

empower (em-pou'er), v.t. to au- 
thorize; enable. 

empress (em'pres), n. the consort or 
widow of an emperor. 

empty (emp'ti), adj. [comp. emptier 
(emp'ti-er), superl. emptiest (empti- 
est)], _ containing nothing; vague; 
unsatisfactory; destitute of force, 
knowledge, or sense; fasting; vacant: 
v.t. [p.t. & p.p. emptied, p.pr. empty- 
ing], to. deprive of the contents; pour 
out; discharge; make vacant: v.i. 
to become empty; discharge itself: 
n. {pi. empties), an empty vessel, 
packing case, or sack. 

empyrean (em-pir-e'an), adj. per- 
taining to the highest and purest re- 
gion of heaven, or the region of pure 
fire; ethereal L Also empyreal. 

emulate (em'u-lat), v.t. to strive to 
equal or excel; vie with; rival. 

emulsion (e-muTshun), n. any liquid 
preparation resembling milk; a sub- 
stance suspended in gelatine or col- 
lodion, used in the preparation of 
dry photographic plates. 

enable (en'a-bl), v.t. to make able: 
furnish with adequate means or 
power; empower. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit : note, n6rth, not ; boon, book 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


ENACT 


168 


ENDURE 


enact (en»akt'), v.t. to decree; pass 
into law; act the part of. 

enallage (en-al'a-je), n.the exchange of 
one case, mood or tense for another. 

enamel (en-am'el), n. an opaque, 
semi-transparent, or colored sub- 
stance, or glass, used in coating the 
surface of metals or porcelain, and 
afterwards fired ; anything enameled ; 
any smooth hard coating, especially 
the dense white substance of the 
teeth: v.t. cover with enamel . 

enamor (en-am'er), v.t. to captivate. 

encamp (en-kamp'), v.i. to form a 
camp; halt on the march; go into 
camp or settle in temporary quar- 
ters: v.t. to form into a camp. 

encaustic (en-kaws'tik), adj. pertain- 
ing to the art of painting in burnt 
wax. [Greek.] 

enceinte (ang-sangt') , n. the main in- 
closure of a fortress: adj. with child; 
pregnant. [French.] 

enchain (en-chan'), v.t. to hold fast 
with, or as with, a chain. 

enchant (en-chanf), v.t. to charm or 
subdue, as by spells or sorcery; be- 
witch; fill with delight. 

encircle (en-ser'kl), v.t. to form, or 
inclose, in a circle; enclasp; embrace. 

enclose. See inclose. 

enclosure. See inclosure. 

encomium (en-ko'mi-um), n. [pi. 
encomiums (en-ko'mi-umz)], formal 
praise; eulogy. [Greek.] 

encompass (en-kum'pas) , v.t. to sur- 
round. 

encore (ang-kor'),. adv. once more; 
again; n. a repetition in response to 
a call by an audience: v.t. to call 
for a repetition of. 

encounter (en-koun'ter) , v.t. to come 
upon suddenly; meet face to face: 
v.i. to come into collision; meet in 
combat: n. a sudden or accidental 
meeting; conflict; battle. 

encourage (en-kur'aj), v.t. to give, or 
inspire with, courage; stimulate. 

encroach (en-kroch'), v.i. to invade 
gradually or by stealth; infringe; 
intrude (usually with on or upon). 

encumber (en-kum'ber) , v.t. to im- 
pede; retard; clog; obstruct; load 
with debt or other legal liabilities. 

encyclical (en-sik'li-kal) , adj. sent to 
all members of a class or commu- 
nity; intended for general circula- 


tion. Also encyclic: n. a circular 
letter sent by the Pope to the bish- 
ops, treating of topics of general ec- 
clesiastical interest. [Greek.] 

encyclopaedia or encyclopedia (en- 
si-klo-pe'di-a) , n. the circle of the 
arts and sciences; a dictionary of 
the arts, sciences, and literature; a 
comprehensive summary of knowl- 
edge; a cyclopaedia. 

encyst (en-sisf), v.t. & v.i. to enclose, or 
become enclosed, in a cyst or vesicle. 

end (end), n. the extreme limit or 
terminal point of anything; purpose 
in view; design; necessary termina- 
tion, or logical outcome; death: v.t. 
to bring to an end; finish; ter- 
minate; destroy: v.i. to come to an 
end; die. 

endanger (en-dan'jer), v.t. expose to, 
or bring into, danger; hazard. 

endear (en-deV), v.t. to make dear or 
beloved ; attach to one's self. 

endeavor (en-dev'er) , v.i. to strive for 
the attainment of some object; at- 
tempt: n. an effort or attempt.^ 

endemic (en-dem'ik), adj. peculiar to 
a nation, people, or locality: ap- 
plied to a disease. 

endless (end'les), a. everlasting; with- 
out termination. 

endo and endon, a Greek prefix mean- 
ing within. 

endocardium (en-do-kar'di-um), n. 
the membrane lining the heart. 

endogen (en'do-jen), n. an endogen- 
ous plant: pi. one of the primary 
classes of the vegetable kingdom, 
in which the plants increase by in- 
ternal growth and elongation at the 
summit, and have a distinct pith. 

endosperm (en'do-sperm) , n. the albu- 
men of a seed. 

endow (en-dou'), v.t. to bestow a fund 
or income upon; settle upon; fur- 

. nish, as with some gift or quality 
(with with). 

endue (en-du'), v.t. to clothe; invest; 
assume; furnish with some moral or 
spiritual gift. Also indue. 

endurable (en-dur'a-bl) , adj. bearable. 

endurance (en-diir'ans) , n. the capac- 
ity to endure; power of suffering 
without succumbing ; continuance ; 
fortitude. 

endure (en-dur'), v.t. to support with- 
out breaking or yielding; put up 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


ENEMA 


ENMITY 


with; remain in: v.i. to harden; re- 
main in the same state. 

enema (en'e-ma), n. an injection 
thrown into the rectum as a medi- 
cine. 

enemy (en'e-mi), n. [pi. enemies 
(,en'e-miz)], one hostile to another; 
foe; antagonist; a hostile army. 

energy (en'er-ji), n. [pi. energies (en'- 
er-jiz)], internal or inherent power; 
vigorous operation; power efficiently 
and forcibly exerted; capacity for 
performing work; emphasis. 

enervate (en'er-vat or e-ner'vat), v.t. 
to deprive of nerve, force, or vigor; 
render effeminate or feeble; debili- 
tate. 

enfeeble (en-fe'bl), v.t. to weaken; 
relax. 

enfilade (en-fi-lad')., n. a straight line 
or passage; the situation of a place 
or a body of men liable to be raked 
with shot through its whole extent: 
v.t. to pierce or rake with shot in a 
straight line. 

enforce (en-fors'), v.t. to put into exe- 
cution with vigor; compel; make 
clear or intelligible. 

enfranchise (en-fran'chlz), v.t. to lib- 
erate or set free; make free of a 
state, city, or corporation; confer 
the electoral franchise upon; ad- 
mit to the right of voting in public 
elections. 

engage (en-gaj'), v.t. to pledge or 
bind by oath or contract; make lia- 
ble for a debt; secure for aid or em- 
ployment; encounter in battle; oc- 
cupy the time or attention of ; inter- 
lock: v.i. to promise or assume an 
obligation; occupy one's self; enter 
a conflict. 

engagement (en-gaj 'ment), n. the act 
of engaging; the state or condition 
of being engaged; betrothal; occu- 
pation; a conflict between armies 
or fleets. 

engender (en-jen'der), v.t. to beget; 
excite: v.i. to come into existence. 

engine (en'jin), n. anything used to 
effect a purpose ; a machine by which 
power is applied for the performance 
of work ; an apparatus for producing 
some mechanical effect: v.t. to fur- 
nish or fit up a vessel with engines. 

engineer (en-ji-ner'), n. one who is 
soiled in the principles or practice 


of any branch of engineering; one 
who has charge of and manages an 
engine; one who carries through a 
scheme or undertaking by skill or 
astuteness: v.t. plan, to lay out, or 
direct, as an engineer, the forma- 
tion or execution of, as a road or 
work. 

English (ing'glish), adj. belonging 
to, characteristic of, or pertaining 
to, the language or the people of 
England, or those descended from 
them: n. the English people or the 
language spoken by them. 

engrave (en-grav'), v.t. to cut or 
carve in sunken patterns; incise 
with figures or lines; impress deeply 
or indelibly. 

engross (en-gros'), v.t. to purchase in 
the gross or bulk; monopolize; write 
in a large distinct round hand. 

engulf (en-gulf), v.t. to draw down 
into an abyss; to overwhelm in a 
mass of water. Also ingulf. 

enhance (en-hans'), v.t. to raise in 
esteem; advance; heighten in price 
or value. 

enigma (e-nig'ma), n. a riddle. 

enjoin (en-join'), v.t. to direct with 
authority or urgency; enforce; pro- 
hibit or restrain by an injunction. 

enjoy (en-joi'), v.t. to feel or perceive 
with pleasure; have the use or pos- 
session of. 

enkindle (en-kin'dl), v.t. to set on fire; 
rouse. 

enlarge (en-larj/), v.t. to make larger; 
extend in limits or dimensions; am- 
plify; extend to more purposes or 
uses; release from confinement; di- 
late upon: v.i. to become larger; ex- 
patiate. 

enlighten (en-lit'n), v.t. to illuminate; 
make clear to the mind; furnish 
with increased knowledge; elevate 
morally or spiritually. 

enlist (en-lisf), v.t. to enroll, as for 
military service; register; gain over, 
or employ in some cause: v.i. to 
engage one's self for military ser- 
vice. 

enliven (en-llv'n),_ v.t. to make vigor- 
pus, active, or vivacious; exhilarate; 
inspirit. 

enmity (en'mi-ti), n. [pi. enmities 
(en'mi-tiz)], animosity ; hatred ; hos- 
tility; ill-will. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, fTien. 


ENNOBLE 


170 


ENTRAP 


ennoble (en-no'bl), v.t. to make noble; 
dignify; exalt; make famous or il- 
lustrious. 

ennui (ang-we'), languor of mind; 
listlessness ; [French.] 

enormous (e-nor'mus), adj. excessive; 
very great; immense; huge; ex- 
tremely wicked. 

enough (e-nuf), adj. sufficient: n. a 
sufficiency: adv. so as to be suffi- 
cient; very; quite: inter j. stop! 

enquire (en-quir'), same as inquire. 

enquiry (en-qui'ri), same as inquiry. 

enrage (en-raj '), v.t. to throw into a 
rage. 

enrich (en-rich'), v.t. to make rich; 
fertilize; store; adorn. 

enroll (en-rol'), v.t. to insert in a reg- 
ister; enlist; record. 

ensconce (en-skons'), v.t. to hide; fix 
securely or comfortably; settle. 

ensemble (ang-sam'bl), the whole, 
with the parts all gathered together. 
[French.] 

enshrine (en-shrin'), v.t. to place in 
a shrine; keep sacred. 

ensign (en'sin), n. a flag; badge; the 
lowest rank in the navy, formerly 
known as "passed midshipman." In 
the British navy the name ensign 
has been changed to "sublieuten- 
ant." 

ensilage (en'si-laj), n. fodder or vege- 
table produce stored in a silo or 
pit : v.t . to preserve in a silo. 

enslave (en-slav'), v.t. to bring into, 
or reduce to, slavery; enthrall. 

ensnare (en-snax'), v.t. to take in, or 
as in, a snare; take by craft; al- 
lure. 

ensue (en-su'), v.i. to follow as a con- 
sequence; succeed. 

entablature (en-tab'la-tur) , n. the 
whole parts on the top of a m pillar 

entail (en-tal'), n. an estate in fee 
limited to a particular heir or heirs: 
v.t. to leave or settle, as if by en- 
tail; involve; necessitate. 

entangle (en-tang'gl) , v.t. to involve; 
tangle; ensnare; perplex; bewil- 
der. 

entente (ang-tant), n. understanding 
between governments; affiance. 

enter (en'ter), v.t. to go or come into; 
begin; penetrate; set down in writ- 
ing; join or become a member of; 
initiate into a business, &c; place 


on the records of a court: v.i. to 
effect an entrance; come in. 

enterprise (en'ter-priz), n. an under- 
taking of importance or risk; bold- 
ness; energy and invention. 

entertain (en-ter r tan') , v.t. to receive 
and treat hospitably; afford diver- 
sion to; keep in the mind; take into 
consideration: v.i. to receive guests 
hospitably. 

entertainment (en-ter-tan'ment) , n. 
the act of entertaining; hospitality 
at table; a feast or banquet; a 
diverting performance; amusement. 

enthrall (en-thrawl'), v.t. to enslave; 
bring or hold under some overmas- 
tering influence. 

enthrone (en-thron'), v.t. to place on 
a throne; invest with sovereign 
power and authority. 

enthusiasm (en-thu'zi-azm) , n. eleva- 
tion of fancy; ardor of mind; fer- 
vent zeal; fanaticism. [Greek.] 

entice (en-tis'), v.t. to attract or al- 
lure; tempt. 

entire (en-tir'), adj. complete in all 
parts; whole; undivided or un- 
broken; unalloyed; consisting of one 
piece: adv.^ entirely; wholly: n. the 
whole; entire beer. 

entitle (en-ti'tl), v.t. to give a title, 
name, or designation to; style; give 
a right to. 

entity (en'ti-ti), n. [pi. entities (en'- 
ti-tiz)], anything that exists, or is 
supposed to exist; being. 

ento, ent, a Greek prejix forming 
many compounds with scientific 
words, meaning within, interior. 

entomb (en-toom'), v.t. to place in, 
or as in, a tomb. 

entomology (en-to-mol'5-ji) , n. that 
branch of zoology which treats of in- 
sects and their habits. 

entourage (ang-too-razh'), n. asso- 
ciates, surroundings. 

entrails (en'tralz), n.pl. the intes- 
tines. 

entrain (en-tran), v.t. to dispatch 
(troops) by train : v.i. to board a train. 

entrance (en'trans), n. the act of en- 
tering; a passage; avenue; the en- 
try of a ship, or goods, at the cus- 
tom house of a port: v.t. (en-trans') 
to bewitch, to fascinate. 

entrap (en-trap'), v.t. to take in, or 
as in, a trap; inveigle; ensnare. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


ENTREAT 


171 


EPOCH 


entreat (en-tret'), v.t. to solicit ear- 
nestly; importune; beseech. 

entree (iing-tra'), n. entrance; admis- 
sion; a side dish. [French.] 

entrust, same as intrust. _ 

entry (en'tri), n. [pi. entries (en'triz)], 
an entrance; passage; entree; the 
act of entering and inscribing in a 
book; item; the taking possession of. 

entwine (en-twin'), v.t. to twine 
around; twist together. 

enumerate (e - nu'mer - at) , v.t. to 
reckon or name singly; count; go 
over in detail. 

enunciate (e-nun'shi-at) , v.t. to de- 
clare or proclaim; utter; express; 
speak. 

envelop (en-vel'up), v.t. to surround 
with, or as with, a wrapper; hide; 
cover. 

envelope (en'vel-op), n. a case or 
wrapper, usually gummed, for safe 
conveyance of a letter by post, &c; 
covering; wrapper. 

envenom (en-ven'um), v.t. make poi- 
sonous; infuse venom into; embit- 
ter. 

enviable (en'vi-a-bl) , adj. exciting 
envy: capable of awakening the de- 
sire to possess. 

envious (en'vi-us), adj. feeling, or 
characterized by, envy; jealous. 

environ (en-vl'run), v.t. to surround or 
inclose; encompass; hem in: n.pl. 
places near a town or city; suburbs. 

envoy (en'voi), n. a diplomatic repre- 
sentative, second in rank to an am- 
bassador; one sent on a special mis- 
sion. [French.] 

envy (en'vi), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. envied, 
p.pr. envying], to grudge; feel dis- 
pleasure at the excellence or pros- 
perity of; covet: v.i. m to feel or 
exhibit envy: n. malice, ill-will; 
displeasure felt at the excellence of 
another; an object of envy. 

enwrap (en-rap'), v.t. to wrap up. 

enzym, enzyme (en'zim), n. any of 
the unorganized ferments ; leavened 
bread. 

eon (e'on), n a period of time; an age: 
eternity. Also aeon. [Greek.] 

epact (e'pakt), n. the excess of the 
solar over the lunar month, about 11 
days in the year. [French.] 

epaulet (ep'aw-let), n. an ornament- 
al badge sometimes worn on the 


shoulder by navai and military of- 
ficers. [French.] 

ephemeral (e-fem'er-al), adj. existing 
only for a day; short-lived. 

epic (ep'ik), adj. heroic; narrative; 
said of a poem: n. a narrative poem 
of some heroic deed or event. 
[Greek.] 

Epicurean (ep-i-ku-re'an), n. a fol- 
lower of the Greek philosopher, 
Epicurus (third century B.C.), who 
taught that pleasure is the chief 
good; by a perversion of his meaning, 
the word came to be applied to a 
voluptuary, or gourmand. 

epidemic (ep-i-dem'ik)^ adj. attacking 
many at the same time: said of a 
disease: n. a disease having this 
characteristic. [Greek.] 

epidermis (ep-i-der'mis), n. the cuticle 
or scarf skin; the outer coating or 
bark of a plant. 

epigastrium (ep-i-gas'tri-um), n. the 
upper part of the abdomen and more 
particularly the walls of the stomach 
and the stomach itself. [Greek.] 

epiglottis (ep-i-glot'is), n. the leaf- 
shaped cartilage which covers the 
upper part of the larynx in the act 
of swallowing. 

epigram (ep'i-gram), ??. a verse or 
short poem ending in some ingenious 
or witty turn ; a pithy phrase.^ 

epilepsy (ep'i-lep-si), n. a chronic ner- 
vous disease accompanied by loss of 
consciousness and convulsions. 

epilogue (ep'i-log), n. a poem or 
speech at the conclusion of a 
play. 

episcopacy (e-pis'ko-pa-si), n. church 
government by bishops; prelacy. 

episode (ep'i-sod), n. an incident; a 
digression, or incidental narrative. 

epistle (e-pis'l), n. a letter; a writ- 
ten communication or message. 

epitaph (ep'i-taf), n. a memorial in- 
scription on a tomb or monument. 

epithelium (ep-i-the'li-um) , n. the 
cells that line the alimentary canal 
and sometimes other parts of the 
body. 

epithet (ep'i-thet), n. an adjective 
denoting any quality either good or 
bad; appellation. 

epitome (e-pit'5-me) , n. a summary; 
abridgment; compendium. 

epoch (ep'ok), n. a point of time 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met : mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


EPODE 172 ERROR 

from which succeeding years are and outfit of an army, vessel, trav- 
reckoned; era; date. eler, &c; the carriage, horse, liver- 

epode (ep'od), n. the last part of an ied servants of a person of rank or 
ode; a burden or refrain in music. gentleman. 

equable (ek'wa-bl), adj. uniform; equity (ek'wi-ti), n. [pi. equities 
consistently equal; proportionate. (ekVi-tiz)], justice; just regard to 

equal (e'kwal), adj. of the same ex- right or claim; impartiality; the ad- 
tent, or magnitude; uniform; ade- ministration of law according to its 
quate; of the same rank, degree, or spirit and not according to the 
value; just; parallel: n. one of the letter. 

same age, rank, office, talents, &c: equivalent (e-kwiv'a-lent), adj. equal 
v.t. [p.t. & p.p. equaled, p.pr. equal- in value or power; the same in 
ing], to be, become or make equal; significance or effect : n. a thing of the 
return a full equivalent for. # same effect. 

equality (e-kwal'i-ti) , n. [pi. equali- equivocal (e-kwiv'o-kal) , adj. of a 
ties (e-kwal'i-tiz)l, the state of being doubtful or double significance; 
equal; uniformity; evenness, equa- ambiguous; open to suspicion or 
bility. doubt; uncertain. 

equanimity (e-kwa-nim'i-ti) , n. even- era (e'ra), n. the point of time from 
ness of temper or mind; calmness. which a series of years is reckoned; 

equation (e-kwa'shun), n. in mathe- period; the beginning of a new geo- 
matics, a proposition expressing the logical system or formation, 
equality of two quantities, the sign eradicate (e-rad'i-kat) , v.t. to de- 
= being placed between them; a stroy thoroughly; exterminate, 
representation of a chemical reac- erase (e-ras'), v.t. to obliterate by, or 
tion expressed by symbols. as by, scratching, or blotting out; 

equator (e-kwa'ter), n. the imaginary expunge. 

circle which passes round the mid- ere (ar), conj. & prep, before; sooner 

die of the earth and divides it into than. 

two equal parts. . erect (e-rekt'), v.t. to raise upright; 

equerry (ek'wer-i), n. .[pi. equerries construct; build; raise; establish; 
(ekVer-iz)], an officer in the house of distend or stiffen: adj. upright; 
a prince or nobleman, who attends firmly uplifted; bold or un- 
him in public, and has the super- shaken, 
vision of his horses. ergo (er'go), adv. therefore; conse- 

equestrian (e-kwes'tri-an) , adj. per- quently. [Latin.] 

taining to horses or horsemanship; ermine (er'min), n. a weasel-like 
performing with horses: n. one animal, much valued for its fur, 
skilled in horsemanship. which becomes white in winter, ex- 

equi, a Latin prejix meaning equal. cept the tip of the tail, which re- 

equilateral (e-kwi-lat'er-al), adj. hav- mains black; the emblem, dignity, 
ing all the sides equal: n. a figure or office of a judge, 
with equal sides. erosion (e-ro'zhun), n. the act of 

equilibrium (e - kwi - lib ' ri - um) , n. eating away ; gradual destruction, 
equality of # weight, power, force, erotic (e-rot'ik), adj. pertaining to, or 
&c; equipoise. # caused by, love; amorous: n. an 

equinox (e'kwi-noks) , n. the point of amatory poem or composition, 
intersection of the ecliptic and the err (er), v.i. to commit an error or 
equator; the time the sun enters mistake; wander; deviate from the 
one of the two equinoctial points path of rectitude, 
when the days and nights are of errand (er'and), n. a message; corn- 
equal duration. mission. 

equip (e-kwip'), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. erratic (er-rat'ik) , _ adj. wandering; 
equipped, p.pr. equipping!, to fur- irregular; eccentric: n.pl. boulders 
nish or fit out; accoutre; prepare or transported by natural agencies 
qualify. from their original site. 

equipage (ek'wi-paj), n. the arms error (er'er), n. deviation from the 

ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


ERST 173 ESTRANGE 

truth; mistake; blunder; an irreg- terrace or promenade, for public 
ularity. use. 

erst (erst), adv. formerly. espouse (es-pouz'), v.t. to promise, en- 

eructation (es-ruk-ta'shun), n. the gage, or give in marriage; wed; 
act of throwing off wind from the adopt; advocate or defend, as a 
stomach. cause. 

erudite (er'u-dit), learned. espy (es-pl'), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. espied, 

erudition (er-u-dish'un), n. knowledge p.pr. espying], to' see at a distance; 
obtained by the study of books; discover (something intended to be 
learning. hid) ; see unexpectedly. 

eruption (e-rup'shun) , n. a breaking esquire (es-kwir') , n. originally the ar- 
or bursting forth; that which bursts mor-bearer or attendant on a knight; 
forth; a breaking out. a title next below a knight's; a title 

erysipelas (er-i-sip'e-las), n. an in- applied to professional men, justices 
flammation of the skin, accompanied of the peace, and often used instead 
with fever. [Greek.] of Mr. in the address of a letter. 

escalator (es'ka-la'tor) , n. a moving In England it is considered dis- 
stairway. courteous or contemptuous to use 

escapade (es'ka-pad') , n. a breach of Mr. in place of Esq. in a let- 
propriety; misdeed; freak, ter. 
escape (es-kap'), v.t. to flee from; get essay (es'sa), n. a short written com- 
mit of the way of; avoid; enjoy position or treatise; an attempt; 
immunity from: v.i. to get out of experiment: v.t. (es-sa/), [p.t. & 
danger; fly: n. a getting away from p.p. essayed, p.pr. essaying], to try 
danger; flight: deliverance. or attempt. 
escarp (es-karp'), v.t. to give a steep essence (es'ens), n. the concentrated 
slope to: n. the side of the ditch preparation of any substance; vola- 
next the rampart forming a steep tile matter; perfume; that in which 
slope. _ the real character of a thing con- 
escheat (es r chet') ? v.L to forfeit sists. 

through failure of heirs in British essential (es-sen'shal) , adj. necessary 
law: v.i. to revert to the crown or to the existence of a thing; most 
lord of the manor by reason of important; indispensable; pure; vol- 
forfeiture or failure of heirs: n. land atile; highly rectified. 
or tenements which fall to the crown establish (es-tab'lish), v.t. to fix firm- 
or lord of the manor by forfeiture or ly; settle; prove legally; strength- 
failure of heirs. en; restore. 
eschew (es-chu'), v.t. to shun; avoid, estate (es-tat/), n. condition of life; 
escort (es'kort), n. a body of armed rank, position, or quality; the title 
men acting as a guard; a retinue: or interest one has in lands or tene- 
v.t. (es-kort') to accompany; con- ments; property in general: pi. or- 
voy. _ ders or classes of men in a country; 
escutcheon (es-kuch'un) , n. a shield a legislative assembly composed of 
on which the heraldic arms of a these classes. 

family are emblazoned. esteem (es-tem'), v.t. to set a high 

esophagus (e-sof 'a-gus) , n. the gul- value upon; respect; prize; con- 
let or canal through which food and sider: n. favorable opinion; estima- 
drink pass to the stomach. tion; respect; reverence. 

esoteric (es-o-ter'ik), adj. secret; con- estimate (es'ti-mat), v.t. to compute; 
fidential; profound. determine the value of : n. the com- 

especial (es-pesh'al), adj. particular; puted cost or value of anything; 

chief. appraisement. 

espionage (es'pi-o-naj), n. the act or estop (es-top'), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. es- 
practice of spying to detect wrong- topped, p.pr. estopping], to place 
doing, or of employing spies or se- under estoppel; bar. 
cret agents. estrange (es-tranj'), v.t. to alienate; 

esplanade (es-pla-nade') , n. a levelled keep at a distance; turn from kind- 
ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


ESTUARY 


174 


EVENT 


ness to indifference or enmity (with 
from). 

estuary (es'tu-a-ri) , n. [pi. estuariea 
(es'tu-a-riz)], the mouth of a tidal 
river. 

et csetera (et set'er-a), and othera 
of the same kind; and so forth. 
Also et cetera. 

etch (ech), v.t. to engrave by biting 
out with an acid the design previous- 
ly drawn with an etching-needle: v.i. 
to practice etching. 

eternal (e-ter'nal), adj. without be- 
ginning or end; everlasting; per- 
petual; incessant. 

eternity (e-ter'ni-ti) , # n. [pi. eternities 
(e-ter'ni-tiz)], infinite duration; un- 
ending existence. 

ether (e'ther), n. an extremely fine 
fluid, lighter than air, supposed to 
pervade all space beyond the atmos- 
phere of the earth; a volatile in- 
flammable liquid produced by the 
distillation of alcohol with sulphuric 
acid. It is now used as an anaes- 
thetic largely supplanting chloroform 
as being safer. 

ethics (eth'iks), n.pl. the science that 
treats of the principles of human 
morality and duty; moral philoso- 
phy; morals. 

ethnic (eth'nik), adj. pertaining to, or 
characteristic of, races or peoples. 

ethyl (eth'il), n. a monatomic fatty 
hydrocarbon radical, contained in 
alcohol and ether. 

etiquette (et'i-ket), n. the conven- 
tional rules or ceremonial observed 
in polite society; good breeding. 
[French.] 

etymology (et-i-mol'o-ji), n. [pi. ety- 
mologies (et-i-mol'o-jiz)], that branch 
of philology which treats of the origin 
and derivation of words. [Greek.] 

euchre (u'ker), n. a particular game 
of cards, those between seven and 
ace being discarded: v.t. to prevent 
(an opponent at euchre) from tak- 
ing three of the five tricks: hence 
to outwit. [From German Jucks.] 

eugenics (u-jen'iks), n. the science 
which is concerned in securing the 
birth of healthy children. 

eunuch (u'nuk), n. a castrated per- 
son, especially an attendant in a 
harem. [Greek.] 

euphemism (u'fem-izm), n. the sub- 


stitution of a delicate or pleasing 
expression in place of one which is 
offensive or indelicate. 

euphonic (ii-fon'ik), adj. sounding 
pleasantly to the ear. Also euphon- 
ical, euphonious. [Greek.] 

euphony (ii'fo-ni), n. [pi. euphonies 
(u'fo-niz)], an agreeable sound, or 
pronunciation. 

euphuism (u'fu-izm), n. a pedantic 
or affected use of words or language, 
prevalent at the court of Queen 
Elizabeth. 

eureka (hu-re'ka) , n. a Greek word sig- 
nifying "I have found it." 

evacuate (e-vak'Q-at), v.t. to make 
void or empty; discharge through 
the excretory passages; abandon 
possession, or withdraw from. 

evade (e-vad'), v.t. to elude; escape by 
artifice, stratagem, or sophistry. 

evanescent (ev-a-nes'ent), adj. dis- 
appearing gradually from sight; van- 
ishing. 

evangel (e-van'jel), n. good news, 
especially that of the Gospel. 

evangelical (ev-an-jel'i-kal), adj. per- 
taining to the Gospel, or the four 
Gospels. 

evaporate (e-vap'6-rat), v.i. to dis- 
perse in vapor; pass away without 
effect: v.t. to convert into va- 
por. 

evasion (e-va/zhun) , n. the act of evad- 
ing; an excuse; equivocation; sub- 
terfuge. 

evasive (e-va'siv), adj. tending, or 
seeking to evade; elusive. 

eve (ev), n. the fast or vigil before a 
church festival, or Saint's day; the 
period immediately preceding some 
important event; evening [Poet.]. 

evection (e-vek'shun), n. a periodical 
irregularity of the moon's mo- 
tion. 

even (e'vn), adj. level; uniform; 
smooth; parallel; divisible by two 
without a remainder; equal; bal- 
anced; calm; whole: n. evening 
[Poet.]: v.t. to level or make even: 
v.t. to be quits: adv. verily; exactly; 
noting emphasis; but also. 

evening (e'vn-ing), n. the close of the 
day and beginning of the night; the 
latter end of life. 

event (e-vent/), n. an occurrence; in- 
cident; consequence of an action; 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, nOrth, not ; boon, book 
hue, hut : think, then. 


EVENTIDE 


175 


EXCEPTION 


any single item in a program of 
sports or_ games. 

eventide (e'vn-tid), n. evening. 

eventual (e-ven'tu-al) , adj. happen- 
ing as a result; ultimate; contin- 
gent. 

ever (ev'er), adv. at any time; al- 
ways; without end ; in any degree. 

everglade (ev'er-glad) , n. a low, 
swampy tract of land, with patches 
of tall grass; especially such the 
great marsh in Southern Florida. 

evergreen (ev'er-gren), n. a tree or 
plant which retains its foliage 
throughout the year: adj. always 
green, or fresh. 

everlasting (ev-er-last'ing), adj. per- 
petual: n. eternity; a plant whose 
flowers retain their color when dried ; 
a kind of stout woolen material. 

evermore (ever-mor'), adv. eternally ; 
always. 

every (ev'ri or ev'er-i), adj. the 
whole, taken one at a time; each. 

evict (e-vikt'), v.t. to expel or dis- 
possess by legal process. 

evidence (ev'i-dens), n. indubitable 
certainty; proof; testimony: v.t. to 
prove; make evident or plain. 

evident (ev'i-dent), adj. plain; ob- 
vious. 

evil (e'vl), adj. morally bad; wicked; 
sinful; unfortunate; mischievous; 
disastrous; worthless: adv. badly; 
unkindly: n. moral depravity; in- 
jury; affliction. 

evince (e-yins'), v.t. to manifest or 
make evident; demonstrate. 

evoke (e-vok'), v.t. to call forth. 

evolution (ev-o-lu'shun) , n. devel- 
opment or growth; the movements 
of troops in marching or on the bat- 
tle field; the extraction of roots of 
any arithmetical or algebraical pow- 
er; the gradual development or de- 
scent of forms of life from simple 
or low organized types consisting of 
a single cell. [Latin.] 

evolve (e-volv'), v.t. to develop; un- 
fold; expand; work out. 

ewe (u), n. a female sheep. 

ewer (u'er), n. a large water pitcher, 
used in the toilet. 

ex, a Latin prefix, meaning out of, 
beyond, from ; before words denoting 
occupation or office, it indicates pre- 
vious occupancy. 


exact (egz-akt').. adj. very correct or 
accurate; precise; methodical; strict; 
particular: v.t. require or claim au- 
thoritatively; compel to be paid; in- 
sist upon as a right. 

exaction (egz-ak'shun) , n. the act of 
exacting; extortion. 

exaggerate (egz-aj'er-at), v.t. to en- 
large or heighten by overstatement; 
color highly. 

exalt (egz-awlf), v.t. to elevate in 
rank, station, or dignity; raise on 
high; glorify or extol. 

examine (egz-am'in), v.t. to scrutinize 
or investigate carefully; search or 
inquire into; interrogate as a wit- 
ness; test orally or by papers the 
knowledge, qualifications, &c, of, as 
a candidate for a degree or office; 
experiment; analyze; test. 

example (egz-am'pl), n. a pattern; a 
model or copy; an illustration of a 
rule or precept; sample; specimen; 
one punished for the admonition of 
others. 

exasperate (egz-as'per-at), v.t. to irri- 
tate exceedingly; enrage greatly; 
embitter; intensify: adj. covered 
with hard, stiff points: said of a 
plant. 

excavate (eks'ka-vat) , v.t. to dig or 
hollow out; scoop or cut out. 

exceed (ek-sed'), v.t. to go beyond the 
limit or measure of; surpass; excel; 
transcend: v.i. to be greater; go be- 
yond bounds. 

excel (ek-sel'),.y.i. [p.t. & p.p. excelled, 
p.pr._ excelling], to possess good 
qualities in a great degree: v.t. sur- 
pass ; outdo in comparison ; to be 
superior to. 

excellence (ek'sel-ens), n. the state of 
excelling in anything; superior merit, 
goodness, or virtue. 

excellent (ek'sel-ent), adj. of great 
value, merit, or virtue; highly useful 
or desirable; eminently distinguished 
for goodness, or ability. 

excelsior (ek-sel'si-er), n. wood shav- 
ings, long and thin, and used for 
packing material. 

except (ek-sept'), v.t. to omit or leave 
out; exclude: _ v.i. to object (with 
to): prep, omitting; without inclu- 
sion of; besides: conj. unless. 

exception (ek-sep'shun), n. the state 
of being excepted; omission; exclu- 


ate, arm, at, awl; me, merge, met; mite, rr.it; note, north, not; boon, book; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


EXCEPTIONABLE 


176 


EXEMPLARY 


sion; objection; offense taken (with 
to) ; a formal objection to a decision 
of a court during trial. 

exceptionable (ek-sep'shun-a-bl), adj. 
objectionable. 

exceptional (ek-sep'shun-al), adj. un- 
usual. 

excerpt (ek-serpf), v.t. to take out or 
select from, as a book; quote: n. a 
selection or extract from a book or 
writing. 

excess (ek-ses'), n. that which exceeds 
the ordinary limit, measure, or ex- 
perience; overplus; superfluity; in- 
temperance. 

exchange (eks-chanj'), v.t. to give in 
return for an equivalent; barter, 
give, resign, or abandon: n. the act 
of exchanging^ barter; reciprocity; 
the act of resigning one thing for 
another; a place where merchants 
meet (often 'change). 

exchequer (eks-chek'er) , n. a treasury; 
cash or funds; formerly an English 
court of law, now merged into the 
Queen's Bench division of the High 
Court of Justice. [Old French.] 

excise (ek-siz'), v.t. to levy an excise 
duty upon: n. an inland tax levied 
on commodities of home production 
and consumption. 

excision (eks-sizh'un), n. the act of 
cutting out, or off; the state of being 
cut off; destruction; ruin; amputa- 
tion. 

excite (ek-sif), v.t. to animate; rouse 
up; encourage; put into motion or 
action. 

excitement (ek-sit'ment), n. the state 
of being excited; commotion; sensa- 
tion ; stimulation ; warmth of temper. 

exclaim (eks-klam), v.i. & v.t. to cry 
out abruptly and passionately; to 
vociferate. 

exclamation (eks-kla-ma'shun) , n. an 
abrupt or clamorous outcry; an ex- 
pression of surprise, pain.&c; a 
mark (!) in writing or printing to 
denote emotion, surprise, &c. 

exclude (eks-klud'), v.t. to shut out; 
hinder from entrance or admission; 
prohibit; debar: except. 

exclusive (eks-klu'siv) , adj. tending to 
exclude; illiberal; shutting out from 
limits fixed by law: n. one who ex- 
cludes all but a few from his society 
or fellowship. 


excogitate (eks-koj'i-tat), v.t. to in- 
vent; discover by thinking. 

excommunicate (eks-kom-mu'ni- 
kat), v.t. to punish by cutting off 
from the membership and communi- 
cation of the church. [Latin.] 

excoriate (eks-ko'ri-at), v.t. to strip off 
the skin; rub or gall; abrade. 

excrement (eks'kre-ment), n. matter 
discharged from the body of an ani- 
mal after digestion. 

excrescence (eks-kres'ens) , n. an un- 
natural or disfiguring outgrowth. 

excretion (eks-kre'shun), n. the throw- 
ing off or ejection of waste matter 
from the body. 

excruciate (eks-kru'shi-at) , v.t. to in- 
flict severe pains upon ; torture. 

exculpate (eks-kul'pat), v.t. to clear 
from the imputation of a fault; ex- 
onerate. 

excursion (eks-ker'shun), n. a pleas- 
ure trip; a short or rapid tour; a di- 
gression. 

excuse (eks-ku.z'),v.t. to extenuate by 
apology; pardon; free from obliga- 
tion or duty; remit; justify: n. 
(eks-kiis'), a plea offered in extenua- 
tion of some fault or neglect of duty ; 
apology; pretext. 

execrate (eks'e-krat), v.t. to imprecate 
evil upon; detest; abhor. 

execute (eks'e-kut), v.t. to perform; 
carry into effect; put to death; pur- 
sue to the end; make valid or legal 
by signing or sealing: v.i. to per- 
form any act or office; play some 
piece of music. [Latin.] 

execution (eks-e-ku'shun) , n. the act 
of executing; performance; manner 
of carrying anything into effect; 
completion; a legal warrant or or- 
der; the act of giving validity to 
a legal instrument; capital punish- 
ment; destruction; effective work or 
operation. 

executive (egs-ek'u-tiv) , adj. per- 
taining to the governing body; ad- 
ministrative; active: n. an official, 
or body, charged with carrying the 
laws into effect; the administrative 
branch of a government. 

exegesis (eks-e-je'sis) , n. explanation 
or interpretation of a text or passage, 
especially of the Bible. [Latin.] 

exemplary (egz-em'pla-ri) , adj. serving 
as a copy or model; commendable. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, n6rth, not ; boon, book 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


EXEMPLIFY 


177 


EXPEL 


exemplify (egz-em'pli-fi), v.t. [p.t. & 
p.p. exemplified, p.pr. exemplifying], 
to illustrate by example; tran- 
scribe. 

exempt (egz-empt'), v.t. to free from 
some duty or obligation; grant im- 
munity to: adj. free from some duty 
or obligation (with from) : n. a person 
thus set free; an exon. 

exercise (eks'er-slz), v.t. to train by 
use; exert; practice; employ ac- 
tively; make anxious; harass: v.i. 
to undergo training: n. bodily exer- 
tion; mental or physical develop- 
ment; labor; practice; a lesson or 
example for practice. 

exert (eks-ert'), v.t. to put forth; use 
with an effort. 

exhale (eks-haT), v.t. to breathe forth; 
emit or send out; cause to evapo- 
rate: v.i. to rise in vapor. 

exhaust (egz-awst'), v.t. to empty by 
drawing off the contents; drain; 
weaken; wear out by exertion; dis- 
cuss or treat thoroughly: adj. wholly 
or partially deprived of strength. 

exhibit (egz-ib'it), v.t. to present to 
view; display; show; manifest pub- 
licly; present formally or officially; 
administer: n. a legal document pre- 
sented in proof of facts; an object 
offered for public view. 

exhibition (eks-i-bish'un), n. the act 
of exhibiting; a public show; a pri- 
vate benefaction for the support of 
a scholar at a university. 

exhilarate (egz-il'a-rat and eks-hil'- 
a-rat), v.t. to make joyous, glad, or 
cheerful; enliven. 

exhort (egz-ort'). v.t. to incite by ap- 
peal or argument to good deeds ; 
caution; admonish. 

exhume (eks-hum'), v.t. to disin- 
ter. 

exigency (eks'i-jen-si), n. [pi. exigen- 
cies (eks'i-jen-siz)], pressmg neces- 
sity or demand; urgency. 

exile (ex'il), v.t. to banish from one's 
native country: n. the state of being 
banished from one's native country; 
the condition of living away from 
one's home or friends. [Latin.] 

exist (egz-ist'), v.i. to have existence; 
live. 

existence (egz-ist'ens), n. the state of 
being; life; duration; occurrence. 

exit (eks'it), n. the act of going out; 


egress; the departure of an actor 
from the stage. 

exo, a Greek prefix, meaning on the 
outside, occurring in many scientific 
words. 

exodus (eks'o-dus), n.a departure, es- 
pecially that of the Israelites from 
Egypt. 

exonerate (egz-on er-at) , v.t. to free 
from the imputation of a fault; 
acquit; justify; relieve or discharge 
from a responsibility, duty, &c. 

exorbitant (egz-or'bi-tant), adj. ex- 
cessive. 

exorcise (eks'or-siz), v.t. to expel (an 
evil spirit) by prayers or incanta- 
tions; pronounce exorcisms over. 

exordium (egz-or'di-um), n. the open- 
ing part of a speech or composition. 

exoteric (eks-o-ter'ik) , adj. pertaining 
to the uninitiated public: opposed 
to esoteric. 

exotic (eks-ot'ik), adj. foreign. 

expand (eks-pand 7 ), v.t. to distend; di- 
late; extend: v.i. to increase in 
size. 

expanse (eks-pans'), n. a continuous 
area; the firmament; extent. 

expansive (eks-pan'siv) , adj. capable 
of being expanded; widely extended. 

expatiate (eks-pa'shi-at), v.i. to en- 
large in statement or language. 

expatriate (eks-pat'ri-at), v.t. to drive 
from one's native country. 

expect (eks-pekt'), v.t. to wait for; 
look for with an apprehension of 
something good or evil. 

expectorate (eks-pek'to-rat) , v.t. % to 
eject from the lungs by coughing, 
&c; spit. 

expedient (eks-pe'di-ent) , adj. fit ; con- 
venient; suitable; proper: n. that 
which aids as a means to an end; 
device. 

expedite (eks'pe-dit) , v.t. to hasten; 
facilitate. 

expedition (eks-pe-dish'un) , n. haste; 
despatch ; promptness ; a march, voy- 
age, &c, by an army or several 
persons for some particular pur- 
pose. 

expeditious (eks - pe - dish ' us) , adj. 
quick; speedy. 

expel (eks-pel'), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. ex- 
pelled, p.pr. expelling], to drive 
away; force out; send away by 
authority; exclude. [Latin.] 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


EXPEND 


178 


EXQUISITE 


expend (eks-pend'), v.t. to lay out; 
spend. 

expenditure (eks-pen'di-tur) , n. a 
laying out, as money, time, labor, 
&c; disbursement. 

expense (eks-pens'), n. expenditure; 
drain on resources; detriment; cost. 

expensive (eks-pen'siv) , adj. causing 
expense. 

experience (eks-pe'ri-ens), n. knowl- 
edge gained by trial and practice; 
test; practice; spiritual exercise of 
mind. 

experiment (eks-per'i-ment), n. a 
trial or operation to discover some- 
thing previously unknown; proof 
trial: v.i. to search out by trial. 
Also experimentalize. 

expert (eks-pert'), adj. skilful, through 
practice or experience; adroit; dex- 
terous: n. (eks'pert), one who is 
skilled through practise or ex- 
perience. 

expiate (eks'pi-at), v.t. to atone for. 

expire (eks-pir'), v.t. to breathe out 
from the lungs: v.i. to die. 

explain (eks-plan'), v.t. to make in- 
telligible or clear; expound or in- 
terpret. 

explanatory (eks-plan'a-to-ri) , adj. 
serving to explain. 

expletive (eks'ple-tiv), n. a word not 
necessary for the sense inserted in 
a sentence for ornament or to fill 
up a verse: adj. filling up; added 
or inserted for emphasis, &c. ; an oath. 

explicable (eks'pli-ka-bl), adj. that 
may be explained or interpreted. 

explicit (eks - plis ' it) , adj. plain ; 
definite. 

explode (eks-plod/), v.i. to burst forth 
with sudden noise and violence; col- 
lapse: v.t. to cause to pass from a solid 
to a gaseous state; refute; demolish. 

exploit (eks-ploif) , v.t. to make use of 
for one's own profit; put to use; 
explore in search of; explain at 
length: n. (eks'ploit), a remarkable 
deed or heroic act. 

explore (eks-plor'), v.t. to search into 
or examine thoroughly; travel in 
or over (a country) to discover its 
characteristic features, &c. 

explosion (eks-plo'zhun), n. the act 
of exploding ; a sudden bursting with 
a loud report; a sudden and violent 
outbreak. 


explosive (eks-plo'siv), adj. pertaining 
to, or causing, explosion: n. any sub- 
stance that causes an explosion; a 
mute consonant. 

exponent (eks-po'nent), n. the index 
of an algebraical power; one who 
explains or interprets the principles 
of something. 

export (eks-port'j, v.t. to send or carry 
out of a country, as merchandise: 
v.i. to send goods to a foreign coun- 
try: (eks'port), n. a commodity car- 
ried to a foreign country. 

expose (eks-poz'), v.t. to lay open; put 
forward for sale; leave to the ac- 
tion of any force or circumstance; 
disclose; place in peril; lay open to 
censure or ridicule. 

expostulate (eks-pos'tu-lat) , v.i. to 
reason earnestly or remonstrate 
(followed by with, on or upon). 

exposure (eks-po'zhur), n. the act of 
exposing; situation; aspect. 

expound (eks-pound'), v.t. to set 
forth, explain, or interpret; make 
clear. 

express (eks-pres'), v.t. to exhibit by 
language; utter; show; represent; 
squeeze out; despatch by express; 
adj. plainly stated; _ exact; resem- 
bling precisely; not implied; special- 
ly prepared; pertaining to quick or 
direct conveyance: n. a person or 
vehicle that carries letters or small 
packages expeditiously; an express- 
train ; a message or despatch ; a reg- 
ular and systematic method of con- 
veyance for passengers, mails, goods 
of small bulk, &c. [Latin.] 

expression (eks-presh'un) , n. the act 
or power of representing anything; 
a saying ; mode of speech ; transient 
change of the countenance; modu- 
lation of the voice. 

expressive (eks-pres'iv) , adj. serving 
to express; full of significance; forci- 
bly. 

expulsion (eks-pul'shun) , n. forcible 
ejection. 

expunge (eks-punj'), v.t. to blot out; 
erase; destroy; obliterate. [Latin.] 

expurgate (eks'per-gat), v.t. to re- 
move whatever is offensive to good 
taste or morality from: said of books. 
See Bowdlerize. [Latin.] 

exquisite (eks'kwi-zit), adj. refined; 
delicate; nice; accurate; choice; ex- 


fite, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book 
hue, hut; think, then. 


EXTANT 


179 


EXTRAVAGANZA 


cellent; highly finished; extreme: n. 
a person over refined in dress; a 
dandy. [Latin.] 

extant (eks'tant), adj. still existing. 

extemporaneous (eks-tem-po-ra'ne- 
us), adj. unpremeditated; without 
previous notes or study; off-hand. 

extempore (eks-tem'po-re), adj. and 
adv. without study or premeditation. 

extemporize (eks-tem'po-riz), v.t. to 
compose on the spur of the moment : 
v.i. to discourse, &c, without notes 
or previous study. 

extend (eks-tend'), v.t. to stretch out; 
enlarge; amplify; continue; diffuse; 
communicate; disseminate: v.i. to 
reach to any distance; be prolonged. 

extension (eks-ten'shun). n. the act of 
extending; the state of being ex- 
tended; a branch line of railway, 
&c; space regarded as having di- 
mensions. 

extensive (eks-ten'siv), adj. having 
great extent; wide; comprehensive. 

extent (eks-tent'), n. the space or de- 
gree to which a thing is extended; 
size; compass; reach; a writ of 
execution. 

extenuate (eks-ten'u-at)^ v.t. to offer 
excuses for: palliate; mitigate. 

exterior (eks-te'ri-er), adj. outward; 
external: n. that which is outside; 
outer surface. 

exterminate (eks-ter'mi-nat), v.t. to 
destroy utterly; annihilate; root 
out. 

external (eks-ter'nal) , adj. outside; ex- 
terior; superficial; objective; for- 
eign: n. an exterior or outward part; 
an outward form, rite, or ceremony. 

extinct (eks-tingkt'). adj. extinguished; 
put out; quenched; worn out; in- 
active. 

extinguish (eks-ting'gwish) , v.t. to 
put out; pay off and satisfy in full; 
eclipse. 

extinguisher (eks-ting'gwish-er), n. 
one who, or that which, extinguishes : 
a hollow cone for extinguishing a 
light; an instrument filled with 
liquids, and by which these can be 
thrown upon fire. 

extirpate (eks-ter'pat), v.t. to eradi- 
cate; destroy; exterminate. 

extol (eks-tol'), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. ex- 
tolled, p.pr. extolling], to praise 
highly; magnify; laud; celebrate. 


extort (eks-tort'), v.t. to obtain by 
threats, violence, or injustice: v.i. 
to practice extortion. 

extortion (eks-tor'shun), n. the act or 
practice of extorting : oppressive or 
unjust exaction. 

extortionate (eks-tor'shun-at), adj. 
characterized by extortion; unjust. 

extra, a Latin prefix meaning over and 
above; beyond; besides; found in 
numerous words, the sense of which 
is self-evident, as extra-officia\, extra- 
parochial, ez^ra-judicial, &c. 

extra (eks'tra), adj. additional: n. 
something not included in the usual 
fee or charge; an edition of a news- 
paper issued in addition to the reg- 
ular edition, or for some particular 
object. 

extract (eks-trakf), v.t. to draw out 
of; pull out; select from a larger 
literary work: n. (eks'trakt). a sub- 
stance extracted by distillation, so- 
lution, &c; an abstract or excerpt 
from a book; quotation. 

extraction (eks-trak'shun), n. the act of 
extracting : lineage, birth, or descent . 

extradite (eks'tra-dlt), v.t. to sur- 
render (a person) to another govern- 
ment under the terms of a treaty of 
extradition. 

extradition (eks-tra-dish'un), n. the 
surrender by the government of one 
nation to another of a person guilty 
of a crime, in accordance with the 
terms of a treaty existing between 
the two nations. 

extramural (eks-tra-mu'ral), adj. be- 
yond the wall of a city or university. 

extraneous (eks-tra'ne-us) , adj. ex- 
ternal; foreign. 

extraordinary (eks-tror'di-na-ri, or 
eks-tra-or'di-na-ri) , adj. beyond or 
out of the usual course ; uncommon ; 
unusual; remarkable; rare; emi- 
nent; special. 

extravagance (eks-trav'a-gans), n. ex- 
cess in anything, especially expendi- 
ture; profusion. 

extravagant (eks-trav'a-gant), adj. 
exceeding reasonable limits; waste- 
ful: prodigal; irregular; needlessly 
lavish in expenditure; visionary. 

extravaganza (eks-trav-a-gan'za), n. a 
stage burlesque : an irregular piece of 
music : a wild flight of language or 
feeling. [Italian.] 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met : mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book 
12 hue, hut ; think, then. 


EXTRAVASATE 


180 


EYRIE 


extravasate (eks-trav'a-sat), v.t. to 
force out of a duct or vessel, as 
blood : v.i. to escape out of the prop- 
er vessel. 

extreme (eks-trem'), adj. of the high- 
est degree; last; utmost; furthest; 
final; most severe or strict; uncom- 
promising: n. the utmost degree of 
anything; extremity; excess; end: pi. 
points at the greatest distance from 
each other. 

extremist (eks-trem'ist), n. a sup- 
porter of extreme views or practice. 

extremity (eks-trem 'i-ti) , n. [pi. ex- 
tremities (eks-trem'i-tiz) ], the ut- 
most point or degree; remotest part; 
utmost violence, vigor, or necessity; 
end: pi. the limbs. 

extricate (eks'tri-kat), v.t. to free 
from difficulties, complications, or 
perplexity; disembarrass. 

extrinsic (eks-trin'sik) , adj. external, 
not inherent or essential; foreign. 

extrude (eks-trudO, v.t. to thrust out. 

exuberance (eks-u'ber-ans), n. super- 
abundance. 

exuberant (eks-u'ber-ant), adj. copi- 
ous. 

exude (eks-ud'), v.t. to discharge grad- 
ually through pores: v.i. to flow out 
slowly. 

exult (egz-ult/), v.i. to rejoice in tri- 
umph; be glad above measure. 


exultant (egz-ult'ant) , adj. rejoicing 
triumphantly. 

eye (I), n. [pi. eyes (iz)J, the organ of 
sight; the eyeball, sight; observa- 
tion; view; a small perforation; bud; 
that which resembles an eye: v.t. [p.t. 
& p.p. eyed; P-pr.- eyeing], to 
watch closely; keep in view; scruti- 
nize. 

eyeball (I 'bawl), n. the globe of the 
eye. 

eyebrow (I'brou), n. the hairy arch 
above the eyeij. 

eyelash (I'lash), n. the ridge of hair 
that lines the eyelid. 

eyelet (I 'let), n. a small hole to re- 
ceive a lace or cord. 

eyelid (i'lid), n. the movable skin 
which covers over and closes the eye. 

eye-piece (I'pes), n. the lens or lenses 
in an optical instrument through 
which the image of an object is 
magnified and viewed. 

eyesight (I'slt), n. the sight of the 
eye: range of vision; view. 

eyesore (i'sor), n. anything that of- 
fends the sight. 

eyot (I'ot), n. a little island in a river 
or lake. Also ait. [English.] 

eyre (ar), n. a circuit of itinerant 
judges. 

eyrie (e' or a'ri), n. the nest of a 
predatory bird. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit : note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


F 


F, the sixth letter in the alphabet; (fa-sil'i-tiz)l, freedom from difficulty; 

derived from Greek and Latin. In dexterity; ease; pliancy; ready com- 

the Oriental character it was called pliance: pi. the means by which the 

van or wan, which means a nail. performance of any act may be 

fa (fa), n. the fourth note in the sol- more easily accomplished. 

fa musical notation = F. fact (fakt), n. anything that is done; 

Fabian (f a'bi-an) , adj. avoiding battle ; reality ; event ; truth. 

cautious; adopting the policy of faction (fak'shun), n. a party in dis- 

delay. loyal opposition; dissension. 

fable (fa'bl), n. a short fictitious nar- factitious (f ak-tish'us) , adj. artificial; 

rative intended to convey some sham. 

moral; an idle story or falsehood: factor (fak'ter), n. an agent who 
v.t. to feign; fabricate: v.i. to speak transacts business for another; one 
falsely or untruthfully. of two or more quantities (multi- 
fabric (fab'rik), n. an edifice or plier and multiplicand) which, mul- 
building; a woven, felted, or knitted tiplied together, give a product; any 
material. circumstance, &c, which produces a 

fabricate (fab'ri-kat), v.t. to con- result: v.t. to manage or act as a 

struct; form by manufacture or factor for; resolve into mathemati- 

art; invent falsely. cal factors. 

fabulous (fab'u-lus), adj. fictitious; factory (fak'to-ri), n. [pi. factories 
mythical. (fak'to-riz) ], a manufactory; a trad- 
facade (fa-sad'), n. front elevation. ing settlement. 

face (fas), n. the countenance; dial faculty (fak'ul-ti), n. [pi. faculties 

of a clock, &c; front; visage; sur- (fak r ul-tiz) ], any mental or physical 

face; appearance; outward aspect; power; mental capacity; skill ob- 

confidence; personal influence; an tained by practice; ability; ease; 

expressive grimace; value, exclud- readiness; the members collectively 

ing discount or interest : said of a of any one of the learned profes- 

note, &c. (face-value): v.t. [p.t. & sions, especially the medical; the 

p.p. faced, p.pr. facing], to meet professors and instructors of a de- 

m front; oppose with boldness or partment in a university, 

confidence; stand opposite to; cover fad (fad), n. a crotchet; a pet idea or 

with an additional surface: v.i. to hobby; a passing fashion, 

turn the face. fade (fad), v.i. to lose color or dis- 

facet (fas'et), n. a small surface or tinctness; languish; wither; droop; 

face; one of the minute planes into die away. 

which the surface of a diamond is faeces (fe'sez), n.pl. excrement; sedi- 

cut: v.t. to cut or work a facet ment. 

upon. fag (fag), v.i. [p.t. & p.p. fagged, p.pr. 

facetious (f a-se'shus) , adj. humorous; faggingl, to work hard; grow weary; 

jocular. drudge for another: v.t. to tire out or 

facial (fa/shal), adj. pertaining to the exhaust; to compel to drudge for 

face. another: n. one who drudges for an- 

facile (fas'il), adj. yielding; pliant; other; fatigue ; drudgery. 

affable. m _ fagot (fog'ot), n. a bundle of sticks 

facility (f a-sil'i-ti) , n. [pi. facilities bound together; a bundle of fish laid 

ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, nOrth, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut: think, J7ien. 


FAHRENHEIT 


182 


FAME 


up for drying; a bundle of scrap- 
or wrought-iron or steel to be 
worked over; a kind of meat-cake of 
pork: v.t. to form into fagots. 

Fahrenheit (fa'ren-hlt), n. the name 
of a thermometer-scale, having 32° 
as its freezing point, and 212° as 
the boiling point of water. 

fail (fal) , v.i. to fall short ; be deficient; 
waste away; decline; turn out 
badly; become bankrupt: v.t. to be 
wanting, or insufficient for; forsake; 
n. failure; omission. 

failing (faring), n. a fault; weakness; 
imperfection; the act of becoming 
bankrupt. 

failure _ (fal'ur) , n. the act of failing; 
omission; neglect or non-perform- 
. ance; want of success; lapse; the act 
of becoming bankrupt. 

fain (fan), adv. willingly; gladly. 

faint (fant), v.i. to become feeble; lose 
consciousness; swoon; lose cour- 
age and hope: adj. feeble; languid; 
depressed; spiritless; not bright or 
vivid in color; not loud or clear: n. 
a sudden loss of consciousness: pi. 
the impure spirit which distils over 
first and last in making whisky. 

fair (far), adj. beautiful; handsome; 
pleasing to the eye or mind; free 
from any dark hue; spotless; not 
cloudy; fine; favorable; prosper- 
ous; just; equitable; civil; legible; 
above mediocrity; of good reputa- 
tion; reasonable; passably good; 
blowing direct ; the female sex (with 
the); a market held at particular 
times: adv. distinctly; openly; hon- 
estly; on good terms; legibly. 

fairy (far'i and fa'e-ri), n. [vl._ fairies 
(far'iz)l, an imaginary being of 
graceful and diminutive human 
form, supposed to interfere in hu- 
man affairs for good or evil; an elf; 
fay; sprite; brownie: adj. pertaining 
to, or resembling, fairies. 

faith (fath), n. belief; trust in the 
honesty and truth of another; the 
assent of the mind to Divine revela- 
tion; unshaken adherence; fidelity; 
honesty; a system of doctrines or 
tenets. 

faithful (fath'fool), adj. full of faith; 
trustworthy; truthful; honest; loy- 
al: n. Christians in full communion 
(with the). 


fake (fak), v.t. to fold or coil; to cover up 
imperfections of, or fabricate with 
the view to deception; steal: n. a coil 
or turn of a rope; a cheat or dodge; 
canard] hoax; a swindler or trickster. 

faker (fak'er), n. one who fakes; a 
swindler, pickpocket. 

fakir (fa'ker), n. a Mohammedan as- 
cetic or mendicant priest. 

falcon (fawl'kn), n. a predatory bird 
with a hooked beak, trained for 
hunting. 

fall (fawl), v.i. [p.t. fell, p.p. fallen, 
p.pr. falling], to drop from a higher 
to a lower place; drop from an erect 
posture; descend; sink; flow into; 
perish; be degraded or disgraced; 
happen; apostatize or fall into sin; 
begin with ardor; become the prop- 
erty of: adj. pertaining to the au- 
tumn: n. the act of falling; distance 
through which anything falls; over- 
throw; ruin; death; cadence; water- 
fall; cataract; decrease in value; a 
vail: autumn. 

fallacy (fal'a-si), n._ [pi. fallacies 
(fal'a-siz) ], a deceptive or false ap- 
pearance; mistake; an _ unsound 
method of reasoning; sophism. 

fallible (fal'i-bl), adj. liable to be de- 
ceived, misled, err, or fail. 

fallow (faro), v.t. to make or keep fal- 
low: adj. plowed but not sown for 
the season; untilled; neglected; of 
a pale yellow or reddish-yellow color : 
n. land plowed but left unseeded. 

false (fawls), adj. untrue; dishon- 
est; disloyal; perfidious; counter- 
feit; not well founded; unreliable; 
made for temporary use; not in har- 
mony: adv. falsely. 

falsehood (fawls'hood), n. an untruth; 
lie. 

falsetto (fal-set'o), n. an artificial 
tone higher in key than the_ natural 
compass of the voice. [Italian.] 

falsify (fawl'si-fl), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. 
falsified, p.pr. falsifying], to make, 
or prove to be false; counterfeit; 
forge: v.i. to lie. 

falter (fawl'ter), v.t. to utter in a weak 
trembling manner (with out) : v.i. 
to exhibit moral or physical hesi- 
tancy; waver; tremble; fail in ut- 
terance. 

fame (fam), n. public report; rumor; 
celebrity; renown. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met : mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


FAMILIAR 


183 


FASCINATE 


familiar (fa-mil'yer), adj. well ac- 
quainted, or intimate with; domes- 
tic; affable; easy; unconstrained; 
unceremonious; habituated by cus- 
tom : n. a spirit or demon supposed to 
attend at the call of a necromancer; 
a domestic of the papal household. 

family (fam'i-li), n. [pi. families 
(fam'i-liz)], a household; children as 
distinguished from the parent; a 
body of persons descended from a 
common ancestor; tribe; race; gene- 
alogy ; noble lineage ; class ; a group of 
animals larger than a genus, but 
less than an order; an order [Bot.j. 

famine (f am/in), n. extreme dearth; 
great scarcity. 

famous (fa'mus), adj. renowned; con- 
spicuous; noted. 

fan (fan), v.t. \p.t. & p.p. fanned, 
p.pr. fanning], to cool with a fan; 
agitate the air, as with a fan; ven- 
tilate; winnow: n. a flat implement 
used to cool the face by agitating the 
air; an instrument for exciting a 
current of air; anything resembling 
a fan in shape; a winnowing imple- 
ment; an enthusiastic spectator at 
baseball. 

fanatic (fa-nat'ik), n. one who is in- 
temperately zealous, or wildly ex- 
travagant, especially on religious 
subjects: adj. characterized by fa- 
naticism; visionary. Also fanatical. 

fanciful (fan'si-fool) , adj. influenced by 
the fancy; unreal; whimsical; wild. 

fancy (fan'si) <( v.t. [p.t : & p.p. fancied, 
p.pr. fancying], to imagine; take a 
liking to; to be pleased with: v.i. to 
imagine; suppose: adj. ornamental; 
elegant ; imaginary ; characterized by 
yariety: n. creative imagination; 
idea; notion; liking; caprice; pet 
pursuit; sporting characters, as 
pugilists, &c. (with the). 

fane (fan), n. a temple; church. 
[Latin.] 

fanfare (fan'far or fang-far'), n. a 
flourish of trumpets; noisy osten- 
tatious parade. [French.] 

fang (fang), n. the lower part of a 
tooth set in the socket; the poison- 
tooth of a serpent; a tusk, claw, 
talon, or pointed tooth. 

fantastic (fan-tas'tik), adj. odd; whim- 
sical; grotesque; unreal; imaginary. 
Also fantastical. 


fantasy (fan'ta-si), n. [pi. fantasies 
(fan'ta-siz)], a fantastic idea; a 
whimsical fancy. 

far (far), adj. [comp. farther, further, 
superl. farthest, furthest], remote; 
distant; extending widely or at 
length; contrary to design or pur- 
pose; alienated: adv. remotely; very 
much; to a certain point or degree; 
to a great distance; widely. 

farce (fars), n. a short comedy in 
which qualities and actions are much 
exaggerated; ridiculous or empty 
parade. 

farcy (far'si), n. a disease of horses, 
closely allied to glanders. 

fardel (far'del), n. a burden; anything 
cumbersome or irksome. 

fare (far), v.i. to be in any state, 
either good or ill; be entertained 
with food; live; succeed; result: n. 
the sum paid for a journey by rail, 
&c. ; a person conveyed for hire in a 
vehicle; provisions of a table; enter- 
tainment; the quantity of fish taken 
by a smac_k. 

farewell (far-wel'), inter j. may you 
fare well or prosper; good-bye: adj. 
noting, or accompanying, a parting: 
n. an adieu. 

farm (farm), n. a portion of land, 
cultivated by one person, with the 
buildings, &c, appurtenant to it: v.t. 
to cultivate (land) at a fixed rental; 
lease or let: v.i. to carry on the op- 
eration of farming. 

farming (farm'ing), adj. pertaining to, 
or engaged in, agriculture: n. the 
leasing out, or collection of taxes, 
revenues, &c, for a certain commis- 
sion or rate per cent. 

farrier (far'i-er)_, n. one who shoes 
horses; a veterinary surgeon. _ 

farrow (far'o), v.t. to give birth to: 
said of pigs: n. sl litter of pigs: adj. 
noting a cow not calving in a given 
season. 

farther (farmer), adj., comp. of far; 
more distant or remote; additional: 
adv. more remotely: conj. moreover. 

farthing (farming), n. one-fourth of 
an English penny; half a cent. 

fascicle (fas'i-kl), n. a small collection, 
group, or bundle; a serial division 
of a book. 

fascinate (fas'i-nat), v.t. to influence 
the mind or will of as if by enchant- 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


FASHION 


184 


FEAR 


ment; bewitch; captivate: v.i. to 
exercise a bewitching or captivating 
power. [Latin.] 

fashion (fash/un), n. the shape or 
form of anything; conventional cus- 
tom or usage, especially in dress; com- 
pliance with the rules of good society; 
method ; general practice: v.t. to mold, 
shape, or form; accommodate. 

fast (fast), v.i. to abstain from food, 
either from necessity, or as a reli- 
gious obligation: n. abstinence from 
food; religious mortification by ab- 
stinence. [Anglo-Saxon.] 

fast (fast), adj. quick; speedy in mo- 
tion; expeditious; in advance of the 
standard: said of a timepiece; firm; 
immovable; close; faithful; dissi- 
pated; gay: adv. rapidly; firmly. 

fastidious (f as-tid'i-us) , adj. squeam- 
ish; overnice. 

fastness (fast'nes), n. the state or 
quality of being fast ; a fortress or 
natural stronghold. 

fat (fat), adj. [comp. fatter, superl. 
fattest], corpulent; fleshy; adipose; 
greasy; unusually extended: said of 
type; broad; sluggish; stupid; dull; 
lucrative; fertile; affluent: n. a 
solid, oily, yellow or white substance 
forming part of the tissue of ani- 
mals; the best or richest of any- 
thing: v.t. [p.t. & p.p. fatted, p.pr. 
fatting], to fatten; cause to gain 
flesh: v.i. to become fat. 

fatal (fa'tal), adj. causing death or 
destruction; fateful. [Latin.] 

fatality (fa-tal'i-ti), n. [pi. fatalities (fa- 
tal 'i-tiz) ], predetermined order or 
series of events; destiny; a calamity; 
fatal occurrence. 

Fate (fat), n. destiny; inevitable ne- 
cessity; death or destruction; pre- 
destined lot: pi. the three classic 
goddesses, Clotho, Lachesis, and 
Atropos, who presided over the des- 
tinies of mankind. 

father (f&'ther), n. a male parent or 
ancestor; one who stands in the re- 
lation of a father; an originator or 
founder; the official title of a con- 
fessor of the Roman Catholic 
Church, the superior of a convent, 
or of an ancient Roman senator; the 
senior member of any class, pro- 
fession, or body; an ecclesiasti- 
cal writer of the Early Christian 


Church: v.t. to adopt as a son or 
daughter; to ascribe to anyone as 
his offspring or production: with on. 

fathom (fai/i'um), n. a measure of 
length = 6 ft.: v.t. to reach; ascer- 
tain the depth of. 

fatigue (fa-teg'), n. weariness; toil; 
bodily or mental exhaustion: v.t. to 
weary with bodily or mental exer- 
tion; tire; harass. 

fatuity (fa-tu'i-ti), n. weakness of 
intellect; obstinate folly. 

faucet (faw'set), n. a short pipe with 
a valve, used for drawing out liquor. 

fault (fawlt), n. a slight crime or 
offense; blemish; defect; omission; 
the loss of scent in hunting: said of 
a hound; fracture of strata; an ac- 
cidental leak in an electric circuit; 
an improper service in lawn-tennis. 

faun (fawn), n. a classic woodland 
deity, resembling the satyrs in ap- 
pearance. 

fauna (faw'na), n. [pi. faunae (faw'ne), 
faunas (faw'naz) J, the animals char- 
acteristic of any particular region, 
or geological period. [Latin.] 

favor (fa'ver), n. kindness; support; 
patronage; good will; facility; par- 
tiality; bias; a love token; a bunch 
of ribbons worn on some special oc- 
casion; a letter: v.t. to regard with 
favor; befriend; facilitate; resemble 
in features; spare. [Latin.] 

favorite (fa'ver-it), n. one who, or 
that which, is particularly esteemed; 
one regarded with undue preference ; 
a person or animal considered to have 
the best chance of winning in a con- 
test : adj. preferred ; esteemed. 

fawn (fawn), n. a young deer: v.i. & 
v.t. to court servilely (with on or 
upon)\ to exhibit affection by leap- 
ing upon, cringing, or licking the 
hand of a person: said of a dog. 

fay (fa), n. an elf; fairy: v.t. to fit 
(two pieces of wood) flush together: 
v.i. to fit closely: adj. fated; dead. 
[Scotch.] 

faze (faz), v.t. to worry; annoy; 
frighten; disturb; produce an effect 
on. Also fease. 

fealty (fe'al-ti), n. the duty of a 
vassal or tenant to his feudal su- 
perior; loyalty. [O. French.] 

fear (fer), n. apprehension of evil or 
danger; dread; anxiety; solicitude; 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut; think, then. 


FEARFUL 


185 


FELT 


reverence: v.t. to regard with appre- 
hension; dread: v.i. to be in fear; 
feel anxiety. 

/earful (f er'f ool) , adj. affected with fear ; 
timorous; inspiring fear. 

fearless (fer'les), adj. intrepid. 

feasible (fe'zi-bl), adj. practicable. 

feast (fest), t n. a sumptuous repast, 
especially in commemoration of some 
event, <fec; a festival, especially of 
the Church ; anything affording 
pleasure to the palate or mind: v.t. to 
entertain sumptuously; delight: v.i. 
to feed sumptuously; enjoy one's self. 

feat (fet), n. a notable achievement, 
deed, or performance. 

feather (teth'er), n. part of the ex- 
terior covering of a bird; a plume; 
something resembling a feather; the 
water thrown up by the turn of the 
blade of an oar; kind or class: v.t. 
to ornament with feathers; cover 
with, or as with, feathers; turn the 
blade of (an oar) horizontally when 
leaving the water: v.i. to become 
covered with, or something resem- 
bling, feathers. 

feature (fe'tur), n. the cast of the 
face; lineament; principal part; 
outline; characteristic; appearance: 
v.t. to make public or conspicuous; 
to give a prominent place to. 

febrile (feb'ril or fe'bril), adj. pertain- 
ing to, accompanied by, or indicating 
fever. 

feckless (fek'les), adj. good-for-noth- 
ing; shiftless. [Scottish.] 

fecund (fek'und or fe-kund'), adj. 
fruitful; prolific. [Latin.] 

fecundity (f ek-un'di-ti) , n. fruitful- 
ness; prolificness ; fertility of inven- 
tion; germination. 

fed, pi. & -p.p. of feed. 

federal (fed'er-al), adj. pertaining to, 
constituting, or founded upon, a 
league or treaty; consisting in a 
union or compact between States, 
especially of the United States or 
Switzerland; confederated. 

federation (fed-er-a'shun), n. a league; 
federal government. 

fee (fe), n. a payment for service ren- 
dered, especially professional ser- 
vice; a gratuity; an heritable or 
inherited estate; land held from a 
superior; feud: v.t. in the sense of to 
pay or give a fee to, it is French. 


feeble (fe'bl), adj. weak; wanting in 
physical strength or mental vigor ; 
infirm: v.t. to weaken. 

feed (fed), v.t. to give food to; nour- 
ish; graze or pasture; supply with 
necessaries; furnish with materials, 
as a machine: v.i. to eat; subsist 
(with on or upon) : n. a certain 
quantity of food given to animals at 
one time ; fodder ; pasture ; a banquet. 

feel (fel), v.t. to perceive by the 
touch; be conscious of; understand; 
test; be influenced or moved by; ex- 
perience, as pleasure or pain; exam- 
ine by touching or handling: v.t. 
seem to the touch ; have the passions 
moved: n. the sense of feeling; 
touch; sensation. 

feet (fet), pi. of foot. 

feign (fan), v.t. to pretend; invent. 

feint (fant), n. a pretense; mock attack. 

felicitate (fe-lis'i-tat) , v.t. to con- 
gratulate. 

felicity (fe-lis'i-ti), n. \pl. felicities 
(fe-lis/i-tiz)], a condition of supreme 
happiness ; blissfulness ; prosperity ; 
appropriateness; a neat or well- 
chosen ^expression. [Latin.] 

feline (fe'lin), adj. pertaining to, or 
resembling, a cat; stealthy; treach- 
erous. [Latin.] 

fell (fel), v.t. to hew, cut, or knock, 
down; cause to fall; turn down (a 
seam) : adj. cruel ; savage ; barbar- 
ous; hideous; powerful: n. the skin 
of an animal; a hem laid level with 
the material; a rocky or barren hill; 
small pieces of ore. 

fellow (fel'o), n. a companion or asso- 
ciate; one of the same kind; com- 
peer; one of a pair; an individual; 
one held in slight esteem; a member 
of an incorporated society; a gradu- 
ate member of a college who holds a 
fellowship: adj. associated or joined 
with (used in composition). 

felly (fel'i), n. [pi. fellies (fel'iz)], one 
of the curved pieces of wood which 
form the rim of a wheel; the rim. 

felon (fel'un^ n. one guilty of fel- 
ony; a whitlow: adj. malignant; 
traitorous 1 

felony (fel'o-ni), n. [pi. felonies (fel'- 
o-niz)], a crime punishable by death 
or imprisonment in a state prison. 

felt, p.t. of feel. 

felt (felt), n. an unwoven fabric 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


FEMALE 186 FESTIVITY 

composed of wool or wool and hair, fern (fern), n. a cryptogamous or 
compacted together by pressure or flowerless plant with broad and 
heat. feathery fronds or leaves, on the 

female (fe'mal), n. one of that sex under surface of which the repro- 
which conceives and produces young; ductive seeds are situated, 
the plant or flower which bears the ferocious (fe-ro'shus), adj. savage; 
pistil and receives the pollen of the fierce; rapacious; of cruel nature, 
male flower: adj. pertaining to that ferocity (fe-ros'i-ti), n. [pi. ferocities 
sex which produces young; feminine; (fe-ros'i-tiz) ], savageness or cruelty 
womanly; having pistils but desti- of disposition; inhuman cruelty, 
tute of stamens; noting, in mechan- ferret (fer'et), n. a domesticated va- 
ics, something, as a hollow, into riety of polecat, employed to hunt 
which another part fits. rats and rabbits from their holes; 

feminine (fem'i-nin), adj. pertaining a kind of binding: v.t. to search 
to, or characteristic of, women; deli- minutely (with out). 
cate; tender; sensitive; wanting in ferrous (fer'us), adj. pertaining to, 
manly characteristics; effeminate: or obtained from, iron. 
n. a woman. ferrule (fer'il), n. a metal ring placed 

femur (fe'mer), n. the thigh-bone. at the end of a stick, &c, to 

fen (fen), n. low, flat, marsh land, strengthen it. [Latin.] 

covered with sedges, &c; a kind of ferry (fer'i), n. [pi. ferries (fer'iz) ], a 
mold or moss causing disease in passage across a river, &c; a ferry- 
hops, boat; the place where a ferry-boat 

fence (fens), v.i. to practise fencing; lands its passengers: v.t. [p.t. & 
deposit stolen property with a con- p.p. ferried, p.pr. ferrying], to con- 
federate: v.t. guard or protect; de- vey across a river, &c, in a boat: 
fend; to inclose or surround with a v.i. go across water in a boat, 
fence; fortify: n. the art of fencing; fertile (fer'til), adj. producing abun- 
defense; guard; a boundarjr con- dantly; fruitful; reproductive; rich 
sisting of posts, wire, &c; inclos- in resources or invention. [Latin.] 
ure; skill in debate; a receiver of fertilize (fer'til-Iz), v.t. to make fer- 
stolen goods. tile; render fruitful; impregnate. 

fence (fens), n. a row of stakes or ferule (fer'Ql), n. a rod or flat stick 
wooden piles that defend a place used for chastisement: v.t. to chas- 
enclosed by them. [Latin.] tise with a ferule. [Latin.] 

fencing (fens'ing), n. the art of skil- fervent (fer'vent), adj. zealous; ear- 
fully using a foil or sword for at- nest; vehement; very hot. 
tack or defense; materials used for fervid (fer'vid), adj. burning; ardent; 
constructing a fence; a collection of fiery; intense; eager. [Latin.] 
fences; guard; skilful debate. fervor (fer'ver), n. intensity of feeling; 

fend (fend), v.t. to ward off; protect zeal; warmth. 

with a fender. festal (fes'tal), adj. pertaining to a 

fender (fend'er), n. a cushion of rope, feast; joyous; festive; hilarious. 
or piece of wood hung over the side fester (fes'ter), v.t. to cause to fester 
of a vessel to prevent injury by con- or rankle: v.i. to become ulcerated; 
tact with a landing-stage, &c; a suppurate; rankle; become putrid; 
metal guard in front of a fireplace rot: n. an ulcerous or purulent sore ; 
to prevent the hot coal falling upon act of festering or rankling. [French.] 
the floor; a device affixed to the festival (fes'ti-val), n. a joyful cde- 
front of a street car to prevent in- bration in commemoration of some 
jury to pedestrians. [Latin.] event, religious or civil; an enter- 

ferment (fer'ment), n. a microscopic tainment on behalf of some charity 
fungus which produces fermenta- at which fruit, &c, is sold. [Latin.] 
tion; internal commotion; tumult: festive (fes'tiv), adj. pertaining to a 
v.t. (fer-ment'), to produce fermenta- feast; gay; joyous; merry, 
tion in; excite: v.i. to be in a state of festivity (f es-tiy'i-ti) , n. [pi. festivi- 
fermentation; effervesce; be excited. ties (fes-tiv'i-tiz) ], social gaiety at 

fite, arm, at, awl; me, merge, met; mite, mit; note, nOrth, not; boon, book; 
hue, hut ; think, Men. 


FESTOON 


187 


FIDGET 


an entertainment or feast; merry- 
making; joyfulness; a festival. 

festoon (fes-toon'), n. a wreath or gar- 
land suspended at the extremities 
and hanging in a curve; an archi- 
tectural ornament of such form: v.t. 
to decorate with, or form into, fes- 
toons. 

fetch (fech), v.t. to go after and 
bring; obtain as its price; call for 
and accompany; heave, as a sigh; 
fascinate: v.i. to move and turn; 
reach or get: n. an artifice or trick; 
the deep long breath, as of a person 
dying; a wraith; the appearance at 
night of a light resembling a candle, 
supposed to portend death (fetch- 
flight). 

fete (fat), n. a festival or holiday: 
v.t. to entertain, or honor, with fes- 
tivities. [French.] 

fetid (fe'tid, or fet'id), adj. giving 
forth an offensive smell; stinking. 

fetish (fe'tish, or fet'ish), n. any 
material object, as a stone, weapon, 
feather, &c, supposed by the ne- 
groes of Western Africa to be the 
abode of a spirit, and to give to its 
possessor power over such a deity: 
hence any object of unreasoning de- 
votion: image or idol. Also fetich. 

fetlock (fet'lok), n. a tuft of hair be- 
hind a horse's pastern joint; the 
pastern joint. 

fetter (fet'er), n. a chain or shackle 
for the feet (usually pi.); a re- 
straint; hindrance: v.t. to place fet- 
ters upon; chain; bind; hinder; re- 
strain. 

fettle (fet'l), v.i. to repair; work 
with activity; clean up: v.t. to put 
in order; cover or line; fasten: n. 
good condition or repair; fuss. 

feud (fud), n. an inveterate quarrel 
between clans or families; blood- 
feud; quarrel; enmity; hatred. 

fever (fe'ver), n. a disease charac- 
terized by marked increase of heat 
of the skin, quickened pulse, great 
debility, thirst, &c; a condition of 
extreme nervous excitement: v.t. to 
put into a fever. [Latin.] 

few (fti), adj. [comp. fewer, superl. 
fewest], not many; small in num- 
ber; limited. [Latin.] 

fez (fez), n. a brimless, close fitting, 
felt hat, usually red, with a black 


tassel: worn by Turks, Egyptians, 
&c. [French.] 
fiacre (fe-a'kr), n. a hackney-coach. 

[French.] 

fiance (fe-ang-sa'), n. one who is be- 
trothed or affianced. Fern, fiancee. 

fiasco (fe-as'ko), n. a complete or lu- 
dicrous failure, as of some enter- 
prise of which high hopes were en- 
tertained, as a musical performance, 
&c; a flask or bottle. [Italian.] 

fiat (fi'at), n. a peremptory order or 
decree; an order of a court authoriz- 
ing certain proceedings, as in bank- 
ruptcy. [Latin, "Let it be done."] 

fib (fib), n. a falsehood; white, lie: 
v.i. [p.t. & p.p. fibbed, p.pr. fibbing], 
to tell fibs; to deliver a quick suc- 
cession of blows. 

fiber (fl'ber), n. a slender, thread- 
like substance, or filament; raw ma- 
terial which can be separated into 
threads for making up textile fabrics. 

fibula (fib'u-la), n. [pi. fibulae (-le)], 
the outer and smaller of the two 
bones which form the lower leg; an 
ancient ornamental brooch or safe- 
ty-pin. 

fichu (fish'u), n. a light three-cornered 
article of ladies' dress worn on the 
neck, or over the neck and shoulders. 

fickle (fik'l), adj. capricious; incon- 
stant. 

fiction (fik'shun), n. the act of feign- 
ing or inventing; that which is 
feigned or invented; a literary pro- 
duction of the imagination in prose 
form, as a novel, romance, &c; 
a legal assumption for the purpose 
of convenience, the furtherance of 
justice, &c. [Latin.] 

fid (fid), n. an iron or wooden bar to 
support a topmast; a large tapering 
wooden pin for opening the strands 
of a rope: v.t. to put into place and 
secure by a fid. Also fidd. 

fiddle (fid'l), n. a violin; a rack 
used on board ship to prevent arti- 
cles from rolling off the table in 
stormy weather: v.i. to play the fid- 
dle or violin: v.t. to cheat by arti- 
fice. 

fidelity (fi-del'i-ti), n. [pi. fidelities 
(fi-del'i-tiz)], integrity; faithful ad- 
herence to obligation or duty; hon- 
esty; loyalty; reliability. 

fidget (fij'et), n. one who is fidgety; 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


FIDGETY 


188 


FILE 


nervous restlessness (often in pi.): 
v.t. to put in a fidget; worry: v.i. to 
move about uneasily or restlessly. 

fidgety (fij'et-i), adj. restless; impa- 
tient. 

fiduciary (fi-dii'shi-a-ri) , n. [pi. fidu- 
ciaries (fi-dti'shi-a-riz) ], a trustee; 
one who depends for salvation on 
faith without works: adj. pertaining 
to, or of the nature of, a trust; con- 
fident; unwavering. 

fie (fi), inter j. for shame. Also fy; 
fye. 

.fief (fef), n. a fee or feud; a landed 
estate or manor held under a feudal 
superior. [Old French.] 

field (feld), n. a piece of land en- 
closed for tillage or pasture; open 
country; a region yielding some nat- 
ural product; site of a battle; 
sphere of action ; a wide expanse ; 
space within which 'telescopic or 
microscopic objects are viewed; 
outdoor work; in heraldry, the sur- 
face of the shield; the ground upon 
which a game is played; the com- 
petitors in a race, hunt, &c: v.t. to 
catch or stop and return to the 
wicket-keeper, as a ball at cricket, 
&c: v.i. to act as a fielder; in a 
race, bet on the field against the 
favorite. 

fiend (fend), n. an infernal being; 
demon; one who is intensely mali- 
cious or wicked. 

fiendish (fend'ish), adj. like a fiend. 

fierce (fers), adj. savage; violent; 
merciless; ferocious; unrestrained. 

fiery (fir'i), adj. [comp. fierier, superl. 
fieriest], pertaining to, or consisting 
of, fire; passionate; easily roused; 
fervent; ardent. 

fife (fif), n. a shrill-toned musical 
instrument of the flute class: v.t. to 
play (a tune) on a fife. 

fifteen (fif 'ten), adj. consisting of 5 
and 10; a cardinal numeral: n. the 
number made up of 5 and 10; one 
point scored at lawn-tennis. 

fifteenth (fif 'tenth), adj. next in order 
after fourteenth: n. a fifteenth part. 

fifth (fifth), adj. next in order after 
4th: n. one of five equal parts; in 
music, an interval of three tones 
and a semi-tone; the dominant. 

fiftieth (fif'ti-eth), adj. next in order 
after 49th: n. one of 50 equal parts. 


fifty (fif'ti), adj. consisting of five 
times 10: n. [pi. fifties (fif'tiz) ], the 
number which amounts to five times 
10. 

fig (fig), n. the pear-shaped fruit of 
the fig-tree; the fig-tree; a snap of 
the fingers in token of contempt; 
anything insignificant or worthless. 

fight (fit), v.i. [p.t. & p.p. fought, 
p.pr. fighting], contend in battle or 
in arms; make war; offer resist- 
ance: v.t. to war against; strive for 
the mastery of; manoeuvre in bat- 
tle, as ships: n. a combat; battle or 
engagement; contest. 

figment (fig'ment), n. an invention; 
fiction. 

figurative (fig'u-ra-tiv) , adj. repre- 
senting by figure; symbolical; un- 
real; metaphorical. 

figure (fig'ur), n. the outline or shape 
of a person or object; appearance; 
an image or statue; representation 
of a person by drawing or painting; 
idea; pattern; type; sign or charac- 
ter denoting a number ; a movement 
in a dance; musical phrase, or re- 
peated theme; a horoscope; value 
or cost; in logic, the character of a 
syllogism as determined by the 
place of the middle term; a space 
bounded on all sides by lines or 
planes: v.t. to form into any deter- 
minate shape; show by resemblance; 
represent; symbolize; adorn or cover 
with figures; calculate or compute: 
v.i. to be conspicuous ; cipher. [Latin.] 

figure-head (fig'ur-hed), n. a carved 
representation of a human or other 
figure placed at the prow of a ship; 
a person who is only nominally im- 
portant. 

filament (fil'a-ment), n. a fine thread, 
or thread-like process or appen- 
dage ; the stalk of an anther. 

filch (filch), v.t. to pilfer; rob. 

file (fil), n. a wire, &c, on which pa- 
pers are strung for preservation or 
reference; a bundle of papers fas- 
tened together and endorsed with the 
date, contents, &c, of each; a line 
of soldiers ranged one behind the 
other; a tool of hard steel with 
small grooves on the surface, used 
for cutting and smoothing: v.t. to 
cut or smooth with a file; string 
(papers, &c.) on a file, or place 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


FILIAL 


189 


FINERY 


them away, endorsed, for future 
reference; place among the records 
of a court or house of legislature: 
v.i. to march in a file or line. 

filial (fiTi-al), adj. pertaining to, or 
befitting, a son or daughter; due to 
a father. 

filibuster (fil-i-bus'ter), n. a free- 
booter; buccaneer; a lawless military 
adventurer who invades a foreign 
country: v.i. to act as a filibuster; 
to delay legislation by obstructive 
tactics. 

filigree (fil'i-gre), adj. made of, or re- 
lating to, work in filigree: n. orna- 
mental work, resembling lace, in 
gold or silver wire; something deli- 
cate and ornamental, but not 
lasting. [French.] 

fill (fil), v.t. to make full; satisfy; 
crowd; engage; occupy; employ: v.i. 
to become full or replete; be dis- 
tended; pour a glass or vessel full: 
n. as much as produces complete 
satisfaction; satiety. 

filler (fiTer), n. one who, or that 
which, fills; a funnel for filling 
bottles, &c; composition for stop- 
ping up holes or pores in a mate- 
rial before painting it; the body of 
a cigar. 

fillet (fiTet), n. a nairow band of metal, 
linen, silk, &c, worn around the 
forehead, for securing the hair: the 
fleshy part of the thigh: said of 
veal; a boneless lump of meat or 
fish served flat or rolled together 
and tied round; a raised rim, nar- 
row ornament, or molding; a plain 
line or band; the loins of a horse: 
v.t. to bind with a fillet; ornament 
with a fillet; make into fillets, as 
veal, &c. 

fillip (fiTip), n. a sudden sharp jerk or 
stroke with the finger; an incite- 
ment: v.t. to strike with the nail of 
the finger by a sudden movement; 
project: v.i. to aim a fillip. 

filly (fil'i), n. [pi. fillies (fil'iz)], a young 
mare; a bold, lively girl. 

film (film), n. a thin skin or filament; 
a thin covering of some sensitized 
substance to receive a photographic 
impression: v.i. to become covered 
with a film. 

filmy (film'i), adj. composed of, or re- 
sembling, films. 


filter (fiTter), n. any material or ap- 
paratus by which water or any 
other liquid is purified; a contri- 
vance for arresting particles of 
steel, dust, &c., in the air; a strain- 
er: v.t. to purify, as a liquid. 

filth (filth), n. foul matter; dirt; de- 
filement, moral or physical. 

filthy (filth'i), adj. [comp. filthier, su- 
perl. filthiest], foul; dirty; unclean, 
morally or physically; obscene. 

filtrate (fil'trat), n. a liquid which 
has been filtered: v.t. to filter. 

fin (fin), n. one of the organs of loco- 
motion of a fish. 

final (fi'nal), adj. pertaining to the 
end; ultimate; finishing; decisive: 
n. that which is last, or makes an 
end; the deciding heat of an ath- 
letic contest. 

finale (fe-na'la), n. the last passage 
in a musical composition; the final 
act, &c, of a scene or performance; 
termination; end. 

finality (fi-nal'i-ti) , n. completeness. 

finance (fi-nans'), n. the public 
revenue of a government or state; 
the science of the profitable manage- 
ment of monetary affairs: v.t. to 
manage the financial arrangement 
of: v.i. to raise money for some spe- 
cial object. 

financial (fi-nan'shal) , adj. pertaining 
to finance. 

finch (finch), n. the common name 
for various small birds, as the chaf- 
finch, canary, &c. 

find (find), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. found, 
p.pr. finding], to discover; obtain 
by searching; ascertain by experi- 
ment; meet by accident; regain, as 
something lost; supply; declare by 
judicial verdict: n. the discovery of 
something valuable. 

fine (fin), n. money paid as a pen- 
alty; forfeiture: v.t. to impose a 
monetary penalty upon; purify; re- 
fine; clarify. 

fine (fin), adj. slender; thin; keen; 
pure; refined; subtle; delicate; ele- 
gant; of small diameter; very hand- 
some; noble; showy; admirable; 
splendid; beautiful in thought or 
language; free from clouds or rain; 
dexterous ; discriminating ; artful : 
adv. very much; finely. 

finery (fi'ner-i), n. [pi. fineries (it'- 


ll te, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


FINESSE 


190 


FISHMONGER 


ner-iz)], personal adornment, as fine 
or showy clothes, &c; outward 
show. 

finesse (fi-nes')i n. artifice or strat- 
agem; skill; dexterity; finessing at 
whist: v.i. to use artifice or skill to 
accomplish some end; in playing 
whist, to endeavor to take a trick 
with a lower card than that held 
by an opponent, while holding a 
higher card. [French.] 

finger _ (fing'ger) , n. one of the five 
divisions of the hand; one of the 
four digits of the hand, as dis- 
tinguished from a thumb; a fin- 
ger's breadth; any mechanical con- 
trivance resembling a finger; an in- 
dex; musical touch: v.t. to handle, or 
perform, with_ the fingers; meddle 
with; steal; pilfer: v.i. to use the 
fingers skilfully in performing upon 
a musical instrument. 

finical (fin'i-kal), adj. fastidious; over 
particular. 

finis (fi'nis), n. the end. [Latin.] 

finish (fin'ish), v.t. to bring to an 
end; complete; put an end to; con- 
clude ; make perfect ; polish ; kill or 
render powerless: v.i. to come to an 
end; expire: n. completion; careful 
elaboration; the final touches given 
to a work; the end. 

finite (fi'nit), adj. having limits: n. 
that which is finite [with the]. 

finny (fin'ni), adj. haying fins; resem- 
bling, or abounding in, fish. 

fiord (fyord), n. a long narrow inlet 
or arm of the sea between high 
rocks or banks. Also fjord. [Nor- 
wegian.] 

fir (fer), n. the name of various cone- 
bearing trees of the genus Abies, 
and allied genera; a fir-tree. 

fire (fir), n. heat and light evolved 
by ignition and combustion; the 
result of combustion of bodies; 
a burning; conflagration; flame; 
discharge of firearms ; light ; _ in- 
tensity of feeling; ardor; spirit; 
severe trial or affliction: v.t. to set 
on fire; inflame: kindle; bake, as 
porcelain; explode; excite violently; 
irritate; illuminate; cauterize: v.i. 
to become ignited; be inflamed; dis- 
charge firearms; ring a peal of bells 
all together. 

firebrand (flr'brand), n. a piece of 


burning wood; an incendiary; one 
who inflames the passions of others. 

firecracker (fir'krak-er), n. a small 
explosive firework. 

fire-damp (fir'damp), n. carburet ted 
hydrogen, explosive when _ brought 
into contact with fire in mines. 

firefly (fir'fli), _ n. a winged insect 
which emits light at night. 

firkin (fer'kin), n. a small wooden 
vessel for holding butter, lard, &c; 
a measure of capacity = l-4th of a 
barrel; 9 gals. 

firm (ferm), adj. hard; compact; 
solid ; closely compressed ; unyield- 
ing; not easily moved; rigorous; 
staunch; unfaltering; steadfast: n. 
the title or style under which a 
mercantile house transacts its busi- 
ness; a mercantile partnership. 

firmament (fer'ma-ment). n. the sky. 

first (ferst), adj. the ordinal of one; 
foremost in place, rank, dignity, 
time, excellence, &c; earliest; most 
important; chief: adv. before all 
others in order, place, rank, time, 
&c; sooner: n. the beginning; the 
upper part of a vocal or instru- 
mental duet, trio, &c. [Mus.] 

fiscal (fis'kal), adj. pertaining to the 
exchequer or public revenues; finan- 
cial: n. in Spain a state treasurer. 
[Latin.] 

fish (fish), n. [pi. fish, fishes (fish'ez)J, 
a vertebrate, cold-blooded, aquatic 
animal furnished with permanent 
gills; the flesh of fish used as food; 
a machine for hoisting an anchor; 
a piece of wood fastened to an- 
other to strengthen it; one of the 
signs (Pisces) of the zodiac; a 
counter used at cards: v.t. to search 
in quest of fish; catch (fish); seek 
for and bring to light; draw up; 
strengthen by spars: v.i. to try to 
catch fish; seek to gain or obtain 
something by artifice or indirect 
methods. 

fisherman (fish'er-man) , n. one whose 
occupation it is to catch fish; a fish- 
ing-smack. 

fishery (fish'er-i), n. [pi. fisheries 
(fish'er-iz)]. the business of catching 
fish; a fishing-ground; the right to 
fish at a particular time or ground. 

fishmonger (fish'mung-ger), n. one 
who sells fish. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit : note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


FISSILE 


191 


FLAME 


fissile (fis'il), adj. capable of being 
split: said of rocks. 

fission (fish'un), n the act of cleav- 
ing or splitting up into parts; the 
spontaneous division of a simple 
organism into two parts, each of 
which becomes a new individu- 
al. 

fissure (fish'ur), n. a cleft or crack; 
a narrow opening; furrow: v.t. to 
make a fissure: v.i. to crack. [Latin.] 

fist (fist), n. the hand when closed or 
clenched: v.t. to grip or strike with 
the fist. 

fistic (fis'tik), adj. pertaining to pu- 
gilism. 

fisticuffs (fis'ti-kufs), n. a combat 
with the fists; boxing. 

fistula (fis'tu-la), n. a deep pipe-like 
ulcer in the rectum. 

fit (fit), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. fitted, p.pr. 
fitting], to make fit or suitable; 
adapt; accommodate to anything; 
qualify; adjust; equip; benefit: v.i. 
to be proper or suitable: n. adapta- 
tion of one thing to another; suit- 
ability: adj. [camp, fitter, superl. 
fittest], convenient; suitable; pre- 
pared; qualified. 

fit (fit), n. a sudden attack of disease 
attended with convulsions, and often 
with loss of consciousness; a tem- 
porary mental paroxysm, or attack 
of pain or illness; caprice.^ 

fitful (fit 'fool), adj. capricious; spas- 
modic. 

fitness (fit'nes), n. the state or quality 
of being fit. 

five (flv), adj. consisting of 4 and 1; 
a cardinal numeral: n. the sum of 
4 and 1: pi. a game resembling ten- 
nis, played in England. 

fix (fiks), v.t. to make fast, secure, or 
stable; direct steadily; set or place 
permanently; adjust; transfix; de- 
prive of volatility; predispose: v.i. 
to become solid or firm; settle down: 
n. an awkward situation; quandary. 

fixative (fiks'a-tiv) , n. something that 
serves to fi.?, as a mordant, &c. 

fixed (fikst), p.adj. firm; lasting; set- 
tled ; permanent ; stable ; established ; 
resolute; not volatile. 

fixity (fiks'i-ti), n. stability; perma- 
nence. 

fixture (fiks'tur), n. that which is 
firmly fixed; an article of furni- 


ture fixed to a house and regarded 
as part of it. 

fizz (fiz), n. a hissing noise; an ef- 
fervescent beverage, as sparkling 
champagne: v.i. to make a fizzing 
noise. Also fizzle. 

flabby (flab'i), adj. easily shaken, 
or yielding to the touch; lack- 
ing muscle; mentally or physically 
feeble. 

flaccid (flak'sid), adj. flabby; weak. 

flag (flag), n. a piece of cloth or 
bunting on which usually some de- 
vice is wrought, used as the standard 
of a nation, an ensign, signal, &c; 
a plant of the genus Iris; a flagstone: 
v.i. [p.t. & p.p. flagged, p.pr. flag- 
ging], to become weary; lose vigor; 
hang down: v.t. signal with a flag; 
pave with flagstones. 

flagellant (flaj 'el-ant) , adj. using a 
whip or scourge: n. one who scourges 
himself for religious discipline. 

flagellate (fla'jel-at), v.t. to whip: adj. 
having whip-like processes. 

flagging (flag'ing), n. pavement of 
flagstones. 

flagitious (fla-jish'us), adj. atrocious; 
wicked; highly criminal. 

flagon (flag'un), n. a large drinking 
vessel with a narrow mouth. 

flagrant (fla ' grant), adj. openly 
wicked; heinousj glaring; notorious. 

flagstone (flag'ston), n. sl large flat 
paving-stone. 

flail (flal), n. a wooden instrument 
for threshing wheat, &c, by hand. 

flake (flak), n. a small film of any- 
thing loosely held together, as 
snow; a thin scaly piece of any- 
thing; a carnation with a single 
color in stripes on a white ground : 
v.t. & v.i. to form into flakes; scale 
or peel off. 

flaky (flak'i), adj. consisting of flakes 
or layers. 

flam (flam), n. a falsehood; freak; 
blarney; false pretense. [Obsolete.] 

flamboyant (flam-boi'ant) , adj. de- 
noting a florid or showy style, espe- 
cially as deficient in good taste, de- 
noting the French Pointed Gothic; 
florid ; showy ; boisterous ; noisy ; de- 
void of taste. 

flame (flam), n. fire; ardor of tem- 
per or passion; glow of imagination; 
excitement; a sweetheart: v.t. to 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, nOrth, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


FLAMINGO 


192 


FLEA 


heat; excite: v.i. to burst into 
flame; blaze. 

flamingo (fla-ming'go), n. a long- 
legged, web-footed, red-colored bird. 

flange (flam'), n. a raised or project- 
ing rim for preventing a wheel slip- 
ping, or as an attachment: v.t. to 
attach a flange to. 

flank (flangk), n. the fleshy part of 
an animal between the ribs and 
hip; the side of an army, regiment 
or building; that part of a fortifica- 
tion constructed to defend another: 
v.t. to attack or turn the flank or 
side of (an army) ; guard on the 
flank: v.i. to border or touch [with 
on]: adj. pertaining to, or cut from, 
the flank. 

flannel (flan'el), n. a soft-textured, 
loosely woven cloth with a light 
nap. [French.] 

flap (flap), n. anything broad and 
flexible, hanging loosely, and fas- 
tened on one side; the motion or 
noise of anything broad and flat; 
a slap; the tail of a coat: v.t. [p.t. 
&, p.p. flapped], to strike with, or 
as with, a flap; let fall; move back- 
wards and forwards rapidly: v.i. to 
move, as wings, with noise. 

flare (flar), n. a large, unsteady 
glaring light: v.i. m to burn with a 
broad, unsteady light; be offensive- 
ly showy in dress. 

flash (flash), n. a sudden, quick, 
transitory blaze or light; sudden 
outburst, as of merriment, wit, or 
passion; a short, transient state; a 
body of water driven by violence; 
a sluice above a shoal on navigable 
rivers for easing the water for the 
passage of boats: v.t. to cause to 
act, burse, or appear suddenly; 
cover with a thin coating of colored 
glass; to show ostentatiously, as "to 
flash his roll": v.i. to shine with a 
sudden, quick, transient blaze or 
light; act, or burst forth, suddenly; 
gleam; splash: _ adj. pertaining to 
thieves or their language, as "a 
flash house"; cheap and_ gaudy; 
sham; vulgarly ostentatious or 
showy, as "flash jewelry." [Swe- 
dish.] 

flask (flask), n. a small bottle; a vessel, 
usually metal or leather, for holding 
powder or shot. 


flat (flat), adj. level; even; smooth; 
prostrate; horizontal; insipid; posi- 
tive; downright; low: said of prices; 
dull: said of sales; without interest ; 
wanting relief or prominence: said 
of figures in painting; sounded below 
the true pitch : rff. a level or extended 
plain ; a shallow ; shoal ; story or floor 
of a house; the broad or plane part 
of a thing ; surface without relief or 
prominence; depression in thought 
or language ; a musical sign (|?) which 
lowers the succeeding note half a 
tone; one of the halves of a scene 
which meet in the middle of the 
stage of a theater; a person easily 
duped: adv. in a level or prostrate 
position. 

flatten (flat'n), v.t. to lay flat; make 
level or even; beat down; depress; 
make dull, insipid or tasteless; lower 
in tone: v.i. to become flat or level; 
become insipid. 

flatter (flat'er), v.t. to gain over or 
please by complimentary speech; 
soothe; persuade; raise false hopes 
or expectations: v.i. to employ flat- 
tery. 

flattery (flat'er-i), n. [pi. flatteries 
(flat'er-iz)], insincere complimen- 
tary speech; adulation; false praise. 

flatulent (flat'u-lent), adj. affected 
with, or tending to produce, flatu- 
lence ; pretentious ; conceited. 

flaunt (flant and flawnt), v.i. # to make 
an ostentatious display in dress: 
v.t. behave or exhibit pertly or 
impudently: n. the act of flaunt- 
ing; a boast; a brag. 

flavor (fla'ver), n. a particular smell 
or taste: v.L to impart a flavor to. 

flavoring (fla'ver-ing) , n. an essence 
or extract for giving a flavor to any- 
thing. 

flaw (flaw), n. a blemish; inherent 
defect; crack: v.t. to make a flaw 
in; crack. 

flax (flaks), n. a plant of the genus 
Linum, the fiber of which is spun 
into linen cloth. 

flaxen (flaks'en), adj. resembling, or 
made of, flax; of golden color: said 
of the hair. Also flaxy. 

flaxseed (flak'sed), n. linseed. 

flay (fia), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. flayed, p.pr. 
flaying], to strip on, skin: torture. 

flea (fle), n. a small blood-sucking 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


FLECK 


193 


FLOAT 


insect of the genus Pulex, remark- 
able for its agility and irritating bite. 
fleck (flek), n. a streak or spot: v.t. 

to streak or spot ; variegate. 

fledge (flej), v.i. to acquire the full 
plumage or feathers necessary for 
flight. 

flee ifle), v.t. [p.t. fled, p.pr. fleeing], 
to run away from: avoid: v.i. to 
hasten away from danger; scatter; 
disappear. 

fleece (.fles), n. the whole wool shorn 
from a sheep at one time: v.t. to 
deprive of the wool or fleece: strip; 
plunder by injustice or fraud; cover 
with, or as with, a fleece._ 

fleecy (fles'i), adj. resembling a fleece; 
woolly. 

fleer (fler), n. mocker?- or contempt 
expressed in words or gesture: v.i. 
to mock or sneer; grin contemptu- 
ously^ 

fleet (net), adj. swift; rapid; nimble: 
n. a company of warships or mer- 
chant vessels not fewer than twelve; 
a creek or inlet: v.t. to move or pass 
rapidly o_ver; skim. 

fleeting (flet'ing), p. adj. passing quick- 
ly- 

flense (flens), v.t. to cut up and strip 
the blubber from: said of a whale 
or seal. Also flench, flinch. 

flesh (flesh), n. that part of an ani- 
mal body underlying the skin, and 
composed of soft muscular tissue; 
animal food; pulp of fruit, &c.; the 
body: opposed to soul; human na- 
ture or race; carnal state or ap- 
petites^ present life; kindred: adj. 
resembling flesh in color or ap- 
pearance: v.t. to satiate or glut. 

fleshly (flesh'li), adj. pertaining to the 
body;_ corporeal; human; carnal; 
lascivious: adv. carnallv. 

flew (floo), p.^. of fly. 

flexible (neks'i-bl), adj. easily bent: 
pliant ; yielding to persuasion. Also 
flexile. 

flexion (flek'shun), n. the act or proc- 
ess of bending; a curve: in gram- 
mar, inflection. Also flection. 

flick, (flik), n. a light, quick stroke, 
as with a whip: v.t. to whip lightly. 

flies (fliz), pi. of fly. 

flight (flit), n. the act, process, man- 
ner, or power of flying; hasty de- 
parture; birds flying together, or 


produced in the same season : a 
soaring forth; extravagant sally; 
the distance traveled by a projectile; 
a shower or volley; a series of 
steps. 

flighty (flit'i), adj. changeful: capri- 
cious; extravagant in fancy; wild; 
giddy. 

flimsy (flim'zi). n. [p/.flimsies(flim'ziz)], 
a thin manifold paper, especially 
that used for making reporting 
copies: a bank-note :_ adj. unsub- 
stantial; thin; weak: ineffective. 

flinch (flinch), v.i. to shrink or draw 
back, as from pain, danger, &c: n. 
the act of flinching. 

fling (fling) , # v.t. [p.t. & p.p. flung, 
p.pr. flinging], to throw or hurl; 
drive by violence; scatter; cast to 
the ground: v.i. to flounce; throw 
out the legs violently: n. the act of 
throwing or casting; a sneer or 
gibe: kick or leap: unrestrained 
pleasure: dash: a Highland dance: 
n. a "lark" or spree; the sportive 
days of a young man. 

flint (flint), n. a variety of quartz; 
a flint implement; anything pro- 
verbially hard._ 

flip (flip), n. Bl liquor of beer, spirit, 
sugar, &c.; a short quick stroke: a 
flick: v.t. to jerk with the fingers; 
strike with a short quick blow: adj. 
frivolous, flippant. _ [Slang.] 

flippancy (flip'an-si), n. pertness; 
thoughtless fluency of speech. 

flippant i flip 'ant), adj. characterized 
by thoughtless levity of speech, or 
pertness. 

flipper tflip'er). n. a broad fin, arm. or 
paddle used in swimming, as that of 
the whale, seal, or turtle. 

flirt (flert), v.t. move to and fro with 
a short, rapid action; throw with a 
quick elastic motion: v.i. make love 
for mere amusement: coquette: n. 
a coquette; a sudden jerk or toss. 

flit (Ait), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. flitted, 
p.pr. flitting], to remove (a thing) 
from one house to another [Scotch]: 
v.i. to pass lightly and swiftly 
along; fly away: skim; migrate. 

flitch (flich), n. the side of a hog 
salted and cured. 

float (not), v.t. to cause to rest or be 
conveyed on the surface of a liquid ; 
convey without effort or will; to 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met : mite, mit : note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


FLOCCOSE 


194 


FLOWER 


start, sell, or dispose of; smooth 
or level plaster with a float: v.i. to 
be buoyed up on the surface of a 
liquid or gaseous fluid; move lightly 
or glide without apparent effort; 
drift about: n. anything that floats 
on the surface of a liquid or buoys 
up something; a raft; the cork or 
quill used in angling; a ball-cock; 
a plasterer's tool for spreading and 
smoothing; the water-gauge of a 
steam-boiler. _ 

floccose (flok'os), adj. covered with 
sofu hair or wool; woolly. 

flock (flok), n. a company or collec- 
tion of sheep or birds; a congrega- 
tion; crowd; a lock of wool; fibrous 
material used for stuffing uphol- 
stery, &c: v.i. to come together in 
a flock; assemble. 

floe (no), n. a large flat mass of float- 
ing ice. 

flog (flog), v.i. [p.t. & p.p. flogged, 
p.pr. flogging], to whip; chastise; 
to lash (the water) with the line in 
angling. 

flood (flud), n. a great flow of water; 
inundation; the deluge; high tide; 
the sea; an abundant supply or out- 
pouring of anything: v.t. to deluge; 
inundate; overflow. 

floor (flor), n. the part of a house, 
room, &c, on which one treads; 
story; a level suite of rooms; any 
smooth or level area ; pavement ; the 
part of a legislative chamber oc- 
cupied by the members: v.t. to cover 
with a floor; put to silence; strike 
down. 

flop (flop), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. flopped, 
p.pr. flopping], to strike frequently; 
unfold with a jerk: v.i. to plump 
down; fall loosely and flatly; to 
change one's politics unexpectedly: 
n. the sound caused by a soft flat 
body coming suddenly in contact 
with the ground: adv. suddenly. 

flora (flo'ra), n. the wild plants of 
a particular region, district, or geo- 
logical period; a description of such 
plants. [Latin.] 

floral (flo'ral), adj. pertaining to, re- 
sembling, or consisting of, flowers. 

florescence (flo-res'ens) , n. the flow- 
ering of a plant. 

floriculture (flo'ri-kul-tur), n. the cul- 
ture of flowers. 


florid (flor'id), adj. bright in color; 
brilliant with decorations; profuse- 
ly embellished. 

florin (flor 'in), n. a European silver 
coin, ranging in value in different 
countries from forty to fifty cents. 

florist (flo'rist), n. one who culti- 
vates flowers for pleasure, or sells 
them for profit. 

floss (flos), n. floss-silk; the soft, 
downy, silken substance in the husks 
of certain plants; the slag on the 
surface of molten iron in a puddling- 
furnace; a small stream. 

flotilla (flo-til'a), n. a fleet of small 
vessels. 

flotsam (flot'sam), n. goods lost in 
shipwreck, and found floating upon 
the sea. 

flounce (flouns), n. a narrow piece 
of nloth sewed to the skirt of a 
dress or petticoat, with the lower 
border loose and spreading; a sud- 
den jerk or movement of the body, 
indicative of impatience: v.t. to fur- 
nish or trim with flounces: v.i. to 
throw about the limbs and body. 

flounder (floun'der), v.i. to strug- 
gle, roll, or proceed with difficulty, 
as an animal in the mire: n. a flat 
sea-fish; a bootmaker's tool. 

flour (flour), n. the fine meal of 
ground wheat; a fine soft powder. 

flourish (flur'ish), v.i. to prosper or 
thrive; be vigorous; be copious or 
flowery in language; embellish: v.t. 
swing about or brandish; give flour- 
ishes to: n. a figure formed by lines 
or strokes fancifully drawn; the act 
of brandishing; a musical passage 
intended only for display; ostenta- 
tious parade. 

flout (flout), v.t. to insult; treat con- 
temptuously; jeer: v.i. to scoff; 
sneer: n. an insult; scoff. 

flow (flo), v.i. to run or spread, as 
water; circulate; glide; rise, as the 
tide; melt; issue forth: v.t. to over- 
flow or inundate: n. a current or 
stream; copiousness; the rise of the 
tide. 

flower (flou'er), n. that part of a plant 
which contains the reproductive or- 
gans; blossom; the best, or choicest, 
part of anything; the prime; a figure 
or ornamental expression: pi. a light 
powdery substance obtained by sub- 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut; think, then. 


FLOWN 


195 


FOB 


limation: v.i. to put forth flowers; 
blossom or bloom: v.t. ornament or 
cover with flowers. [French.] 

flown (fl5n), p.p. of fly. 

fluctuate (fluk'tu-at), v.i. to roll to 
and fro, as a wave; undulate; rise 
and fall; be irresolute or wavering. 

flue (flu), n. a pipe or passage to con- 
vey away smoke, hot air, &c; soft 
downy matter; fluff. 

fluent (flu'ent), adj. possessing readi- 
ness and ease of speech; voluble; 
eloquent. 

fluff (fluf), n. light down or fur nap: v.t. 
to spread out, as feathers: n. a flash. 

fluffy (fluf'i), adj. consisting of, or cov- 
ered with, fluff; feathery. 

fluid (flu'id), adj. liquid or gaseous: 
n. a substance the particles of which 
are readily separable. 

fluke (fluk), n. the broad part of an 
anchor which is fixed into the 
ground; a flounder; a parasitic dis- 
ease in sheep; a variety of potato; 
one of the two lobes of a whale's 
tail; a lucky stroke in billiards: v.i. 
to score by a lucky stroke; use the 
flukes in swimming : said of a whale. 

flume (flum), n. a channel for the 
conveyance of water. 

flung, p.t. & p.p. of fling. 

flunk (flungk), n. in college slang a 
complete failure: v.i. to fail com- 
pletely; retire through fear, or 
confusion. 

flunky (flungk'i), n. [pi. flunkies 
(flungk'iz)], a liveried servant; a 
toady; snob; a foolish, incautious 
speculator. Also flunkey. 

fluorescence (floo-o-res'ens), n. the 
quality existing in certain trans- 
parent bodies of giving off under the 
action of light a color differing from 
their own; the property possessed by 
certain substances of becoming lu- 
minous when exposed to X-rays or 
other forms of radiant energy. 

fluorine (floo'o-rin), n. an elemen- 
tary gaseous body allied to chlorine. 
It is the only element that will not 
combine with oxygen. 

flurry (flur'i), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. flurried, 
p.pr. flurrying], to agitate, confuse, 
or bewilder: n. sudden commotion 
or excitement; hurry; a sudden gust. 

flush (flush), v.t. to cause to blush; 
excite; clean out with a rush of 


water; drive from cover: said of 
game birds: v.i. to blush; glow: 
n. a sudden rush of water; flow 
of blood to the face; sudden ex- 
citement or impulse; a flock of 
game birds suddenly started; abun- 
dance; bloom; growth; a hand of 
cards all of the same suit: said of 
poker and cribbage; a bog or morass: 
adj. level with the surface; quite 
full; abundant; plentifully supplied 
with money; vigorous: adv. so as to 
be level. 

flute (flut), n. a tubular wind-instru- 
ment furnished with finger-hcles and 
keys; a long channel or groove cut 
in the shaft of a column; crimping 
or furrowing: v.t. to sound as a 
flute; form parallel grooves or chan- 
nel in ; crimp or furrow. 

flutter (flut'er), v.i. to move or flap 
the wings rapidly; move rapidly and 
irregularly; be in agitation or un- 
certainty: v.t. to throw into con- 
fusion: n. a quick and irregular mo- 
tion; vibration; state of excitement 
or anxiety. 

fluvial (flu'vi-al), adj. pertaining to, 
growing or living in, or caused by, 
rivers. Also fluvatile. 

flux (fluks), n. any flow or issue of 
matter; flow of the tide; a substance 
added to assist in the reduction of a 
metal by fusion: v.t. to melt or fuse. 

fly (fli), v.i. [pt. flew, p.p. flown, p.pr. 
flying], to move through, or rise in, 
the air with wings; pass swiftly; be 
driven through the air; move rapid- 
ly; run away; part with violence; 
burst; fade: v.t. to avoid or shun; 
cause to fly or float in the air; flut- 
ter: n. [pi. flies (fliz)], a two-winged 
insect of many species, including the 
house-fly, Musca domestica; an arti- 
ficial fly used in angling ; a disease 
in turnips; a hackney carriage: adj. 
wide awake. [Slang.] 

foal (fol), n. the young of a horse, 
ass, or camel: v.i. to bring forth 
young :_said of a mare, &c. 

foam (fom), n. the white substance 
formed on a liquid by violent agita- 
tion or fermentation; spume: v.t. to 
cause to foam: v.i. to gather foam; 
froth. 

fob (fob), n. a small pocket, especial- 
ly for a watch: v.t. to cheat. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ;, 
13 hue, hut ; think, Men. 


FOCUS 196 FOOT 

focus (fo'kus), n. [pi. focuses (fo'kus- pages of a ledger, &c; in legal doc- 
ez), foci (fo'si)], the point where a sys- uments 72 words of MS., lOO^words 
tern of rays of light or heat meet in congressional proceedings; a case 
after being reflected or refracted; for music, &c. : adj. having a sheet 
any central point: v.t. [p. I. & p.p. of paper folded once: v.t. to page, 
focused, p.pr. focusing], to bring to folk (folk or fok), n. people in gen- 
a_ focus or center. Also focalize eral: nation or race; one's relatives, 
(fo'kal-iz). follicle (fol'i-kl), n. a seed-vessel; 

fodder (fod'er), n. food for horses, a very small tube or cavity; a sim- 
cattle, or sheep; a weight for lead = pie gland. 
21 cwt.: v.t. to feed with fodder. follow (fol'o), v.t. to go or come 

foe (fo), n. a personal enemy; ill- after; pursue; succeed in order; ac- 
wishen an adversary in war. m m company; attend; espouse the opin- 

foetus (fe'tus), n. the young of vivipa- ions or cause of; imitate or conform 
rous animals in the womb. to; watch or attend to closely; to 

fog (fog), n. condensed watery vapor practice: v.i. to go or come after an- 
near the surface of the sea or land, other; result: n. a particular stroke 
bewilderment ; a cloud or haze ob- in billiards or croquet, 
scuring a photographic plate; the folly (fol'i), n. [pi. follies (fol'iz)], 
after-grass of autumn; winter pas- want of understanding; foolishness; 
ture: v.i. [p.t. & p.p. fogged, p.pr. unbecoming conduct ; criminal weak- 
fogging], to become foggy, ness; sin. 

foil (foil), v.t. to baffle or frustrate; 'foment (fo-ment'), v.t. to bathe with 
defeat: n. a long, thin fencing weap- warm or medicated liquids; excite; 
on with a button on the end; the stir up or instigate, 
trail of hunted game; a thin plate, fomentation (f o-men-ta/shun) , n. the 
or sheet of metal; a contrast to set act of fomenting^ warm or medi- 
something off to advantage; a small cated liquids applied to a diseased 
arc in the tracery of a Gothic win- part; incitement, 
dow, &c. fond (fond), adj. affectionate; lov- 

foist (foist), v.t. to place in wrong- ing;^ ardently attached or devoted; 
fully or surreptitiously; palm off partial to; injudiciously, foolishly 
slyly fwith in, into, upon]. indulgent (with of). 

Fokker (fok'er), n. a very efficient fondle (fon'dl), v.t. to caress; treat 
fighting aeroplane of great speed em- with tenderness; handle tenderly: 
ployed in 1916 by the Germans in v.i. to exhibit fondness, 
the European War; said to have its font (font), n. a stone receptacle to 
machine gun so mounted as to fire hold the water used in baptizing; a 
through the propeller shaft. complete assortment of a particular 

fold (fold), v.t. to bend one part over kind of type. 

another; inclose; wrap up; shut up food (food), n. nutriment; material, 
in a pen or fold: n. a part bent or fool (fool), n. a person devoid of rea- 
doubled over another; a plait; a pen son or intelligence; idiot; one who 
for sheep; a bend of a stratum; acts in a foolish manner; a victim 
flock of sheep; the Church. or butt; a compound of crushed 

foliage (fo'li-aj), n. leaves collective- gooseberries with cream: v.t. to make 
ly; the artistic representation of a fool of ; treat with contempt; dis- 
leaves, flowers, &c, as in archi- appoint, 
tectural decoration. [Latin.] foolhardy (f ool'har-di) , adj. foolishly 

foliated (fo'li-a-ted), p. adj. beaten, bold; daringly rash; regardless of 
formed into, or covered with, thin consequences. 

plates; splitting into laminae: deco- foolish (fool'ish), adj. acting with- 
rated with leaf-like ornamentation. out reason or judgment; weak 

folio (fo'li-o), n. a book of the larg- minded; silly; ridiculous; trifling; 
est size formed by folding a sheet of contemptible, 
paper once; a page of MS. or print- foolishness (f oorish-nes) , n. folly, 
ed matter; the right and left hand foot (foot), n. [pi. feet (fet) ], that 

ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, Jften. 


FOP 


197 


FORESHORTEN 


part of the leg on which an animal 
walks or stands; the lower part, 
base, foundation, or end, of any- 
thing; that part of a boot or stock- 
ing which receives the foot ; a meas- 
ure = 12 in.; infantry soldiers; a 
certain number of syllables consti- 
tuting part of a verse: v.t. to add a 
foot to, as a stocking; add fig- 
ures in a column, and place the total 
at the bottom: v.i. to dance; go on 
foot. 

fop (fop), n. a dandy; pretentious fool. 

foppish (fop'ish), adj. affected in dress 
and manners. 

for (for), prep, in place of; on account 
of; for the sake of; notwithstand- 
ing; to the number or amount of: 
conj. because; since: prefix, mean- 
ing thoroughly, before, greatly, with a 
privative, or negative force. 

forage (for'aj), n. food for horses and 
cattle; a search for provisions: v.i. 
to wander about in search of pro- 
visions: v.t. to supply with forage. 

foray (for'a), n. a predatory expedi- 
tion in border warfare: v.t. to plun- 
der or ravage. 

forbade (for-bad'), p.t. of forbid. 

forbear (for-bar'), v.t. [p.t. forbore (for- 
bor'), p.p. forborne (for-born'), p.pr. 
forbearing], to abstain from; excuse; 
spare: v.i. to restrain one's self; be 
patient: n. an ancestor. Also fore- 
bear. [Scotch.] 

forbid . (for-bid'),y ,t. [p.t. forbade, p.p. 
forbidden, forbid, p.pr. forbidding], to 
prohibit ; command not to do ; oppose. 

force (fors), n. active power; vigor; 
strength; energy; violence; power 
to persuade or convince; validity; 
legality; efficacy; meaning; troops; 
armament; a trained or organized 
body; unlawful violence to property 
or person; any cause that produces, 
or tends to produce, motion, or a 
change of motion, in a body; a wa- 
terfall: v.t. to compel; overpower by 
strength; impel; push; press; strain; 
cause to grow or ripen by artificial 
means: v.i. to endeavor. 

forceps (for'seps), n. pincers or pliers 
for seizing and extracting anything. 

forcible (for'si-bl), adj. _ character- 
ized by mental or physical power; 
vigorous; violent. 

ford (ford), n. a shallow part of a 


stream, &c, which can be crossed by- 
men or animals: v.t. to wade through 
or pass over without swimming. 

forebode (for-bod'), v.t. to presage, es- 
pecially evil; feel a presentiment of: 
v.i. to foretell (evil). 

forecast (for'kast), n. a previous con- 
trivance; foresight; prediction of the 
weather: v.t. (for-kast'), to plan or 
calculate beforehand; foresee; pre- 
dict. 

forecastle (f5k'sl), n. the part of a 
vessel forward of the foremast, where 
the seamen take their meals and 
sleep. 

foreclose (for-kl5z'), v.t. to cut off 
from the right of redemption: said 
of a mortgage. 

forefather (for'fa-^er), n. a male an- 
cestor. 

foregather (for-ga^'er) , v.i. to assem- 
ble; associate (with with). 

forego (for-go'), v.t. [p.t. forewent, p.p. 
foregone, p.pr. foregoing], to re- 
nounce or refrain from; give up: v.t. 
precede. 

forehead '(for'ed), n. that part of the 
face between the eyes and the hair; 
brow. 

foreign (for'en), adj. belonging to 
another nation or country; alien; 
exotic; extraneous; remote. 

forel (for'el), n. a kind of parchment 
used for covers of books. 


foreman (for man) , 


[pi. foremen 


(for'men) ], the spokesman of a jury; 

an overseer. 
foremost (for'most), adj. chief; 

first. 
forensic (f o-ren'sik) , adj. pertaining 

to, or used in, courts of justice or 

public debate. 
forereach (for-rech'), v.t. to gain 

upon: v.i. to forge ahead in stays: 

said of a vessel. 
forerun (for-run'), v.t. [p.t. foreran, 

p.p. forerun, p.pr. forerunning], to 

run before; precede; announce. 
foresail (for'sal), n. a large square sail, 

the principal one on the foremast. 
foreshadow (for-shad'o), v.t. to 

shadow or typify beforehand. 
foreshore (for'shSr), n. that part of a 

beach or shore situated between the 

high and low water marks. 
foreshorten (for-short'n), v.t. to de- 
pict (figures as they appear to the eye 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


FORESIGHT 


198 


FORMATIVE 


when viewed obliquely) so as to 
convey the impression of full length. 

foresight (for'sit), n. the act of see- 
ing beforehand; forethought; pru- 
dence; the sight on the muzzle of a 
gun. 

forest (for'est), n. a large extent of 
ground covered with trees; wood- 
land; an uncultivated tract of land, 
more or less covered with trees and 
undergrowth: adj. pertaining to a 
forest; rustic; sylvan: v.t. to cover 
with trees or forest. 

forestall (for-stawl'), v.t. to be before- 
hand with; anticipate; buy up in 
advance. 

forestay (for'sta), n. a strong rope 
reaching from the foremast-head to 
the bow of a vessel to strengthen 
the foremast. 

forester (for'est-er), n. one skilled in 
forestry, or an officer who has charge 
of a forest; an inhabitant of a forest 
or wild region. 

foretaste (for'tast), n. anticipation: 
v.t. (for-tast/), to taste before pos- 
session; to anticipate. 

forever (for-ev'er), adv. without end; 
throughout all eternity. 

forewarn (for-worn'), v.t. to inform 
or caution beforehand. 

forfeit (for'fit), n. a fine or penalty: 
v.t. to lose (some position, right, or 
advantage) by breach of conditions, 
omission, or conduct: adj. alienated 
or lost. [Old French.] 

forfend (for-fend'), v.t. to ward off. 

forgave (for-gav'), p.t. of forgive. 

forge (forj), v.t. to fashion (a piece 
of metal) by heating and hammer- 
ing; form into shape; invent; coun- 
terfeit, with intent to defraud; im- 
pel forward: v.i. to be guilty of the 
crime of forgery; go slowly or with 
difficulty: n. an open fire in which a 
blacksmith heats irons by forced 
draught, and fashions the metal 
while hot ; a place where metal is 
forged; smithy; workshop. 

forger ' f orj'er), n. one who commits 
the crime of forgery; a fabricator. 

forgery (forj 'er-i), n. the act of coun- 
terfeiting the handwriting of another 
with intent to defraud; the act of 
counterfeiting coin. 

forget (for-gef), v.t. [p.t. forgot: 
p.p. forgotten, p.pr. forgetting], to 


lose the remembrance of; overlook 
or neglect; slight. 

forgetful (f 6r-get'fool) , adj. apt to for- 
get; careless; negligent; heedless. 

forgetfulness (for-get'fool-nes), n. the 
quality of being forgetful; loss of 
remembrance; neglect. 

forgive (for-giv'), v.t. [p.t. forgave, 
p.p. forgiven, p.pr. forgiving], to 
pardon; remit, as a sin, offense, debt, 
&c: v.i. to exhibit forgiveness. 

forgiven (for-giv'n), p.p. of forgive. 

forgiveness (for-giv'nes), n. pardon; 
remission. 

forgotten (for-got'n), p.p. of forget. 

fork (fork), n. an instrument with 
two or more prongs; anything re- 
sembling, or branching like, a fork; 
the branch or space caused by the 
junction of two roads or rivers: v.t. 
to raise, throw, or dig with a fork; 
steal: v.i. to branch off. 

forlorn (for-lorn'), adj. abandoned; de- 
serted; destitute; miserable; bereft; 
hopeless. 

form (form), n. the external appear- 
ance or shape of anything; image; 
likeness; orderly arrangement; beau- 
ty; symmetry; determinate shape or 
structure; established practice, or 
ritual; a mold or pattern; an offi- 
cial formula; a long bench without 
a back; a class; state of high con- 
dition or fitness; the bed or seat of 
a hare; types, plates, &c, imposed in 
a chase ready for printing (forme) : 
v.t. to give shape to; create; mold 
to a particular pattern; conceive or 
imagine; constitute; devise; adjust: 
v.i. to take shape. 

formal (for'mal) , adj. according to 
form or established rules; precise; 
ceremonious; conventional; essential; 
having the outward form without 
the inward reality. 

formality (for-mal'i-ti) , n. [pi. for- 
malities (for-mal'i-tiz)], strict ad- 
herence to external or customary 
forms; ceremony; method or mode. 

formation (for-ma'shun), n. the act 
of forming; that which is formed; 
structure; figure; production; a 
group of strata of nearly the same 
age having certain common charac- 
teristics. 

formative (f or'ma-tiv) , adj. giving or 
serving to form; plastic; germinal: 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, ndrth, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


FORMER 


199 


FOUL 


n. a word formed by adding a pre- 
fix, or suffix. 

former (for'mer), adj. preceding in 
time or place; first mentioned: n. a 
maker; author. 

formidable (for'mid-a-bl), adj. excit- 
ing dread; fearful; powerful. 

formless (form'les), adj. without form. 

formula (for'mu-la), n. [pi. formulas 
(for'mu-laz), formulae (for'mu-le)], 
a prescribed form, rule, or model; a 
group of symbols, expressing the 
composition of a chemical compound ; 
a formal statement of faith or doc- 
trine; a prescription; the expression 
of a rule by algebraic symbols. 

formulate (for'mu-lat), v.t. to put 
into the form of, or reduce to, a 
formula; fix or state, in definite 
terms. 

fornication (for-ni-ka/shun) , n. the 
illicit sexual intercourse of un- 
married persons; adultery; idolatry; 
an arching or vaulting. 

forsake (for-sak'), v.t. [p.t. forsook 
(for-sook'), p.p. forsaken (for-sak'n), 
p.pr. forsaking], to leave; desert; 
abandon; to part from. 

forsooth (for-sooth') , adv. verily; in 
truth. 

forswear (for-swar'), v.i. [p.t. forswore 
(for-swor'), p.p. forsworn (for- 
sworn'), p.pr. forswearing], to swear 
falsely; commit perjury: v.t. to deny 
on oath; abjure. 

fort (fort), n. an inclosed fortified 
place ; castle ; fortress. 

forte (fort), n. one's strong point, or 
special talent. 

forte (for-ta/), adv. used as a musical 
term, strongly. Also fortissimo, 
very strongly. [Italian.] 

forth (forth), adv. onward in time, 
place, or order; forward; abroad; 
away. 

forthcoming (forth-kum'ing), adj. 
ready, or about to appear: n. a com- 
ing forth. 

forthwith (forth-wi^'). adv. imme- 
diately. 

fortieth (for'ti-eth), adj. next in or- 
der after 39th: n. one of 40 equal 
parts. 

fortification (for-ti-fi-ka'shun) , n. the 
art or science of fortifying; a mili- 
tary defensive work; a strengthen- 
ing. 


fortify (for'ti-fi), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. forti- 
fied, p.pr. fortifying], to strengthen 
against attack by military works; 
make strong; encourage or confirm: 
v.i. to erect military works of de- 
fense. 

fortitude (for'ti-tud), n. mental 
strength to endure suffering or ad- 
versity with courage; patient en- 
durance. 

fortnight (fort'nlt), n. fourteen days. 

fortress (fqrt'res), n. a large perma- 
nent fortified place for defense or 
security; castle_. 

fortuitous (for-tu'i-tus), adj. happen- 
ing by chance; accidental. 

fortunate (for'tu-nat), adj. happening 
by good fortune; lucky; auspicious; 
successful. 

fortune (for'tun), n. the good or ill 
that happens to mankind; chance; 
fate; estate; wealth; possessions; 
future destiny. 

forty (for'ti), adj. one more than 39: 
n. the sum of 10 and 30. 

forum (fo'rum), n. [pi. fora (fo'ra), 
forums (fo'rumz)], the public place 
of meeting in ancient Rome, where 
the law courts, public offices, &c, 
were situated: hence a place of 
public resort, or court of law. [Latin.] 

forward (for'werd), adv. onward; in 
advance; toward the forepart: adj. 
situated near the front; early in sea- 
son or preparation; ready; prompt; 
presumptuous; unreserved; not over 
modest; eager; earnest; imperti- 
nent: inter j. on! v.t. to help for- 
ward; quicken or hasten; improve; 
transmit. 

forwardness (for'werd-nes) , n. the 
state or quality of being forward; 
impertinence; pertness. 

forwards (for'werdz), adv. another 
form of forward. 

fossil (fos'il), ft. any organic body 
which by burial in the earth's strata 
has become petrified; a person an- 
tiquated in his ideas: adj. pertain- 
ing to, of the nature of, or converted 
into, a fossil; dug from the earth: 
antiquated. 

foster (fos'ter), v.t. to nourish; nurse; 
rear up; sustain or support; cherish. 

fought (fawt), p.t. & p.p. of fight. 

foul (foul), adj. offensive, morally or 
physically; dirty; impure; scurri- 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


FOULARD 


200 


FRAME 


lous ; filthy ; hateful ; loathsome; dis- 
graceful; unfair; cloudy and stormy; 
contrary, as a wind; thick with 
weeds, &c; entangled, as an anchor: 
n. a wilful collision: v.t. to make 
foul or dirty; sully or defile; come 
into collision with: v.i. to become 
foul or dirty. 

foulard (foo-lard'), n. a light silk, or 
silk-cotton washable dress fabric; a 
silk handkerchief for wear round the 
neck or head. 

found, p.t. & p.p. of find. 

found (found), v.t. to lay the basis 
pf; build; fix firmly; establish; orig- 
inate; form by melting a metal and 
pouring it into a mold ; cast. 

.foundation (foun-da'shun) , n. the 
basis or lowest part of a structure; 
groundwork; the principles or origin 
of anything; an endowment or en- 
dowed institution; the first stitches 
in knitting or crocheting. 

foundling (found'ling) , n. a child 
found whose parents are unknown. 

foundry (found'ri), n. [pi. foundries 
(found'riz)], the place where metal 
casting is carried on. 

fount (fount), n. a fountain or 
spring; original source. 

fountain (foun'tan), n. a natural or 
artificial spring of water; the head 
or source of a river; a jet or spout 
of water; the first cause or ori- 
gin. 

four (for), adj. consisting of 1 more 
than 3; a cardinal numeral: n. the 
sum of 3 and 1; a four-oared boat, 
or its crew. 

fourfold (for 'fold), n. a quantity 
four times as much: adj. four times 
told. 

fourscore (for'skor), adj. eighty. 

fourteen (for 'ten), adj. consisting of 
4 more than 10 : n. the sum of 4 and 10. 

fourteenth (for'tenth), adj. fourth in 
order after tenth: n. one of fourteen 
equal parts. 

fourth (forth), adj. next in order 
after third: n. one of four equal 
parts; a musical interval of two 
tones and one semitone. 

Fourth, n. the fourth day of July; 
Independence Day. 

fowl (foul), n. a gallinaceous bird, 
especially the domestic cock or hen; 
poultry; birds collectively: v.i. to 


catch or kill wild birds for sport or 
food. 

fowler (foul'er), n. one who catches or 
kills wild birds for sport or food. 

fox (foks), n. a canine mammal with 
a long bushy tail, belonging to the 
genus Vulpes, notorious for its cun- 
ning: hence a sly, cunning person; 
a small strand of rope, formed by 
twisting several rope-yarns together : 
v.t. to make sour, or turn reddish; 
repair: said of boots; watch slyly: 
v.i. to turn sour or become reddish; 
act as a spy. 

foxiness (foks'i-nes), n. sly cunning, or 
shrewdness; the state of being de- 
cayed, or sour. 

foxy (foks'i), adj. pertaining to, or re- 
sembling, a fox; cunning; crafty; 
reddish-brown in color. 

foyer (fwa-ya'), n. the lobby of a 
theater. [French.] 

fracas (fra/kas), n. a noisy quarrel. 
[French.] 

fraction (frak'shun), n. a, part bro- 
ken off; act of breaking; the state of 
being broken; a part of a unit, as H. 

fractional (frak'shun-al) , adj. per- 
taining to, or constituting, a fraction; 
very small. 

fractious (frak'shus), adj. unruly; 
cross. 

fracture (frak'tur), n. a part broken; a 
break caused by violence; separa- 
tion; the direction in which a min- 
eral breaks so as to show its texture: 
v.t. to break, or crack, as a bone, &c. 

fragile (fraj'il), adj. easily broken; 
weak; delicate. 

fragility (fra-jil'i-ti), n. the state of 
being fragile. 

fragment (frag'ment), n. a part 
broken off from a whole; an imper- 
fect part. 

fragrance (fra, 'grans), n. the state 
or quality of being fragrant. Also 
fragrancy. 

fragrant (fra/grant), adj. sweet-smell- 
ing. 

frail (fral), adj. fragile; brittle; weak, 
physically or morally; infirm: n. a 
basket made of rushes. 

frame (fram), n. something con- 
structed or composed of parts fitted 
and joined together; that on which 
anything is held or stretched; any 
contrivance for inclosing, admitting, 


ate, arm, at, awl; me, merge, met; mite, mit ; note, north, not; boon, book; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


FRAMEWORK 


201 


FRESCO 


or supporting something; a compos- 
itor's stand; an inclined table or 
planks for washing ore; shape; 
temper; state: v.t. to fit (one thing) 
into another; shape or form; adjust 
or regulate; invent; adapt: v.i. to 
wash ore on a frame. 

framework (fram'werk), n. that which 
incloses or supports something else. 

franc (frangk), n. a French coin, the 
unit of monetary value = 18.3 cents. 

franchise (fran'chiz), n. the consti- 
tutional right of suffrage; a particu- 
lar privilege or right granted by a 
sovereign or by a legislative body to 
an individual, or to a corporation ; 
the district or jurisdiction to which 
a particular privilege extends. 

frangible (franj'i-bl), adj. easily broken. 

frank (frangk), adj. open or ingenu- 
ous; candid; outspoken; unreserved: 
n. a signature that exempts mail- 
matter from payment of postage; a 
letter privileged to go post-free: v.t. 
to send or have conveyed free of 
charge. 

frankincense (frangk'in-sens) , n. a 
fragrant inflammable resin burnt as 
incense. 

franklin (frangk'lin), n. a small land- 
holder; a freeman. [Old French.] 

frankness (frangk'nes) , n. candor; 
openness. 

frantic (fran'tik), adj. violently mad 
or distracted; outrageous; trans- 
ported by passion. 

frappe (frap-pa/), adj. chilled with 
ice. [French.] 

fraternal (fra-ter'nal) , adj. pertain- 
ing to, becoming, or like, brothers. 

fratricide (fra'tri-sid), n. the crime 
of killing a brother; one who kills a 
brother. 

fraud (frawd), n. deceit; artifice; 
trick; cheat; a humbug. 

fraudulent (fraw'du-lent), adj. charac- 
terized by, founded on, or obtained 
by, fraud. 

fraught (frawt), adj. laden; charged. 

fray (fra), n. sl riot; quarrel; a chafe 
or rub: v.t. to chafe or wear away. 

freak (frek), n. sudden or capricious 
change of mind, or whim; a prank; 
an abnormal animal or plant: v.t. 
to variegate; spot or streak. 

freakish (frek'ish), adj. eccentric; 
frolicsome; whimsical. 


freckle (frek'l), n. a brownish spot 
in the skin: v.t. to mark with freck- 
les: v.i. to become freckled. 

free (fre), adj. [comp. freer, superl. 
freest], without restraint; at lib- 
erty; permitted; liberal; generous; 
open; free from guilt; independent; 
familiar; licentious; not arbitrary 
or despotic; spirited; not attached 
or fixed ; uncombined ; invested with 
the franchise, &c. (with of) : v.t. to 
set at liberty; emancipate; rid or 
exempt; clear: adv. gratuitously. 

freebooter (fre'boot-er), n. one who 
roves about for plunder or pillage; 
buccaneer. 

freedman (fred'man), n. [pi. f reed- 
men (f red 'men)], a slave who has 
been legally emancipated. 

freedom (fre'dum), n. the state of 
being free; liberty; independence; 
ease in performance; particular 
privilege; absence of conventional- 
ity; undue familiarity. 

freeman (fre'man), n. [pi. freemen 
(fre'men)], one in the enjoyment of 
liberty; one possessed of certain 
franchises or municipal privileges. 

freeze (frez), v.t. [p.t. froze, p.p. 
frozen, p.pr. freezing], to congeal or 
harden into ice; kill by cold: v.i. to 
be congealed with cold; be chilled 
with cold; be at or below the tem- 
perature of 32°. 

freight (frat), n. the goods with 
which a vessel is loaded; cargo; 
goods carried by rail; the sum paid 
or charged for the conveyance of 
goods: adj. used for conveying 
goods: v.t. to load with goods for 
conveyance; hire or charter. 

freighter (frat'er), n. one who freights 
a ship or car; shipper; a vessel for 
conveying freight. 

frenzy (fren'zi), n. [pi. frenzies (fren'- 
ziz)J, violent agitation; temporary 
madness; fury: v.t. [p.t. & p.p. fren- 
zied, p.pr. frenzying], to throw into 
a frenzy; render mad. 

frequent (fre'kwent), adj. recurring 
often: v.t. (fre-kwent') to resort to, 
or visit, often. [Latin.] 

fresco (fres'ko), n. [pi. frescos, fres- 
coes (fres'koz)], a method of wall- 
painting in water-colors on fresh 
plaster: v.t. to decorate or paint in 
fresco. [Italian.] 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut : think, then. 


FRESH 


202 


FRISK 


fresh (fresh), adj. new; recent; un- 
faded; uninjured by time; in good 
condition; not forgotten; healthy; 
strong and active; not wearied; live- 
ly; brisk; pure and cool; not salt; 
inexperienced; forward; intoxicated: 
n. a spring" freshet; the union of 
fresh and salt water in a river. 

freshet (fresh'et), n. a flood caused by 
melting snow or heavy rain. 

freshman (fresh 'man), n. [pi. fresh- 
men (fresh 'men)], a college student 
in his first year. 

fret (fret), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. fretted, 
p.vr. fretting], to wear away by fric- 
tion; injure by _ rubbing; corrode; 
agitate; vex; irritate; make rough 
on the surface; ornament with 
raised or interlaced work; varie- 
gate: v.i. to be worn away by fric- 
tion or corrosion; be agitated or 
irritated; utter peevish complaints: 
n. the act or process of fretting; an 
ornament formed by small bands or 
fillets interlacing each other at right 
angles; perforated or interlaced or- 
namental work; an agitation on the 
surface of a liquid; chafing, or irri- 
tation; a small piece of ivory or 
wood on the keyboard of certain 
stringed instruments. 

fretful (fret 'fool), adj. peevish; irri- 
tated. 

fretwork (fret'werk), n. carved, raised, 
or open ornamental work. 

friable (frf'a-bl), adj. readily crum- 
bled, or reduced to powder. 

friar (fri'er), n. one of a mendicant 
order of monks in the Roman Cath- 
olic Church. 

fricassee (frik-a-se'), n. a dish of 
chicken, rabbit, or other meat cut 
into small pieces, stewed and fried 
with gravy or sauce: v.t. to make 
into, or dress like, a fricassee. 
[French.] 

friction (frik'shun), n. the act of rub- 
bing; attrition; resistance to the 
motion of a body, caused by contact 
with the surface upon which it 
moves; the act of rubbing to stimu- 
late the circulation of the blood 
vessels; irritation or disagreement 
caused by divergence of opin- 
ion. 

Friday (fri'da), n. the sixth day of 
the week: named from the Scandi- 


navian deity Frigga, the goddess of 
love. 

fried (frid), p.t. & p.p. of fry. 

friend (frend), n. one attached to 
another by affection, regard, or es- 
teem; an intimate acquaintance; a 
supporter or favorer of a cause, 
&c; an ally; a term of salutation. 

friendly (frend'li), adj. pertaining to a 
friend; having the characteristics 
of a friend; amicable; affable; 
genial; convenient; favorable: adv. 
amicably. 

friendship (frend'ship) , n. intimacy; 
united with affection or esteem; mu- 
tual attachment; good-will. 

frieze (frez), n. the middle part of 
the entablature of a column between 
the architrave _ and cornice: usually 
ornamented with sculpture, &c; a 
coarse woolen cloth with a rough 
shaggy nap on one side. 

frigate (frig'at), n. in the old navies a 
warship with an upper flush deck, 
carrying from 24 to 50 guns. 

fright (frit), n. a sudden and vio- 
lent fear; alarm; a person whose 
dress or appearance is ridiculous. 

frighten (frit'n), v.t. to terrify. 

frightful (frit 'fool), adj. terrible; 
dreadful; alarming; shocking; gro- 
tesque. _ 

frigid (frij'id), adj. without warmth; 
wintery; cold in temperament; stiff; 
formal; dull. 

frigidity _(fri-jid'i-ti), n. the state of 
being frigid; coldness. 

frill (fril), n. a pleated or crimped 
edging of fine linen to a garment, 
as a shirt front, &c; ruffle: pi. af- 
fectation of manner; ornamentation 
of dress, &c: v.i. to ruffle or shiver 
the feathers with cold: said of a 
hawk: v.t. to make into a frill. 

fringe (frinj), n. an ornamental bor- 
der of hanging cords, &c; any bor- 
der or edging resembling a fringe: 
v.t. to border with, or as with, a 
fringe. 

frippery (frip'er-i), n. old clothes 
or furniture; the place where old 
clothes are sold; trade in second- 
hand clothes: adj. trumpery; con- 
temptible. [French.] 

frisk (frisk), v.i. to gambol or dance 
in frolic: n. a gambol, dance, or 
frolic. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


FRISKY 


203 


FRUIT 


frisky (fris'ki), ad;, lively in action; 
sprightly; gay; frolicsome. 

frith (frith), n. an inlet of the sea 
at the mouth of a river; estuary 
[Scotch]. Also firth; a kind of weir 
for capturing fish. 

fritter (frit'er), v.t. to waste by de- 
grees; cut up as meat into small 
pieces for frying: n. a small piece 
of meat cut for frying ; a small cake 
with meat or fruit in it. 

frivolity (fri-vol'i-ti), n. [pi. frivoli- 
ties (fri-vol'i-tiz)], levity; a trifling 
act, thought, or action. 

frivolous (friv'o-lus), adj. trifling; 
trivial; petty; silly; inclined to 
levity. 

frizz (friz), v.t. to curl or crisp; 
form into little hard burrs: said of 
the nap of cloth: n. that which is 
frizzed, as hair. 

frizzle (friz'l), v.t. to curl on hot coals; 
curl or frizz: n. a crisped lock of 
hair. 

fro (fro), adv. away from; backward. 

frock (frok), n. a loose upper gar- 
ment worn by children and women ; 
dress; a monk's habit; a coarse 
over-garment worn by laborers, &c. ; 
an undress regimental coat. 

frog (frog), n. a small tailless am- 
phibious animal of the genus Rana; 
a tender horny substance growing 
in the middle of the sole of a horse's 
foot; a spindle-shaped button or 
toggle used for fastening military 
cloaks, ladies', mantles, &c; a section 
of a railway line where the rails 
diverge. 

frolic (frol'ik), n. a scene of merry- 
making or gaiety; a sportive out- 
burst; wild prank: adj. sportive; 
merry or gay: v.i. to indulge in 
tricks of mirth and levity ; play wild 
pranks. 

frolicsome (f rol'ik-sum) , adj. full of 
frolic. 

from (from), prep, out of, away; 
since; noting source or beginning, 
distance, logical or physical se- 
quences. 

frond (frond), n. the union of a leaf 
and a branch; the leaf of a fern, 
palm, or seaweed. 

front (frunt), n. the forehead; the 
forepart or foremost of anything; 
van; the most conspicuous part; 


impudence or boldness; a false shirt- 
bosom or dickey : adj. situated at the 
front: v.t. to stand, or be situated, 
opposite to, or over against: v.i. to 
have the front turned in a particular 
direction. [French.] 

frontal (frun'tal), adj. pertaining to 
the front or forehead: n. something 
worn on the forehead; an ecclesias- 
tical hanging in front of an altar; 
a small pediment over a window or 
door. 

frontier (frun-teV), n. the boundary 
or limits of a country: adj. pertain- 
ing to, or situated near, the boun- 
dary of a country ; contiguous. 

frontispiece (fron'tis-pes) , n. an illus- 
tration facing the front page of a 
book. 

frost (frost), n. minute frozen parti- 
cles of moisture; the temperature of 
the atmosphere which causes the 
congelation of water; hoar-frost; 
an enterprise ending in failure: 
v.t. to cover with frost or any thing 
resembling frost. See frosting. 

frosty (frost 'i), adj. [comp. frostier, su- 
per}, frostiest], producing, or accom- 
panied with, frost; frozen; hoary; 
cold or distant in manner. 

froth (froth), n. the mass of bubbles 
formed on the surface of a liquid by 
agitation, or fermentation; foam; 
superficial knowledge; vapid elo- 
quence. 

frousy. Same as frowzy. 

froward (fro'werd), adj. perverse; 
wayward. 

frown (froun), n. a contraction of 
the brows indicative of displeas- 
ure, &c. : v.i. to contract the brows 
to indicate displeasure, &c; scowl; 
lower. 

frowzy (frou'zi), adj. musty; untidy. 

froze (froz), p.t. of freeze. 

frozen (froz'en), p.adj. congealed, 
benumbed, or killed with cold; icy; 
wanting in warmth of feeling or 
sympathy. 

fructify (fruk'ti-fi) , v.t. [p.t. & p.p. 
fructified, p.pr. fructifying], to make 
productive; fertilize: v.i. to bear fruit. 

frugal (fru'gal), adj. thrifty; eco- 
nomical. 

frugality (fru-gal'i-ti) , n. thrift; 
economy. 

fruit (frut),n. the product of a tree 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


FRUITFUL 


204 


FUND 


or plant containing the seed; prod- 
uct; result or profit; offspring: v.i. 
to produce fruit. [French.] 

fruitful (frut'fool), adj. yielding fruit; 
prolific. 

fruition (fru-ish'un), n. the bearing 
of fruit; realization; enjoyment de- 
rived from use or possession. 

frustrate (frus'trat), v.t. to defeat 
or disappoint; thwart; nullify: adj. 
vain; useless; void. 

frustrum (frus'trum), n. [pi. frustra 
(frus'tra)], that part of a solid next 
the base, as a cone, pyramid, &c, 
which is left after cutting off the 
top. [Latin.] 

fry (fri), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. fried, p.pr. 
frying], to cook or roast with fat 
in a pan over a fire: v.i. to be cooked 
with fat in a pan; be subjected to 
intense heat : n. a dish of things fried ; 
a swarm of young fish. 

fudge (fuj), n. a made-up story; 
a home-made candy : inter j. nonsense : 
v.t. to make or do in a bungling, 
careless manner. 

fuel (fu'el), n. combustible material 
for supplying a fire; anything that 
serves to inflame or sustain passion 
Or excitement. 

fugitive (fu'ji-tiv), adj. unstable; 
volatile; fleeting; not permanent; 
fleeing from danger, pursuit, or 
duty: n. one who flees from danger, 
pursuit, or duty; a runaway or de- 
serter; one who takes shelter with 
another power to escape punish- 
ment. [Latin.] . 

fugue (fug), n. a musical composi- 
tion in which the parts follow each 
other with repetitions at certain 
intervals. [French.] 

fulcrum (ful'krum), n. [pi. fulcra 
(ful'kra), fulcrums (ful'krumz)], 
that part of a lever on which it rests. 

fulfill (fool-fir), v.t. to complete or 
accomplish; execute; perform or 
carry out, as that which is prom- 
ised, foretold, or anticipated. 

fulfillment (fool-fil'ment), n. accom- 
plishment; completion; execution. 

fulgency (ful'jen-si), n. brightness; 
splendor. 

full (fool), adj. filled; having no empty 
space; well supplied; stored; satu- 
rated; satiated; copious; rounded 
out; plump; expressing much; clear; 


distinct; sonorous; having the whole 
disk illuminated; said of the moon: 
n. the highest state, extent, or 
measure: v.i. to pucker: v.t. scour 
and thicken, as cloth, in a mill: adv. 
without diminution or qualification; 
directly ; quite. [Full is used in 
composition to express full extent or 
degree, its meaning being generally 
self-evident, as full-armed, full- 
fledged, &c] 

full-back (fool'bak), n. in football, 
the player furthest from the goal of 
the opposing side. 

full-dress (fool'dres), n. dress required 
for formal or ceremonial occasions. 

full-drive (fool'driv), adv. with full 
speed or vigor. 

fulminate (ful'mi-nat) , v.t. to cause 
to explode; send out or utter (a 
threat or denunciation, as a papal 
bull): v.i. to thunder; make a loud, 
sudden noise; detonate: n. a de- 
tonating compound formed of a salt 
of fulminic acid. 

fulsome (ful'sum), adj. offensive; 
gross. 

fumble (fum'bl), v.i. to grope or feel 
about ; handle or attempt something 
in an awkward manner: v.t. to man- 
age awkwardly. 

fume (fiim), n. vapor or exhalation, 
especially of a narcotic or suffocat- 
ing nature; mental irritation or agi- 
tation: v.i. to emit smoke; pass off 
in gas or vapor; to be in a passion: 
v.t. fill with gas or vapor; exhale. 
[Latin.] 

fumigate (fu 'mi-gat), v.t. smoke; per- 
fume; disinfect by the action of 
smoke or vapor. 

fun (fun), n. mirth; drollery; sport: 
v.i. [p.t. & p.p. funned, p.pr. fun- 
ning], to indulge in fun._ 

funambulist (f u-nam'bu-list) , n. a 
rope-walker or -dancer. [Latin.] 

function (fungk'shun), n. the dis- 
charge or performance of any duty, 
office, or business; faculty ; power ; 
the office of any organ, animal or 
vegetable; public or official cere- 
mony; any mathematical quantity 
considered as formed from another 
quantity, the change in the one af- 
fecting the other correspondingly: 
v.i. to perform a function; act. 

fund (fund), n. established stock or 


ate, arm, at, awl; me, merge, met; mite, mit; note, north, not; boon, book; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


FUNDAMENTAL 


205 


FUSE 


capital; money set apart for carry- 
ing out some permanent or tempo- 
rary object; a permanent debt due 
by a government on which interest 
is paid at a certain rate per cent.; 
a stock in reserve: v.t. to place in, 
or convert into, a fund: pi. money. 
[Latin.] 

fundamental (fun-da-ment'al) , adj. 
pertaining to a foundation or basis; 
essential; primary: n. a primary or 
essential principle; basis; the note 
on which a chord is formed. 
[Mus.] 

funded (fund'ed), v. adj. converted 
into a permanent loan; invested in 
the public funds. 

funeral (fu'ner-al), n. the ceremony 
of burying a dead human body and 
the procession of mourners accom- 
panying it: adj. pertaining to, be- 
fitting, or used at, a funeral. [Latin.] 

funereal (fti-ne're-al), adj. pertaining 
to, or suitable for, a funeral; mourn- 
ful; sad. 

fungus (fung'gus), n. [pi. fungi (fun'ji), 
funguses (fung'gus-ez)], a cryptog- 
amous plant not containing chloro- 
phyll, as a mushroom, toadstool, &c. ; 
a spongy excrescence. [Latin.] 

funicle (fu'ni-kl), n. a small cord, 
ligature, or rope. [Latin.] 

funk (fungk), n. cowardice; fright: 
v.i. to be in a state of cowardly 
fear [English]; to kick backwards. 
[Scottish.] 

funnel (fun'el), n. a wide-mouthed, 
conical vessel terminating in a 
spout for pouring liquids into close 
vessels; the chimney of a steam- 
ship or steam-engine. 

funny (fun'i), adj. [comp. funnier, su- 
perl. funniest], comical; droll; pro- 
voking laughter; ludicrous; queer; 
curious; strange: n. a long narrow 
clinker-built pleasure boat rowed 
with sculls. 

fur (fer), n. the soft hair of certain 
animals, growing thickly upon the 
skin; morbid matter collected on the 
tongue; the calcareous coating on 
the interior of a boiler, &c: pi. the 
dressed skins of fur-bearing animals, 
used for apparel or ornament: adj. 
consisting, lined, or trimmed, with 
fur: v.t. [p.t. furred, p.pr. furring], 
to cover, line, or trim with fur; 


cover with a calcareous deposit or 
morbid matter. 

furbelow (fer'be-lo), n. an ornament 
of feminine attire. 

furbish (fer'bish), v.t. to make bright 
by rubbing, polishing, or burnish- 
ing; renovate. 

furcate (fer'kat), adj. forked. 

furious (fu'ri-us), adj. full of fury; 
frenzied; mad; tempestuous. 

furl (ferl), v.t. to roll up and secure 
to something, as a sail, flag, &c. 

furlong (fer'long), n. l-8th of a mile. 

furlough (fer'lo), n. leave of absence: 
v.t. to grant leave of absence to. 

furnace (fer'nas), n. a chamber or ap- 
paratus for producing a violent heat 
to reduce ores, metals, &c. 

furnish (fer'nish), v.t. to supply with 
what is requisite; fit out; equip: 
v.i. to improve in flesh and condi- 
tion: said of a racehorse. 

furniture (fer'ni-tur), n. the necessary 
equipments of a house, ship, or a 
trade; outfit; equipage; trappings 
of a horse. _ 

furore (fu'ror or fu-ro're). n. a great 
outburst of excitement or en- 
thusiasm. [Italian.] 

furrow (fer'o), n. a trench made in 
the ground by a plow; a groove; 
wrinkle: v.t. to plow; make grooves 
or wrinkles in. 

further (fer'^/ier), adj. more distant; 
additional: adv. to a greater dis- 
tance or degree; moreover; also: 
v.t. to promote; help forward. 

furtherance (fer^/ier-ans) , n. ad- 
vancement. 

furthermore (f er'f/ier-mor) , adv. more- 
over; besides. 

furthermost (fer'i/ier-most) , adj. most 
remote. 

furthest (fer'i/iest), adj. most distant 
in time or degree: adv. at, or to, the 
greatest distance. 

furtive (fer'tiv), adj. sly; secret; 
stealthy. [Latin.] 

fury (fu'ri), n. [pi. furies (fu'riz)], 
violent or uncontrollable rage; mad- 
ness; one of the three avenging dei- 
ties of Greek mythology, usually 
called Tisiphone, Alecto, and Me- 
gaera; a termagant woman. [Latin.] 

furze (ferz), n. a hardy spiny shrub, 
belonging to the bean family. 

fuse (fuz), v.t. to liquefy by heat; 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


FUSIL 


206 


FYCE 


melt: v.i. to become melted by heat; 
blend, as if melted: n. a small tube 
filled with an inflammable material, 
or a cord impregnated with such 
material, used for exploding gun- 
powder, &c. 

fusil (fu'zil), n. the old flint-lock 
musket. [French.] 

fusileer (fii-si-ler'), n. the names of 
several British line regiments, as the 
Royal Irish Fusileers. The name 
denotes that, when fusils were in 
use, those regiments served as in- 
fantry. Also fusilier. 

fusillade (fu-si-lad'), n. a simulta- 
neous discharge of firearms: v.t. to 
shoot down or kill by a fusil- 
lade. 

fusinist (fu'zin-ist), n. an artist who 
draws with charcoal crayons. 
[French.] 

fusion (fu'zhun), n. the act or process 
of melting by heat; the state of be- 
ing fused or melted; union by, or 
as by, melting; the union of two 
political parties, or of sections of 
two parties, as in Great Britain, the 
Liberal Union party. 

Fusionist (fu'zhun-ist), n. one who 
has joined a fusion party in politics. 


fuss (fus), n. unnecessary or irritat- 
ing activity, especially in small mat- 
ters; disorderly bustling about; con- 
fusion; stir: v.i. to worry. 

fustian (fus'chan), n. a kind of coarse 
twilled cotton cloth, as corduroy, 
velveteen, &c; an inflated or pre- 
tentious style in writing or speak- 
ing; bombast: adj. made of fustian; 
bombastic. 

fusty (fus'ti), adj. [comv. fustier, su- 
perl. fustiest], ill^smelling ; moldy; 
meddlesome; officious. 

futile (fu'til), adj. vain; useless. 

futility (fu-til'i-ti), n. the quality of 
being futile. 

futtocks (fut'oks), n.pl. the upright 
curved ribs of a ship springing from 
the keel. 

future (fu'tur), adj. that will be here- 
after: n. time yet to come; a tense 
in grammar; a commodity, &c, sold 
for future delivery. [Latin.] 

futurity (fu-tur'i : ti), n. [pi. futurities 
(fti-tur'i-tiz)], time to come; future 
events. 

fuzz (fuz), n. fine minute particles of 
down, wool, &c. : v.i. to fly off in fuzz. 

fyce and fice (fls), n. a small cur dog; 
a whelp. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut; think, then. 


Q 


G, the seventh letter in the later salmon, &c; a boom or yard to 

Roman alphabet and in the al- extend the upper edge of a fore-and- 

phabet of most Western coun- aft sail; a low-class theater, &c, 

tries since 300 b. c. Until that admission to which is a penny: v.t. 

time, this character was used for to seize or land with a gaff, 

what we now call c (the hard gut- gaffer (gaf'er), n. an old man, espe- 

tural) and g (the sonant guttural). cially a countryman. 

In the old Italic alphabet, the gag (gag), n. something placed in the 

seventh letter was Z. Out of C mouth to hinder speech: v.t. [p.t. & 

there was, for convenience, devel- p.p. gagged, p.pr. gagging], to stop 

oped a second character G. Both the mouth of, with, or as with, a 

sounds indicated by them were gag; silence by force; introduce 

" hard," — c like c in cat, and g like one's own words, &c, into: said of 

g in get. About the fourth century an actor, &c. 

a. d.,c before e or i took the soft sound gage, gauge (gaj), n. a standard of 

ofs,and<7 the soft sound of g in gin. measure; the number of feet a ves- 

gab (gab), n. idle chatter; loquacity; sel sinks in the water; position of 

a hook on the eccentric rod of a one ship to another and the wind; 

steam-engine; the mouth [Scotch]: a measuring rod; the distance be- 

v.i. [p.t. & p.p. gabbed, p.pr. gab- tween the rails of a railway line: v.t. 

bing], to chatter. to ascertain the capacity or contents 

gabardine (gab-er-den') , n. a coarse of; estimate. 

smock frock formerly prescribed gaiety (ga'e-ti), n. [pi. gaieties (ga'e- 

for Jews. [Spanish.] tiz)J, the state or quality of be- 

gabble (gab'l), v.t. to utter rapidly ing gay; merriment; pleasure, 

without sense: v.t. to chatter inco- [French.] 

herently: n. rapid, incoherent talk, gain (gan), n. advantage; profit; a 

gabion (ga'bi-un), n. a large cylin- mortise: v.t. to obtain, as profit 01 

drical bottomless basket filled with advantage; earn; win; arrive at: 

earth: used for purposes of military v.i. to improve or make progress; 

defense, &c. [French.] increase; advance. [Icelandic] 

gable (ga'bl), n. the triangular end gainsay (gan-sa/), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. gain- 

of a building. said, p.pr. gainsaying], to contra- 

gaby (ga'bi), n. a stupid, foolish boy. diet; speak against; oppose. 

gad (gad), v.i. [p.t. & p.p. gadded, gait (gat), n. manner of walking; 

p.pr. gadding], to roam about in a way or course. 

purposeless manner: n. the act of gaiter (gat'er), n. a covering of cloth 

roaming about without an object; for the ankle, fitting over the top 

an iron or steel pointed mining of the boot; a shoe with a cloth 

tool; a gadfly. top. 

Gael (gal), n. a Scottish Highlander, gala (ga/la), n. a festive show; pomp. 

Gaelic tgal'ik), adj. pertaining to, or galactic (ga-lak'tik), adj. pertaining 

belonging to, the Celtic inhabitants to the secretion or flow of milk, 

of the Scottish Highlands, or to their Galaxy (gal'aks-i), n. the Milky Way. 

language: n. the language of the galaxy, n. an assemblage of splendid 

Gaels. Also Gadhelic. persons or things. 

gaff (gaf), n. a large hook for landing gale (gal), n. a strong wind, less violent 

ate, arm, at, awl; me, merge, met; mite, mit ; note, north, not; boon, book; 
hue, hut , think, then. 


GALL 


208 


GAMBREL 


than a tempest; a quarrel; noisy- 
merriment; bog myrtle. 

gall (gawl), n. the bile; anything 
very bitter; malignant feeling; ran- 
cor; the gall-bladder; the morbid 
excrescence of plants caused by in- 
sects; gall-nut; a wound caused by 
friction; low-lying marshland with 
rank vegetation: v.t. to break the 
skin of by friction; wear away; 
vex; fret; harass; impregnate with 
an infusion of gall-nuts: v.i. to fret; 
be vexed, &c. 

gallant (gal'ant), adj. brave; high- 
spirited; chivalrous: n. a person of 
sprightly and gay manners; a 
beau. 

gallant (gal-ant'), adj. showing cour- 
tesy and respectful deference to 
women: n. a man who is attentive 
to women (used either in a good 
or bad sense): v.t. to pay court to; 
accompany or escort. 

galleon (gal'e-on), n. a large Spanish 
three-decked vessel, formerly used 
as a warship, or as a merchantman 
for trading to South America. 

gallery (gal'er-i), n. [pi. galleries 
(galer-iz)], a long apartment serving 
as a means of communication to 
others; corridor; the upper seats of 
a theater, church, assembly-room, 
&c; a building, or room, used for 
the exhibition of works of art, &c; 
a covered passage in a work for de- 
fense, or for communication; a bal- 
cony at the stern of a large ship. 

galley (gal'i), n. [pi. galleys (gal'iz)], 
a low, flat, one-decked vessel pro- 
pelled by oars, and sometimes with 
sails, formerly rowed by slaves or 
convicts; an open boat used by 
British men-of-war, river police, and 
customs officers; the cook-house of 
a ship ; a flat, oblong frame for hold- 
ing composed type. 

Gallic (gal'ik), adj. pertaining to an- 
cient Gaul, or modern France. 

galling (gawl'ing), p. adj. chafing; 
irritating. 

gallium (gal'i-um), n. a metallic ele- 
ment. 

gallivant (gal'i-vant) , v.i. to flirt; idle 
or gad about with women. 

gallon (gal'un), n. a liquid measure 
= 4 quarts; a dry measure = l-8th 
of a bushel. 


galloon (gal-oon'), n. a cotton, silk, or 
worsted fabric used for dress trim- 
mings; a thin tape made of metal 
woven in silk, worsted, &c, used for 
uniforms. 

gallop (gal'up), n. the rapid forward 
springing movement of a horse ; the 
act of riding at a gallop: v.i. to run 
with leaps, like a horse; ride a 
horse at a gallop; hasten. 

gallows (gal'oz), n. a wooden struc- 
ture consisting of two uprights with 
a cross bar on the top ; used for hang- 
ing criminals; execution by hang- 
ing. 

gallstone (gawl'ston), n. a concre- 
tion formed in the gall bladder or 
biliary duct. 

galoot (ga-loof), n. a term in Ameri- 
can slang having various shades of 
meaning, as with the other words, 
"chap," "fellow," "cur," "cuss," 
"bloke," "buffer," &c, not neces- 
sarily denoting dislike but rather a 
lack of respect. 

galore (ga-lor'), adv. in great plenty. 
[Erse.] 

galosh (ga-losh'), n. an overshoe of 
india-rubber. Also golosh. 

galvanic (gal-^van'ik) , adj. pertain- 
ing to galvanism; voltaic; spasmodic. 

galvanism (gal'van-izm) , n. that 
branch of electric science which 
treats of currents arising from the 
chemical action of certain bodies 
placed in contact, or an acid on a 
metal. Named from the Italian 
scientist, Luigi Galvani( 1737-1798), 
the discoverer of universal elec- 
tricity. 

galvanometer (gal-va-nom'e-ter) , n. 
an instrument for measuring the 
presence, extent, and direction of 
an electric current. 

gamble (gam'bl), v.i. to practice gam- 
ing; play for money; risk money on 
an event or contingency: v.t. to 
squander in gaming (with away). 

gambler (gam'bler), n. one who 

. gambles, especially one who gambles 
as a business. 

gambol (gam'bol), n. a dancing or 
skipping about for joy or sport; 
frolic: v.i. [p.t. & p.p. gamboled, 
p.pr. gamboling], to skip about 
sportively; frolic. 

gambrel (gam'brel), n. the hock of a 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


GAME 


209 


GARNISH 


horse; a bent stick, resembling a 
horse's leg, used by butchers. 

game (gam), n. a sport or diversion; 
fun; frolic; a single match at play; 
the advantage required in order to 
win; wild animals pursued and 
killed by shooting or hunting; any 
object of pursuit: pi. athletic con- 
tests: adj. pertaining to game; 
ready; plucky:vi. to play at any 
sport or diversion; play for a stake 
or prize. 

gamin (gam'in), n. a precocious street 
child; street Arab. 

gammon (gam[un), v.t. to impose upon 
(a person by inducing him to believe 
improbable stories), hoax; to de- 
feat at the game of backgammon; 
cure by salting and smoking ; attach 
or fix a bowsprit to a ship : n. a hoax ; 
imposition; the buttock of a hog 
salted and smoked: inter j. nonsense! 

gamut (gam'ut), n. the lines and 
spaces > upon which musical notes 
are written or printed: hence entire 
range or extent. 

gander (gan'der), n. a male goose. 

gang (gang), n. persons associated 
for some purpose; a part of a ship's 
crew selected for special duty; a 
lode or course; a discreditable po- 
litical faction; the matrix in which 
an ore is imbedded. 

ganglion (gan'gli-qn) , n. [pi. ganglia 
(gan'gli-a), ganglions (gan'gli-onz)], 
an enlargement in the course of a 
nerve; an encysted tumor on a 
tendon. 

gangrene (gan'gren) , n. the first state 
of mortification: v.t. to mortify: 
v.i. to become mortified. 

gangster (gang'ster), n. a desperate 
character, one of a gang, especially 
used of the East Side of New York. 

gangway (gang'wa), n. a narrow 
platform of horizontal planks used 
as a temporary passageway, or to 
enter a ship; a passage into or out 
of any place; a passageway be- 
tween two rows of seats ; that part 
of a ship's side, within or without, 
by which persons enter or depart 

gaol, same as jail. 

gap (gap), ji. an opening; cleft; 
passage; hiatus; breach: v.t. [p.t. 
& p.p. gapped, p.pr. gapping], to 
make a gap in. 


gape (gap), v.i. to open the mouth 
wide, as from drowsiness, wonder, 
&c.; yawn; open as a fissure or 
chasm: n. yawn: the opening be- 
tween the mandibles of birds: pi. 
a disease in poultry. 

garage (ga-razh'), n. a stable or sta- 
tion for automobiles; from the 
French garer, to shelter or secure. 

garb (garb), n. a dress; external 
form: v.t. to clothe. 

garbage (garb'aj), n. offal; refuse. 

garble (gar'bl), v.t. to cleanse by 
sifting; select such parts of as are 
wanted or may serve some particu- 
lar purpose. 

garcon (gar-song'), n. a boy; waiter. 
[French.] 

garden (gar'dn), n. a piece of ground 
set apart for the cultivation of flow- 
ers, fruit, vegetables, &c; a place 
specially delightful or fertile: v.t. 
to cultivate as a garden: v.i. to lay 
out and cultivate a garden. 

gargle (gar'gl), n. a medicinal liquid 
for washing the throat and mouth: 
v.i. to wash the throat and mouth 
with a gargle. 

gargoyle (gar'goil), n. in Gothic 
architecture, a projecting stone 
waterspout, often in the form of a 
grotesquely-shaped man or animal. 
[Old French.] m 

garibaldi (gar-i-bal'di), n. a loose 
blouse-shaped shirt, usually red, 
named after the Italian adventurer, 
Giuseppe Garibaldi (1807-1882). 

garish (gar'ish), adj. gaudy; dazzling. 

garland (gar'land), n. a chaplet or 
wreath made of flowers, &c, a col- 
lection of choice extracts of prose 
or poetry; a netted provision-bag 
used by sailors; in heraldry, a 
wreath of laurel, or oak-leaves and 
acorns: v.t. to deck or adorn with 
a garland. 

garlic (gar'lik), n. a bulbous-rooted 
plant of the lily family, with a 
strong pungent taste and smell that 
is unpleasant to many. 

garment (gar'ment), n. any article of 
clothing: pi. clothing collectively. 

garner (gar'ner), n. a granary: v.t. to 
store for preservation in, or as in, 
a granary; gather up. 

garnish (gar'nish), v.t. to adorn; em- 
bellish with something laid round a 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


GARNISHEE 


210 


GAY 


dish: n. an ornament or decoration; 
something laid round a dish as an 
embellishment. 

garnishee (gar-nish-e') , n. the person 
in whose hands the property of an- 
other is attached pending the satis- 
faction of the claims of a third party. 

garniture (gar'ni-tur) , n. embellish- 
ment. 

garret (gar'et), n. the uppermost 
room of a house. 

garrison (gar'i-sn) , n. a body of troops 
stationed in a fort or fortified place; 
a fortified place with troops, guns, 
&c. : v.t. to furnish (a fortified place) 
with troops. 

garrote (gar-rot'), n. an instrument 
for strangling a criminal: used in 
Spain; strangulation: v.t. to exe- 
cute with a garrote or by stran- 
gling; seize by the throat so as to 
render a person helpless and then 
to rob him. 

garrulity (gar-roo'li-ti), n. incessant 
and inconsequent loquacity. 

garter (gar'ter), n. an elastic band, 
&c, by which a stocking is held up 
on the leg; the distinctive badge of 
the Order of the Garter, the highest 
order of British knighthood (insti- 
tuted about 1348 by Edward III.) : 
v.t. to bind or fasten with a garter; 
invest with the Order of the Garter. 

gas (gas), n. [pi. gases (gas'ez)], mat- 
ter in its most rarefied state: op- 
posed to fluid, and solid; carburet- 
ted hydrogen used for lighting and 
cooking; empty talk: v.t. [p.t. & 
p.p. gassed, p.pr. gassing], to im- 
pose upon by empty talk: v.i. to 
boast or indulge in empty talk. 

gaseous (gas'e-us), adj. having the na- 
ture or form of gas. 

gash (gash), n. a deep or gaping 
wound: v.i. to cut deep. 

gasket (gas'ket), n. a flat plaited cord 
by which the sails are furled or tied 
to the yard; hemp, &c, used for 
packing the piston of a steam-engine, 
&c; a thin round piece of rubber, 
metal, &c, placed between two flat 
surfaces to make a water-tight joint. 

gasoline (gas'o-len), n. a volatile in- 
flammable colorless product of pe- 
troleum: used for heating purposes, 
&c. 

gasometer (gas-om'e-ter) , n. a circular 


hollow reservoir for storing gas, open 
at the bottom and closed at the top; 
an apparatus for measuring gases. # 

gasp (gasp), n. a convulsed pain- 
ful effort to catch the breath: v.i. 
to catch the breath with difficulty; 
crave earnestly: v.t. to breathe out 
in gasps (with away). 

gasping (gasp'ing), n. convulsive or 
difficult breathing. 

gastric (gas'trik), adj. pertaining to 
the stomach. [Greek.] 

gastronomy (gas-tron'o-mi), n. the ar 
of good eating, or the preparation 
of food. 

gate (gat), n. a frame of wood, iron, 
&c, closing an entrance or passage, 
usually moving on hinges; a large 
entrance to a city, castle, &c; an 
avenue; entrance; power. 

gather (gaf/i'er), v.t. to assemble; 
collect; bring into one" place; pick 
up; glean; pluck; accumulate; puck- 
er or plait; infer: v.i. to congregate; 
generate pus; increase; ripen: n. 
a plait or pucker in cloth, made by 
drawing thread through the folds. 

gaud (gawd), n. finery; ornament. 

gaudy (gaw'di), adj. [comp. gaudier, 
superl. gaudiest], showy; vulgarly 
gay or fine. 

gauge (gaj), same as gage. 

gaunt (gant), adj. pinched and lean. 

gauntlet (gant'let), n. a military 
or naval punishment, formerly prac- 
ticed, by which the culprit was 
compelled to run between two lines 
of soldiers or sailors, who chastised 
him with rods, ropes, &c; a series 
of unpleasant events; "running the 
gauntlet" was a common torture 
among the American Indians; a 
mailed glove, or one with a long 
wrist-extension. Also gantlet. 

gauze (gawz), n. a very thin light 
transparent silk or cotton fabric; 
light open-work material, as wire 
gauze^ 

gave (gav), p.t. of give. 

gavel (gav'el), n. a small mallet; a 
small unbound sheaf: toll or cus- 
tom: v.t. to bind into sheaves 

gawk (gawk), n. a simpleton. 

gawky (gaw'ki), adj. awkward; un- 
gainly: n. a tall, awkward, stupid 
person. 

gay (ga), adj. lively; merry; full of 


ate, arm, at, awl; me, merge, met; mite, mit: note, north, not; boon, book 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


GAZE 


211 


GENIALITY 


spirits; cheerful: sportive; given to 
pleasure; licentious. [French.] 

gaze (gaz), v.i. to look earnestly and 
fixedly: n. a steady, fixed look. 

gazelle (ga-zel'), n. a small, elegant, 
swift-footed antelope, with large, 
soft, black eyes. [Arabic] 

gazette (ga-zet'). n. English govern- 
ment bi-weekly newspaper contain- 
ing official announcements; news- 
paper: v.t. to publish in a gazette. 

gazetteer (gaz-e-ter'), n. a diction- 
ary of geographical names. 

gear (ger), n. accoutrements; ap- 
paratus; tackle: harness; dress; the 
moving parts of machinery: v.t. to 
put gear on; harness; dress. 

gee (je), v.t. to turn or guide to the 
right, opposed to haw. 

geese (ges), pi. of goose. 

gelatine (jel'a-tin), n. a transparent 
nitrogenous animal substance found 
in bones, hoofs, connective tissue, 
&c, from which it is extracted by 
boiling, &c; animal jelly. Also 
gelatin. 

geld (geld), v.t. to castrate: said of 
horses; deprive of any essential 
part. 

gelding (gel'ding). n. castration: a 
young horse which has been cas- 
trated. 

gem (jem), n. a precious stone; leaf- 
bud; any perfect or rare object; 
jewel: v.t. [p.t. & p.p. gemmed, p.pr. 
gemming], to adorn with, or as with, 
gems. 

geminate (jem'i-nat), adj. growing or 
occurring in pairs. 

Gemini (jem'i-ni), n.pl. one of the 
signs in the zodiac (Castor and 
Pollux) ; the Twins. 

gemot (ge-mot'), n. an assembly; 
the court of the hundred, or local 
court, among the Anglo-Saxons. 

gendarme (zhang-darm'), n. [pi. gen- 
darmes], in France and Belgium, 
an armed policeman. 

gender (jen'der), n. the grammatical 
distinction of sex, expressed by suf- 
fixes, prefixes, or by a different word : 
v.t. to produce: and engender. 

genealogy (jen-e-al'q-ji), n. [pi. gene- 
alogies (jen-e-al'o-jiz)], family pedi- 
gree; lineage; the science that 
treats of tracing pedigrees. 

genera, pi. of genus. 


general (jen'er-al), adj. relating to a 
whole genus, kind, class, order, or 
race; not special or particular; 
pertaining to the majority; not re- 
stricted; usual; ordinary; common; 
extensive but not universal; indefi- 
nite: taken as a whole: senior or 
highest, as Postmaster-General: n. 
the whole; the chief part; a general 
principle or statement; the popu- 
lace: the commander of an army di- 
vision or brigade; the highest title 
in the army of the United States; 
the chief of a religious order: the 
roll of a drum to summon troops 
[usually generate]. [Latin.] 

generality (jen-er-al'i-ti), n. [pi. gen- 
eralities (jen-er-al'i-tiz)], the state 
of being general: opposed to specific; 
bulk; majority. 

generalize (jen'er-al-Iz), v.t. to reduce 
to, or arrange in, a genus or genera; 
infer inductively, as a general prin- 
ciple from particular instances. 

generally (jen'er-a-li), adv. commonly; 
in the main; without exact limi- 
tation. 

generate (jen'er-at), v.t. to produce; 
procreate; originate; trace out or 
form by motion. 

generation (jen-er-a'shun), n. the act 
or process of generating; a single 
succession in natural descent ; people 
of the same period; progeny. 

generative (jen'er-a-tiv) adj. pertain- 
ing to generation; having the power 
to generate. 

generic (je-ner'ik), adj. pertaining to a 
genus, kind, or class: opposed to spe- 
cific; comprehensive. Also generical. 

generosity (jen-er-os'i-ti), n. [pi. gen- 
erosities (jen-er-os'i-tiz)], the qual- 
ity of being generous: liberality; 
magnanimity; munificence. 

generous (jen'er-us), adj. character- 
ized by liberality; munificent; boun- 
tiful ; high-minded ; honorable ; strong ; 
stimulating. 

genesis Cjen'e-sis), n. the act or process 
of producing or originating; begin- 
ning. 

genial (je'ni-al). adj. kindly and sym- 
pathetic in disposition; cordial; con- 
tributing to cheerfulness and life; 
agreeably warm and cheerful. 

geniality (je-ni-al'i-ti), n. the quality 
of being genial; cheerfulness. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit : note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
14 hue, hut ; think, then. 


GENIE 


212 


GERRYMANDER 


genie (je'ne), same as jinn. [Arabic] 

genii, pi. of genius. 

genital (jen'i-tal), adj. pertaining to 
generation. 

genitive (jen'i-tiv), n. a grammatical 
case, indicating origin, possession, or 
relation. [Latin.] 

genius (jen'ius), n. innate bent of 
mind or disposition; remarkable 
aptitude or natural endowment for 
some special pursuit, &c; character 
or essential principle; embodiment; 
a person possessed of high mental 
powers or faculties [pi. geniuses 
(jen'ius-ez)],agoodorevil spirit sup- 
posed to preside oyer the destinies 
of men [pi. genii (jen'e-e)]. 

genre (zhang'r), n. a style of paint- 
ing or sculpture representing some 
scene of common life. 

genteel (jen-teT), adj. graceful or ele- 
gant in manners or dress; polite; 
well bred. 

gentian (jen'shian), n. a bitter herb 
with tonic roots. 

Gentile (jen'til), adj. belonging to a 
non- Jewish people: n. one who is 
not a Jew. 

gentility (jen-til'i-ti), n. [pi. gentilities 
(jen-til'i-tiz)], high or gentle birth; 
good breeding; social status and re- 
finement. [Latin-French.] 

gentle (jen'tl), adj. mild and refined in 
manner and disposition; kindly; 
moderate in action; peaceful; docile; 
easy; well born or descended: n. the 
larva of the flesh-fly; a trained fal- 
con. 

gentleman (jen'tl-man), n. [pi. gentle- 
men (jen'tl-men)], one who is en- 
titled to bear a coat of arms; a well- 
bred and honorable man; a person 
of independent income; a term of 
politeness, used in addressing an as- 
sembly. 

gentlewoman (jen'tl-woom'an), n. 
[pi. gentlewomen (jen'tl-wim'en)], a 
woman of good birth and breeding; 
a lady. 

gentry (jen'tri), n. the upper class of 
society. [French.] 

genuflection (jen-Q-flek'shun), n. 
bending of the knee, especially in 
worship. Also genuflexion. 

genuine (jen'u-in), adj. real; unadul- 
terated; belonging to, or derived 


from, the original or true stock; 
not hypocritical; open. 

genus (je'nus), n. [pi. genera (jen'- 
er-a)], that which has under it sev- 
eral species or sub-genera, having 
certain common characteristics; in 
logic, a class made up of two or 
more species or subordinate 
classes. 

geo, a prejix, meaning earth, forming 
the first element of many scientific 
words, as ^eobotanical, pertaining to 
geographical botany. [Greek.] 

geodesy (je-od'e-si), n. the science of 
measuring large portions of the 
earth's surface; the determination 
of the earth's figure and size. 

geography (je-og'ra-fi), n. [pi. geog- 
raphies (je-og'ra-fiz)J, the science 
that describes the surface of the 
earth, and its division into conti- 
nents, kingdoms, &c. [Greek.] 

geology (je-ol'o-ji), n. the science that 
investigates the structure of the 
earth, the successive physical 
changes it has undergone, and the 
causes which have operated in pro- 
ducing such alterations in the crust 
of the globe. [Greek.] 

geometry (je-om'e-tri), n. that branch 
of mathematics that treats of the 
measurements of lines, angles, sur- 
faces, and solids. [Greek.] ■ 

georgic (jor'jik), adj. pertaining to 
husbandry or rural: n. a poem on 
agriculture. [Greek.] 

geranium (je-ra/ni-um), n. a plant of 
various species, cultivated for its 
handsome scarlet or white flowers. 

germ (jerm), n. the rudimentary form 
of an organism; origin; first prin- 
ciple. [French.] 

germane (jer-man'), adj. related; 
akin; relevant; appropriate. 

germicide (jer'mi-sid), n. a _ sub- 
stance used to destroy disease 
germs. [Latin.] 

germinate (jer'mi-nat), v.i. to sprout 
or bud; begin to develop into a 
higher form. 

germination (jer-mi-na/shun), n. the 
first act of growth in a seed, bud, or 
germ. 

gerrymander (ger'i-man-der) , y.t. to 
divide, as a state, voting district, 
&c, so as to give an unfair advan- 
tage to a particular political party; 


ate, 'arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, £/ien. 


GERUND 


213 


GIMP 


misrepresent. [American political 
slang. J 

gerund (jer'und), n. the verbal noun 
in Latin. 

gerundive (je-run'div), n. the verbal 
adjective in Latin. 

gestation (jes-ta'shun)_, n. pregnancy. 

gesticulate (jes-tik'u-lat), v.i. to make 
gestures or motions, as in speaking 
or attracting_ attention. 

gesture (jes'tur), n. a movement of 
the face, body, or limbs, to express 
ideas, emotions, &c. 

get (get), v.t. [p.t. got, p.p. got, got- 
ten, p.pr. getting], to obtain; pro- 
cure; win; gain; acquire; deserve; 
meet with; realize; learn; pro- 
create; prevail upon; to depart 
[with obj. as "get thee hence"]: v.i. 
to arrive at; become; find time, op- 
portunity, &c; depart quickly. 

gewgaw (gu'gaw), n. a showy trifle. 

geyser (gi'ser), n. an intermittent 
hot or boiling spring from which 
water or mud is ejected. Also gey- 
sir. 

ghastly (gast'li), adj. death-like; pale; 
haggard ; cadaverous ; horrible. 

gherkin (ger'kin), n. a small cucum- 
ber used for pickling. [Danish.] 

Ghetto (get'o), n. [pi. ghettos (gef- 
oz), ghetti (get'i)], the Jews' 
quarter. [Italian.] 

ghost (gost), n. the spirit of a de- 
ceased person; apparition; the soul; 
breath of life; shadow; remotest 
likelihood; a false image due to 
some defect in a lens. 

ghoul (gool), n. a supposed demon 
who robs graves and feeds on the 
flesh of the dead. [Arabic] 

giant (jl'ant), n. a man of extraor- 
dinary bulk or stature; one pos- 
sessed of great physical or intellec- 
tual power; one of a race of mon- 
strous size who, according to classic 
mythology, assailed the gods: adj. 
like a giant; huge: fern, giantess (ji'- 
ant-es) . 

gibber (jib'er), v.i. to speak inco- 
herently. 

gibberish (jib'er-ish), n. rapid inco- 
herent talk: adj. incoherent. 

gibbet (jib'et), 'n. a gallows: v.t. to 
hang on a gibbet; expose to public 
^ scorn or ridicule. 

gibbous (gib 'us), adj. protuberant; ir- 


regularly rounded; between full and 
half -full: said of the moon; hump- 
backed. [Latin.] 

gibe (jib), n. sl scoff; taunt; sneering 
or sarcastic expression: v.t. to sneer 
at; taunt: v.i. to use gibes; cast re- 
proaches; sneer; scoff. 

giblet (jib'let), n. one of the edible 
internal parts of a fowl, goose, &c. 

giddy (gid'i), adj. [comp. giddier, 
superl. giddiest], having a confused 
whirling sensation in the head; friv- 
olous; fickle. 

gift (gift), n. something given or be- 
stowed; present; donation; offering; 
benefaction; natural talent. 

gifted (gift'ed), adj. talented. 

gig (gig), n. a two- wheeled open 
chaise drawn by one horse ; a rotary 
machine for raising nap on cloth; 
a long ship's boat, rowed by alter- 
nate oars, and usually reserved for 
the commanding officer ; a racing 
boat; a whirligig; a fish-gig: v.i. 
[p.t. & p.p. gigged, p.pr. gigging], 
to fish with a fish-gig. 

gigantic (jl-gan'tik) , adj. huge; co- 
lossal. 

giggle (gig'l), v.i. to laugh in a nerv- 
ous, foolish, tittering manner: n. 
a nervous, silly laugh. 

gild (gild), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. gilded, 
gilt, p.pr. gilding], to overlay or 
wash with gold; give a fair external 
appearance to; illuminate: n. an- 
other form of guild. _ 

gill (gil), n. the respiratory organ of 
aquatic animals, especially fishes; 
the wattle of a fowl; a deep, nar- 
row glen through which a rivulet 
flows: pi. the thin spore-bearing 
lamellae, or plates, under a cap of 
certain fungi, as a mushroom. 

gill (jil), n. l-4th of a pint; ground- 
ivy. 

gilt (gilt), adj. covered with, or yel- 
low like, gold: n. gilding. 

gimcrack (jim'krak), adj. showy, but 
of no value; trumpery: n. a pretty, 
useless thing; toy. 

gimlet (gim'let), n. a small boring- 
tool with a pointed screw at the 
end: v.t. to make a hole in with a 
gimlet. ^ 

gimp (gimp), n. kind of interlaced 
silk twist or trimming interwoven 
with wire or cord; used for furni- 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, Men. 


GIN 


:14 


GLAND 


ture, dresses, &c: v.t. to border with 
gimp. 

gin (Jin), n. an aromatic alcoholic 
liquid flavored with juniper berries; 
a trap or snare; a machine for clear- 
ing cotton fibers from the seeds: a 
portable hoisting-machine; a pile- 
driving machine: v.t. [p.t. & p.p. 
ginned, p.pr. ginning], to catch in a 
trap; clear cotton. 

ginger (jin'jer), n. the scraped and 
dried root of a pungent aromatic 
East & West Indian plant. [French.] 

gingerade (jin-jer-ad'), n. an aerated 
beverage flavored with ginger. Also 
ginger-ale. 

gingerbread (jin'jer-bred), n. a dark 
colored cake made of flour, ginger, 
molasses, sugar, &c. 

gingerly (jin'jer-li), adv. cautiously; 
daintily. 

gingham (ging'am), n. a cotton 
dress-cloth dyed in the yarn before 
weaving; an umbrella. 

gingival (jin-jlVal), adj. pertaining 
to the gums. 

ginseng (jin'seng), n. an herb with 
an aromatic root, much valued in 
China as a tome. [Chinese.] 

Gipsy (jip'si), n. [pi. Gipsies (jip/siz)], 
one of a wandering, dark-skinned, 
and dark-eyed race, of Eastern, prob- 
ably Hindu, origin: the language of 
the Gipsies (Romany); a person of 
dark complexion; a hoydenish girl. 
Also Gypsy. 

giraffe iji-raf), n. the camelopard. 

gird (gerd), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. girded, 
girt, p.pr. girding], to surround with 
a flexible substance; bind; encircle; 
gibe; taunt. 

girder (gerd'er), n. the main beam in 
a floor. 

girdle (ger'dl), n.& belt or zone for 
the waist ; anything that encompass- 
es like a girdle; a circular band 
round the shaft of a, column: v.t. to 
bind with, or as with, a girdle; en- 
close; to make a cut round the bark 
of the trunk of a tree and so kill it. 

girl (gerl), n. a female child; young 
unmarried woman. 

girt (gert), p.t. of gird: v. adj. moored 
so taut by two cables as not to 
swing to the wind or tide. 

girth (gerth), n. the band by which 
the saddle is kept secured on a 


horse; the circumference of a tree, 
animal, &c; anything that binds or 
encircles. 

gist (jist), n. the substance of a mat- 
ter; main point; object. 

give (giv), v.t. [p.t. gave, p.p. given, 
p.pr. giving], to bestow; confer 
without price or reward; grant; 
yield; deliver; supply; enable; emit: 
v.i. to give gifts; yield to pressure; 
grow moist: n. elasticity. 

gizzard (giz'ard), n. the muscular 
part of the intestinal canal in cer- 
tain birds. 

glabrous (gla'brus), adj. bald; 
smooth. [Latin.] 

glacial (gla'shi-al), adj. pertaining to, 
consisting of, or caused by, ice. 

glacier (gla/shi-er), n. avast accumula- 
tion of ice and snow found in the 
valleys and ravines of lofty moun- 
tains which moves slowly down 
the slopes till it melts or breaks off 
into icebergs. [French.] 

glad (glad), adj. [comp. gladder, su- 
per!, gladdest], in a state of hilarity; 
joyous; gav; pleased; cheerful; satis- 
fied. 

gladden (glad'n), v.t. to make glad: 
v.i. to rejoice. 

glade (glad), n. an open space or 
passage in a wood or forest; an 
open space surrounded by ice. 

gladiator (glad'i : a-ter), n. in ancient 
Rome a professional swordsman who 
fought in the arena with other men 
or animals: a combatant. [Latin.] 

gladiolus (gla-di'5-lus), n. the sword- 
lily. 

glair (glar), n. the white of egg, used 
as size or varnish; any sticky or 
glairy matter. 

glamour (glam'er), n. a charm_ on 
the eyes causing them to see things 
differently from what they are in 
reality; fascination; witchery: v.t. 
to fascinate. Also glamor. 

glance (glans), n. a sudden shoot of 
light: quick passing look of the eye; 
a quick momentary view; a lustrous 
ore: v.i. to shoot a sudden ray; view 
with a quick movement of the eye: 
v.t. to shoot or dart suddenly or ob- 
liquely; allude to in passing. 

gland (gland), n. a bodily organ by 
which secretion is carried on: small 
secreting organ for sap in plants; 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit : note, north, not ; boon, book 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


GLARE 


215 


GLOOM 


an acorn; a name for various me- 
chanical contrivances. [Latin.] 

glare (glar), n. a bright dazzling 
light; overpowering luster; a fierce 
piercing 1 look: v.i. to shine with a 
dazzling overpowering light; look 
with fierce piercing eyes; be exces- 
sively gaudy in dress or ornamenta- 
tion: udj. having a smooth slippery 
surface, as ice. 

glass (glas), n. a hard, brittle, trans- 
parent substance formed of silica 
and certain metallic oxides; an in- 
strument or vessel made of glass; 
a drinking glass, or the quantity 
contained in it; a mirror; lens; a 
telescope, or barometer: adj. per- 
taining to, or made of, glass; vitre- 
ous: v.t. to mirror, or reflect in a 
mirror; glaze. 

glaucous m (glaw'kus), adj. sea-green; 
green with a bluish-grey tinge; cov- 
ered with bloom of a bluish-white 
color. [Greek.] 

glaze (glaz), v.t. to furnish with 
glass; overlay with a transparent 
substance resembling glass: v.i. to 
become glassy or glazed: n. the 
vitreous or glassy coating on potter's 
ware. 

glazier (gla'zher), n. one whose busi- 
ness is to set glass in windows, &c. 

gleam (glem)^ n. a stream or shoot 
of light; brightness: v.i. to emit 
brightness; shoot, or dart, as rays 
of lights 

glean (glen), v.t. to gather, as grain 
that the reapers have left; collect 
little by little, or piece by piece; 
infer: v.i. to gather gleanings: n. a 
collection made by gleaning; a col- 
lection, as of herrings. 

glebe (gleb), n. land belonging to a 
parish church, or ecclesiastical bene- 
fice; in mining, a plot of land con- 
taining ore. 

glede (gled), n. the kite. 

glee (gle), n. gaiety; mirth; exhila- 
ration ; a musical composition for 
voices in harmony. 

gleet (glet), a thin mucous discharge 
resulting from gonorrheal disease. 

glen (glen), n. a narrow valley; a 
secluded hollow between hills. 

glib (glib), adj. voluble; flippant: n. 
the tongue; smooth talk. 

glide (gild), v.i. [p.t. & p.p. glided, 


p.pr. gliding], flow or move along 
smoothly and noiselessly; to slur 
[Music]: n. the act of gliding; a 
gliding movement; a slur. [ Music] 

glim (glim), n. a light or candle. 
[Thieves' slang.] 

glimmer (glim'er), v.i. to shine faintly 
and intermittently: n. a faint inter- 
mittent light; sheen. 

glimpse (glimps), n. a weak, faint 
light; transient view; slight trace: 
v.t. to catch a glimpse of: v.i. to 
glance; appear for the moment. 

glint (glint) ; n. a flash; a gleam. 

glissade (gh-sad'). n. the act_ of slid- 
ing down a glacier; a glide in danc- 
ing^ v.i. to slide, especially down a 
glacier. 

glisten (glis'n), v.i. to sparkle with 
light; shine: n. a glitter. 

glitter (glit'er), v.i. to sparkle with 
light; gleam; be showy, attractive, 
or specious: n. brilliancy; specious 
luster. 

gloaming (glom'ing), n. twilight: adj. 
pertaining to twilight. 

gloat (glot), v.i. to stare or gaze ear- 
nestly or with admiration, often in a 
bad sense with feelings of lust and 
cruelty. 

globate (glo'bat), adj. globe-shaped. 

globe (glob), n. a spherical body; 
ball; the terraqueous earth [with 
the]; a sphere 911 which are repre- 
sented the divisions of the earth, 
&c. (terrestrial globe), or the heaven- 
ly bodies (celestial globe). [Latin.] 

globe-trotter (glob-trot'er) , n. an ex- 
tensive traveler. 

globi, a prejix^ in various scientific 
words, meaning a ball, or ball- 
shaped. [Latin.] 

globin (glo'bin), n. a constituent of 
red blood corpuscles. 

globule (glob'ul), n. a small spherical 
particle; a minute homoeopathic 
pill; a blood- or lymph-corpuscle. 

glome (glom), n. a roundish cluster of 
flowers. 

glomerate (glom'er-at) , adj. gath- 
ered into_ a roundish head or mass. 

gloom (gloom), n. partial darkness; 
obscurity ; melancholy ; depression ; 
sadness; sullenness: v.i. to be, or 
become, cloudy or partially dark; 
present a gloomy aspect: v.t. to 
make gloomy; deject or sadden. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut : think, then. 


GLOOMY 216 GNOMIC 

gloomy (gloom'i), adj. [comp. gloomier, threatening or angry countenance; 

superl. gloomiest], overspread with, frown. 

or enveloped in, darkness; dismal; gloze (gloz), v.t._to gloss over, 

melancholy; dispirited; cheerless; glucose (gloo'kos), n. the particular 

morose. form of sugar existing in many animal 

gloria (glo'ri-a), n. an ascription of and vegetable organisms: it is pro- 
praise, especially the Gloria in Ex- duced for commercial use by the ac- 
celsis and Gloria Patri; a musical tion of sulphuric acid on starch, 
setting of these. [Latin.] [Greek. ]_ 

glorify (glo'ri-fi), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. glori- glue (gloo), n. a tenacious viscid ce- 

fied, p.pr. glorifying], to raise in ment made by boiling some animal 

honor and dignity; magnify and substance to a jelly; v.t. to unite or 

honor in worship; adore; beau- cement with glue, 

tify. glum (glum), adj. gloomy; moody; 

glorious (glo'ri-us), adj. full of glory; sullen. 

illustrious; celebrated; magnificent; glut (glut), n. a superabundance: v.t. 

exalted. [p.t. & p.p. glutted, p.pr. glutting], 

glory (glo'ri), n. [pi. glories (glo'riz)], to fill to repletion; oversupply. 

splendor; magnificence ; m brightness ; glutinous (gloo'ti-nus), adj. viscid; 

praise ascribed in adoration; distinc- gluey. 

tion; renown; honor; the Divine glutton (glut'n), n. one who eats to 

perfection or presence; the felicity excess; a carnivorous animal; the 

of heaven; in art, a circle of rays wolverine. [Latin.] 

surrounding the head of a «aint: v.i. gluttony (glut'n-i), n. [pi. gluttonies 

[p.t. & p.p. gloried, p.pr. glorying], (glut'n-iz)], the act or habit of eating 

to rejoice or exult [with in]. [Latin.] to excess. 

gloss (glos) , n._ luster from a polished glycerine _ (glis'er-in) , n. a sweet col- 
surface; specious show; an explana- orless viscid liquid obtained from 
tion or comment to elucidate some oils, fat, &c: used extensively in 
difficulty or obscurity in the text; a various manufactures and medicine, 
plausible, specious representation: Also glycerin. [Greek.] 
v.t. to explain by notes or com- glyptic (glip'tik), adj. pertaining to 
ments; palliate by plausible repre- engraving on gems; figured: n.pl. 
sentation; varnish; make glossy: v.i. the art of engraving designs on pre- 
to annotate. cious stones, ivory, &c. 

glossary (glos'a-ri), n. [pi. glossaries gnarl (narl), n. a knot on the trunk 

(glos'a-riz)], a dictionary of obsolete, or branch of a tree, 

obscure, or technical words. gnash (nash), v.t. to strike together, 

glossy (glos'i), adj. [comp. glossier, as the teeth: v.i. to grind the teeth 

superl. glossiest], having a lustrous in anger or agony, 

smooth surface; smooth and plausi- gnat (nat), n. a small stinging winged 

ble. insect of several species, allied to 

glottis (glot'is), n. the small elastic the mosquito. 

oblong opening at the top of the gnaw (naw), v.t. to bite off, or eat 

windpipe. away, by degrees; corrode; bite in 

glove (gluv), n. a hand-covering with agony, rage, or despair; fret: v.i. 

a separate sheath for each finger: to exercise the teeth in biting re- 

pl. boxing-gloves: v.t. to cover with, peatedly; act as if by continual 

or as with, a glove. biting. 

glow (gl5), v.i. to shine with intense gnome (nom), n. a fabulous deformed, 

heat; radiate heat and light; be in- diminutive goblin, supposed to dwell 

candescent; be red or flushed; be in the earth, watching treasure, or 

animated with passion, love, zeal, to be the guardian spirit of min- 

&c: n. intense or shining heat; in- ers. 

candescence*; redness, or brightness gnomic (no'mik), adj. dealing in, or 
of color; passion; ardor. containing, pithy or sententious say- 
glower (glou'er), v.i. to stare with a ings; didactic. Also gnomical. 

ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, nSrth, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


GNU 


217 


GOODNESS 


gnu (noo), n. a ruminant horned ani- 
mal with a head resembling a buf- 
falo, of the antelope kind, inhabit- 
ing South Africa. [Hottentot.] 

go (go), v.i. [p.t. went, p.p. gone, 
p.pr. going], to depart; proceed; 
move on; pass from one state or 
place to another; conduce; contrib- 
ute; be habitually used or said; 
pass current; succeed; fall out or 
terminate; move by mechanism; 
strike, as a clock; act in harmony 
with; fit or suit; be expended: n. 
the fashion; enterprise or push; 
difficulty or scrape; a drink [Eng- 
lish], as "a go of gin." 

goad (god), n. a pointed stick to urge 
on cattle: v.t. to urge on with, or as 
with, a goad; stimulate: v.i. to act 
as a goad. 

goal (gol), n. the winning post at a 
race or at football: hence, the end 
aimed at. 

goat (got), n. a ruminating horned 
quadruped with long hair. 

gobble (gob'l), v.t. to swallow hasti- 
ly or greedily: v.i. to utter a cry like 
a turkey: n. the noise of a turkey; 
a quick straight stroke in putting at 
golf. 

gobelin (go'be-lin, go'blin, go-be- 
lang'), n. a superior kind of French 
tapestry. 

goblet (gob'let), n. a drinking-vessel 
with a stem and without a handle. 

goblin (gob'lin), n. an evil, mis- 
chievous spirit; gnome; fairy. 
[French.] 

go-cart (go'kart), n. a contrivance for 
teaching children to walk; a child's 
cart; a light village cart. 

God (god), n. the Supreme Deity, 
and self-existent Creator or Up- 
holder of the Universe. [Uncertain 
etymology; not from "good."] 

godhood (god'hood), n. divinity. 

godless (god'les), adj. showing no re- 
gard to sacred things; impious. 

godly (god'li), adj. devout; pious. 

godsend (god'send), n. unexpected 
assistance or acquisition. 

goggle (gog'l), v.i. to strain or roll 
the eyes: adj. staring; prominent: 
n. a strained or affected rolling of 
the eyes: pi. a particular kind of 
spectacles for protecting the eyes 
from dust, excessive light, &c. 


goitre (goi'ter), n. a swelling of the 
glands in the front part and side of 
the neck; prevalent in mountainous 
districts. [French.] 

gold (gold), n. a metallic element, soft, 
ductile, and of a bright yellow color 
when pure; money; wealth; pre- 
cious or pure quality ; in archery, the 
bull's-eye. 

golden rod (rod), n. a tall plant of 
the aster family with yellow flow- 
ers. 

Golden Rule (rool), n. the rule to 
treat others as we ourselves wish 
to be treated (cf. Matthew vii. 12). 

goldsmith (gold'smith) , n. a worker 
in gold, or dealer in gold-plate. 

golf (golf), n. a game played with a 
small gutta-percha ball and club- 
headed sticks, the object being to 
drive the ball into a series of small 
holes with the fewest possible 
strokes: v.i. to play golf. 

golgotha, n. a burial place. 

gondola (gon'do-la), n. a long nar- 
row Venetian pleasure boat partly 
covered and propelled by one oar; 
a flat-bottomed boat or railway 
car used for carrying coal, &c. 
[Italian.] 

gone (gawn), p. adj. ruined; lost, char- 
acterized by faintness or weakness; 
carried away: said of a spar, &c. 

gong (gong), n. a tambourine-shaped 
instrument of bronze, which is 
struck by a padded stick and emits 
a booming sound. [Malay.] 

good (good), adj. [comp. better, su- 
perl. best], having excellent quali- 
ties; proper, fit for, adapted, or con- 
ducive to, any particular object; 
pious; moral; kind, well-disposed; 
favorable ; beneficial ; convenient ; 
useful; unblemished; adequate; ex- 
pedient; reliable; well-informed; full; 
not irritable: n. that which contrib- 
utes to happiness; moral qualities; 
prosperity; benefit: pi. household 
furniture; merchandise: inter j. an 
expression of assent or pleasure. 

good-bye (good-bi'), n. a parting; 
words of farewell: adj. concerned 
with a parting, as a good-bye 
kiss." Good-bye is contracted from 
God be with you, like the French 
adieu. 

goodness (good'nes), n. the state or 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


GOODY 


218 


GOVERNESS 


quality of being good; benevolence; 
excellence. 

goody (good'i), adj. affectedly or 
weakly pious; namby-pamby: n. 
[pi. goodies (good'iz)], a person af- 
fectedly or weakly pious; a poor old 
rustic woman; a kind of sweetmeat. 

goose (gods), n. [pi. geese (ges)], a 
web-footed domesticated bird of the 
genus Anser; a tailor's smoothing 
iron (pi. geese) ; a silly person. 

gooseberry (gooz'ber-i), n. [pi. goose- 
berries (gooz'ber-iz)], the fruit of a 
shrub of the genus Ribes; the shrub 
itself: adj. made of gooseberries. 

goose-flesh (goos'flesh), n. a rough- 
ened condition of the skin like that 
of a plucked goose, caused by cold, 
fear, &c._ 

gopher (go'fer), v.i. to mine unsys- 
tematically: n. a North American 
burrowing, rat-like rodent; a wood 
mentioned in the Old Testament 
(Gen. yi. 14). 

gore (gor), n. congealed or clotted 
blood; a triangular piece sewn into 
a dress, sail, &c; a narrow or tri- 
angular piece of land: v.t. to pierce 
as with a horn; furnish with gores; 
said of a garment, &c. 

gorge (gorj), n. the throat; gullet; 
that which is gorged or swallowed; 
a meal that fills to repletion; a nar- 
row passage between mountains or 
hills: v.t. to swallow with greediness 
or in large mouthfuls; satiate: v.i. 
to feed greedily. [French.] 

gorgeous (gor'jus), adj. glittering in 
various colors; splendid; showy; in- 
clined to magnificence. [Old French.] 

gorilla (go-ril'a), n. an African an- 
thropoid ape some 5 ft. in height 
with powerful limbs; the largest 
ape known. 

gormand (gor'mand) and gourmand 
(goor'mand), n. a greedy or ravenous 
eater; glutton; a connoisseur in 
table delicacies. [French.] 

gormandize (gor'man-dize) , v.i. to 
eat greedily or voraciously. 

gorse (gors), n. the common furze; 
whim. 

gory (gor'i), adj. covered or stained 
with gore. 

gosling (goz'ling), n. a young goose; 
a catkin. 

Gospel (gos'pel), n. the announce- 


ment of the salvation of mankind by 
Jesus Christ; the history of the life 
and doctrine of Jesus Christ, con- 
tained in the four canonical books 
of SS. Matthew, Mark, Luke, and 
John; a selection from these in the 
Church service; the general doc- 
trines of the New Testament ; some- 
thing received as infallibly true: 
adj. pertaining to the Gospel. 
Tne word Gospel is Anglo-Saxon, 
wrongly said to mean "God-story." 
Its true significance is "Good-story" 
or "glad tidings," thus translating 
the Latin Evangelium (Greek Evan- 
gelion). 

gossamer (gos'a-mer), n. a very fine 
spider's web which floats in the air; 
a very thin soft filmy strong gauze: 
adj. very thin, like gossamer; flimsy. 

gossip (gos'ip), n. familiar or idle talk; 
scandal ; a babbler ; formerly a spon- 
sor, neighbor, or friend: v.i. to tell 
idle tales about others; tattle; chat. 

gossoon (gos-soon'), n. a lad. [Irish 
from French garcon.] 

got, p.t. of get. 

gouge (gouj), n. a rounded hollow 
chisel for cutting grooves or holes; 
a swindle: v.t. to scoop out with a 
gouge: v.i. force out the eye with 
the thumb or finger. [Old French.] 

goulash (goo'lash), n. a highly sea- 
soned Hungarian stew. [Magyar.] 

gourd (gord), n. a plant and fruit 
of various species of the genus Cu- 
curbita, the shell of which is used 
for holding liquids; a gourd-shaped 
vessel. [French.] 

gourmet (goor'ma), n. an epicure who 
regards the quality of his food. 
[French.] 

gout (gout), n. a painful inflamma- 
tory disease of the joints or extremi- 
ties, especially of the great toe; 
a clot of blood. [French.] 

gouty (gout'i), adj. pertaining to, or 
affected with, gout. 

govern (guv'ern), v.t. to control by 
authority; regulate; direct; man- 
age; steer; restrain; require to be 
in a particular mood, case, &c.: v.i. 
to exercise authority; administer 
the law. [Latin.] 

governance (guv'ern-ans), n. govern- 
ment; control. 

governess (guv'ern-es), n. a lady who 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


GOVERNMENT 


219 


GRAINING 


trains and instructs children; an 
instructress; teacher. 

government (guv'ern-ment), n. the 
act of governing; administration of 
public affairs; established state of 
legal authority; executive power; 
self-control; relation between two 
words by which one determines the 
case or mood of another. 

governor (guv'ern-er) , n. one who is 
invested with high authority; chief 
ruler; tutor; a mechanical device 
for regulating the speed of an 
engine, &c. 

gown (goun), n. a woman's outer 
garment, or dress ; a long loose robe 
worn by university or professional 
men; a long loose outer covering 
or wrapper, as a dressing-gown, &c. 

grab (grab), v.t. [p.t. & 'p.p. grabbed, 
p.pr. grabbing], to seize suddenly 
and forcibly; snatch: n. a sudden 
and forcible seizure; a large East 
Indian coaster with two or three 
masts. 

grace (gras), n. any excellence, char- 
acteristic attraction, or endowment, 
natural or acquired; elegance of 
action or language; beauty; embel- 
lishment; the unmerited favor and 
love of God towards man in Christ; 
divine sanctifying, regenerating, 
and preserving influence; spiritual 
excellence; virtue; a brief prayer 
before or after meals; a respectful 
title of address applied to an arch- 
bishop or duke, or a duke's wife; be- 
havior or demeanor; indulgence or 
privilege; in music, an act, vote, or 
decree of the governing body of a 
university or college: v.t. to adorn 
or embellish; honor. [Latin.] 

graceful (gras'fool), adj. full of grace 
or beauty; easy and elegant in man- 
ner or demeanor. 

gracious (gra'shus), adj. showing or 
bestowing grace, kindness, or mer- 
cy; affable; polite. 

gradation (gra-da'shun) , n. a regu- 
lar advance or progress, step by 
step; regular arrangement; a grad- 
ual blending of one tint into an- 
other; series; order. 

grade (grad), n. a step or degree in 
rank, dignity, quality, order, &c; 
the rise or descent of a railroad, &c. : 
v.t. to level and prepare (ground) 


for laying the rails of a railway; 
arrange in a regular series: v.i. to 
take rank. 

gradual (grad'u-al), adj. proceeding 
by degrees; step by step; regular 
and slow: n. a response sung after 
the Epistle; an ancient book of an- 
thems or scripture sentences; so 
called because some were chanted on 
the steps of the pulpit. Also grad- 
uale, grail. 

graduate (grad'Q-at), n. one on whom 
an academical degree has been con- 
ferred : v.t. to mark with degrees or a 
scale; temper: v.i. to take or re- 
ceive an academical degree; change 
by degrees: adj. having been gradu- 
ated. 

graduation (grad-u-a'shun) , n. the 
conferring or reception of an academi- 
cal degree; regular progression; a 
marking into degrees or parts. 

graft (graft), n. a small shoot of a 
tree inserted into another tree: 
hence something incorporated with 
a foreign stock; an unlawful or ir- 
regular perquisite; a bribe: v.t. to 
insert as a shoot in another tree; 
join so as to receive support from 
another thing; in surgery, to trans- 
plant (tissue): v.i. to practice graft- 
ing; to accept bribe money. [French.] 

grafter (grafter), n. one who in a posi- 
tion of trust or political office takes 
"graft," dishonest gain, or unlawful 
perquisites, by use of his position. 

grail (gral), n. a dish or chalice, es- 
pecially the Holy Grail (Sangreal), 
the cup used by Jesus Christ at the 
Last Supper, said to have been pre- 
served by Joseph of Arimathea, who 
collected in it some of the blood 
which flowed from our Lord on His 
crucifixion; a gradual. Also graal. 

grain (gran), n. any minute hard 
mass; a single seed of corn; the 
smallest particle or amount; a unit 
of weight = l-20th of a scruple, 
l-24th of a pennyweight; the ar- 
rangement of particles in a body; 
texture; a red dye obtained from 
cochineal insects: pi. the refuse of 
malted barley :v.t. form into grains ; to 
paint in imitation of the grain of wood. 

graining (gran'ing), n. painting in 
imitation of the grain or texture of 
wood; a process in dyeing; the peb- 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


GRAM 


220 


GRASS 


bling of paper or leather in book- 
binding. 

gram, gramme (gram), n. the unit of 
weight in the metric system, 15.43 
grains troy. 

grammar (gram'er), n. the art of 
speaking or writing a language cor- 
rectly; the science that treats of the 
principles that govern the correct 
use of language. 

grammarian (gra-ma'ri-an), n. one 
who is versed in grammar; a phi- 
lologist. 

grammatical (gra-mat'i-kal) , adj. per- 
taining to grammar, or its rules. 

gramophone (gram'o-fon), n. an in- 
strument for recording and repro- 
ducing speech. 

grampus (gram'pus), n. a large ceta- 
cean, akin to the porpoise; a corpu- 
lent person. [Spanish.] 

granary (gran'a-n), n. [pi. granaries 
(gran'a-riz)], a store-house for grain; 
a country where grain is the chief 
product. [Latin.] 

grand (grand), adj. high in dignity 
or power; illustrious; chief; great; 
magnificent; splendid; sublime; no- 
ble; of striking excellence or im- 
pressive dignity; conceived or ex- 
pressed _ in dignified language ; com- 
prehensive; complete; the second 
degree of parentage or descent: n. 
a grand piano. [Latin.] 

grandchild (grand'chlld) , n. the child 
of one's son or daughter. 

grandee (gran-de'), n. a Spanish no- 
bleman of the highest rank, who 
alone has the privilege of wearing 
his hat in the royal presence. 
Conversely, if the Spanish king asks 
anyone to be covered in his presence, 
the person so honored becomes at 
once a grandee. 

grandeur (gran'jur), n. greatness; 
vastness; sublimity; splendor of ap- 
pearance; social distinction and dis- 
play; elevation of thought, senti- 
ment, or demeanor. [French.] 

grandiloquent (gran-dil'o-kwent) ,adj, 
speaking in, or characterized by, 
a lofty or bombastic style. 

grandiose (gran'di-os) , adj. really or 
affectedly grand or impressive. 

grandparent (grand'par-ent) , n. the 
parent of one's parent. 

grange (granj), n. a farm with its 


dwelling-house, appurtenances, &c; 
a local lodge of the Patrons of Hus- 
bandry, a powerful agricultural as- 
sociation in the United States. 

granite (gran'it), n. a massive crys- 
talline rock composed of quartz, 
feldspar, and mica. [Italian.] 

grant (grant), v.t. to give or confer, 
especially in response to a request; 
admit as true (what has not been 
proved) ; concede ; transfer the title 
of, for any good consideration: n. 
the act of granting; a gift; a be- 
stowing; an allowance; the thing 
conveyed; an admission or conces- 
sion. [Old French.] 

granular (gran'ii-lar) , adj. composed 
of, or resembling, grains or granules. 

granulate (gran'u-lat) , v.t. to form 
into grains or small masses; roughen 
the surface of: v.i. to become granu- 
lar. 

granule (gran'ul), n. a small grain or 
particle. [Latin.] 

grape (grap) , n. the fruit of the grape- 
vine; a vine of the genus Vitis; 
grape-shot. [French.] 

graphic (graf'ik), adj. pertaining to 
the art of writing or delineating; 
vividly described; well delineated; 
life-like. Also graphical. [Greek.] 

graphite (graf-It), n. a metallic variety 
of carbon. 

grapnel (grap'nel), n. a kind of small 
anchor usually with flukes ; heavy 
tongs used for lifting stone, ice, &c. 

grapple (grap'l), v.t. to lay fast hold 
of: v.i. struggle or contend in close 
fight: n. a close fight ; # a seizing; 
close hold, as in wrestling, &c; a 
mechanical device for taking hold 
of anything. 

grasp (grasp), v.t. to seize or catch 
at; hold by clasping or contracting: 
v.i. to endeavor to seize; struggle 
or grapple; lay hold of greedily; 
encroach: n. a seizure of the hand; 
reach of the hand; power of seiz- 
ure; hold; intellectual capacity.. 

grasping (grasp'ing), p. adj. avaricious. 

grass (gras), n. field or hill pasture; 
herbage having hollow-jointed stalks, 
a husky calyx, and the seed single; 
springtime; that which is subject 
to decay: v.t. to cover with grass 
or turf; bleach, by exposure on grass; 
pasture or graze. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, nSrth, not ; boon, book 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


GRASSHOPPER 


221 


GREEK 


grasshopper (gras'hop-er), n. a small 
nimble insect of the locust kind. 

grate (grat), n. a framework of iron 
bars to hold fuel; a set of bars: v.t. 
to rub or wear away by the friction 
of a rough body; produce a sound 
by the friction of rough or hard 
surfaces; grind down; furnish with 
a grate: v.i. make a harsh noise; 
produce mental irritation. 

grateful (grat 'fool), adj. thankful; 
pleasurable. 

gratification (grat-i-fi-ka'shun) , # n. 
the act of gratifying; satisfaction; 
pleasure; reward, or recompense. 

gratify (grat'i-fl), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. grati- 
fied, p.pr. gratifying], to afford 
pleasure to; indulge; delight; hu- 
mor. [Latin.] 

grating (grat'ing), n. an open frame- 
work or lattice of bars: p.adj. 
harsh; irritating. 

gratis (gra'tis), adv. gratuitously. 
[Latin.] 

gratitude (grat'i-tiid), n. the state 
of being grateful; appreciation of 
favors received; thankfulness. 

gratuitous (gra-tu'i-tus) , adj.^ free- 
ly bestowed; voluntary; without 
cause or provocation; granted with- 
out merit or claim. 

gratuity (gra-tu'i-ti) , n. [pi. gratuities 
(gra-tu'i-tiz)], a donation or present; 
free gift L 

grave (grav), adj. serious; solemn; 
thoughtful; sedate; important; in 
grammar, the grave, or long-sound- 
ing accent; plain; slow in move- 
ment; very deep m pitch [Mus.j: 
n. an excavation in the earth for 
the # reception of a dead body; place 
of interment: v.t. to shape or carve 
by cutting with a chisel; engrave. 
[Latin.] 

gravel (grav'l), v.t. to cover with 
gravel; run aground on a beach: 
said of a vessel; embarrass; lame 
a horse by gravel under the shoe: 
n. fragments of rock coarser than 
sand,, and _ frequently . intermixed 
with it; a disease occasioned by the 
presence of calculi or small stones 
in the bladder and kidneys. 

gravestone (grav'ston), n. a stone 
erected to mark a grave. 

graveyard (grav'yard), n. a burial 
place; a cemetery. 


gravitate (grav'i-tat) , v.i. to be acted 
upon or attracted by the force of 
gravity; be naturally attracted. 

gravitation (grav-i-ta/shun) , n. the 
force which attracts material bodies 
to each other. [Latin.] 

gravity (grav'i-ti), n. that force which 
tends to draw all bodies towards 
the center of the earth; weight; im- 
portance ; seriousness ; solemnity ; 
weight of guilt; lowness of a tone 
or note [Mus.]. 

gravy (gra'vi), n. [pi. gravies (gra'viz)], 
the fatty juice from roasting flesh. 

gray, another form of grey : 

graze (graz), v.t. to furnish pasture 
for; touch or rub lightly: v.i. to eat 
grass; move along while grazing: n. 
a slight rub or touch. 

grazier (gra/zher), n. one who pas- 
tures cattle or breeds them for the 
market. 

grease (gres), n. soft animal fat; 
oily matter; inflammation of the 
hoof and fetlock in horses, with a 
fetid discharge: v.t. to smear or 
rub with grease; cause to move easi- 
ly; bribe. [French.] 

greaser (grez'er), n. one who, or that 
which, greases; a Mexican. [Amer- 
ican slang.] 

greasy (gres'i), adj. [co my. greasier, su- 
perl. greasiest], resembling, smeared, 
or spotted with, grease; oily; unctu- 
ous; fog_gy; muddy. 

great (grat), adj. large; chief; prin- 
cipal; weighty; marvelous; emi- 
nent; illustrious; high in rank or 
position; sublime; noble; able; ac- 
complished ; long-continued ; mag- 
nanimous ; high-minded ; wealthy ; 
sumptuous; proud; swollen; preg- 
nant; intimate; denoting a step of 
ascending or descending consanguin- 
ity: n. the whole, or gross; noble, or 
influential, people. 

greatness (grat'nes), n. the quality 
of being great. 

greaves (grevz), n.pl. armor to pro- 
tect the legs from the ankle to the 
knee; the sediment of melted tal- 
low. 

greed (gred),n. avarice; greediness. 

greedy (gred'i), adj. [comp. greedier, 
superl. greediest], voracious; glut- 
tonous; eagerly desirous; covetous. 

Greek (grek), adj. pertaining to, or 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, tfften. 


GREEN 


222 


GRIN 


resembling, Greece or the Greeks; 
Hellenic: n. a Grecian; a gambler, 
blackleg; the language of ancient 
and modern Greece; something 
unintelligible. 

green (gren), adj. having the color 
of growing grass or plants; of a 
color composed of blue and yellow; 
fresh ; flourishing ; unripe ; not salted ; 
immature; inexperienced; raw; pale; 
sickly; not four months old: said of 
a goose: n. the color of growing grass 
or plants; a color composed of blue 
and yellow; a grass plot or common: 
v.t. to make green: v.i. to become 
green. 

greenback (gren'bak) , n. paper money 
(U. S. legal-tender note) with a green 
back, first issued in 1862. 

greenhorn (gren'horn), n. a simple- 
ton; novice; awkward person. 

greenhouse (gren'hous).ri.a conserva- 
tory. 

greenroom (gren'room), n. the actort-' 
retiring-room in a theater. 

greensward (gren'sward) , n. a stretch 
of green turf; a lawn. 

greet (gret), v.t. to salute in kind- 
ness or respect; congratulate: v.i. 
to exchange greetings. 

greeting (gret'ing), n. salutation; wel- 
come. 

gregarious (gre-ga'ri-us), adj. asso- 
ciating or going together in herds; 
fond of company. 

grenade (gren-ad'), n. an explosive 
shell fired by a fuse and thrown by 
hand. [Spanish.] 

grenadier (gren-a-der') , n. originally 
a foot soldier who threw grenades: 
now a soldier of the [English] 
Grenadier Guards. [French.] 

grenadine (gren-a-den'), n. a dress 
fabric of thin gauzy silk or wool; a 
dyestuff. 

grew (groo), p.t. of grow. 

grey (gra), adj. of a white color with 
a mixture of black; hoary; mature: 
n. the color of white mixed with 
black; a grey horse. 

greyhound (gra'hound), n. a slender 
swift hound used for coursing. 

griddle (grid'l), n. a broad shallow 
pan, used for cooking cakes ; a large 
sieve for sifting ore. 

gride (grid), v.t. to jar harshly. 

gridiron (grid'irn), n. a grated iron 


utensil for broiling meat or fish; a 
contrivance for examining and re- 
pairing the hulls of ships; the foot- 
ball field; the name is often given to 
sandy bars which somewhat re- 
semble the gridiron. 

grief (gref), n. mental pain on ac- 
count of present or past trouble; 
that which causes sorrow or sad- 
ness; physical pain. [French.] 

grievance" (greVans), n. a sense of 
wrong or oppression; just or sup- 
posed ground of complaint; an in- 
justice; cause of annoyance. 

grieve (grev), v.t. to cause to experi- 
ence grief; afflict mentally: v.i. to 
be in sorrow; lament. 

grievous (grev'us), adj. causing grief 
or sorrow; hard to be borne; painful; 
oppressive; pitiable; atrocious; vex- 
atious. 

griffin (grif'in), n. a fabulous animal 
with the body and legs of a lion, 
the wings and beak of an eagle, and 
with listening ears; a watchful 
chaperon. Also griffon and gryphon. 

grig (grig), n. a grasshopper; cricket; 
the sand-eel; from its skipping arises 
the familiar saying: "as merry as a 
grig." 

grill (gril), v.t. to broil; torment, as if 
by grilling: v.i. to be broiled: n. a 
gridiron; grilled meat. [French.] 

grille (gril), n. an open grating or 
screen of wrought metal; a kind of 
frame for hatching fish. [French.] 

grim (grim), adj. [comp. grimmer, 
superl. grimmest], of a forbidding 
aspect; stern and surly; hideous; 
frightful; cruel; unyielding. 

grimace (gri-mas'), n.^ a distortion of 
the countenance; smirk: v.i. to make 
grimaces. 

grimalkin (gri-mawl'kin), n. an old 
she-cat; a name sometimes given to 
an old woman. [Middle -English: 
literally "gray-moll."] 

grime (grim), n. foul matter; dirt 
deeply ingrained: v.t. to make dirty 
or grimy. 

grimy (grim'i), adj. full of grime. 

grin (grin), n. the act of closing the 
teeth and showing them, or of with- 
drawing the lips and showing the 
teeth: v.i. [p.t. & p.p. grinned, p.pr. 
grinning], to set the teeth together 
and open the lips, or to open the 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ,' 
hue, hut; think, then. 


GRIND 


223 


GROUND 


mouth and withdraw the lips from 
the teeth so as to show them, as in 
laughter or scorn. 

grind (grind), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. ground, 
p.pr. grinding], to pulverize or re- 
duce to powder by friction; sharpen 
or smooth by friction; rate; oppress; 
harass; prepare for examination; 
study hard: v.i. to perform the act 
of grinding; be rubbed together; 
turn a mill: n. the act of grind- 
ing; hard study for an examina- 
tion; laborious and tedious work. 
In college slang, a practical 
joke. 

grindstone (grind 'ston), n. a flat, cir- 
cular stone for sharpening tools, &c. 

grip (grip), n. a grasp with the hand; 
a holding fast ; that by which any- 
thing is held firmly; a particular 
mode of grasping the hand, as 
among Freemasons; grasping pow- 
er; a small ditch or trench: v.t. to 
grasp, or seize: v.i. to take fast hold. 
See grippe. 

gripe (grip), n. a clasping with the 
hand or arms; a squeeze; pressure; 
pinching distress: pi. colic: v.t. to 
hold with closed fingers; grasp; 
hold tightly; seize; clutch; oppress; 
pinch: v.i. to take firm hold. 

grippe (grip, or grep), n. a peculiarly 
exhausting form of influenza. Also 
grip. [French.] 

grisly (griz'li), adj. terrible; savage- 
looking. See grizzly. 

grist (grist), n. grain for grinding; 
ground corn; provision or supply. 

gristle (gris'l), n. cartilage. 

grit (grit), n. rough, hard particles, 
as sand, &c; a hard sandstone com- 
posed of sharp silicious grains; the 
coarse part of meal; firmness of 
character; courage: pi. oats hulled 
and coarsely ground. 

grizzly (griz'li), adj. somewhat grey: 
n. the grizzly bear, a large, fierce 
bear whose habitat is the western 
part of North America. 

groan (gron), n. a low, deep sound 
uttered in pain or sorrow; a deep, 
rumbling sound expressive of dis- 
approbation or ridicule; a low, dis- 
mal sound, as of the wind: v.i. to 
utter a groan; lament; be burdened: 
v.t. to express disapproval of by 
groans. 


grocery (gro'ser-i), n. [pi. groceries 
(gro'ser-iz)], tea, coffee, sugar 
spices, &c. (usually pi.); a grocer's 
shop; a grog-shop. 

grog (grog), n. a mixture of spirits 
and water; spirituous liquor: v.t. to 
make into grog by the addition of 
water. 

groggery (grog'er-i), n. a low drinking 
place; a grog-shop. 

groggy (grog'i), adj. tipsy; moving 
with an unsteady gait: said of 
horses; staggering as if dazed: said 
of a pugilist. 

groin (groin), n. the depressed part 
of the human body between the 
thigh and the belly; the angular 
curve made by the intersection of 
two arches: v.t. to build or form into 
groins. 

groom (groom), n. a man or boy who 
has charge of horses; a bridegroom; 
the title of several officers of the 
royal household: v.t. to feed and 
take care of, as a groom does a 
horse; to curry and brush. 

groomsman (groomz'man), n. one 
who attends a bridegroom ; a best man. 

groove (groov), n. a channel or fur- 
row, especially as cut by a tool; set- 
tled habit or routine: v.t. to form 
or cut a groove in. 

grope (grop), v.i. to feel one's way 
with the hands, as in the dark; seek 
blindly: v.t. to search out, as in 
the dark, by feeling with the hands. 

gross (gros), adj. bulky; thick; coarse; 
rude ; indelicate ; flagrant ; dull ; heavy ; 
corpulent; dense; whole: n. 12 dozen; 
main body; mass; entire amount. 

grotesque (gro-tesk'), adj. fantas- 
tically or oddly formed; extrava- 
gant; whimsical; ridiculous: n. 
whimsical ornamentation, figures, or 
scenery; or the uncouth in art. 

grotto (grot'o), n. a natural or arti- 
ficial cavern in the earth or in rocks. 
[Italian.] 

grouch (grouch), n. a fit of bag* tem- 
per; sulkiness. Same as grudge. 

grouchy (grouch 'i), adj. bad tempered. 

ground (ground), n. the earth or 
soil; surface of a floor or pave- 
ment; land; territory; country; es- 
tate; foundation; cause or reason; 
origin; original principle; a funda- 
mental or preparatory part in va- 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met : mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


GROUNDLESS 


224 


GUDGEON 


rious arts; plain song: pi. dregs 
or sediment: v.t. to place or set on, 
or in, the ground; settle in first 
principles; base; run aground: v.i. to 
take the ground ; place dependence on : 
adj. fundamental: p.t. & p.p. of grind. 

groundless (ground'les), adj. without 
foundation; unreasonable. 

group (groop), n. a small crowd or 
assemblage; a cluster; an assem- 
blage of figures or objects forming 
an artistic whole; a division of 
organisms with certain characteris- 
tics ; the chief division of a geological 
system: v.t. to form into a group. 

grouse (grous), n. red and black 
heath-game; partridge; pheasant; 
prairie-hen. 

grout (grout), n. mortar or cement 
mixed with gravel, used for founda- 
tions and joints of masonry; a fine 
plaster for ceilings; coarse meal: v.t. 
to surround or fill in with grout. 

grouty (grout 'i), cross; sulky; dreggy. 

grove (grov), n. a small wood; a 
row of trees shading an avenue. 

grovel (grov'el), v.i. to lie prone; 
move with the body prostrate on the 
ground; be mean or debased. 

groveling (grov'el-ing) , p. adj. lying 
prostrate; mean; undignified. 

grow (gro), v.t. [p.t. grew, p.p. grown, 
p.pr. growing], to cultivate: v.i. to 
increase in stature or size by nat- 
ural organic development; be pro- 
duced by vegetation ; increase ; flour- 
ish; thrive; become; advance; be- 
come fixed or attached. 

growl (groul), n. a deep angry snarl 
or murmur: v.i. to snarl or murmur 
like a dog; grumble. 

grown (gron), p.p. of grow. 

growth (groth), n. the progressive 
increase of animal or vegetable bod- 
ies; advancement; increase; prog- 
ress; result; effect. 

grub (grub), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. grubbed, 
p.pr. grubbing], to dig up; root 
out, of the ground; provide with 
food: v.i. to drudge or toil; per- 
form dirty work: n. the larva of a 
beetle, moth or other insect; food. 

grudge (gruj), v.t. to regard with 
envy or discontent; give or take 
with reluctance: n. secret malice or 
ill-will; an old dislike or quarrel. 

gruel (groo'el), n. a light semi-liquid 


food made of oatmeal, &c, for in- 
valids. . 

gruesome (groo'sum), adj. horrible 
of aspect; inspiring gloom or hor- 
ror. 

gruff (gruf), adj. rough or surly in 
voice or manner; harsh; hoarse. 

grumble (grum'bl), v.i. to murmur 
discontentedly; find fault. 

grumpy (grump'i), adj. surly; cross; 
low-spirited. 

grunt (grunt), n. the guttural noise 
of a hog; an edible marine Ameri- 
can fish: v.i. to make a noise like a 
hog. 

guano (gwa'no), n. the dung of sea- 
birds found in thick layers in West- 
ern South America (especially Peru) 
and Africa, yielding a valuable 
manure. [Peruvian.] There is also 
made for commerce an artificial 
guano, from various animal products, 
as fish-guano, &c. 

guarantee (gar-an-te') , n. an en- 
gagement made by a third person 
to secure the fulfillment of an agree- 
ment; one who becomes surety for 
the performance of another's acts: 
v.t. to undertake that another shall 
perform a certain stipulation; war- 
rant ; be responsible for. Also guar- 
anty. 

guaranty (gar'an-ti), n. the legal form 
of guarantee. 

guard (gard), v.t. to watch over or 
protect; preserve by caution; shield 
or defend: v.i. be cautious (with 
against) : n. security or defense 
against injury or attack; a state 
of vigilance or caution; attention; 
any contrivance or device for se- 
curity; an official in charge of a 
train; a man or body of men em- 
ployed for defense or control. 

guarded (gard'ed), p.adj. defended; 
careful; cautious; circumspect. 

guardian (gard'i-an), n. one who has 
the care of the person or property 
of another; a warden: adj. protect- 
ing; tutelary. 

guava (gwa'va), n. a tree of tropical 
America yielding a pear-shaped 
fruit, from which a jelly is made. 

gubernatorial (gu-ber-na-to'ri-al) ,adj. 
pertaining to a governor or to his 
office. [Latin.] 

gudgeon (guj'un), n. a small edible 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


GUERDON 


225 


GUNBOAT 


fresh-water fish; a person who is 
easily imposed upon; an iron pin 
or shaft on which a wheel revolves. 

guerdon (ger'dun), n. a reward. 

guerilla (ger-il'ya,), n. one of an ir- 
regular force engaged in harassing 
an enemy in small bands ; petty war- 
fare: adj. belonging to, or consisting 
of, guerillas; pertaining to irregular 
warfare. [Spanish.] 

Guernsey (gern'zi), n. a breed of dairy 
cattle from the island of Guernsey. 

guernsey (gern'zi), n. a close-fitting 
knitted woolen shirt. 

guess (ges), n. a conjecture; the act 
of guessing: v.t. to hit upon at ran- 
dom; believe or think: v.i. to con- 
jecture. 

guest (gest), n. one who is enter- 
tained at the house or table of an- 
other. 

guffaw (guf-faw'), n. a rude boister- 
ous laugh. 

guidance (gid'ans), n. direction; 
leading. 

guide (gid), n. one who leads or di- 
rects; conductor; director ; a soldier 
or other person who obtains infor- 
mation for an army; that by which 
one directs his course ; a guide-book : 
v.t. to lead or direct ; influence ; regu- 
late; govern by counsel. [French.] 

guild (gild), n. a fraternity; corpora- 
tion; association. Also gild. 

guile (gil), n. deceit; cunning; du- 
plicity. 

guillotine (gil'o-ten), n. an apparatus 
for beheading a criminal by means 
of a heavy knife sliding in two up- 
right grooves: it was named after 
Dr. J. I. Guillotin, a French phy- 
sician who invented it: v.t.^ (gil-o- 
ten'), to behead with the guillotine. 

guilt (gilt), n. the state of one who 
is liable to a penalty; sin; crim- 
inality. 

guiltless (gilt'les), adj. free from 
guilt; innocent. 

guilty (gilt'i), adj. [comp. guiltier, 
superl. guiltiest], justly chargeable 
with a crime; wicked; criminal; not 
innocent. 

guimpe (gamp), n. a chemisette worn 
with a low-necked gown. [French.] 

guinea (gin'e), n. a gold coin, for- 
merly current in England, value 
21s. or about $5. (Named from 


Guinea, in Africa, whence the gold 
was supposed to have come.) 

guipure (gwe-pur'), n. a kind of lace 
or gimp. [French.] 

guise (giz), n. external appearance; 
dress; mien. [French.] 

guitar (gi-tar'), n. a six-stringed in- 
strument, on the principle of the 
violin, played with the fingers. 

gular (gu'lar), adj. pertaining to the 
throat. 

gulch (gulch), n. a rocky or rough 
narrow valley. 

gules (gulz), n. the tincture red; in- 
dicated in a blazon without color 
by perpendicular lines. [French.] 

gulf (gulf), 7i. an arm of the sea ex- 
tending into the land, intermediate 
in size between a bay and sea; a deep 
place in the earth; an abyss; whirl- 
pool; something insatiable. 

gull (gul), Ti. a web-footed sea-fowl 
with long wings; one who is easily 
cheated: v.t. to cheat; deceive; im- 
pose upon. 

gullet (gul'et), n. the throat; oesopha- 
gus. 

gullible (gul'i-bl), adj. capable of be- 
ing easily deceived. 

gully (gul'i), n. [pi. gullies (gul'iz)], a 
channel or hollow worn by water; 
narrow ravine; a metal tram-rail or 
-plate. 

gulp (gulp), v.t. to swallow down 
eagerly or in large draughts: n. the 
act of gulping ; swallowing. 

gum (gum), 7i. the soft fleshy part 
of the jaws by which the teeth are 
surrounded; a semi-transparent vis- 
cid vegetable substance that exudes 
from certain trees and shrubs and 
hardens on the surface: v.t. [p.t. & 
p.p. gummed, p.pr. gumming], to 
smear or unite with gum. [French.] 

gumbo (gum'bo), n. a dish or soup 
made from the gummy pods of the 
okra; a Creole patois; prairie mud. 

gumption (gump'shun), n. quickness 
of perception; common sense; in the 
fine arts, the art of preparing col- 
ors. 

gun (gun), n. an instrument for dis- 
charging shot, by the force of an ex- 
plosive; the term is also applied to 
a cannon, and, per contra, to a 
pistol: v.i. to shoot with a gun. 

gunboat (gun'bot), n. a warship of 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


GUNCOTTON 226 GYROSTAT 

light draught, next in size to a guttural (gut'er-al), adj. pertaining 

cruiser, carrying several guns. m to, or produced in, the throat: n. a 

guncotton (gun'kot-n), n. a highly sound produced in the throat, in or 

explosive substance formed by the near the palate. In English, k, c 

action of nitric and sulphuric acid and g (hard), q, ng, h, and some- 

upon cotton, or some other vegetable times ch, are gutturals. 

fibre. . . guy.(gi). n. a rope, chain, &c, to 

gunman (gun 'man) , n. a criminal char- swing and keep steady a heavy body ; 

acter ready to kill with firearms for an effigy, especially of Guy Fawkes 

hire. [English]; a person oddly or dowdily 

gunner (gun'er), n. one who works a dressed^ v.t. to steady or guide with 

gun; an artilleryman; a warrant- a guy; ridicule; delude, 

officer in the navy who has charge guzzle (guz'l), v.i. to drink greedily 

of the ordnance of a war-vessel and and immoderately: n. intoxicating 

ordnance-stores. liquor; a drunken debauch. 

gunpowder (gun'pou-der) , n. an ex- gymn, a Greek prefix meaning naked, 

plosive substance composed of sul- destitute of, occurring in many com- 

phur, nitre and charcoal (see smoke- pound words. m Also gymno. 

less powder) ; a fine kind of green tea. gymnasium (jim-na'zi-um) , n. [pi. 

gunwale, gunnel (gun'l),n. the upper gymnasia (jim-na'zi-a)], a building 
edge of the side of a ship next to where gymnastic exercises are prac- 
the bulwarks. ticed; a school for the higher branch- 
gurgitation (ger-ji-ta'shun), n. a es of literature and art; in ancient 
state of boiling, or whirling round. Greece, a place m for athletic exer- 

gurgle (ger'gl), v.i. to flow or run cises, provided with baths, &c, also, 

with a purling bubbling sound: n. in connection with it, apartments in 

a purling, bubbling noise. m which philosophic discussions were 

gush (gush), n. a sudden and violent carried on. 

flow of a liquid from an inclosed gymnast (jim'nast),_ n. one who prac- 

space; outburst; an extravagant tices, or is expert in, gymnastics, 

display of sentiment. gymnastics (jim-nas'tiks), n.pl. ath- 

gusher (gush'er), n. one who, or that letic exercises; the art of develop- 

which, gushes; an oil well that dis- i n g the physical powers by exer- 

charges its contents without the aid cise. 

of machinery. The original -Gusher gynecology (ji-ne-kol'o-ji), n. that 

Well in Pennsylvania yielded oil branch of medical science which 

at the rate of 60,000 barrels a treats of the functions and diseases 

day. ■. ' of women. [Greek.] 

gusset (gus et), n. a small triangular m ( ji p ' sum)) n . su lphate of 

piece of cloth inserted in a garment &,r ii m e; plaster of paris. 

to strengthen or enlarge a part. Gypsy, same as Gipsy. 

gust (gust), n. a sudden squall; a -IILE (W rat^ « V to revolvp round a 

sudden and violent outburst of pas- &£*£ ^int; 'UateT wheeL & 

gustatory (gus'ta-to-ri), adj. pertain- &« ggfc* a fetter for the le ^ : 

ing to the taste. v ' u t0 ^ eue . r - ■ . 

gusto (gus'to), n. zest; reUsh. &*.<b a Gree > prefix in various scien- 

Jut (gut), n. the intestinal canal; an tific words meamng a circle, 
intestine; catgut; a narrow channel round. _ _ 
or strait: v.t. [v.t. & p.p. gutted, gyroscope (jiro-skop), n. an mstru- 
p.pr. gutting], to extract the en- ment for demonstrating the laws of 
trails of; eviscerate; to plunder, or rotation; used to steady torpedo- 
empty entirely. boats and other vessels; to give 

gutter (gut'er), n. a channel for carry- steadiness to flying machines, 

ing away water: v.t. to cut into gyrostat (ji'ro-stat), n. an instrument 

small channels; furnish with gut- for demonstrating the dynamics of 

ters: v.i. to run in drops. rotating rigid bodies. 

ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, n6rth, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut; think, then. 


H 


H, the eighth letter in the English 
alphabet. Its form is derived direct- 
ly through the Latin from Greek 
and Phoenician. It was long a 
"silent letter," but is becoming less 
so every day. As a chemical sym- 
bol it stands for Hydrogen. 

ha iha), interj. an expression of 
wonder, joy, hesitation, &c, its 
meaning being dependent on the 
tone in which it is uttered: v.i. to 
express wonder, &c; hesitate. 

haberdasher (hab'er-dash-er), n. a 
dealer in small wares, as ribbons, 
lace, tapes, needles, &c. 

habiliment (ha-bil'i-ment), n. an 
article of clothing: pi. dress. 

habit (hab'it), n. ordinary course of 
conduct; general condition or ten- 
dency; disposition; established cus- 
tom; dress; a woman's riding-dress; 
the distinctive dress worn by mem- 
bers of a religious order: v.t. to 
dress; furnish with a habit. 

habitable (hab'it-a-bl), adj. fit to be 
dwelt in. 

habitant (ab'it-ang), n. a dweller; 
permanent resident; a farmer of 
French descent, in Canada and 
Louisiana. [French.] 

habitat (hab'i-tat), n. the natural lo- 
cality of animals, plants, &c, in 
their wild state; geographical range. 

habitation (hab-i-ta'shun) , n. resi- 
dence or place of abode; natural 
locality; a Primrose League lodge. 

habitual (ha-bit'u-al), adj. formed 
or acquired by use; customary; in- 
veterate. 

habituate (ha-bit'u-at), v.t. to make 
familiar by use or custom; familiar- 
ize. 

habitude (hab'i-tud), n. habit; cus- 
tomary manner or mode ; familiarity. 

hack (hak), v.t. to cut irregularly 
and into small pieces; injure by 
cutting; notch; kick (the shins of 


another) at football; let out for 
hire: n. a notch; hollow irregular 
cut; a horse let out for hire; a kick 
on the shins at football; a carriage 
let out for hire; a hackney-coach; 
a literary drudge; a drying frame 
for fish; a place where green bricks 
are dried; a feeding rack. 

hackberry (hak'ber-ri), n. a large 
North American forest-tree, with an 
edible fruit. 

hackle (hak'l), v.t. to dress or comb, 
as flax or hemp; tear into pieces; 
mangle in cutting: n. an implement 
with sharp spikes for cleansing flax 
or hemp; unspun fiber; a long nar- 
row feather in the neck of a cock, 
used for making artificial flies for 
angling; a feather fly for angling. 

hackney (hak'ni), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. 
hackneyed, p.pr. hackneying], to 
wear out by constant use; make 
commonplace: adj. let out for hire; 
common or trite: n. a hackney- 
coach; a horse kept for hire; a nag. 
See hack. 

hackneyed (hak'nid), p. adj. worn out; 
commonplace. 

had, p.t. of have. 

haddock (had'ok), n. a sea-fish of the 
cod family. 

Hades (ha'dez), n. the abode and state 
of the dead. See Sheol, Purgatory, 
Hell. [Greek.] 

hadji (had'ji), n. a Mohammedan 
who has made his pilgrimage to 
Mecca and is thereafter regarded by 
his people as a very holy man. (Also 
hajj, and howadji.) 

haema. a Greek prefix meaning blood, 
occurring in many scientific words. 
Also haem, hsemat, haemo, hemo. 

haematic (he-mat'ik), adj. pertaining 
to the blood: n.pl. that branch of 
physiology that treats of the blood. 

haemoglobin, hem- (hem-6-glo'bin), 
n. an albuminoid substance in the 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, nOrth, not ; boon, book 
15 hue, hut ; think, then. 


HEMORRHAGE 


228 


HAMMER 


blood forming the chief constituent 
of the red corpuscles. 

haemorrhage, hem- (hem'o-raj), n. 
bleeding from the lungs, arteries, 
veins, &e. 

haemorrhoids, hem- (hem'o-roids) , 
n.pl. bleeding piles. 

haft (haft), n. a handle of a tool or 
knife: v.t. to furnish with a haft or 
handle. 

hag (hag), n. a, witch; an ugly old 
woman; a cartilaginous fish, para- 
sitic in the bodies of other fish. 

haggard (hag'ard) , adj. worn and anx- 
ious in appearance; lean and hollow- 
eyed. 

haggle (hag'l), v.i. to higgle. 

hail (hal), n. frozen raindrops; a call 
or salutation: v.i. to pour down hail: 
v.t. to pour down or out like hail; 
call to or salute. 

hair (har), n. one of the small horny 
fibrous tubes with a bulbous root 
growing out of the skin of a mam- 
mal ; the mass of such horny fibrous 
tubes; minute hair-like filaments on 
the surface of plants. 

hake (hak), n. an edible sea-fish cog- 
nate with the cod. 

halberd (hal'berd), n. a mediseval 
weanon consisting of a long staff to 
which an axe was affixed with a 
spear-like point. [Old French.] 

halcyon (hal'si-un), adj. pertaining to 
the kingfisher ; peaceful ; happy ; 
calm: n. the kingfisher, from the 
fable that its hatching season was in 
calm weather. [Greek.] 

hale (hal) , adj. sound bodily ; healthy ; 
hearty: v.t. to drag or draw by vio- 
lence. 

half (haf), n. [pi. halves (havz)], one 
of two equal parts; a school term; 
in football, a half-back: adv. equally; 
partly: adj. consisting of a half; ap- 
proximating. 

halibut (hal'i-but), n. a large edible 
flatfish. 

hall (hawl), n. a large room for the 
transaction of public business, en- 
tertainments, &c; a court of jus- 
tice; the first large room of a house; 
a manor-house: a college dining- 
room; the dinner served there; the 
public room of a corporation or 
guild; at Oxford and Cambridge a 
minor college. 


hallelujah (hal-e-loo'ya), n. (Hebrew, 
Praise ye Jehovah) an ascription of 
praise to God ; a musical composition 
having as its theme such an ascrip- 
tion of praise: adj. singing, or con- 
taining, hallelujah. Also alleluiah. 

halloo (hal-loo') and hullo (hul-lo'), 
interj. an exclamation to call atten- 
tion to or cheer one; a shout to at- 
tract attention, or to cheer or urge 
on: v.t. to shout out; incite or cheer 
on, as dogs: v.i. to cry out loudly. 
Also holloa. 

hallow (hal'o), v.t. to consecrate; de- 
vote to sacred purposes; revere. 

Halloween (hal-o-en'), n. the Eve of 
All Saints or All Hallows, Oct 31. 

hallucination (hal-loo-si-na/shun), n. 
belief in something imaginary; de- 
lusion; error. [Latin.] 

halo (ha'lo), n. a ring or circle of light 
round the sun or moon, caused by 
refraction; a ring of light. [Latin.] 

halogen (hal'o-jen), n. an element as 
chlorine, bromine, iodine, and fluo- 
rine, which forms saline compounds 
by combining with other elements. 
[Greek.] 

halt (hawlt), n. the act of limping; a 
stop in marching : adj. crippled or 
lame: v.i. to be lame; limp; be du- 
bious or hesitate ; to stop in marching. 

halter (hawl'ter), n.one who halts; a 
rope for hanging criminals ; a rope for 
leading or holding a horse: v.t. to put 
on, or secure with, a halter. 

halve (hav), v.t. to divide into two 
equal parts; fasten together, as tim- 
bers. 

halves, pi. of half. 

halyard (hal'yard), n. a rope or tackle 
for hoisting a sail, flag, &c. Also 
halliard. 

ham (ham), n. the hinder part of the 
thigh; a thigh of an animal, espe- 
cially a pig, salted and smoked; a 
house; village: in place — names of 
Anglo-Saxon origin, as Tottenham. 

hamlet (ham'let), n. a small vil- 
lage. 

hammer (ham'er), n. an instrument 
with a handle and iron head for driv- 
ing nails, beating metals, &c; any- 
thing resembling a hammer in its ac- 
tion or shape: v.t. to beat with, or as 
with, a hammer; forge; beat; work 
in the mind: v.i. to work hard. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me. merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


HAMMOCK 


229 


HAP 


hammock (ham'ok), n. a swinging bed 
usually of network or canvas. 

hamper (ham'per), n. a large wicker- 
work basket for carrying food, &c; 
the rigging of a ship: v.t. to put 
into, or inclose in, a hamper; em- 
barrass; perplex; impede. 

hamstring (ham'string) , v.t. [p.t. & 
p.p. hamstrung, p.pr. hamstringing], 
to lame by cutting the tendons of the 
ham: n.pl. the strong sinews at the 
back of the knee. 

hand (hand), n. the divided and ter- 
minal extremity of the human arm 
connected with, the wrist, a similar 
organ terminating the fore-limb of 
certain animals; something resem- 
bling a hand in appearance or use; 
a measure of 4 in.; dexterity in 
manipulation or performance; pos- 
session; style of writing; an employe 
who labors with his hands; cards 
held; a game; pledge of betrothal; 
nearness; gain; advantage; agency 
of ; index of any kind ; turn of a 
player to serve the ball at tennis, 
&c; a large piece of plug tobacco: 
v.t. to give or transmit with, or as 
with, the hand; assist or lead with 
the hand: adj. pertaining to, or used 
by, the hand. 

handcuff (hand'kuf), n. shackles for 
the hand, locked on the wrist of a 
prisoner: v.t. to put handcuffs on. 

handicap (han'di-kap), v.t. to impose 
impediments upon in order to off- 
set advantages; to place at a dis- 
advantage: n. any contest so ad- 
justed; the conditions imposed in 
such a contest. 

handicraft (hand'i-kraft) , n. the work 
or skill of an artificer ; manual skill, or 
labor: adj. pertainingtomanuallabor. 

handiwork (han'di-werk) , n. work 
done, or produced by, the hands. 

handkerchief (hang'ker-chif ) , n. a 
piece of linen, silk or cotton cloth 
for wiping the face or nose; a pocket- 
handkerchief. 

handle (hand'l), n. that part of a 
tool, vessel, &c, grasped by the 
hand ; an instrument or occasion : 
v.t. to touch or feel with the hand; 
manage; manipulate; discourse on; 
act toward or treat; buy, sell, or in- 
vest in: v.i. to work with the hands. 

handsel (hand'sel) , n. an earnest given 


to make good a contract; the act of 
using anything for the first time; a 
gift, especially at the time of the 
New Year: v.t. to give a handsel to; 
use or do for the first time. [English.] 

handsome (hand'sum), pleasing to 
look upon; well-formed; graceful; 
liberal; generous; ample. 

handy (hand'i), adj. [comp. handier, 
superl. handiest], dexterous; skilful; 
convenient; close at hand; manage- 
able. 

hang (hang), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. hung, 
hanged, p.pr. hanging], to suspend; 
to fasten to something so as to be 
movable; suspend by the neck; 
display; attach or fasten; furnish 
with ornaments or drapery suspended 
or fastened to the walls, &c: v.i. 
to be suspended; bend forward; 
be dependent upon; dangle; cling; 
be in a deadlock: n. method. of hang- 
ing; manner of doing or using; gen- 
eral tendency; slope. 

hangar (hang'gahr), n. a shed or 
shelter for housing balloons and 
aeroplanes. 

hanger (hang'er), n. one who hangs; 
that by which something is hung or 
suspended; a kind of cutlass once 
carried by sailors when in action. 

hanging (hang'ing) ,p.adj. suspended or 
dangling; suggesting or involving 
death by hanging: n. the act of put- 
ting to death by the punishment of 
the halter: pi. drapery for a room. 

hangnail (hang'nal), n. & small piece 
of skin hanging from the root of a 
finger-nail; an agnail. 

hank (hangk), n. two or more skeins 
of thread, silk, wool, &c, fastened 
together; one of the wooden rings to 
which a fore-and-aft sail is bent; a 
withy or rope for fastening a gate: 
v.t. to form into hanks. 

hanker (hang'ker), v.i. to desire 
eagerly (with after). 

hansard (han'sard), n. the officially 
printed proceedings of the parlia- 
ment of Great Britain, said to have 
been first published by Luke Han- 
sard (1800). 

hansom (han'sum), n. a two-wheeled 
cab. 

hap (hap), v.i. [p.t. & p.p. happed, 
p.pr. happing], to happen; befall 
casually: v.t. cover or wrap [Scotch]: 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


HAPHAZARD 


230 


HARMONIOUS 


n. chance; a casual event; a cloak 
or wrapper. [Scottish.] 

haphazard (hap'haz-ard), n. chance; 
accident: adv. by chance. 

hapless (hap'les), adj. unfortunate; 
unlucky; unhappy. 

happen (hap'n), v.i. to chance; oc- 
cur. 

happify (hap'i-fl), v.t. to make cheer- 
ful and happy. 

happiness (hap'i-nes), n. the state of 
being happy; good fortune; felici- 
tousness. 

happy (hap'i), adj. [comp. happier, 
superl. happiest], enjoying pleasure 
or good; successful; prosperous; 
lucky; living in concord; satisfied; 
propitious ; felicitous. 

harakiri (ha'ra-ke'ri), n. formerly, in 
Japan, a method of suicide by rip- 
ping open the bowels, permitted to 
nobles and military officers so as to 
escape the indignity of a public exe- 
cution or official disgrace. Called also 
"happy despatch": nari-kari (wrong- 
ly). Harakiri means " belly cut." 

harangue (ha-rang'), n. a public ad- 
dress or oration, especially extem- 
pore: v.i. to deliver a harangue: v.t. 
to address by a harangue. 

harass (har'as), v.t. to annoy or vex; 
fatigue or weary with labor or im- 
portunity; to tire out and annoy an 
enemy by incessant petty attacks. 

harbinger (har'bin-jer), n. & pre- 
cursor; forerunner: v.t. announce; 
foretell; usher in. 

harbor (har'bcr), n. a port or haven 
for ships; any place of refuge or 
safety; formerly an inn or lodging: 
v.t. to shelter or protect; cherish. 

hard (hard), adj. compact and solid; 
firm; not easy to be pierced or 
broken; unyielding; difficult of ac- 
complishment ; laborious ; oppres- 
sive; severe; keen; austere; inflex- 
ible; unfeeling; exacting; not easily 
granted; rough; unprosperous ; ut- 
tered gutturally; stiff or formal: 
adv. forcibly; laboriously; diligently; 
tempestuously; closely; roughly; to 
the utmost extent ; so as to become 
hard; with vexation, trouble, or 
sorrow: n. a roadway of hard ma- 
terial by the sea; a pier or landing- 
place: pi. the refuse of flax or 
wool; alum and salt mixed together, 


used for giving a white color to 
bread. 

harden (hard'n), v.t. to make hard or 
harder; confirm in impudence or 
wickedness; toughen; inure: v.i. to 
become hard or harder. 

hardihood (hard'i-hood) , n. effront- 
ery; boldness; physical endur- 
ance. 

hardness (hard'nes), n. the quality of 
being hard. 

hardship (hard 'ship), n. oppression: 
severe labor or want; injustice. 

hardware (hard'war), n. manufac- 
tured articles of metal. 

hare (har), n. a rodent, with long ears 
and a short tail, larger than a rab- 
bit, characterized by its great 
timidity ._ 

harem (ha'rem or ha-rem'). n. the 
apartments of the women and chil- 
dren in a Mohammedan house; the 
wives and concubines of a Moham- 
medan. Alsohareem, haram. 

haricot (har'i-ko), n. a kind of stew of 
meat and vegetables; the kidney- 
bean. [French.] 

hark (hark), v.i. to listen. Also harken. 

harlequin (har'le-kwin), n. the per- 
former in a pantomime who wears 
parti-colored garments and carries 
a talismanic wand: adj. fantastic 
or full of trickery; parti-colored. 
[Italian.] 

harlot (har'lot), n.a prostitute. 

harm (harm), n. injury; hurt; dam- 
age; moral evil or wrong-doing: v.t. 
to inflict hurt, damage, or injury 
upon. 

harmful (harm'fool), adj. hurtful; in- 
jurious. 

harmonic (har-mon'ik) , adj. pertain- 
ing to, or producing, harmony; mu- 
sical; concordant; harmonious; also 
harmonical: n.pl. the science of mu- 
sical sounds. [Latin.] 

harmonica (har-mon'i-ka) , n. a mu- 
sical instrument the tones of which 
are produced by friction from a num- 
ber of musical glasses filled to vari- 
ous heights with watery a mouth- 
organ ; an oblong musical instrument 
consisting of a number of glass slips 
which are struck by a mallet. Also 
harmonicon. 

harmonious (har-mo'ni-us),adj. con- 
cordant; musical; symmetrical. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, mergf*. met : mite, mit ; note, n6rth, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


HARMONIUM 


231 


HATEFUL 


harmonium (har-mo'ni-um), n. a 

reed-organ. 
harmonize (har'mo-nlz), v.t. to render 
harmonious; cause to agree; recon- 
cile: v.i. to agree; be in peace and 
friendship; correspond. 

harmony (har'mo-ni), n. [pi. harmo- 
nies (har'mo-niz)], the quality of be- 
ing pleasing to the ear; unison; just 
adaptation of parts to one another, 
so as to form a connected whole ; ac- 
cord in feeling, sentiment, &c. ; a lit- 
erary work showing the agreement 
between parallel or similar histories 
or passages. 

harness (har'nes), n. the working gear 
of a horse; the accoutrement and 
armor of a knight; any arrangement, 
as of straps, &c, for performing some 
mechanical operation: v.t. to put 
harness upon; equip, as a knight. 

harp (harp), n. a musical stringed in- 
strument of triangular shape, played 
with the fingers: v.i. to play on the 
harp; dwell tediously or persistently 
on some particular subject (with on 
or upon). 

harpoon (har-poon'), n. a long barb- 
headed spear having a line attached 
to the staff, for striking and killing 
whales: v.t. to strike with a harpoon. 

harpsichord (harp'si-kord), n. a 
stringed instrument with a keyboard, 
the precursor of the pianoforte. 

harpy (har'pi), n. [pi. harpies (har'- 
piz)], in classical mythology, a 
winged monster with a woman's 
face and the body and sharp claws 
of a vulture, exceedingly rapacious 
and filthy: hence, an extortioner. 

harrow (har'o), n. an agricultural in- 
strument for breaking up clods and 
casting earth upon sown land: v.t. 
to break up, tear, or draw over with 
a harrow ; # lacerate or torment. 

harry (har'i), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. harried, 
p.pr. harrying], to plunder, lay 
waste; annoy or vex; tease; harass: 
v.i. to make predatory raids. 

harsh (harsh), adj. discordant; jar- 
ring; rough to the ear, taste, or 
touch; austere. 

hart (hart), n. the male of the red 
deer. 

hartshorn (hartz'hqrn), n. the antler 
of a hart; a volatile preparation of 
ammonia. 


harum-scarum (har'um-skar'um) v 
adj. giddy; wild; reckless. 

harvest (har'vest), n. the season of 
reaping and gathering in the har- 
vest: v.t. to gather in, as corn; reap. 

hash (hash), n. a dish of meat chopped 
fine and cooked with potatoes ; a mix- 
ture: v.t. to chop small and mix; to 
beat brutally as if into pieces. 

hashish (hash'esh), n. an intoxicant 
made from Indian hemp; bhang. 
The medical name is cannabis ln- 
dica. 

haslet (has'let), n. the edible entrails 
of an animal, as the sheep or hog. 

hasp (hasp), n. a clasp folded over a 
staple fttid secured with a padlock: 
v.t. to shut or secure with a hasp. 

hassock (has'ok), n. a padded mat or 
cushion for kneeling upon in church, 
&c; a kneeler. 

hast, 2nd per., sing., pres.t. of have. 

haste (hast), n. quickness of move- 
ment; celerity; speed, urgency; pre- 
cipitancy; vehemence: v.t. to has- 
ten. 

hasten (ha'sn), v.t. to cause to make 
haste; hurry; urge forward: v.i. to 
move with speed; be quick. 

hasty (has'ti), adj. [comp. hastier, 
superl. hastiest], precipitate; quick; 
speedy; eager; vehement; rash. 

hat (hat), n. a covering for the head, 
with a crown and brim; when of 
scarlet and an especial pattern, a 
cardinal's rank and dignity. 

hatband (hat'band), n. a band worn 
round the hat; a black cloth band 
worn as a token of mourning. 

hatch (hach), v.t. to produce (young) 
from eggs; plot or contrive; shade 
by narrow lines; close with, or as 
with, a hatch: n. the number of 
young produced from eggs at a sit- 
ting; brood; plot; a narrow line in 
engraving, or drawing; a door with 
an opening over it; a half-door: pi. 
doors or openings by which a de- 
scent is made from one deck of a 
ship to another. 
hatchet (hach'et). n. a small axe. 
hatchway _ (hach'wa), n. a rectangular 
opening in the deck of a vessel for 
passage below. 
hate (hat), v.t. to dislike intensely; 

abhor; detest: n. hatred. 
hateful (hat 'fool), adj. causing hate. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


HATRED 


232 


HEADED 


hatred (hat/red), n. bitter aversion; 
continued hostility of feeling; detes- 
tation. 

haughty (haw'ti), adj. [comp. haugh- 
tier, superl. haughtiest], proud and 
disdainful ; arrogant ; contemptu- 
ous. 

haul (hawl), v.t. to pull or draw 
with force; transport by drawing: 
v.i. to change the course of a ship; 
shift: said of the wind: n. a strong 
pull; draught of a net; quantity 
caught at one time; distance over 
which anything is drawn. 

haunch (hanch), n. the fleshy part 
of the hip and buttock; a joint of 
venison or mutton; shoulder of an 
arch. 

haunt (hant), n. a place of accus- 
tomed resort: v.t. to visit frequently 
or habitually; trouble with frequent 
visits, as an apparition. 

hautboy (ho'boi), n. a wind instru- 
ment of the flute class: the oboe. 

hauteur (p-ter'), n. haughty bear- 
ing or spirit. [French.] 

have (hav), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. had, p.pr. 
having], to possess; taKe; hold or 
bear; enjoy; desire; be obliged; 
bring forth; cheat; obtain the ad- 
vantage of. 

havelock (hav'e-lok), n. a piece of 
white washable cloth which covers 
a military cap and falls over the 
wearer's neck to protect him from 
the sun. Named from Sir Henry 
Havelock (d. 1857), an English 
general _in the Indian Mutiny. 

haven (ha/vn), n. a sheltered anchor- 
age for ships; harbor; place of shel- 
ter and safety. 

haversack (hav'er-sak) , n. a strong 
coarse linen bag in which soldiers 
carry their rations when marching. 

havoc (hav'ok), n. wide and general 
destruction; devastation. 

haw (haw), v.i. to speak with hesita- 
tion: v.t. and v.i. to guide or turn to 
the left, as a horse or ox, in driving. 

hawk (hawk), n. a name for various 
species of raptorial birds allied to 
the eagles and falcons; a forcible ef- 
fort to clear the throat of phlegm; a 
square board, with a short handle, 
for holding mortar: v.t. to cry, or 
carry about, for sale: v.i. to make a 
forcible effort to cough up phlegm; 


to fly trained hawks at birds on the 
wing. 

hawker (hawk'er), n. one who cries 
and sells goods in the streets; ped- 
dler; falconer. 

hawse (hawz), n. that part of a ship's 
bows where the hawse-holes are sit- 
uated. 

hawser (hawz'er), n. a thick rope or 
cable ._ 

hay (ha), n. grass, clover, &c, cut 
and dried for fodder. 

hazard (haz'ard), n. chance; acci- 
dent; risk; danger; a dice game 
(called "chicken hazard") ; a stroke 
at billiards: v.t. to run the risk of; 
chance; put in peril. 

hazardous (haz'ard-us), adj. risky; 
perilous. 

haze (haz), n. a slight fog or mist; 
dimness of sight or knowledge: v.i. 
to be foggy or misty: v.t. pursue or 
harass by overwork or unpleasant 
tasks; play practical jokes upon, 
especially of a severe kind. 

hazel (haz'l), n. a shrub or tree of the 
genus Corylus, bearing an edible nut. 

hazing (haz'ing), adj. practice of an- 
noying or roughly handling mem- 
bers of an organization by their 
fellows. 

hazy (haz'i), adj. misty; obscure. 

he (he), pr. [pi. they (tha)], the 
masculine pronoun of the third per- 
son: n. a male. 

head (hed), n. the uppermost part of 
the body of an animal that contains 
the face, brain, &c; chief or princi- 
pal part of anything; an individual; 
leader or commander ; place of honor 
or authority; top; fore-part; the 
understanding or intellect; origin or 
source; pitch; crisis or height; static 
or latent force; froth; a feeling of 
vanity and egotism ; a pain or swell- 
ing, after^ drinking ardent spirits : 
adj. principal or chief; acting with 
the front: v.t. to lead or direct; take 
the first place in; get in front of; 
direct the course of; oppose; strain: 
v.i. to go forward; come to, or 
form, a head. 

headed (hed'ed), adj. having a head; 
denoting understanding or intellect 
(much used in composition, as clear- 
headed, wrong-beaded, light-headed, 
&c). 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, n6rth, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


HEADER 


233 


HEATH 


header (hed'er), n. a plunge or fall 
foremost; one who puts heads on, as 
in pin-making; a machine, &c, for 
making or removing heads; a brick 
or stone with its short face in front. 

heading (hed'ing), n. a title; material 
from which casks' heads are made; 
the strip on a piece of embroidery, 
for sewing on to a garment; the 
entrance to a mine. 

headland (hed'land), n. a promontory. 

headline (hed'lin), n. a line of type dis- 
played conspicuously at the top of a 
page, chapter, column of a newspa- 
per, &c: pi. the ropes at the head of 
a sail by which it is secured to the 
yard. 

headlong (hed'long), adv. head fore- 
most; rashly; precipitously; adj. 
rash; precipitate; violent; thought- 
less. 

headstrong (hed'strong), adj. un- 
governable; self-willed. 

heady (hed'i), adj. precipitate; in- 
toxicating. 

heal (hel), v.t. to restore to health; 
cure; make sound; reconcile: v.i. to 
become well or sound. 

healer (heTer), n. one who heals dis- 
eases of the mind or body. 

health (helth), n. freedom from bod- 
ily pain or disease; vigor of mind; 
moral purity; righteousness; heal- 
ing power ; a toast or pledge. 

healthful (helth'fool), adj. promoting 
health; salubrious. 

healthy (helth'i), adj. [comp. healthier, 
superl. healthiest], noting a sound 
condition of body; enjoying, or con- 
tributing to, health. 

heap (hep), n. a pile or collection of 
things thrown together; a quantity; 
accumulation; crowd: v.t. to form 
into a heap; pile up; aggregate; 
amass. _ 

hear (her), v.t. [pi. & p.p. heard 
(herd), p.pr. hearing], to perceive 
by the ear; attend or listen to; give 
heed to; obey; accede to the wishes 
of; attend judicially: v.i. to have the 
sense of hearing; be told of. 

hearing (her'ing), n. _ the sense by 
which sound is perceived; audience; 
judicial investigation. 

hearken, same_as harken. 

hearsay (her'sa), n. rumor or report: 
adj. second hand. 


hearse (hers), n. a vehicle for the con- 
veyance of dead bodies to the grave. 

heart (hart), n. the organ in animals 
by the muscular contraction and di- 
lation of which the blood is circu- 
lated through the arteries, &c; the 
vital, inner, or chief part of any- 
thing; the seat of the affections and 
passions; emotion; tenderness; af- 
fection; courage; will; spirit; en- 
ergy; power; resolution; secret 
thoughts; conscience; one of a suit 
of cards marked with one or more 
red hearts; a variety of cherry: pi. 
a card game. 

heartache (hart'ak), n. sorrow; pang; 
grief. 

heartburn (hart'bern), n. sl burning 
affection of the esophagus, caused by 
acidity of the stomach, and usually 
relieved by an alkali such as bi- 
carbonate of soda (cooking soda). 

hearted (hart'ed), adj. having a heart 
(used in compounds, denoting gen- 
erally affections, qualities, &c, as 
good-hearted, &c). 

hearten (hart'n), v.t. to give courage 
to; inspirit. 

hearth (harth), n. that part of a room 
where the fire is made; hence the 
family circle. 

heartless (hart'les), adj. without feel- 
ing; cold; unsympathetic. 

heartsease (hartz'ez), n. the pansy. 

heartseed (hart'sed), n. a climbing 
plant with seeds marked with a 
heart-shaped scar. 

hearty (hart'i), adj. [comp. heartier, 
superl. heartiest], cordial; sincere; 
open; warm; strong; vigorous; good- 
natured; kind; healthy; having a 
keen appetite. 

heat (het), n. the sensation produced 
by a hot body ; caloric ; the state of 
being hot; effervescence; agitation 
of sudden or violent passion; ardor; 
vehemence; redness or flush of the 
face (see prickly-heat) ; a course at a 
race; hot weather: v.t. to make hot; 
warm ; excite with passion or desire ; 
make feverish; animate: v.i. to be- 
come hot or warm. 

heater (het'er), n. one who, or that 
which, heats, as various mechanical 
contrivances. 

heath (heth), n. a small evergreen 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


HEATHEN 


234 


HELIO 


flowering shrub, with rose-colored 
flowers, growing on moorlands, &c; 
heather; moorland, especially with 
heath growing upon it. 

heathen (he'thn), n. one who is ig- 
norant of the true God; a pagan; 
idolater; a rude, irreligious, uncul- 
tured person. ' 

heather (heth'er), same as heath. 

heave (hev), v.t. to hoist or lift up; 
force from the breast, as a sigh; 
cause to swell; throw: v.i. to be 
lifted up; swell; rise and fall alter- 
nately ; struggle or toil ; pant ; vomit : 
n. an effort or exertion upwards; lift; 
the act of throwing; swell or rising; 
haul; struggle, effort to vomit. 

heaven (hev'n), n. the abode of God 
and the blessed; the firmament or 
sky; a state or condition of bliss. 

heavy (hev'i), adj. [comp. heavier, su- 
perl. heaviest], ponderous; weighty; 
oppressive; grievous; laborious; ob- 
structive; gravid; dull; dense; pow- 
erful; loud; indigestible; clayey: adv. 
heavily [Poet.]. 

hebdomadal (heb-dom'a-dal), adj. 
composed of seven days; occurring 
every seven days. [Latin.] 

Hebrew (he'broo), adj. pertaining to 
the Hebrews, a Semitic race; Jew- 
ish: n. the Hebrew language; a Jew. 
[French Ebreu, from Latin Hebraeus.] 

hecatomb (hek'a-tom), n. a sacri- 
fice of a hundred oxen ; any large sac- 
rifice or slaughter. 

heckle (hek'l), v.t. to actend political 
meetings in order to disturb the 
speakers by asking them questions. 
[English and_Scotch.] 

hectare (hek'tar), n. in the metric sys- 
tem, a French land measure = 100 
ares, of 2.47 acres. 

hectic (hek'tik), adj. constitutional ; 
slow, but of long continuance; per- 
taining to hectic fever; feverish: n. 
a remittent fever accompanying con- 
sumption, characterized by a bright 
pink spot or flushon the cheeks. 

hectograph (hek'to-graf), n. an appa- 
ratus for multiplying copies of a let- 
ter or drawing, &c. 

hector (hek'ter), v.t. to bully or blus- 
ter: from Hector, the Trojan hero. 

hedge (hej), n. a fence of bushes or 
shrubs: v.t. to inclose with a hedge; 
encircle; invest: v.i. to bet on both 


sides, so that the possibility of loss 
will be diminished; skulk: adj. mean; 
contemptible; of the lowest 
class. 
hedonism (he'do-nizm), n. the doc- 
trine that pleasure is the chief end 
of life. [Greek.] 
heed (hed), v.t. to regard with care; 
take notice of; mind; attend; re- 
gard: n. careful attention; regard; 
caution. 
heehaw (he'haw), v.i. to bray like an 

ass: n. the bray of an ass. 
heel (hel), n. the hinder part of the 
foot; the hinder part of a boot, shoe, 
or stocking; anything shaped like a 
heel: v.t. to furnish with a heel: 
v.i. lean on one side, as a ship. 

heeled (held), adj. well-armed or well- 
provided with money. 

heeler (hel'er), n. a political hanger- 
on. 

heft (heft), n. a handle; an effort; 
weight; the greater part or bulk: 
v.t. to try the weight of by lifting 
or holding in the hand. 

Hegira (he-ji'ra), n. the flight of 
Mohammed from Mecca to Medina 
(662 A.D.). Also Hejira. From 
this date Mohammedans begin their 
system of chronology and reckoning 
years. 

heifer (hef'er), n. a young cow. 

height (hit), n. altitude; elevation; 
highest state or degree; an eminence 
or hill; summit; stature. 

heighten (hit'en), v.t. to make high or 
higher; elevate; intensify; set off; 
increase; aggravate; improve. 

heinous (ha'nus), adj. atrocious; ex- 
tremely wicked; flagrant. 

heir (ar), n. one who succeeds an- 
other in the possession of property, 
title, office, mental gifts, &c. 

heiress (ar'es),_n. a female heir. 

heirloom (ar'loom), n. any movable 
or personal chattel, which by its 
connection with an estate descends 
to the heir. 

held (held),. pi. of hold. 

heliac (he'li-ak) , adj. pertaining to 
the sun; emerging from, or passing 
into, the light of the sun. Also heli- 
acal. 

heiio, a Greek prejix meaning sun, 
caused by, or like, the sun or sunlight, 
as Aerograph, an instrument for 
taking a photograph of the sun, or 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


HELIOCENTRIC 


235 


HEMISPHERE 


for signaling by reflecting sunlight 
from one mirror to another. 
heliocentric (he-li-o-sen'trik), adj. 

having the sun as the center. 
heliochromy (he-li-ok'ro-mi), n. the 
art or process of obtaining photo- 
graphs in natural colors. 
heliolatry (he-li-ol'a-tri) , n. worship 

of the sun. 
heliometer (he-li-om'e-ter), n. a 
micrometer for measuring small 
angles in the heavens. 
helioscope (he'li-o-skop) , n. a form of 
refracting telescope for observing 
the sun. 
heliostat (he'li-o-stat), n. an instru- 
ment by which signaling is carried 
on by means of a mirror, moved by 
clockwork. 
heliotrope (he'li-o-trop) , n. a plant 
whose flowers follow the course of 
the sun; a green-colored variety of 
chalcedony with small red spots; 
bloodstone; the color of the flowers 
of heliotrope, bluish-pink. 
heliotype (he'li-o-tlp) , n. an impres- 
sion from a photograph taken on a 
gelatine plate hardened with alum. 
helium (he'linim), n. an element first 
discovered in the spectrum of the 
sun and supposed to be peculiar to 
that body. It has recently been 
discovered on the earth, and a gas 
arising from radium has been ob- 
served to change into this element. 
helix (he'liks), n. [pi. helices (he'li- 
sez)], a spiral line, as of a line coiled 
round; a circumvolution; the margin 
of the external ear; a small volute; 
a genus of molluscs, containing the 
shell snails. 
hell (hel), n. the place of the dead or 
of departed souls (more correctly 
Sheol or Hades) ; the place of punish- 
ment for the wicked after death: 
hence any place or condition of 
extreme misery or evil; a gambling- 
house. 
Hellas (hel'as), n. the name by which 
the Greeks spoke of their own coun- 
try. 
hellebore (hel'e-bor), n.the Christmas 
rose. In past centuries a medicine 
was distilled from it for the attempt- 
ed cure of madness. 
Hellenic (he-len'ik), adj. pertaining 
to, or characteristic of, the ancient 


Hellenes or Greeks, or to Grecian 
art and literature. [Greek.] 
hello (hero) and hullo (hul'6), 
familiar terms of greeting among 
friends, and especially boys and 
men. Also largely used in making 
telephone calls. 
helm (helm), n. the apparatus for 
steering a ship; tiller; the place of 
its direction and government; a hel- 
met [Poet.]: v.t. to guide or con- 
duct. 
helmet (hel'met), n. metal or leather 
armor for the head; the hooded 
upper lip of a flower. 
helot (he'lot), n. a slave in ancient 

Sparta; slave or serf. [Greek.] 
help (help), v.t. to give assistance to; 
aid; support; sustain; succor; re- 
lieve; avoid; prevent; distribute 
food to at table; remedy; cure: v.i. 
to lend aid; be available or useful: 
n. assistance; aid; support; succor; 
relief; that which forwards or pro- 
motes; a portion of food served at a 
meal; a hired servant. 
helpful (help 'fool), adj. affording help. 
helpless (help'less), adj. without help; 

unprotected. 
helter-skelter (hel'ter-skerter) , adv. 

in hurry and confusion. 
helve (helv), n. the handle of an 

axe, &c. 
Helvetian (hel-ve'shan) , adj. per- 
taining to Switzerland: n. a Swiss. 
Also Helvetic. 
hem (hem), n. the edge of a garment 
doubled and sewn; an ejaculatory 
sound: v.t. m [p.t. & p.p. hemmed, p. 
pr. hemming], to form a hem on; 
to shut in; environ: v.i. utter the 
ejaculation hem. 
hema, a Greek prefix meaning blood, 
occurring in many scientific words. 
Also hem, hemato, hsema, haem, 
haemato. 
hematin (hem'a-tin), n. the red col- 
oring matter in the blood. Also 
haematin. 
hemi, a Greek prefix meaning half, 
as /ierai-sphere, half a sphere or 
globe. 
hemiopia (hem-i-o'pi-a), n. a defect in 
vision in which only the half of an 
object is seen. 
hemisphere (hem'i-sfer) , see under 
hemi. 


lite, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, nOrth, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


HEMISTICH 


236 


HERITAGE 


hemistich (hem'i-stik), n. in poetry, 
an incomplete line, or the half of a 
line. 

hemlock (hem'lok), n. a wild poison- 
ous plant of the parsley family : hem- 
lock spruce, an evergreen tree of the 
pine family: the lumber made from 
the hemlock tree. 

hemp (hemp), n. a plant of the net- 
tle family, the tough fiber of which 
is used for cordage and various 
kinds of coarse linen; in the East, 
a narcotic and intoxicant, hashish, 
is obtained from Indian hemp. 

hemstitch (hem'stich), n. a particular 
kind of ornamental stitching. 

hen (hen), n. the female of a bird, 
especially the domestic fowl. 

henbane (hen 'ban), n. a poisonous 
coarse hairy wild herb of the night- 
shade family deadly to fowls. 

hence (hens), # adv. from this place, 
source, or time; in consequence of 
this: inter j. away! begone! 

henchman (hench'man), n. [pi. hench- 
men (hench'men)], formerly, a male 
attendant or servant; groom; one 
who serves in a political campaign 
under another for pecuniary consid- 
erations. See heeler. 

hept, a Greek prefix meaning seven. 
Also hepta, as heptachord, a series of 
seven notes; a seven-stringed musi- 
cal instrument. 

heptad (hep'tad), n. a chemical atom 
or element that has the equivalence 
of seven atoms of hydrogen. 

heptagon (hep'ta-gon), n. a plane fig- 
ure having seven sides and seven 
angles. 

heptahedron (hep-ta-he'dron), n. a 
solid figure with seven sides. 

heptarchy (hep'tar-ki), n. [pi. hep- 
tarchies (hep'tar-kiz) ], a government 
by seven rulers, especially the seven 
Anglo-Saxon kingdoms established 
in England. 

her (her), pron. the objective and 
possessive case of the personal pro- 
noun she. 

herald (her'ald), n. formerly an offi- 
cial who proclaimed peace and war, 
bore messages from a sovereign to 
a commander, superintended coro- 
nations and other public ceremonial 
functions, &c; an official whose duty 
it is to grant, record, and blazon arms, 


trace pedigrees, &c. ; a precursor: v.t. 
to introduce; proclaim. [Old French.] 

heraldry (her'ald-ri), n. the science 
that treats of armorial bearings, and 
of determining pedigrees, &c. 

herb (erb, or herb), n. a plant with a 
soft and succulent stem that, after 
flowering, withers away. 

herbaceous (her-ba'shus), adj. per- 
taining to, or of the nature of, or 
feeding upon, herbs. 

herbage (her'baj), n. herbs collec- 
tively ; grass ; pasturage ; the right of 
pasture on the lands of another. 

herbarium (her-ba/ri-um), n. [pi. her- 
baria (her-ba/ri-a)], a systematic col- 
lection of dried plants for purposes 
of study; a building where such a 
collection is kept. 

herd (herd), n. a collection of beasts 
or cattle feeding or driven together; 
crowd; a keeper of cattle: v.i. to 
unite or associate, as beasts; crowd 
together. 

here (her), adv. in, or to, this place; at 
this point ; in the present life or 
state ; on this occasion. 

hereby (her-bi'), adv. by virtue of 
this; near. 

hereditary (he-red'i-ta-ri), adj. pass- 
ing from an ancestor to a descen- 
dant; transmitted from parent to 
offspring. 

heredity (he-red 'i-ti), n. the trans- 
mission of physical or mental char- 
acteristics or qualities from parent 
to offspring; the tendency of an 
organism to reproduce the charac- 
teristics of the progenitor. 

herein (her-in'), adv. in this. 

heresy (her'e-si), n. [pi. heresies 
(her'e-siz)], an opinion or doctrine 
at variance with fundamental truths 
commonly received as orthodox, es- 
pecially if leading to division. 

heretic (her'e-tik), n. one who holds, 
or maintains, heretical opinions. 

heretical (he-ret'i-kal), adj. pertaining 
to, or having the character of, 
heresy; subversive of, or contrary 
to, orthodox belief. 

heretofore (her-too-f or') , adv. pre- 
viously; hitherto. 

heritage (her'i-taj), n. an estate that 
passes from an ancestor to a de- 
scendant; a birthright or inherit- 
ance; the people of God. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, nOrth, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


HERMENEUTICS 


237 


HICKORY 


hermeneutics (her-men-u'tiks) , n. 
the gift of expounding difficult sub- 
jects, and especially the Bible and 
the classics. 

hermetic (her-met'ik), adj. perfect- 
ly closed and air-tight. Also her- 
metical. 

hermit (her'mit), n. one who retires 
from society and lives in solitude, 
especially for devotional contempla- 
tion; an anchorite. 

hermitage (her'mi-taj), n. the abode 
of a hermit; a variety of red and 
white French wine. 

hernia (her'ni-a), n. a protrusion of 
some part of the intestine, or of 
some other internal organ; rupture. 

hero (he'ro), n. [pi. heroes (he'roz)], 
a demigod; a man of distinguished 
courage, moral or physical; the chief 
character in a play, novel, poem, 
&c. 

heroic (he-ro'ik), adj. having the 
qualities of a hero; producing he- 
roes; larger than life; venturesome; 
drastic. Also heroical: n.pl. ex- 
travagant or boastful language. 

heron (her'un), n. a wading bird with 
a long neck and long legs. [Greek.] 

herring (her'ing), n. an edible sea-fish 
moving in shoals. # 

herring-bone (her'ing-bon) , n. a kind 
of cross-stitch: v.t. & v.i. to work 
in such a stitch. 

herse (hers), n. a portcullis, in the 
form of a harrow set with spikes. 

hesitancy (hes'i-tan-si) , n. hesita- 
tion; suspense. 

hesitate (hes'i-tat), v.i. to be in sus- 
pense or uncertainty; pause; vacil- 
late; stammer. 

Hesper (hes'per), n. the evening star, 
especially Venus. Also Hesperus. 

Hessian (hesh'an), adj. pertaining to 
Hesse in Germany or its inhabit- 
ants; a venal politician: pi. top- 
boots with tassels in front (now 
obsolete) . 

Hessian-fly (hesh'an-fli) , n. a small 
fly, the larvae of which are very 
destructive to corn crops. They ap- 
peared in Pennsylvania soon after 
the Hessian (British) mercenary 
troops in the Revolutionary War: 
hence the name. 

hest (hest), n. a behest; command. 

hetero, a Greek prefix meaning 


another, abnormal, different, unequal. 
Also heter, as Aeterocercal, having the 
upper lobe of the tail longer than 
the lower lobe: said of certain fish. 

heterodox (het*er-o-doks), adj. devi- 
ating from an accepted doctrine or 
standard of faith, &c; heretical: 
opposed to orthodox. 

heterodoxy (het'er-o-dok-si), n. [pi. 
heterodoxies (het'er-o-dok-siz)], an 
unorthodox doctrine or opinion; 
heresy. 

heterogeneous (het-er-o-je'ne-us), adj. 
opposite or dissimilar in character, 
quality, structure, &c, not homo- 
geneous. 

heteronym (het'er-o-nim), n. a word 
spelled like another, but with a dif- 
ferent sound and meaning, a lead, to 
guide; lead, a metal. See homo- 
graph. 

hew (hii), v.t. [p.t.^ hewed, p.p. hewn, 
hewed, p.pr. hewing], to cut or shape, 
as with an axe or other sharp instru- 
ment; hack; chop; form laboriously. 

hexagon (heks'a-gon), n. a plane 
figure having six angles and six 
sides. 

hexahedron (heks-a-he'dron) , n. [pi. 
hexahedra (heks-a-he'dra)], a solid 
bounded by six plane faces. 

hexameter (heks-am'e-ter) , n. a line 
consisting of six feet. In Greek and 
Latin verse the feet depend on the 
length of the syllables, i.e. quantity, 
in English verse, on the accent of 
the syllables, i.e. rhythm. 

hiatus (hi-a/tus), n. a break; vacan- 
cy; gap; the concurrence of two 
vowels in two successive syllables. 

hibernate (hi'ber-nat), v.i. to pass 
the winter in a state of torpor, as 
certain animals; to winter. [Latin.] 

Hibernian (hi-ber'ni-an) , adj. per- 
taining # to, or characteristic of, 
Hibernia or Ireland. 

Hibernianism (hl-ber'ni-an-izm) , n. 
an Irish idiom. Also Hibernicism. 

Hibiscus (hl-bis'kus) , n. a genus of 
plants, shrubs, &c, of the mallow 
family. 

hiccough (hik'up), n. a short con- 
vulsive cough : v.i. to utter a short 
convulsive cough. Also hiccup. 

hickory (hik'o-ri), n. [pi. hickories 
(hik'o-riz)], an American nut-bear- 
ing tree of the genus Carya. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


HID 


238 


HINDERMOKT 


hid, -p. adj. concealed; not known; se- 
cret. Also hidden. 

hide (hid), v.t. [p.t. hid, p.p. hidden, 
p.pr. hiding], to conceal; secrete; 
not to confess; disguise; whip: v.i. 
to lie concealed: n. an animal's skin 
raw or dressed; formerly a measure 
of land. 

hideous (hid'e-us), adj. offensive to 
the sight, ear, or taste; shocking; 
dreadful; horrible. 

hiding (hid'ing), n. concealment; a 
beating. 

hie (hi), v.t. [p.t.& p.p. hied, p.pr. 
hieing], to excite; speed: v.i. to 
hasten. 

hierarch (hi'er-ark) , n. the chief ruler 
of an ecclesiastical body ; the leader 
of an angelic host; in ancient 
Greece, an officer who had charge 
of votive offerings. 

hierarchic (hi-er-ark'ik) , adj. pertain- 
ing to a hierarch, or a hierarchy. 
Also hierarchical. 

hierarchy (hi'er-ark-i) , n. [pi. hier- 
archies (hi'er-ark-iz)], the body of 
the clergy ; priesthood ; rank of holy 
beings, as angels; in biology, a series 
of systematic groups. 

hieratic (hi-e-rat'ik) , adj. pertaining 
to priests ; sacred ; consecrated. Also 
hieratical. 

hiero, a Greek prefix meaning sacred, 
as Aierophant, a priest who, in 
ancient Greece, initiated novices 
into the sacred mysteries. 

hieroglyphic (hi-er-o-glif'ik), n. a 
sacred character or symbol: pi. the 
picture writings of the _ ancient 
Egyptians^ &c: adj. pertaining to 
hieroglyphics; emblematic. 

higgle (hig'l), v.i. to carry provi- 
sions about for sale; chaffer; dis- 
pute about trifles. 

high (hi), adj. elevated in place; 
lofty; exalted in degree or quality; 
chief; head; honorable; noble; strong; 
powerful ; intense ; tempestuous ; 
full or complete; near to the wind; 
tainted; shrill; acute: n. an ele- 
vated place: adv. aloft; profoundly; 
eminently; aloud; luxurious. 

high-church (hi-cherch'), adj. attach- 
ing great importance to the prerog- 
ative and authority of the Church, 
its sacraments, its theory of the 


Apostolic Succession, and its priest- 
hood. 

highest (hi'est), adj. most high. 

high-flown (hi'flon), adj. elevated; 
proud; extravagant; inflated. 

high-handed (hi-hand'ed) , adj. vio- 
lent; arbitrary. 

highland (hi'land), n. a mountainous 
region: pi. the mountainous districts 
of Scotland. 

highness (hi'nes),n.the state or qual- 
ity of being high; a title of honor 
applied to persons of princely rank 
(with a possessive pronoun). 

high priest (prest), n. & chief priest, 
especially the principal priest of the 
Jewish hierarchy. 

highroad (hi'rod), n. a chief road; 
highway; an easy course or method. 

highstrung (hi'strung) , adj. strung to 
a high pitch; extremely sensitive. 

hight (hit), v.adj. called. 

high water (hi'waw-ter) , adj. pertaining 
to high tide, or its height or time. 

highway (hi'wa), n. a public road; a 
course or path. 

highwayman (hi'wa-man), n. [pi. 
highwaymen (hi'wa-men)], one wno 
robs on the public road. 

hike (hik), v.i. to stride over long 
distances of country on a tramp 
or march. 

hilarious (hi-la/ri-us), adj. merry; 
exhilarated. 

hilarity (hi-lar'i-ti) , n. [pi. hilarities 
(hi-lar'i-tiz)], noisy merriment; ex- 
hilaration. 

hill (hil), n. an elevation less than a 
mountain; a small mound or heap: 
v.t. to draw earth about. 

Hillelism (hirel-izm), n. a doctrine 
based upon the teaching of Hillel, 
the Babylonian Jew (112 B.C.), viz., 
"What is hated to thee, do not unto 
thy fellow-men." 

hilt (hilt), n. a handle, especially of 
a sword. 

him (him), pron. the objective case 
of he. 

hind (hind), n. the female of the 
stag or red deer; a farm servant; 
peasant: adj. backward; hinder. 

hinder (hin'der), _ v.t. to obstruct or 
impede: v.i. to impose obstructions 
or impediments. 

hindermost (hind'er-most), adj. same 
as hindmost. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


HINDMOST 


239 


HIVE 


hindmost (hlnd'most), adj. farthest 
from the front ; in the extreme rear. 

hindrance (Jiin'drans), n. obstruction. 

Hindu (hin'doo), n. a native of Hin- 
dustan belonging to the Aryan race; 
Brahman: adj. pertaining to the 
Hindus or to Hinduism. Also Hin- 
doo. 

Hindustani (hin-doo-sta'ne), n. the 
official and common language of 
India; Urdu. Also Hindustanee. 

hinge (hinj), n. the joint or hook 
on which a door, &c, turn or swing; 
the joint of a bivalve shell; that on 
which anything depends or turns: 
v.t. to furnish with a hinge: v.i. to 
stand, turn, or depend, as on a hinge. 

hinny (hin'i), v.i. \p.t. & p.p. hin- 
nied, P-pr : hinnying], to neigh: n. 
the offspring of a horse and a she 
ass. Also whinny. 

hint (hint), v.t. to suggest; mention 
casually: n. a suggestion; distant 
allusion. 

hip (hip), re. the upper fleshy part 
of the thigh; haunch; the coxa of 
an insect; the rafter at the junction 
of two sloping roofs; the fruit of 
the briar or dog-rose; melancholy: 
inter j. an huzzah^ v.t. [p.t. <k p.p. 
hipped, p.pr. hipping], to sprain or 
fracture the hip of; affect with mel- 
ancholy; build with a hip: throw by 
o. cross-buttock in wrestling. 

hipp, a Greek prefix meaning horse. 
Also hippo, as /uppophagy, the prac- 
tice of eating horse-flesh. 

hippocampus, n. asea-horse ; the name 
of two eminences on the lateral 
^ventricles of the brain. 

hippodrome (hip'o-drom), n. an an- 
cient Greek race-course for eques- 
trian games and chariots; a circus; 
a fraudulent contest or race, the 
result of which has been previously 
arranged: v.t. to arrange such a 
fraudulent contest. _ [Greek.] 

hippopotamus (hip-o-pot'a-mus), n. 
[pi. hippopotami fhip-o-pot'a-mi), 
hippopotamuses chip-o-pot'a-mus- 
ezjj, a large pachydermatous aquatic 
animal of Africa; the river-horse. 

hircine (her'sin), adj. resembling a 
goat; smelling like a goat: n. an 
oily product with a foetid smell 
found in the fat of goats and sheep. 
[Latin.] 


hire (hlr), v.t. to engage for temporary 
service at a certain price; bribe; let 
or lease: n. recompense or considera- 
tion paid for the use of anything; 
wages; bribe. 

hireling (hlr'ling), n. one who serves 
for hire: adj. mercenary. 

hirsute (her'sut), adj. hairy; shaggy. 

his (hiz), pron. poss. case of he. 

hispid (his'pid), adj. bristly. 

hiss (his), n. a noise, made by forc- 
ing the breath between the tongue 
and upper teeth, resembling that of 
a serpent or goose: v.i. to utter such 
a sound, especially as expressing dis- 
approbation or contempt. 

hist (hist), interj. silence! hark! 

histo, a Greek prefix meaning tissue, 
as /V^ography, a description of or- 
ganic tissues. 

histology ihis-tol'o-ji), n. the science 
of animal tissues; microscopic anat- 
omy. 

historian (his-to'ri-an), n. a writer or 
deep student of history. 

historic (his-tor'ik), adj. pertaining to, 
contained in, or celebrated in, his- 
tory: relating to the past. Also his- 
torical. 

history (his'to-ri), n. [pi. histories 
(his'to-riz)], a narration of facts and 
events arranged chronologically or 
otherwise with their causes and 
effects; knowledge of facts. 

histrionic (his-tri-on'ik) . udj. pertain- 
ing to actors or the stage; theatri- 
cal; also histrionical: n.pl. the art 
of theatrical representation. [Greek.] 

hit ihit), v.t. [p.t. <k p.p. hit, p.pr. 
hitting], to strike; give a blow to; 
touch (the mark); attain to; suit: 
v.i. to clash or collide; succeed: n. 
a. stroke or blow; a lucky event; 
felicitous remark. 

hitch ihich), n. a catch: that which 
acts like a catch; impediment; a 
pulling or jerking upwards: v.i. to 
become entangled or caught; move 
by jerks; strike the feet together, 
as horses: v.t. to fasten or tie; pull 
up with a jerk. 

hither (hi^/d'er), adv. to this place :adj. 
on the side nearest to the speaker. 

hive (hiv), n. [pi. hives (hlvz)], an 
artificial receptacle or house for 
bees; a swarm of bees inhabiting 
a hive; a busy assemblage or society: 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met : mite, mit : note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, f/ten. 


HIVES 


240 


HOLD-UP 


v.t. to gather or put into a hive; 
harbor: v.i. to live or take shelter 
together. 

hives (hivz), n.pl. nettle-rash; croup. 

ho (ho), inter j. stop! hold! 

hoar (nor), adj. white; grey with age; 
ancient. 

hoard (hord), n. a store or treasure 
laid up secretly; an accumulation 
of things: v.t. to collect and lay up: 
v.i. to lay up store. 

hoar-frost (hor'frost), n. white par- 
ticles of frozen dew or moisture. 

hoarhound (hor'hound), n. a white 
woolly aromatic herb ; a sweet 
lozenge made with an infusion of 
hoarhound, and used as a popular 
remedy for sore throat. 

hoarse (hors), adj. rough and harsh 
in sound, as the voice when affected 
by a «old. 

hoarseness (hors'nes), n. the state of 
being hoarse. 

hoax (hoks), n. a sportive deceptive 
trick; practical joke: v.t. to take in, 
or delude, by a hoax. 

hob (hob), n. the flat part of a grate 
on which things are placed to be 
kept warm; a sprite or demon, as 
"to raise hob." 

hobble (hob'l), v.i. to walk with a limp 
or awkward step: v.t. embarrass or 
perplex; shackle: n. limping or awk- 
ward step. 

hobble-skirt (hob'l-skert), n. a close- 
fitting skirt shaped to the figure of 
the wearer ; drawn in by bands be- 
tween the knees and ankles, render- 
ing walking difficult and awkward. 

hobbly (hob'li), adj. rough and uneven. 

hobby (hpb'i), n. [pi. hobbies ('iz)j, 
a favorite pursuit or object; an 
ambling nag; a kind of falcon. 

hobgoblin ( hob-go b'lin), n. a goblin, 
sprite, or elf, especially one of fright- 
ful appearance: hence an alarming 
apparition. 

hobnob (hob'nob), v.i. to drink famil- 
iarly with; associate intimately to- 
gether. _ 

hobo (ho'bo), n. an idle itinerant 
workman; a tramp. _ 

hock (hok), n. the joint between the 
knee and the fetlock; the back part 
of the human knee-joint; any white 
Rhine wine (from Hochheimer): 
v.t. to pawn. 


hockey (hok'i), n. an outdoor game 
played with a ball and clubs curved 
at one _end. 

hocus (ho'kus), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. ho- 
cused, p.pr. hocusing], to cheat or 
trick; to stupefy or render insensi- 
ble by means of drugged liquor in 
order to cheat or rob : n. a trick or 
juggle: drugged liquor. 

hod (hod), n. a wooden trough, af- 
fixed to a long handle, for carrying 
mortar or bricks; a coal-scuttle; a 
male ferret. 

hodge-podge (hoj'poj), n. a medley of 
ingredients, as in a hodge-podge 
pudding. 

hoe (ho), n. an agricultural tool for 
cutting weeds, &c: v.t. to cut, or 
till, with a hoe; clear from 
weeds. 

hog (hog), n. a swine; a kind of 
rough broom used for scrubbing a 
ship's bottom under water; a grasp- 
ing, gluttonous person: v.t. [p.t. 
& p.p. hogged, p.pr. hogging], to 
scrub (a ship's bottom) under water; 
to cut (the hair) short: v.i. to droop 
at both ends: said of a ship. 

hogshead (hogz'hed), n. & measure of 
capacity = 5214 imperial gals, or 63 
wine gals.; a large barrel or cask. 

hoist (hoist), v.t. to lift or raise with 
tackle; heave: n. an apparatus for 
lifting goods from a lower to a 
higher floor, &c: a lift. 

hold (hold), v.t. [p.t. held, p.p. held, 
holden, p.pr. holding], to grasp and 
keep in the hand; clutch; retain; 
keep; possess; connect; judge or 
consider; entertain; contain; cele- 
brate; use: v.i. to cling; adhere; 
stand good; continue; proceed; re- 
frain; maintain an opinion: n. the 
act of holding; a grasp or clutch; 
an embrace; support; a fortified 
place; that part of a vessel where 
the cargo is stored. 

holding (hold'ing), n. anything held; 
tenure or right of possession; a 
farm held of a superior. 

hold-up (hold 'up), n. the act of a high- 
way robber halting wayfarers to 
rob them; the blocking of a railway 
train by a band of criminals: v.t. 
to perform any of the above acts; 
also to prevent the passage of a bill 
in a legislative body, usually by 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


HOLE 


241 


HOMILY 


corrupt means; to suppress; check; 
interfere with. 

hole (hoi), n. a cavity; hollow place; 
pit; perforation; the burrow of an 
animal ; mean habitation ; a difficulty 
or dilemma. 

holiday (hol'i-da), n. a day of gaiety 
and joy in celebration of some event, 
&c; a day of freedom from labor: 
adj. pertaining to a festival; joyous; 
gay. 

holiness (ho'li-nes), n. the state or 
quality of being holy; freedom from 
sin; moral and spiritual purity; 
sacredness; a title of the Pope. 

holland (hol'and), n. fine unbleached 
linen, glazed or unglazed: pi. a kind 
of gin. 

holloa (hol-o')» v.i. to shout to one at 
a distance: n. a shout. Also hullo. 

hollow (hol'5), adj. having a void 
space within: opposed to solid; 
sunken; superficial; unreal: n. a 
cavity; pit; groove^ space between 
hills or elevations; insincere; deep; 
low: v.t. to make hollow: adv. 
completely; thoroughly. 

holly (hol'li), n. a shrub or tree of the 
genus Ilex, with _ glossy, prickly 
leaves and red berries. 

hollyhock (hol'i-hok), n. a tall bien- 
nial plant of the mallow family with 
large flowers. 

holm (horn), n. an evergreen oak; 
low flat land by the side of a river; 
a small river island. 

nolo, a Greek prefix meaning whole, en- 
tire, as /ioZocryptic, undecipherable. 

holocaust (hol'o-kawst), n. a sacrifice 
wholly consumed by fire. 

holograph (horo-graf) , n. a document 
entirely in the handwriting of the 
author, as "a holograph will." 

holster (hol'ster), n. a leather pistol- 
case usually carried at the saddle- 
bow. 

holt (holt), n. a wooded hill; a burrow 
or hiding place. 

holy (ho'li), adj. [comp. holier, su- 
perl. holiest], pure; morally and 
spiritually perfect; sinless; preemi- 
nently good; pious; sacred; conse- 
crated. 

holystone (ho'li-ston), n. a large flat 
piece of stone used for scouring the 
ship's decks: v.t. to scrub (a deck) 
with a holystone. 


homage (om'aj), n. respect paid by 
external action; deference; rever- 
ence ; the ceremony by which a 
tenant or vassal promised fealty and 
service to his feudal lord. [Archaic] 

home (horn), n. one's abode or resi- 
dence; dwelling-place of a man and 
his family; fatherland; habitat; a 
benevolent or charitable institution: 
adj. pertaining to one's abode or 
country; domestic: to the point de- 
signed; near; effective: adv. to or 
at home; to the uttermost; close- 
ly. 

homeliness (hom'li-nes), n. the state 
of being homely; plainness; rudeness. 

homely (hom'li), adj. plain-featured; 
uncultured; rude. In England, be- 
nevolent, kindly, homelike. 

homeopathic (ho-me-o-path'ik), adj. 
of or pertaining to homeopathy; ex- 
tremely small in quantity. Also 
homoeopathic. 

homeopathy (ho-me-op'a-thi), n. the 
medical system introduced by 
Samuel Hahnemann (1755-1843), 
which seeks to cure diseases by the 
administration of medicines in mi- 
nute quantities to produce in the 
patient symptoms similar to those 
the same medicine would produce 
in a healthy person. Also homoe- 
opathy. 

home rule (horn iooY),n. local self- 
government, especially that form of 
government for Ireland advocated 
by Mr. Gladstone and the Irish 
party. 

homesick (hom'sik), adj. ill because 
of absence from home; nostalgic. 

homespun (hom'spun), n. a heavy, 
woolen cloth, woven to imitate 
that which was formerly spun at 
home. 

homestead (hom'sted), n. a dwelling- 
house with the adjacent land; orig- 
inal abode. 

homicidal (hom'i-si-dal), adj. per- 
taining to, or having a tendency to, 
homicide. 

homicide (hom'i-sid), n. the killing 
of a human being; one who kills 
another. 

homiletics (hom-i-let'iks), n.pl. that 
branch of theology which treats of 
sermons and their composition. 

homily (hom'i-li), n. [pi. homilies 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book : 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


HOMING 


242 


HOOKAH 


(hom'i-liz)], a plain religious dis- 
course or sermon. 

homing (hom'ing), adj. returning 
home: said of carrier pigeons. 

hominy (hom'i-ni), n. Indian-corn 
soaked so as to remove the hull, and 
then coarsely ground. 

homo, a Greek prefix meaning like, 
same, similar, as /tomocercal, lobed 
alike, as the tail of a_ mackerel. 

homogeneous (ho-mo-je'ne-us), adj. 
uniform; composed of similar parts 
or elements. 

homogenesis (ho-mo-jen'e-sis), n. a 
mode of reproduction in which the 
offspring of a higher organism passes 
through the same cycle of existence 
as the parent. 

homogenous (ho-moj'e-nus), adj. of 
the same origin. _Also homogenetic. 

homograph (ho'mo-graf), n. a word 
spelled the same way as another 
word, but haying a different mean- 
ing, and derived from a different 
root, as grave — a tomb, grave = seri- 
ous. 

homologous (ho-moro-gus) , adj. iden- 
tical. 

homonym (ho'mo-nim), n. a word 
alike in sound, but differing in 
meaning, as pair, pare, pear. 

hone (hon), n. a kind of fine whet- 
stone: v.t. to sharpen on a hone. 

honest (on 'est), adj. upright; just; 
sincere?; honorable; equitable; fair; 
righteous; chaste: frank or 
open. 

honesty (on'es-ti), n. the quality of 
being honest. 

honey (hun'i), n. a sweet, viscid, 
syrupy substance collected by bees 
from flowers-; sweetness; darling or 
sweet one : adj. resembling honey : 
v.t. to talk to in an endearing or 
flattering manner. 

honey-bee (hun'i-be), n. the common 
hive-bee. 

honeycomb (hun'i-kom), n. the waxen 
hexagonal cells made by bees to con- 
tain their honey, eggs, &c; any 
structure resembling a honeycomb: 
v.t. to fill with holes, &c, so as to 
leave only thin partitions. 

honeymoon (hun'i-moon), n. the first 
month after marriage. 

honeysuckle (hun'i-suk'l), n. a climb- 
ing plant with fragrant flowers. 


honk (honk), inter j. the cry of the Ca- 
nadian mid-goose in flight. 

honor (on'er), n. respectful regard; 
esteem; worship; reputation; ex- 
alted rank; fame; magnanimity; 
scorn of meanness; self-respect; 
chastity; an outward mark of high 
esteem; glory; a title used in ad- 
dressing certain officials; one of the 
four highest trump cards in whist: 
pi. in a university examination, the 
highest class: v.t. to treat with re- 
spect, deference, or civility; revere 
or worship ; bestow marks of honor 
upon (with with); dignity; ac- 
knowledge; accept and pay when 
due. 

honorable (on'er-a-bl), adj. worthy of, 
or conferring, honor; distinguished 
in rank ; high-minded ; illustrious ; 
upright; indicating honor; a title 
of distinction. 

honorarium (on-o-ra'ri-um), n. a fee 
paid to a professional man. 

honorary (on'er-a-ri), adj. done, or 
conferred, as an honor. 

hood (hood), n. a soft wrapper or 
covering for the head; a monk's, 
woman's, or falcon's hood; a fold- 
ing cover for a carriage; an orna- 
mental fold hanging down the back 
denoting a university degree; some- 
thing resembling a hood; a cowl: 
v.t. to cover or furnish with, or as 
with, a hood: suffix = state, con- 
dition, or quality, as man/iood, 
hardi/iood. 

hoodlum (hood'lum), n. originally a 
Calif ornian rough or bully; a rowdy. 
Also hooligan. _ 

hoodoo (hoo'doo), n. a person or 
thing that causes ill-luck: v.t. to 
ban. 

hoodwink (hood'wingk), v.t. to de- 
ceive; blindfold. 

hoof (hoof), n. [pi. hoofs, also hooves 
(hoovz)], the horny substance cover- 
ing the feet of certain mammals, as 
horses, &c; an animal with hoofs. 

hook (hook), n. a curved piece of 
metal, bone, &c; to hold or catch 
something; a fish-hook; sickle; a 
trap; an instrument for lopping or 
cutting; a cape or headland: v.t. to 
catch with, or as with, a hook; to 
gore or attack with the horns. 

hookah (hook'ah), n. a pipe with a 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue. hut : think, then. 


HOOLIGAN 


243 


HORRENT 


long flexible tube which draws the 
smoke through a vase containing 
perfumed water. Also hooka and 
huqa. [Arabic] 

hooligan (hoo'li-gan), n. a rowdy; a 
noisy, coarse young man who 
haunts the streets at night and begs or 
steals for a livelihood. The name orig- 
inated in Australia, but is now used 
all over the English speaking world. 

hoop (hoop, or hoop), n. a metal or 
wooden band to hold together the 
staves of a ca.sk, &c; the band of 
a finger-ring; a kind of crinoline; 
a large circular ring of metal or 
wood used by children for trun- 
dling; anything curved like a hoop: 
v.t. to bind or secure with a hoop; 
encircle. 

hoot (hoot), n. a contemptuous shout: 
',-./. to jeer or drive with contemptuous 
shouts: v.i. to utter a hoot. 

hoove (hoov), n. a disease in cattle, 
in which the abdomen is distended. 

hop (hop), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. hopped, 
p.pr. hopping], to leap over; im- 
pregnate with hops: v.i. to proceed 
by short leaps on one leg; skip with 
both legs; limp; to pick hops: n. a 
jump on one leg; a dance; a twin- 
ing plant the ripened cones of 
which are used in brewing to im- 
part a bitter taste to malt liquors: 
adj. pertaining to hops. 

hope (hop), n. the desire of good 
accompanied by expectation ; antici- 
pation; confidence; the object of 
hope: v.t. to expect with confidence 
or desire: v.i. to cherish a desire 
for good; trust confidently. 

hopeful (hop'fool), adj. full of hope; 
promising success. 

hopeless (hop'les), adj. without hope; 
devoid of cheerfulness: despairing. 

hoplite (hop 'lit), n. an ancient Greek 
heavy-armed foot -soldier. 

hopper (hop'er), n. one who, or that 
which, hops; a name for various 
leaping insects: a wooden trough or 
funnel through which grain passes 
into a mill; mechanism in a piano 
for lifting the hammer; a seed-bas- 
ket used in sowing grain; a hop- 
picker; the basin of a water-closet. 

hoppet (hop'et), n. a hand-basket; a 
dish for measuring ore. 

hopple (hop'l), v.t. to hobble. 


hopscotch (hop'skoch), n. a children's 
game, in which a flat stone is driven 
from one numbered compartment 
to another by the player while he 
hops. 

horde (hord), n. a nomadic tribe or 
clan dwelling in tents or wagons; a 
vast multitude: v.i. to live, or act 
together, in hordes. [Turkish.] 

hordeine (h6r'de : in), n. a starch-like 
substance obtained from barley. 

horizon (ho-ri'zun), n. the circular 
line where the sky and earth, or 
sea, appear to meet: hence the 
limit of one's mental vision. 

horizontal (hor-i-zon'tal), adj. paral- 
lel to, or situated near, the horizon; 
level: opposed to vertical. 

horn (horn), n. a hard projecting, 
usually curved, protuberance on the 
head of certain mammals, especially 
hoofed animals ; a thickened form of 
tissue; anything made of horn, or 
like horn; a wind instrument; one 
of the extremities of the moon when 
in crescent form. 

hornblende (horn'blend), n. a dark- 
green or black-colored mineral with 
a horn-like cleavage. 

horn-book (horn'book), n. a primer 
consisting of a printed sheet con- 
taining the first nine numerals, the 
alphabet, and the Lord's Prayer. 
It was framed like a slate and faced 
over with a thin, transparent sheet 
of horn, to preserve the printing. 
The horn-book ceased to be used not 
long after the time of Queen Eliza- 
beth, but the name was long ap- 
plied to any primer. 

hornet (hor'net), n. a small wasp 
which inflicts a severe sting; hence 
a waspish, disagreeable person. 

horning (horn'ing), n. the appear- 
ance of the moon at her first and 
last quarter. 

hornpipe (horn 'pip), n. a lively 
dance, especially by sailors; an ob- 
solete wind instrument. 

hornwrack (horn'rak), n. sea-mat. 

horologe (hor'o-loj), n. a mechanism, 
as a clock, &c, for marking the 
hours. 

horoscope (hor'o-skop), n. a repre- 
sentation of the heavens at any 
time, especially at one's birth. 

horrent (hor'ent), adj. erect; bristling. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, rnit ; note, north, not ; boon, book 
16 hue, hut ; think, then. 


HORRIBLE 


244 


HOTPRESS 


horrible (hor'i-bl), adj. terrible ; dread- 
ful. [Latin.] 

horrid (hor'id), adj. dreadful; terrible; 
hideous; most obnoxious; gloomy. 

horrify (hor'i-fi), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. horri- 
fied], to fill or strike with horror. 

horripilation (hor-ip-i-la'shun), n. a 
shuddering sensation as of the hair 
standing on end, or goose-flesh. 

horror (hor'er), n. excessive fear ac- 
companied with shuddering; ex- 
treme dread; great disgust; pi. ex- 
treme depression; delirium tremens 
(with the). 

horse (hors), n. a solid-hoofed ani- 
mal, used for riding or drawing 
burdens; a male of the species; cav- 
alry; a framework or machine for 
the support of anything; a foot- 
rope to support the foot of a sailor 
under a yard or the bowsprit; work 
charged for before it is executed: 
v.t. to mount on, or furnish with, 
a horse; carry on horseback; place 
astride: y.i. to get on horseback: 
adj. noting something coarse or 
large. 

horse-play (hors'pla), n. rough, noisy 
conduct, usually observed among yo- 
kels and. ill-bred, half -grown youths. 

horse-power (hors'pou-er), n. the 
theoretical unit of work of a steam- 
engine =33,000 lb. raised 1 ft. in 1 
minute. 

hortative (hor'ta-tiv) , adj. inciting; 
giving exhortation^ Also hortatory. 

horticulture (hpr-ti-kul'tur) , n. the 
art of cultivating gardens. 

hosanna (ho-zan'a), n. an exclama- 
tion of praise and glory to God. 
The literal meaning is "Save, I 
pray!" [Hebrew.] 

hose (hoz), n. [pi. hose], coverings for 
the legs; stockings; flexible tub- 
ing for conveying water,_ &c. 

hosiery (ho'zher-i), stockings, under- 
clothing, &c; a manufactory for 
such goods. 

hospice (hos'pis), n. an Alpine con- 
vent for the reception and enter- 
tainment of travelers. [French.] _ 

hospitable (hos'pit-a-bl), adj. receiv- 
ing and entertaining friends or 
strangers. 

hospital (hos'pi-tal) , n. an institution 
for the medical treatment and care 
of the sick. [French.] 


hospitality (hos-pi-tal'i-ti), n. [pi. 
hospitalities (hos-pi^tal'i-tiz)], the 
practice of entertaining friends and 
strangers with kindness and liber- 
ality. 

host (host), n. a crowd; multitude; 
army; one who entertains another 
in public or private; a landlord of 
an hotel or inn ; an organism on 
which another is parasitic; the con- 
secrated bread or wafer of the 
Eucharist, in _ the Greek, Roman 
Catholic, Episcopalian and Lu- 
theran Church. [Latin.] 

hostage (hos'taj), n. a person who 
remains in the hands of another as 
a pledge for the fulfilment of cer- 
tain conditions; a pledge. 

hostel (hos'tel), n. a hostelry; at Ox- 
ford and Cambridge, a small un- 
endowed college. 

hostelry (hos'tl-ri) , n. an inn or lodg- 
ing-house. 

hostess (host'es), n. a female 
host. 

hostile (hos'til), adj. showing ani- 
mosity; inimical; adverse; repug- 
nant: n. a hostile Indian. 

hostility (hos-til'i-ti), n. [pi. hos- 
tilities (hqs-til'i-tiz)] the state_ of 
being hostile; antagonism; enmity; 
animosity: pi. acts of warfare. 

hostler (hos'ler), n. one who takes 
charge of horses at an inn. Also 
ostler. 

hot (hot), adj. [comp. hotter, superl. 
hottest], having _ much heat; burn- 
ing; fiery; passionate; lustful; ar- 
dent; furious; pungent; acrid; unen- 
durable; near to the object sought 
for. 

hotbed (hot'bed), n. a bed of earth 
covered with glass and made warm 
by the fermentation of manure, for 
rearing plants. 

hotchpotch (hocb/poch), n. a mix- 
ture of various ingredients; a thick 
broth of meat and vegetables 
[Scotch]; a commixture of property 
for division; a mess. Also hodge- 


hotel (ho-tel'), n. a superior inn or 
lodging-house. 

hothouse (hot'hous), n. a glazed 
building artificially heated for rear- 
ing tender plants. 

hotpress (hot'pres), v.t. to gloss paper 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut; think, then. 


HOTTENTOT 


245 


HUG 


or linen by passing it between heated 
rollers. 

Hottentot (hot'en-tot), n. one of an 
aboriginal South African race in 
Cape Colony; the language spoken 
by the Hottentots, characterized by 
a peculiar click so as often to be 
called ''the click language." See 
click. 

hough, same as hock. 

hound (hound), n. a particular breed 
of hunting dog; a despicable, mean 
fellow: v.t. to chase with, or as 
with, hounds; incite; set upon. 

hour (our), n. the 1-2-ith part of a 
Jay; 60 minutes; a particular time: 
pi. life; in the Roman Catholic 
Church, prayers repeated at stated 
times during the day; the book con- 
taining such devotional exercises. 

hour-glass (our'glas), n. a device 
for measuring time by running sand 
through the narrow neck of a glass 
vessel. 

houri (hoo'ri), n. [pi. houris (hoo'riz)], 
one of the dark-eyed nymphs of the 
Mohammedan paradise. [Persian. 1 

house (hous), n. a building for resi- 
dence; place of abode; household af- 
fairs; manner of living; family or 
race, especially of high rank; one of 
the divisions of a legislative or ec- 
clesiastical body; a quorum of the 
members of such a body; a mercan- 
tile firm; in _ astrology, the station 
of a planet in the heavens, or the 
12th part of the heavens; a square 
on a _ chess-board; (houz) v.t. to 
place in a house; shelter or lodge: 
v.i. to take shelter. 

household (hous'hold), n. a family 
living together: adj. domestic; per- 
taining to a family or home. 

housing (houz'ing), n. a saddle 
cloth: pi. ornamental trappings of 
a horse. 

hovel (hovTh n. a mean habitation; 
hut or cabin: v.t. to shelter in a 
hovel. 

hover (huv'er), v.i. to flutter over 
or about; stand in suspense or ex- 
pectation; move about in a neigh- 
borhood. 

how (hou), adv. in what manner; to 
what degree or extent; for what 
reason. 

howbeit (hou-be'it), adv. nevertheless. 


however (hou-ev'er), adv. in whatever 

manner or degree; at all events: 
conj. notwithstanding; yet. 

howitzer (hou'itz-er), n. a short can- 
non, formerly used for throwing 
shells. 

howl (houl), n. the prolonged cry of 
a dog or wolf; the cry of one in pain 
or distress: v.i. to cry like a dog or 
wolf; utter a prolonged cry of pain 
or distress; roar, like the wind ;_ cry 
down by_ clamor: v.t. to utter in a 
loud wailing tone. 

howsoever (hou-so-ev'er) , adv. in what 
manner soever; although. 

hoy (hoi), n. a heavy one-masted 
coasting-vessel: interj. ho! 

hoyden fhoi'den),n. a tomboy; a romp; 
a girl given to noisy play and prac- 
tical jokes. 

hub (hub), n. the nave of a wheel; 
the peg at which quoits are thrown; 
a kind of steel punch used in coin- 
ing, &c; a hilt; a jutting obstruc- 
tion. 

hubbub (hub 'bub), n. uproar. 

huckaback (huk'a-bak), n. a rough 
kind of linen or cotton cloth: used 
for toweling. 

huckle (huk'l), n. the hip; a haunch. 

huckleberry (huk'1-ber-i), n. [pi. 
huckleberries (huk'1-ber-iz)], the edi- 
ble berry of any species of Gaylus- 
sapia; the whortleberry; said fa- 
miliarly to an acquaintance, as 
" You're my huckleberry." 

huckster (huk'ster), n. one who re- 
tails small articles ; a mean, tricky 
fellow. 

huddle (hud'l), v.t. to crowd together 
in a disorderly manner ; collect 
closely; place or perform in haste 
or disorder: v.i. to come in a crowd 
or haste (with on, up, over) : n. 
confusion; crowd. 

hue (hu), n. color tint; a shouting 
clamor. 

hue and cry (hu and kri'). n. in law, 
the common process of pursuing a 
felon, that is, by shouting after him, 
this being the duty of good citizens. 

huff (huf), v.t. to puff or blow up; 
treat with insolence; bully; remove 
(a piece at checkers) when one's 
opponent fails to take with it: n. fit 
of petulance; sudden offense taken. 

hug (hug), n. a close embrace; a par- 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


HUGE 


246 


HUMOR 


ticular grip in wrestling: v.t. [p.t. 
& p.p. hugged, p.pr. hugging], to 
embrace closely; fondle; hold fast; 
keep close to. 

huge (huj), adj. vast; very large. 

Huguenot (hu'ge-not or -no), n. a 
name applied to French Protestants 
of the sixteenth and seventeenth 
centuries. [Origin doubtful.] 

hulk (hulk), n. the body of a ship, 
especially if old or dismantled: pi. 
old dismasted ships formerly used 
as convict prisons (with the). 

hull (hul), n. outer covering, especially 
of grain or nuts; the body or frame 
of a vessel: v.t. to peel off the hull or 
husk of; strike or pierce (the hull 
of a vessel) with a shot or shell: v.i. 
to drift to and fro upon the sea, like 
a ship without sails. 

hullabaloo (hul'a-ba-loo), n. uproar; 
noisy contention. [A folk-word, 
probably Irish, and suggesting 
"hullo" and "hurly-burly."] 

hum (hum), n. the noise of bees and 
other insects in flight: v.i. [p.t. & 
p.p. hummed, p.pr. humming], to 
make such a noise: v.t. to sing in a 
low undertone; set or keep going in 
an energetic manner: inter j. a sound 
with a pause implying hesitation or 
consideration. 

human (hu'man), adj. pertaining to, 
or characteristic of, man or man- 
kind: having the qualities of a man; 
not divine. 

humane (hu-man')i adj. having the 
feelings proper to man; benevolent; 
kind; compassionate; elevating. 

humanism (hu'man-izm),_ n* culture 
derived from classical training, liter- 
ature and art; human nature. 

humanist (hu'man-ist), n. a student 
of the humanities; one versed in the 
knowledge of human nature. 

humanitarian (hu-man-i-ta'ri-an), n. 
a philanthropist; an anti Trinita- 
rian who rejects the doctrine of 
Christ's divinity; one who believes 
that the duty of man consists of 
acting rightly to others; a perfection- 
ist: adj. philanthropic. 

humanity (hu-man'i-ti) , n. [pi. hu- 
manities (hu-man'i-tiz)], _ mankind; 
the state or quality of being human 
or humane; philanthropy; kindness; 
benevolence: pi. classical learning 


and literature, and the insight into 
human thought and feeling through- 
out the centuries since Greece and 
Rome evolved the greatest monu- 
ments of intellectual and spiritual 
greatness. It is therefore impossi- 
ble for one acquainted only with the 
literature and art of recent centuries 
to be a humanist. 

humanize (hti'man-Iz), v.t. to render 
human: soften. 

humble (hum'bl), adj. having a low 
estimate of one's self; modest; 
meek; submissive; lowly; mean; ob- 
scure: v.t. to make submissive; sub- 
due; bring low; mortify; humiliate. 

humbles (hum'blz), n.pl. entrails, es- 
pecially of a deer. 

humbug (hum 'bug), n. a fraud or 
imposition under fair pretenses; 
sham; a plausible deceiver; a spirit 
of trickery or deception: v.t. [p.t. 
& p.p. humbugged, p.pr. humbug- 
ging], to cheat or impose upon; 
hoax. 

humdrum (hum'drurrO, adj. dull; 
monotonous; commonplace. 

humeral (hu'mer-al), adj. pertaining 
to the shoulder. 

humero, a Latin prejix meaning 
shoulder. 

humerus (hu'mer-us), n. [pi. humeri 
(hu'mer-n)], the arm from the 
shoulder to the fore-arm; the cylin- 
drical bone of that part. 

humid (hu'mid). adj. damp; moist. 

humidity (hu-mid'i-ti), n. dampness; 
moisture. 

humidor (hii'mid-or), n. a receptacle 
for keeping tobacco moist. 

humiliation (hu-mil-i-a'shun), n. the 
act of humiliating; the state of be- 
ing humiliated; mortification; abase- 
ment. 

humility (hu-mil'i-ti), n. [pi. humili- 
ties (hu-mil'i-tiz)], the state or 
quality of being humble; modesty; 
self-abasement. 

humite (hu'mit), n. a variety of 
chrondrodite. 

hummock (hum'ok), n. a large mass 
of floating ice: a hillock or mound. 

humor (hu'mer), n. wit; merri- 
ment; the tendency to look at things 
from the mirthful or incongruous 
side; caprice; proud conceit; tem- 
per; petulance; peevishness; mois- 


ate, arm. at, awl ; me, merge, met : mite, mit : note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hfie. hut ; think, then. 


HUMORIST 


247 


HURTLE 


ture of the body and eye; disease: 
v.t. to indulge; yield to a particular 
desire of. 

humorist (hu'mer-ist) , n. one who 
gratifies his own humor; a droll per- 
son; one whose writing or conversa- 
tion is characterized by humor. 

humorous (hu'mer-us), adj. full of, 
or characterized by, humor; comical; 
diverting. 

hump (hump), n. a protuberance on 
the back: v.t. to vex or annoy; ex- 
ert (one's self) . 

humulin (hu'mu-lin), n. the bitter 
narcotic principle in hops. 

humus (hu'mus), n. vegetable mold. 

Hun (hun), n. one of an ancient Tar- 
tar race, which in the ninth century, 
A.D., overran and devastated Eu- 
rope. Their representatives to-day 
are found in Russia, Hungary, Fin- 
land, and Poland, being commonly 
styled Turanians. 

hunch (hunch), n. a hump; lump; a 
thrust with the fist or elbow: v.t. to 
push with the fist or elbow; push 
with a sudden jerk; a popular 
superstition makes a hunch the 
source of luck 

hunchback (hunch'bak), n. a person 
with deformed neck and shoulders. 
As indicated above, popular super- 
stition makes him a source of luck. 

hundred (hun'dred), adj. 10 times 
10: n. the number of 10 times 10; 
the symbol (C, or 100) denoting it; 
a division of an English county. 

hundredth (hun'dredth) , adj. the 
ordinal of 100: n. one of 100 equal 
parts. 

hundredweight (hun'dred-wat) , n. 
the l-20th part of a ton. 

hung, p.t. of hang. 

Hungarian (hung-ga/ri-an) , adj. per- 
taining to Hungary, its inhabitants, 
or language. _The Hungarian name 
is Magyar (ma'yar). 

hunger (hung'ger), n. keenness of 
appetite; pain or uneasiness caused 
by want of food; strong desire: v.i. 
to feel the pain of hunger; to have 
a longing or earnest desire. 

hunger-strike (hung'ger-strik) , n. the 
effort to enforce release from impris- 
onment by refusing to take food, es- 
pecially of suffragettes. 

hungry (hung'gri), adj. [comp. hun- 


grier, superl. hungriest], having a 
keen appetite; feeling pain or un- 
easiness for want of food : emaciated ; 
eagerly desirous; unfertile: said of 
land. 

hunk (hungk), n. a lump or large 
piece. 

hunt (hunt), v.t. to pursue, or chase, 
as game or wild animals;, follow 
closely; search after \ v.i. to follow 
the chase: n. pursuit of game or 
wild animals; pack of hounds; an 
association of huntsmen; district 
hunted over by hounds; a search. 

Hunter (hunt'er), n. a huntsman; a 
horse or hound trained for hunting; 
a hunting-watch. 

hurdle (her'dl), n. a movable fence 
of osiers or branches; a fence to be 
leaped over in steep lechasing; a 
rude frame on which criminals were 
formerly dragged to execution: v.t. 
to cover or inclose with hurdles. 

hurdy-gurdy (her'di-ger'di) , n. a 
stringed instrument somewhat re- 
sembling a violin, played by a wheel ; 
a barrel organ; a miner's camp. 

hurl (herl), v.t. to throw with vio- 
lence; drive forcibly; utter with ve- 
hemence: n. the act of throwing. 

hurly-burly (her'li-ber'li) , n. tumult; 
great commotion. 

hurrah (hoo-ra'), inter j. a shout of 
joy, triumph, applause, &c: v.i. to 
uttersuch a shout in applause, &c. 
[Originally Russian.] 

hurricane (hur'i-kan), n. a gale of 
extreme violence characterized by 
fitful changes of the wind. 

hurricane- deck (hur'i-kan-dek), n. 
the bridge-deck of a steamship; the 
upper deck of a river steamer. 

hurried (hur'id), p.adj. exhibiting, or 
characterized by, haste; hasty. 

hurry (hur'i), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. hurried, 
p.pr. hurrying], to impel to greater 
speed; hasten on; accelerate: v.i. to 
act or move with haste: n. haste; 
urgency; precipitation; confusion. 

hurt (hert),_ v.t. [p.t. & p.p. hurt, 
p.pr. hurting], to cause^ or inflict 
pain in; wound; grieve; injure; im- 
pair or damage: n. a wound; in- 
jury; damage or loss. 

hurtful (hert'fool), adj. injurious; 
harmful. 

hurtle (hert'l), v.t. to move violent- 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


HUSBAND 


248 


HYDROCEPHALUS 


ly; impel forcibly: v.i. to clash; dash 
in collision. 

husband (huz'band), n. a married 
man: v.t. to manage or use with 
economy. 

husbandman (huz'band-man), n. [pi. 
husbandmen (huz'band-men)], a til- 
ler of the soil; farmer. 

husbandry (huz'band-ri), n. agricul- 
ture; frugality. 

hush (hush), inter j. be still! silence! 
adj. quiet; silent: n. quietness; si- 
lence: v.t. to make silent; soothe. 

husk (husk), n. the dry outer cover- 
ing of certain fruits or seeds: v.t. 
to remove husks from. 

huskiness (hus'ki-nes), n. the state 
of being husky. 

husky (hus'ki), adj. [comp. huskier, 
superl. huskiest], consisting of, or 
like, husks; worthless; rough or 
hoarse: said of the voice; physically 
strong: n. an American Indian 
sledge-dog. 

hussar (huz-ar'), n. a light-armed 
cavalry soldier. 

hussy (huz'i), n. [pi. hussies (huz'iz)], 
a fast girl; worthless woman. 

hustings (hustings) , n.pl. in England 
a court held in the Guildhall before 
the Lord Mayor, Recorder and 
sheriffs of London; formerly the 
stand from which Parliamentary 
candidates, when nominated, ad- 
dressed the electors. 

hustle (hus'l), v.t. to push roughly; 
jostle; mob; shake together in con- 
fusion: v.i. exhibit energy and alac- 
rity. 

hustler (hus'ler), n. one who works 
hard, but with more noise and fuss 
than are necessary. 

hut (hut), n. a small house or cabin; 
a temporary erection for lodging 
troops. 

hutch (huch), n. a bin, box, or chest; 
a coop or pen; a mining trough for 
washing ore: v.t. to store; to wash 
(ore) in a hutch. 

huzzah (huz-ah'), same as hurrah. 

hyacinth (hi'a-sinth), n. a handsome 
bulbous flowering plant of the genus 
Hyacinthus bearing spiky flowers, 
white, pink, or red, and either single 
or double; a variety of zircon, used 
as a jewel. [Greek.] 

hyal, a Greek prefix meaning glass, 


as hyaline, like glass: also hyalo: 
hyalogr&nhy, the art of writing or 
engraving upon glass. 

hyaline (hra-lin), adj. glassy; trans- 
parent. 

hyalography (hl-a-log'ra-fi), n. the 
art of engraving on glass. 

hybrid (hi'brid), n. a mongrel; an 
animal or plant produced by inter- 
breeding different species or varie- 
ties; a compound word the elements 
of which are derived from different 
languages. [Greek.] 

hydr, a Greek prefix meaning water, 
also the presence^ of hydrogen. Also 
hydro, as hydr&cid, an acid contain- 
ing hydrogen but no oxygen; hydrop- 
athy, the cure of disease by water 
treatment, externally or inter- 
nally. 

Hydra (hi'dra), n. in classical my- 
thology, the water serpent with nine 
heads slain by Hercules; each of 
these on being cut off became two: 
hence, any evil which, when grappled 
with, appears to intensify; a genus 
of fresh-water polyps which multi- 
ply on division. 

Hydrangea (hi-dran'je-a), n. a genus 
of shrubs of the saxifrage family 
with showy flowers. 

hydrant (hi'drant), n. a plug with a 
valve connected with a water main 
for extinguishing fires. 

hydrate (hi'drat), n. a chemical com- 
pound containing a definite quantity 
of water: v.t. to combine with water 
to form a hydrate. 

hydraulic (hi-draw'lik), adj. pertain- 
ing to fluids in motion: n.pl. the 
science of liquids in motion and the 
application of the forces 

hydride (hi'drid), n. a chemical com- 
bination of hydrogen with another 
element. 

hydro. See hydr. 

hydro-aeroplane (hi'dro-a r er-o-plan) , 
n. a flying machine for use both on 
water and in air. 

hydrocarbons (hi-dro-kar'bonz) , n.pl. 
a general name for bitumens, mineral 
resins, and fats which are composed 
of hydrogen and carbon. 

hydrocele (hl'dro-sel) , n. dropsy of 
the scrotum. 

hydrocephalus (hl-dro-sef'a-lus), n. 
dropsy of the brain. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut; think, then. 


HYDROCHLORATE 


249 


HYPOBLAST 


hydrochlorate (hi-dro-klo'rat), n. a 
salt of hydrochloric acid. 

hydrocyanic (Jn-dro-si-an'ik), adj. 
composed of hydrogen and cyanogen. 

hydro-dynamic (hi-dro-di-nam'ik) , 
adj. pertaining to, or derived from, 
the pressure of water: n.pl. the 
science that treats of water pressure. 

hydrogen (hi'dro-jen), n. a colorless 

, gaseous, inflammable substance, 
which liquefies under great pressure, 
and is the lightest element yet 
known, being 14>£ times lighter than 
air: when combined with oxygen 
it produces water. Hydrogen is the 
standard unit for the estimation of 
atomic weights atid volumes. 

hydrography (hi-drog'ra-fi) , n. the 
art of measuring and mapping the 
water surface of the earth, as oceans, 
lakes, coast-lines, &c, with relative 
data as to their depth, tides, beds, 
&c. 

hydrometer (hl-drom'e-ter), ft. an in- 
strument for determining the specific 
gravity, strength, &c, of fluids. 

hydropathic (hi-dro-path'ik), adj. 
pertaining to hydropathy: n. an es- 
tablishment where patients reside 
while under hydropathic treatment. 

hydrophobia (hl-dro-fo'bi-a), n. a 
disease caused by the virus from the 
saliva of a mad dog, resulting in 
convulsions, an unnatural dread of 
water, and final death. 

hydroplane (hi'dro-plan), n. an at- 
tachment for a boat to lessen fric- 
tion when the boat is speeded. 

hydrostat (hi'dro-statj, n. an ap- 
paratus for the prevention of boiler 
explosions; an electrical contrivance 
for indicating the leakage or over- 
flow of water. 

hydrotherapy (hi-dro-ther'a-pi) , n. 
treatment of disease by water; 
water-cure. 

hyena (hl-e'na), n. a bristly-maned 
wolf -like carnivorous quadruped. 
Also hyama. 

hyetal (hl'et-al), adj. pertaining to 
rain, or rainfall. 

hyetology (hl-et-ol'o-ji), n. that branch 
of meteorology treating of rainfall, 
its distribution, representation on 
charts, &c. 

hygeian, adj. pertaining to health, or 
hygiene. 


hygiene (hi-jen'), ft. the science of 
health, its preservation, and the 
laws of sanitation. 

hygienic (hi-ji-en'ik), adj. pertaining 
to hygiene. 

hymen (hl'men), ft. marriage, from 
Hymen, the Grecian god of mar- 
riage; the virginal membrane. 

hymeneal (hi-men-e'al), p.adj. per- 
taining to marriage; nuptial. 

hymn (him), ft. a sacred ode expres- 
sive of praise or adoration: y.t. to 
sing hymns to: adore or praise by 
hymns. [Greek.] 

hymnal (him'nal), n. a collection of 
hymns for public worship. 

hymnology (him-nol'o-ji), _ n. the 
study of hymns, their origin, use, 
lore, &c. 

hyoid (hl'oid), adj. shaped like the 
Greek letter T, v ; n. a U-shaped 
bone supporting the tongue. 

hyper, a Greek prefix meaning over, be- 
yond, excess, and in chemistry highest. 

hyperbola (hy-per-bo'la), n. a curve 
formed by the section of a cone 
when the cutting plane makes a 
greater angle with the base than the 
side of the cone makes. 

hyperbole (hl-per'bo-le) , n. a figure 
of speech which expresses more or 
less than the truth. 

hyperborean (hl-per-bo're-an), adj. 
arctic. 

hyphen (hi'fen), ft. a mark (-) joining 
two words or syllables: v.t. to join 
by such a mark. 

hypnal (hip'nal), n. a coal-tar product 
in the form of a white_ insoluble 
powder, used as a hypnotic. 

hypno, a Greek prefix meaning sleep, as 
hypnosis, a hypnotic state or trance. 

hypnosis (hip-no'sis), n. pertaining 
to, or producing, hypnotism. 

hypnotic ( hip-not 'ik), adj. producing 
sleep: n. any drug or medical 
treatment that produces sleep. 

hypnotism (hip'no-tizm), n. a meth- 
od of inducing a trance-like sleep: 
a method of medical treatmesrt, by 
hypnotism. _ 

hypnotize (hip'no-tiz),_ri. to produce, 
or subject to, hypnotism. 

hypo, hyp, a Greek prefix meaning 
under, beneath. 

hypoblast (hl'po-blast), ft. the under 
layer of the blastoderm. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut; think, ffien. 


HYPOCHONDRIA 


250 


HYSTEROTOMY 


hypochondria (hip-o-kon'dri-a) , n. 
a disease attended with extreme 
melancholy, and anxiety respecting 
one's state of health. Also hypo- 
chondriasis. 

hypocrisy (hi-pok'ri-si) , n. a feigning 
to be what one is not; dissimulation; 
false profession. 

hypocrite (hip'o-krit) , n. one who 
practices hypocrisy; a dissimulator. 

hypodermic (hl-po-der'mik), adj. in- 
serted under the skin: n. a medicine 
thus injected. 

hypogastric (hl-po-gas'trik) , adj. per- 
taining to the hypogastrium. 

hypogastrium (hl-pd-gas'tri-um), n. 
[pi. hypogastria (hl-po-gas'tri-a) ], 
the middle part of the lower region 
of the abdomen. 

hypostrophe (hip-os'tro-f e) , n. a turn- 
ing about ; a return. 

hypotaxis (hip-o-taks'is) , n. in syntax, 
the subordination of one sentence to 
another, the first then becoming a 
clause. Opposed to parataxis. 

hypotenuse (hi-pot'e-nus) , n. the side 
of a right-angled triangle opposite 
the right angle. Also hypothe- 
nuse. 

hypothesis (hl-poth'e-sis) , n. [pi. hy- 
potheses (hl-poth'e-sez)], something 


assumed for the purpose of argument ; 
a theory to explain some fact which 
may or may not prove to be true; 
supposition; conjecture. 

hypothetic (hi-po-thet'ik), adj. based 
on hypothesis; conjectural. Also 
hypothetical. 

hypsi, a Greek prefix meaning high, 
exceptionally high, as hypsibr&chy- 
cephalic : adj. having a high broad 
skull, as certain races. Also hypso. 

hypsosis (hip-so 'sis), n. the elevation 
of the Host or of the Cross. 

hyson (hi 'son), n. a Chinese green 
tea. 

hyssop (his'up), n. an aromatic plant 
with blue flowers; an unidentified 
plant mentioned in the Bible. 

hysteria (his-te'ri-a), n. a nervous af- 
fection, mainly of women, character- 
ized by choking sensations, parox- 
ysms of laughter or weeping, and 
frequently simulating other dis- 
eases. 

hysterical (his-ter'i-kal) , adj. pertain- 
ing to, or affected by, hysterics ; vio- 
lently emotional. 

hysterics (his-ter'iks) , n.pl. hysteria. 

hysterotomy (his-ter-ot'o-mi), n. the 
operation of cutting out, or into, the 
womb. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit : note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


I 


I. The ninth letter in the alphabet of 
Western Europe. In the early 
Greek it was in form a very narrow 
upright Z. Later it was straightened 
into its present form. The dot was 
not placed over the minuscule or 
small i before the fourteenth cen- 
tury. 
I (I), pron. [pi. we (we)], nom. case, 
sing, of the pronoun of the first per- 
son; the word by which the speaker 
or writer denotes himself: n. in meta- 
physics, the object of consciousness; 
the ego. 
Iambic (i-am'bik), adj. consisting of, 
or employing, iambics: n. an iam- 
bus, a satirical poem in iambic verse. 
Iambus (i-am'bus), n. a metrical foot 
consisting of two syllables, of which 
the first is short and the second is 
long («-), or, in accentual versi- 
fication, a foot of two syllables, in 
which the stress accent falls on the 
second syllable ( « ' ) . Unrhymed 
iambic lines of five feet each are 
called blank verse; if rhymed, heroic 
verse. 
Ibex (I'beks), n. a genus of wild goats, 
having very large recurved horns, 
the best known species of which is 
the Alpine steinbok or bouquetin. 
ibis (I'bis), n. a genus of large wad- 
ing birds, having a long, curved 
beak, of which the most notable spe- 
cies is the sacred Ibis of the ancient 
Egyptians. 
ice (Is), n. frozen water or other fluid; 
a frozen confection, as ice-cream: 
v.t. to convert into ice; freeze; pre- 
serve in ice, cover with concreted 
sugar; frost. 
iceberg (is'berg), n. a large mass of 
ice detached from a glacier, and 
floating in the sea. 
ichneumon (ik-nu'mun), n. an ani- 
mal of the weasel kind, found in 
Egypt, where it was anciently wor- 


shipped; it tracks out and devours 
the eggs of the crocodile. 
ichnology (ik-nol'o-ji), n. that branch 
of science which treats of fossil foot- 
prints. 
ichor (i'kor), n. in classical mythol- 
ogy, the ethereal fluid which ran, in- 
stead of blood, in the veins of the 
gods; modern; a thin, watery, acrid 
serum from an ulcer or wound. 
ichthyo, a Greek prefix meaning a 
fish, as ichthyolite, a fossil fish; the 
impression of a fossil fish. Also 
ichthy. 

ichthyology (ik-thi-ol'6-ji), n. that 
branch of zoology which treats of 
fishes, their structure, classification, 
&c. 

Ichthyosaurus (ik'thi-o-saw'rus), n. 
an extinct genus of huge fossil fish- 
lizards. 

ichthyosis (ik-thi-o'sis), n. a disease in 
which the skin presents the form of 
hard dry scales and plates as in a 
fish. 

icicle (I'si-kl), n. a pendent cone of 
ice formed by the freezing of drip- 
ping water. 

icon (I'kon), n. [pi. icons (I'konz), 
icones (I'kon-ez)], in the Greek 
Church, a sacred image or picture. 
Also eikon, ikon. 

icono, a Greek prefix meaning image, 
as iconoclasm, image breaking. 

ictus (ik'tus), n. a blow or stroke; in 
prosody and music, rhythmical or 
metrical accent or stress. [Latin.] 

icy ^ (I'si), adj. [comp. icier, superl. 
iciest], pertaining to, or resembling, 
or abounding in, ice; cold; chilling; 
indifferent. 

idea (I-de'a), n. a mental image or 
picture; a conception of what ought 
to be; an abstract principle; opin- 
ion; belief; plan. 

ideal (I-de'al), adj. existing in imagi- 
nation only; visionary; conforming 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


IDEALIZE 


252 


IF 


to a standard of perfection; per- 
fect: n. a mental conception, or an 
individual regarded as the standard 
of perfection. 

idealize (I-de'al-iz), v.t. to make ideal; 
embody in an ideal form; represent 
(natural objects) so as to show 
their most important characteristics 
only: v.i. to form ideals. 

idealism (I-de'al-izm), n. in art, the 
effort to realize, by elimination and 
combination, the highest type of any 
natural object; the doctrine that all 
our knowledge of objects is a knowl- 
edge of ideas. 

ideality (l-de-al'i-ti), n. the quality of 
being ideal; the faculty to form 
ideals. 

identical (i-den'ti-kal), adj. express- 
ing sameness; differing in no essen- 
tial point. 

identify (I-den'ti-fl) , v.t. [p.t. & p.p. 
identified, p.pr. identifying], to make, 
prove to be, or consider as, the 
same. 

identity (i-den'ti-ti), n. essential or 
practical samene;*s. 

ideograph (J'de-o-graf ) . n. a symbol, 
figure, or hieroglyph, not naming 
but suggesting the idea of an object. 
Also ideogram. 

ideography (i-de-og'ra-fi) , n. the di- 
rect representation of ideas by sym- 
bols. 

ideology (I-de-ol'o-ji), n. the science of 
ideas; the system of philosophy origi- 
nated by Condillac, which derives 
ideas exclusively from sensation. 

ideomotion (I-de-o-mo'skun), n. un- 
conscious muscular motion arising 
from a dominant idea. 

Ides (ldz), n.pl. in the ancient Roman 
calendar, the 15th of March, May, 
July, October, and the 13th of the 
other months. 

idio, a Greek prefix meaning one's own, 
peculiar, as Olograph, a private or 
trade mark. 

Idiocy (id'i-o-si), n. the state of be- 
ing an idiot; mental imbecility. 
Also idiot cy. 

idiom (id'i-um), n. a turn of expres- 
sion peculiar to a language; the dis- 
tinctive characteristics of a lan- 
guage. 

idiomatic (id'i-o-mat'ik), adj. pecu- 
liar to a language; given to, or 


marked by, the use of idioms. Also 
idiomatical. 

idiosyncrasy (id-i-o-sin'kra-si) , n. [pi. 
idiosyncrasies (id-i-o-sin'kra-siz)], pe- 
culiarity of constitution or tempera- 
ment ; a characteristic peculiar to an 
individual. 

idiot (id'i-ot), n. one of weak intellect; 
a foolish person. 

idiotic (id-i-ot'ik), adj. pertaining to, 
or like, an idiot; foolish, fatuous. 

idle (i'dl), adj. empty; unoccupied; 
unemployed; unused; useless; vain; 
of no importance; irrelevant; averse 
to labor; futile; lazy: v.i. to be in- 
active or without employment: v.t. 
to spend m idleness; waste (time): 
usually with away. 

idler (I'dler), n. one who idles; a lazy 
person; one who has constant day 
duty on board ship, and does not 
keep_ night watch. 

Ido (e'do), n. a universal language 
claimed to have the virtues of Vola- 
piik and Esperanto without their 
faults. 

idol ij'dol), n. an image of a divinity, 
employed as an object of worship; a 
person or thing loved to excess. 

idolater (J-dol'a-ter) , n. an idol-wor- 
shipper ; one who pays divine honors 
to images, &c; one who loves a per- 
son or thing to excess. 

idolatrous (J-dol'a-trus) , adj. per- 
taining to, or practicing, idolatry; 
marked by undue reverence or 
affection. 

idolatry u-dol'a-tri), n. [pi. idolatries 
(I-dol'a-triz)], the paying of Divine 
honors to idols, images, or any creat- 
ed object; the ascription of Divine 
power to natural agencies; excessive 
admiration, veneration, or love for 
any person or thing. [Greek.] 

idolize (J'dol-iz), v.t. to make an idol 
of; love or admire to excess. 

idyl (i'dil), n. a short, highly-wrought 
pastoral poem; applied also to de- 
scriptive and narrative _ poems _ of 
greater length; a description of sim- 
ple, rural, pastoral scenes. Also 
idyll. [Greek.] 

idyllic (i-dil'ik), adj. pertaining to, or 
of the nature of, an idyl; pas- 
toral. 

if (if), conj. on the condition; sup- 
posing that; whether; although. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit : note, north, not ; boon, book 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


IGNEOUS 


253 


ILLUSTRATE 


igneous (ig'ne-us), adj. pertaining to, 
consisting of, or resembling fire, or 
produced by fire. 

ignis fatuus (ig'nis fat'u-us), n. a me- 
teoric light seen to flit above the 
ground in marshy places, &c; a mis- 
leading influence. Popularly known 
as Will-o'-the-wisp, Jack-o'-Lantern, 
Corpse-candle. 

ignite (ig-nit'), v.t. to set on fire; to 
make incandescent with heat; sub- 
ject to the action of intense heat: 
v.i. to take fire; glow with heat. 

ignition (ig-nish'un), n. the act of ig- 
niting; the state of being ignited. 

ignoble (ig-no'bl), adj. of low birth or 
station; of mean character or qual- 
ity ; of little value. _ 

ignominious (ig-no-min'i-us) , m adj. 
marked with ignominy or public dis- 
grace ; shameful ; deserving disgrace ; 
despicable. 

ignominy (ig'no-min-i) , n. [pi. igno- 
minies (ig'no-min-iz)], loss of one's 
good name; public disgrace or dis- 
honor; cause or source of dis- 
grace. 

ignoramus (ig-no-ra'mus) , n. an ig- 
norant person, especially an igno- 
rant pretender to knowledge. [Latin, 
"We do not know."] 

ignorance (ig'no-rans), n. the state of 
being ignorant; want of knowledge. 

ignorant (ig'no-rant), adj. destitute of 
knowledge; uninstructed ; illiterate. 

ignore (ig-nor'), v.t. to be ignorant 
of; treat as unknown; disregard; 
throw out as false or unsupported 
by sufficient evidence: said of a 
grand jury rejecting a bill. [Latin.] 

il, a Latin prefix, another form of in 
when followed by I, meaning not, as 
271iterate, illegible. 

ileum (ire-um), n. the lower part of 
the small intestine. 

Ilex (I'leks), n. a genus of evergreen 
trees and shrubs represented by the 
holly.. 

ilium (il'i-um), n. the dorsal or up- 
per part of the hip-bone. 

ill (il), adj. [comp. worse, superl. 
worst], bad or evil; contrary to 
good ; causing or attended by evil or 
suffering in a bad or disordered state 
physically or morally; sick; dis- 
eased; unfriendly; not proper; un- 
skilful; vicious: n. evil; misfortune; 


disease; harm; mischief: adv. not 
well; not easily. 

illapse (il-laps'). n. a gliding in or 
into, especially a divine influx; in- 
spiration. [Latin.] 

illation (il-la'shun), n. an inference, 
deduction, or conclusion. 

illegal (il-le'gal), adj. not according 
to law; unlawful. 

illegality (il-le-gal'i-ti), n. the state 
of being illegal; unlawfulness. 

illegible (il-lej'i-bl), adj. difficult to 
read or decipher. 

illegitimate (il-le-jit'i-mat), v.t. to 
render, prove or declare illegiti- 
mate; to bastardize: adj. born out 
of wedlock. 

illiberal (il-lib'er-al), adj. not gener- 
ous; niggardly; narrow minded. 

illicit (il-lis'it), adj. not authorized or 
allowed; unlicensed; unlawful. 

illimitable (il-lim'it-a-bl), adj. im- 
measurable; vast; infinite. 

illision (il-lizh'un), n. the act of strik- 
ing into or against. 

illiteracy (il-lit'er-a-si), n. ignorance 
of letters. 

illness (il'nes), n. the condition of be- 
ing ill; disease; sickness. 

illogical (il-loj'i-kal), adj. contrary to 
the rules of logic. 

illude (il-lud'). v.t. to mock; deceive; 
delude. 

illuminate (il-lu'mi-nat) , v.t. to give 
light to ; decorate with lights, in token 
of rejoicing; enlighten; throw light 
upon; make plain; elucidate; adorn, 
as a manuscript, with miniature 
pictures in colors and gold: v.i. to 
display lights in token of rejoicing. 

illumination (il-lu-mi-na'shun), n. 
supply of light; the act of illuminat- 
ing, or state of being illuminated, 
especially the festive decoration of 
houses or cities with lights; the art 
of illumining books or manuscripts; 
a design in an illuminated work; 
intellectual light; inspiration. 

illusion (il-lii'zhun), n. deceptive ap- 
pearance; false show; hallucina- 
tion. 

illusive (il-lu'siv), adj. deceiving by il- 
lusion; deceptive; illusory. 

illusory (il-lu'so-ri), adj. causing illu- 
sion; fallacious; deceptive. 

illustrate (il-lus'trat and ilTus-trat) , 
v.t. to make clear or intelligible,; ex- 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


ILLUSTRATION 


254 


IMMATURE 


plain by examples; elucidate by- 
means of pictures, &c. [Latin.] 

illustration (il-lus-tra'shun), n. the 
act of illustrating; the state of being 
illustrated; that which illustrates; 
a comparison or example which ex- 
plains or corroborates; a picture 
designed to elucidate the text. 

illustrative (il-lus'tra-tiv), adj. tend- 
ing to illustrate, elucidate, or exem- 
plify. 

illustrious (il-lus'tri-us) , adj. distin- 
guished by greatness; eminent; re- 
nowned; glorious; famous; honored. 

!m, a Latin prejix representing in when 
followed by o, w, or p. 

image (im'aj), n. an imitation of any 
person or thing; a statue, effigy, or 
bust; an idol; a counterpart; like- 
ness; a mental picture, conception, 
or idea; an extended metaphor; the 
figure of an object formed by rays 
of light: v.t. to form, or reflect, an 
image of; represent to the mental 
vision; imagine. 

imagery (im'aj-ri), n. [pi. imageries 
(im'aj-riz)], representation by im- 
ages; images collectively; figures in 
discourse; forms of the fancy. 

imaginable (im-aj'i-na-bl), adj. that 
may be imagined or conceived. 

imaginary (im-aj'i-na-ri), adj. exist- 
ing only in imagination; unreal; Uto- 
pian. 

Imagination (im-aj-i-na'shun), n. the 
image-forming power of the mind, or 
the power of the mind which modi- 
fies the conceptions, especially the 
higher forms of this power exercised 
in art and poetry, usually termed 
the plastic or creative power; a con- 
ception or idea; fancy; inven- 
tion. 

imaginative (im-aj'i-na-tiv), adj. pro- 
ceeding from, exhibiting, or en- 
dowed with, imagination; inventive; 
fanciful. 

imagine (im-aj'in), v.t. to form a men- 
tal picture of; produce by the imagi- 
nation ; conceive ; conjecture ; think ; 
suppose: v.i. to form a mental image, 
fancy; to surmise. 

imbecile (im'be-sil), adj. without 
strength, especially of mind; feeble- 
minded; idiotic: n. one of feeble 
mind. 

imbecility (im-be-siri-ti) , n. [pi. imbe- 


cilities (im-be-sil'i-tiz)], mental or 
physical weakness. 

imbibe (im-blb'), v.t. to drink in; ab- 
sorb, as if by drinking; receive or 
absorb into the mind: v.i. to drink; 
absorb moisture. 

imbricate (im'bri-kat) , v.t. to lay in 
order, one lapping over another, like 
tiles or shingles: v.i. to overlap seri- 
ally: adj. bent and hollowed like a 
gutter tile or pantile; overlapping 
like tiles, as the scales of fishes, or 
the leaf -buds of plants; decorated 
with a pattern resembling lapping 
tiles or scales. 

imbroglio (im-bro'lyo) , n. a confused 
mass of things; intricate and per- 
plexing state of affairs; misunder- 
standing; entanglement; strife; per- 
plexity^ complicated plot. [Italian.] 

imbrue (im-broo'), v.t. to wet or moist- 
en; soak; drench, especially in 
blood. 

imbue (im-bu'), v.t. to cause to absorb; 
tinge deeply; dye; to tincture deeply, 
as the mind with certain principles. 

imitate (im'i-tat), v.t. to produce a 
semblance of, in form, color, quali- 
ties, conduct, and the like; use as a 
model or" pattern; to take example 
by; to counterfeit; copy. 

imitation (im-i-ta'shun) , n. the act of 
imitating^ that which is produced 
by imitating; the repetition of the 
same melodic theme or phrase, either 
in m a different key, or in another 
voice or part: adj. made in imita- 
tion; not genuine. 

imitative (im'i-ta-tiv), adj. inclined to, 
or aiming at, imitation; formed after 
a model. 

immaculate (im - mak'u - lat) , adj. 
without blemish; unspotted; unde- 
fined; pure. 

immanent (im'ma-nent), adj. remain- 
ing within; inherent. 

Immanuel (im-man'u-el) , n. a name 
given in prophecy of the coming 
Messiah and applied to Christ as 
the fulfilment of this prophecy. 
[Hebrew, "God is with us."] 

immaterial (im-ma-te'ri-al) , adj. not 
consisting of matter; spiritual; dis- 
embodied; unimportant. 

immaterialism (im-ma-te'ri-al-izm) , 
n. idealism; spiritualism. 

immature (im-ma-tur') , adj. not ripe; 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, 


merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


north, not ; boon, book 


IMMATURITY 


255 


IMPACT 


not fully grown or developed; not 
finished or perfected ; crude. 

immaturity (im-ma-tur'i-ti), n. un- 
ripeness: incompleteness. 

immeasurable (im-mezh'ur-a-bl), adj. 
not to be measured; immense; limit- 
less; vast. 

immediate (im-me'di-at), adj. di- 
rectly related without an interven- 
ing medium; next; direct; approxi- 
mate; instant. 

immediately (im-me'di-at-li), adv. di- 
rectly; proximately; instantly. 

immemorial (im-me-mo'ri-al), adj. 
extending beyond the reach of mem- 
ory, record, or tradition: as imme- 
morial usage or custom. 

immense (im-mens'), adj. immeasur- 
able; boundless; vast; very great or 
large; very good or fine: n. infinite 
space; immensity. 

immensity (im-men'si-ti) , n. [pi. im- 
mensities (im-men'si-tiz)],the char- 
acter of being immense; immeasur- 
ableness; infinite space; vastness in 
extent or bulk. 

immerge (im-merj'). v.t. to plunge 
into or under anything, especially 
a fluid; immerse: v.i. to disappear 
by entering into any medium, as 
the moon into the shadow of the 
earth. 

immerse (im-mers'),i>.£. to plunge into 
or under anything, especially a 
fluid; sink; dip; plunge into, as an 
occupation; baptize by immersion. 

immersion (im-mer'shun), n. the act 
of immersing; the state^ of being 
immersed; baptism by dipping the 
whole person into water. 

immigrant (im'i-grant), adj. pass- 
ing or coming into, as a new habitat 
or place of residence: n. one who, or 
that which, immigrates. 

immigrate (im'i-grat), v.i. to come 
into a new place of residence, es- 
pecially to a country to settle 
there. 

imminence (im'i-nens), n. the condi- 
tion of being imminent; nearness; 
impending evil or danger. 

imminent (im'i-nent), adj. threaten- 
ing or about to fall or occur imme- 
diately: said especially of misfor- 
tune or peril. 

immobility (im-m5-biri-ti) , n. fixed- 
ness in place or state. 


immoderate (im-mod'er-at), adj. not 
moderate, not confined to custom- 
ary or just or reasonable limits; 
extravagant; intemperate. 

immodest (im-mod'est), adj. forward; 
arrogant; wanting in the restraint 
required by decency; indelicate; un- 
chaste. 

immodesty (im-mod'es-ti), n. want of 
modesty, delicacy, or proper re- 
serve ; arrogance^ unchastity. 

immolate (im'q-lat), v.t. to kill as a 
sacrificial victim; offer in sacrifice; 
make a sacrifice of. 

immoral (im-mor'al), adj. contrary 
to the moral law, or to the public 
good; vicious; dissolute; dishonest; 
unprincipled^ 

immorality (im-mq-ral'i-ti), n. the 
quality of being immoral; an im- 
moral act or practice. 

immortal (im-mor'tal), adj. not mor- 
tal or subject to death; imperishable; 
ever-living: n. one who is immor- 
tal: pi. the gods of classical my- 
thology. 

immortality (im-mor-tal'i-ti) , n. ex- 
emption from death or oblivion; un- 
ending existence. 

immortalize (im-mor'tal-iz), v.t. to 
render immortal; bestow lasting 
fame upon. 

immovable (im-moov'a-bl), adj. in- 
capable of being moved; fixed; stead- 
fast; unchanging; unfeeling: n.pl. 
land, or things fixed to, or running 
with, land, as trees, buildings. 

immune (im-mun'), adj. exempt, as 
from a disease: n. one who is ex- 
empt from any particular disease 
by reason of having had it. 

immunity (im-mun'i-ti) , n. [pi. im- 
munities (im-mun'i-tiz)], exemption 
from any duty, office, or tax; free- 
dom from natural or usual liability; 
special privilege (usually in pi.). 

immure (im-mur'), v.t. to enclose 
within walls ; shut up in prison ; con- 
fine. 

immutable (im-mut'a-bl), adj. un- 
changeable ; invariable ; unaltera- 
ble; permanent. 

imp (imp), n. an offshoot or graft from 
a tree; a young, little, or inferior 
devil; a hobgoblin; sprite; a pert or 
mischievous child. 

impact (im'pakt), n. collision. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


IMPAIR 


256 


IMPERFECTION 


impair (im-par'), v.t. to make worse; 
lessen in quantity, value, excellence, 
or strength: v.i. to become worse; 
deteriorate. 

impale (im-pal '),*>•£. to fix on a stake; 
put to death by transfixing on a 
sharp upright stake; surround with, 
or as with, a paling or palisade; in 
heraldry, to join (two coats of 
arms) on one shield, palewise. 

impalpable (im-pal'pa-bl), adj. not 
to be perceived by the touch; not 
material; incorporeal; not (readily) 
apprehensible by the mind; intangi- 
ble; unreal. 

impanel (im-pan'el), v.t. to enter the 
names of (jurors) on a piece of 
parchment called a panel; summon 
to serve on a jury; draw from the 
panel and swear in. [Latin.] 

imparity (im-par'i-ti), n. inequality; 
disproportion; difference of degree, 
rank, excellence, number, quantity, 
&c; want of correspondence. 

impart (im-parf), v.t. to bestow a 
share or portion of; give; to com- 
municate knowledge of; make 
known: v.i. to give a share. 

impartial (im-par'shal) , adj. free from 
partiality; equitable; fair; just; 
unprejudiced. 

impartiality (im-par-shi-al'i-ti) , n. 
freedom from bias; fairness. 

impartible (im-par'ti-bl) , adj. cap- 
able of being imparted or communi- 
cated; indivisible. 

impassable (im-pas'a-bl) : adj. not to 
be passed; not admitting passage; 
impervious. 

impassioned (im-pash'und), p.adj. 
moved to strong feeling; animated; 
excited. 

impassive (im-pas'iv), adj. apathetic; 
unmoved. 

impatience (im-pa'shens) , n. the state 
of being impatient. 

impatient (im-pa/shent) , adj. in- 
tolerant of pain, delay, opposition, 
control, or circumstances; exhibit- 
ing or expressing impatience (with 
at); eager (with for). 

impawn (im-pawn'), v.t. to put in 
pawn; deposit as security; 
pledge. 

impeach (im-pech'), v.t. to call in 
question; accuse before a tribunal 
of official misconduct; challenge the 


credibility or validity of: as a wit- 
ness or a document. 

impeachment (im-pech'ment) , n. the 
arraignment of a public officer for 
malfeasance in office; a discrediting 
or calling in question. 

impeccable (im-pek'a-bl) , adj. not 
liable to sin; faultless. 

impecunious (im-pe-ku'ni-us) , adj. 
without money; poor. 

impede (im-ped'), v.t. to obstruct; hin- 
der. 

impediment (im-ped'i-ment) , n. that 
which impedes progress or activity; 
obstruction; obstacle; hindrance. 

impedimenta (im-ped-i-men'ta) , n.pl. 
encumbrances; traveling equipage; 
baggage, especially military bag- 
gage; military supplies. 

impel (im-pel')., v.t. [p.t. & p.p. im- 
pelled, p.pr. impelling], to drive or 
urge forward or on; constrain to 
any kind of motion or action. 

impend (im-pend'), v.i. to hang over; 
be ready to fall; be at hand. 

impending (im-pend'ing) , p.adj. over- 
hanging; suspended so as to menace; 
close at hand. 

impenetrable (im-pen'e-tra-bl) , adj. 
not penetrable; not admitting en- 
trance; having the property of being 
impenetrable ; impervious. 

impenitence (im-pen'i-tens) , n. the 
state of being impenitent; hardness 
of heart ; stubborn wickedness. Also 
impenitency. 

impenitent (im-pen'i-tent) , adj. not 
contrite; finally negligent of the 
duty of repentance; obdurate: n. 
one who finally neglects the duty of 
repentance; a hardened sinner. 

imperative (im-per'a-tiv) , adj. ex- 
pressing command; peremptory; ob- 
ligatory: n. that mood of a verb that 
expresses command, entreaty, or 
exhortation. 

imperceptible (im-per-sep'ti-bl), adj. 
that cannot be immediately per- 
ceived by the senses, or easily ap- 
prehended by the mind. 

imperfect (im-per'f ekt) , adj. wanting 
in completeness, correctness, or ex- 
cellence; wanting in some organ es- 
sential to normal activity; incom- 
plete; defective; faulty. 

imperfection (im-per-f ek'shun) , n. 
incompleteness; faultiness; a defect 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book : 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


IMPERIAL 


257 


IMPLORE 


or blemish, physical, mental, or 
moral; failing. 

imperial (im-pe'ri-al) , adj. pertaining 
to an empire or emperor; fit or suit- 
able for one who wields supreme au- 
thority; of superior size or excel- 
lence; royal; sovereign: n. a size of 
paper, 30 in. x 22 in.; a tuft of 
hair left unshaven on the lower lip 
and chin (so called from Napoleon 
III., who set this fashion). See 
goatee. 

imperialism (im-pe'ri-al-izm), n. the 
system of imperial government; the 
policy of imperial federation ; policy 
of territorial expansion. 

imperil (im-per'il), v.t. to put in peril; 
endanger; jeopardize. 

imperious (im-pe'ri-us), adj. domi- 
neering, dictatorial, overbearing; ur- 
gent; imperative. 

imperishable (im-per'ish-a-bl) , adj. 
indestructible; not subject to decay; 
permanently enduring. 

impermeable (im-per'me-a-bl) , adj. 
not permitting passage, as of a fluid, 
through its substance; impervious; 
impenetrable. 

impersonal (im-per'sun-al) , adj. want- 
ing personality or conscious indi- 
viduality; not referring to a par- 
ticular person: n. an impersonal 
verb. 

impersonality (im-per-sun-al'i-ti) , n. 
absence of personality. 

impersonal verb (verb), n. a verb 
used without a personal subject, or 
(in English) with only the imper- 
sonal it. 

impersonate (im-per'sun-at) , v.t. to 
invest with personality ; embody as a 
person; represent as a personality; 
to represent the person or character 
of, especially on the stage. 

impertinence (im-per'tin-ens) , n. that 
which is impertinent or irrelevant, 
as in speech or manners; a thing of 
no value ; # a trifle; forwardness; 
rudeness; in law, matter which is 
immaterial in substance. 

impertinent (im-per'tin-ent) , adj. 
not pertinent; of no relation to the 
matter in hand ; rude; saucy. 

imperturbable (im-per-ter'ba-bl), adj. 
not easily disturbed, agitated, or 
disconcerted; self-contained, cool, 
calm. 


impervious (im-per'vi-us), adj. not to 
be passed through or penetrated ; im- 
penetrable; not permitting passage, 
as of a fluid, through its substance. 

impetuosity (im-pet-Q-os'i-ti) , n. ve- 
hemence; violence; force. [Latin.] 

impetuous (im-pet'u-us), adj. rush- 
ing with force and violence; vehe- 
ment in feeling; acting with sudden 
energy; precipitate. 

impetus (im'pe-tus), n. the force with 
which any body is driven or im- 
pelled; impulse; impulsion; mo- 
mentum. [Latin.] 

impiety _ (im-pi'i-ti), n. [pi. impieties 
(im-pi'i-tiz) ], want of piety; disre- 
gard of the Supreme Being; ungodli- 
ness; an act of irreverence or wicked- 
ness; violation of natural duty tow- 
ards others, as disobedience to 
parents. m [Latin.] 

impinge (im-pinj'), v.i. strike or dash; 
clash; come in collision (with on, 
upon, or against). 

impious (im 'pi-us), adj. irreligious; 
wicked; profane. 

impish (imp'ish), adj. having the mis- 
chievous character of an imp. 

implacable (im-pla/ka-bl) , adj. not to 
be pacified or appeased; constant 
in anger or enmity; relentless. 

implant (im-planf), v.t. to infix for 
growth; cause to take root; in- 
graft. 

implead (im-pled'), v.t. to sue or pros- 
ecute; accuse; impeach. 

implement (im'ple-ment), n. that 
which supplies a want, or is a requi- 
site to an end, especially an instru- 
ment, tool, or utensil. [Latin.] 

implemental (im-ple-men'tal), adj. 
pertaining to, or characterized by, 
the use of implements. 

implicate (im'pli-kat), v.t. to infold; 
involve, entangle; bring into con- 
nection with. [Latin.] 

implication (im-pli-ka shun) , # n. en- 
tanglement; that which is implied; 
an inference not # expressed but un- 
derstood; deduction. 

implicit (im-plis'it) : adj. implied; rest- 
ing on implication or inference; 
trusting in the word or authority of 
another; submissive; blind; tacit; 
unreserved. 

implore (im-plor'), v.t to entreat (a. 
person or for a thing) earnestly, 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit : note, north, not ; boon, book 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


IMPLY 


258 


IMPOVERISH 


humbly and importunately: v.i. to 
beg; cry; supplicate. 

imply (im-pli') v.t. [p.t. & p.p. im- 
plied, p.pr. implying], to contain by 
implication; mean or signify by fair 
inference; express indirectly; in- 
sinuate; tactless. 

impolite (im-po-llf) , , adj . wanting in 
good manners; boorish; coarse. 

impoliteness (im-po-llt'nes) , n. inci- 
vility; rudeness. 

impolitic (im-pol'i-tik) , adj. contrary 
to good policy; unwise; injudicious; 
indiscreet. 

imponderable (im-pon'der-a-bl) , adj. 
not capable of being weighed; hav- 
ing no (sensible) weight: n. a term 
applied to the hypothetical universal 
medium, ether. [Latin.] 

imporous (im-po'rus), adj. without 
pores; solid. 

import (im-porf), v.t. to bring into a 
country from abroad: opposed to ex- 
port; bring in from without, as ir- 
relevant matter into a discussion; 
bear in meaning; imply; signify; 
betoken; be of interest or conse- 
quence to; concern: v.i. to be of 
moment: n. (im'pSrt) merchandise 
brought into a country from abroad 
(usually in pi.); meaning; purport; 
significance ; importance. 

importance (im-por'tans), n. the 
quality of being important; high 
place in public estimation; high self- 
esteem. 

important (im-por'tant) , adj. of much 
import or significance; momentous; 
bearing weight or consequence; of 
high standing; pompous. 

importation (im-por-ta'shun), n. the 
act or practice of bringing mer- 
chandise into a country from abroad ; 
that which is imported; one who, 
or that which, is recently intro- 
duced. 

importunate (im-por'tu-nat), adj. 
persistent; unreasonable or trouble- 
some in solicitation; not to be re- 
pulsed; urgent. 

importune (im-por-tun')., v.t. to ha- 
rass with perpetual petitions or de- 
mands: v.i. to beg persistently or 
urgently. 

importunity (im-p6r-tu'ni-ti) , n. [pi. 
importunities (im-por-tu'ni-tiz)], per- 


sistent solicitation or demand; inces- 
sant insistence; urgency. 

impose (im-poz'), v.t. to place upon: 
as, to impose the hands in confirma- 
tion or ordination; lay upon, as a 
burden, punishment, or charge; to 
palm off; lay (pages of type) on 
an imposing-stone or the bed of a 
press, and secure them in a chase: 
v.i. to place a burden or tax; prac- 
tice deception (with upon). 

imposing (im-poz'ing), p.adj. adapted 
to impress; commanding; stately; 
grand; impressive: n. in printing, 
the arrangement of pages or columns 
into forms. 

imposition (im-po-zish'un) , n. a lay- 
ing upon, especially of hands in or- 
dination or confirmation; the fixing 
of a meaning upon the terms of a 
proposition; that which is imposed, 
levied, or enjoined; a trick, fraud, or 
deception; a duty formerly imposed 
at the pleasure of the British 
king on imports and exports with- 
out consent of Parliament. See im- 
post. 

impossible (im-pos'i-bl) , _ adj. that 
cannot be done; inconceivable. 

impost (im'post), n. that which is im- 
posed or levied; a tax, tribute, or 
duty, especially a customs-duty lev- 
ied by government on imports; the 
top member of a pillar on which the 
arch rests. 

impostor (im-pos'ter), n. one who im- 
poses upon others by an assumed 
character or false pretensions. 

imposture (im-pos'tur), n. deception, 
especially that which is practiced 
under an assumed character or by 
false pretensions. 

impotence (im'po-tens) , n. the state 
of being impotent in body or mind; 
feebleness; want of capacity; de- 
ficiency of means to achieve an end. 

impotent (im'po-tent) , adj. wanting 
in physical, intellectual, or moral 
power; weak; deficient in capacity; 
unable to beget; lacking self-re- 
straint. 

impound (im-pound'), v.t. to shut up 
in a pound or pen, as stray cattle; 
confine; hold in the custody of a 
court. 

impoverish (im-pov'er-ish), v.t. to 
make poor; reduce to poverty; 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


i 


IMPRACTICABLE 


259 


IMPROVISE 


cause to deteriorate in quality or 
productiveness. 

impracticable (im-prak'ti-ka-bl), adj. 
not to be effected by the means cm- 
ployed, or at command; not easily 
dealt with; unmanageable; impossi- 
ble; intractable. 

imprecate (im'pre-kat) , v.t. to invoke, 
especially an evil or curse, upon; 
curse; wish evil to. [Latin.] 

impregnable (im-preg'na-bl), adj. not 
to be captured, as a fortress; not to 
be overcome, as virtue. 

impregnate (im-preg'nat), v.t. _ to 
make pregnant; fecundate; fertilize; 
infuse an active principle, or the par- 
ticles of another substance, into; 
imbue; saturate. 

impresario (im-pra-sa're-o) , n. the 
manager of an opera or concert 
company; one who engages singers 
and brings them before the public. 

impress (im-pres'), v.t. to mark, 
stamp, or print by pressure; to af- 
fect forcibly, or stamp deeply on, 
the mind; to imprint; inculcate; 
compel to enter the public service as 
soldiers or sailors, especially to 
carry off forcibly to serve in the navy ; 
seize for the public service, as money 
or provisions: n. (im'pres) a mark 
made by pressure ; an image or fig- 
ure; a mark of distinction; char- 
acteristic; stamp; an impression or 
image fixed in the mind. [Latin.] 

impression (im-presh'un), n. the mark 
made by a stamp or mold: style or 
character formed by external force 
or influence; an image in the mind 
caused by something external to it; 
the immediate effect produced upon 
the mind by a sensation, passion, 
or emotion; an indistinct or vague 
notion, remembrance, or belief; a 
copy taken by pressure from type; 
number of copies printed at once; 
an edition. 

impressive (im-pres'iv), adj. capable 
of making impression. 

imprimatur (im-pri-ma/ter) , n. li- 
cense to print; hence, license or ap- 
proval in general; sanction. [Latin.] 

imprimis (im-pri'mis), adv. in the 
first place: a word introducing the 
first of a series of particulars in 
an enumeration. [Latin.] 

imprint (im-print'), v.t. to mark by 


pressure; to stamp, as letters and 
words on paper, by means of inked 
types; print; impress deeply, as on 
the mind or memory: n. (im'print) 
an impression, impress, or mark left 
by something; the publisher's or 
printer's name, usually with time 
and place of issue, on the title-page 
or at the end of a book or other pub- 
lication. [Old French.] 

imprison (im-priz'n), v.t. to put into 
a prison; detain in custody; re- 
strain or confine in any way; in- 
carcerate. 

imprisonment (im-priz'n-ment), n. 
state of being shut in, or as in, prison ; 
confinement. 

improbability (im-prob-a-bil'i-ti), n. 
[pi. improbabilities (im-prob-a-bil'i- 
tiz)], unlikelihood; an improbable 
event. 

improbable (im-prob'a-bl), adj. un- 
likely ; not to be expected. 

improbity (im-pro'bi-ti), n. want of 
probity or rectitude; dishonesty. 

impromptu (im-promp'tu), adv. with- 
out preparation; offhand; extem- 
pore: adj. extemporaneous; thrown 
off on the spur of the moment: n. 
an extemporaneous speech. [Latin.] 

improper (im-prop'er), adj. not well 
adapted or suited to the purpose; 
not according to nature, usage, &c; 
erroneous; unseemly. 

impropriety (im-pro-prl'e-ti), n. [pi. 
improprieties (im-pro-pri'e-tiz)], the 
quality of being improper ; unsuitable- 
ness; that which is improper in act, 
expression, &c._ 

improve (im-proov'), v.t. to make bet- 
ter; turn to accpunt; intensify: v.i. 
to grow better. 

improvement (im-proov'ment), n. 
advancement of anything from good 
to better; profitable use or applica- 
tion of anything; that by which 
the value of anything, especially 
property, is advanced: -pi. better- 
ments. 

improvidence (im - prov ' i - dens), n. 
want of foresight or thrift. 

improvident (im-prov'i-dent), adj. 
lacking foresight or thrift; wanting 
care to provide for the future; care- 
less. 

improvise (im-pro-viz'), v.t. to com- 
pose extemporaneously, especially 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book 
17 hue. hut ; think, then. 


IMPRUDENCE 


260 


INASMUCH 


verse or music; bring about on a 
sudden, or without previous prepa- 
ration; devise on the spur of the 
moment, or for a special occasion: 
v.i. to compose extemporaneously; 
do a thing in an offhand way. 

imprudence (im-proo'dens) , n. want 
of prudence; carelessness of conse- 
quences; inattention to one's in- 
terest. [Latin.] 

imprudent (im-proo'dent), adj. want- 
ing prudence; not attentive to con- 
sequences or interest; indiscreet; in- 
judicious. 

impudence (im'pu-dens) , n. want of 
modesty; shamelessness ; rudeness; 
forwardness. [Latin.] 

impudent (im'pti-dent), adj. shame- 
less; immodest; offensively forward; 
intentionally disrespectful. 

impugn (im-pun'), v.t. to attack by 
arguments; contradict; gainsay. 

impulse (im'puls), n. force communi- 
cated suddenly; the result of an im- 
pelling force; a mental force directly 
urging to action^ a sudden deter- 
mination not arising from reflec- 
tion. 

impulsion (im-pul'shun) , n. the act of 
impelling; the state of being im- 
pelled; instigation. 

impulsive (im-pul'siv) , adj. having the 
power of impelling; actuated by : or 
resulting from, impulse; passion- 
ate; acting by momentary impulse, 
not continuously. 

impunity (im-ptin'i-ti), n. freedom 
from punishment, injury, or loss. 

impure (im-pur'), adj. mixed with ex- 
traneous matter; unchaste; unclean; 
dirty; not accurate or idiomatic: 
said of a language or style. 

impurity (im-pur'i-ti), n. [pi. impuri- 
ties _(im-pur'i-tiz)], uncleanness; a 
physical or moral blemish. 

imputation (im-pu-ta'shun) , n. the 
act of imputing or charging; any- 
thing imputed or charged, especially 
in the way of discredit; censure; re- 
proach; insinuation; the doctrine 
that the sin of Adam is attributed to 
his posterity, and the righteousness 
of Christ to the believer. 

impute (im-put'), v.t. to charge, at- 
tribute, or ascribe, especially a fault ; 
attribute (sin or righteousness) as 
derived from another. 


■ in, a Latin prejix meaning in, within, 
inside, not. 

in (in), prep, or adv. in, within; after 
verbs of motion, into. 

inability (in-a-bil'i-ti), n. want of 
power; incapacity. 

inaccessible (in-ak-ses'i-bl), adj. not 
to be obtained or approached. 

inaccurate (in-ak'u-rat),, adj. sloven- 
ly-minded; unsure; failing in pre- 
cision. 

inaction (in-ak'shun) , n. sluggishness; 
failure to perform an act; slowness. 

inadequate (in-ad'e-kwat), adj. un- 
fit; incapable; insufficient. 

inadmissible (in-ad-mis'si-bl), adj. 
not to be allowed; not permis- 
sible. 

inadvertent (in-ad-ver'tent) , adj. in- 
attentive; heedless; careless; uncon- 
scious. 

inalienable (in-al'yen-a-bl), adj. that 
cannot, or should not, be alienated, 
surrendered, or transferred to an- 
other. 

inamorata (in-a-mo-ra'ta) , n. a wom- 
an with whom one is in love; sweet- 
heart; mistress. [Italian.] 

inane (in-an'), adj. empty; void; 
senseless; silly; pointless; frivolous: 
n. infinite void; space. [Latin.] 

inanimate (in-an'i-mat) , adj. not ani- 
mate, or animated; dead; spiritless; 
lifeless. 

inanity (in-an'i-ti), n. [pi. inanities 
(in-an'i-tiz)], emptiness; mental vac- 
uity; frivolity: pi. vanities. 

inappreciable (in-a-pre'shi-a-bl) , adj. 
not to be appreciated or estimated; 
of no consequence. 

inappropriate (in-a-pro'pri-at), adj. 
unfit; not suitable. 

inarch (in-arch'), v.t. to graft by 
uniting (a scion) to a stock without 
separating the scion from its parent 
tree. 

inarticulate (in-ar-tik'u-lat), adj. not 
uttered with intelligible distinct- 
ness; incapable of speech; not ar- 
ticulated; not jointed, segmented, 
or valved. 

inartistic (in-ar-tis'tik), adj. contrary 
to the laws or principles of art; un- 
able to appreciate works of art. 

inasmuch (m-az-much') , adv. in a like 
degree; seeing that (with as) ; be- 
cause. 


ate, arm, at, awl; me, merge, met; mite, mit ; note, north, not; boon, book; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


INATTENTIVE 


261 


INCIDENT 


Inattentive (in-at-ten'tiv), adj. not 
giving due heed; careless. 

inaugurate (in-aw'gu-rat), v.t. to in- 
duct into office with appropriate 
ceremonies; invest with office in a 
formal manner; consecrate; make a 
formal beginning of; initiate, as a new 
policy ; celebrate the first public use 
of by an opening ceremony. [Latin.] 

inauspicious (in-aw-spish'us), adj. ill- 
omened; unlucky; unfavorable; un- 
fortunate. 

inbeing (in'be-ing), n. inherent exist- 
ence; inherence; inseparableness.^ 

inboard (in'bdrd), adv. and adj. with- 
in the ship; not projecting over the 
bulwarks. 

inbond (in'bond), adj. a term applied 
to a brick or stone laid lengthwise 
across a wall. 

inbreed (in-bred'), v.t. to breed or de- 
velop within; breed from animals 
closely related. 

incalculable (in-kal'ku-la-bl) , adj. be- 
yond calculation. 

incalescent (in-kal-es'ent) , adj. in- 
creasing in heat. [Latin.] 

incandescent (in-kan-des'ent) , adj. 
glowing; white with heat. [Latin.] 

incantation (in-kan-ta/shun), n. a 
magical charm said or sung; en- 
chantment. 

incapacitate (in-ka-pas'i-tat), v.t. to 
deprive of capacity or natural pow- 
er; render incapable or unfit; dis- 
qualify; disable. [Latin.] 

incapacity (in-ka-pas'i-ti), n. lack of 
power, physical or mental; legal dis- 
qualification. 

incarcerate (in-kar'ser-at) , v.t. to im- 
prison; confine. [Latin.] 

incarceration (in-kar-ser-a/shun) , n. 
imprisonment ; confinement ; con- 
striction, as of a hernia. 

incarnate (in-kar'nat) , v.t. to clothe 
with flesh; embody in flesh: v. adj. 
embodied in flesh; flesh-colored. 

incarnation (in-kar-na'shun) , n. the 
act of clothing with, or of assuming, 
flesh; embodiment in human form; 
a striking exemplification or personi- 
fication; the assumption of human 
nature by the Son of God; the pro- 
cess by which a wound heals by 
being filled with new flesh. [Latin.] 

incase (in-kas'). v.t. to enclose in a 
case. Also encase. 


incast (in'kast), n. something thrown 
in for "good measure" after a pur- 
chase or bargain [Scotch]. In 
Louisiana, an incast is called lag- 
niappe (la-ni-yap'). 

incautious (in-kaw'shus), adj. want- 
ing in caution; unwary. 

incendiary (in-sen'di-a-ri) , adj. m per- 
taining to arson or the malicious 
burning of property; tending to 
excite passion or violence; inflam- 
matory; seditious: n. one guilty of 
arson; one who excites passion or 
violence; a seditious agitator. 

incense (in-sens'), v.t. to fire; in- 
flame with anger; provoke; irritate; 
(in'sens), perfume with incense: n. 
any aromatic material which ex- 
hales perfume when burned, especial- 
ly olibanum, the frankincense of the 
Jews, and also of the ancient Greeks 
and Romans; any gratifying odor, 
as of flowers; homage; odor of 
spices and gums burned in religious 
rites. [Latin.] 

incentive (in-sen'tiv) , adj. inciting; 
encouraging: n. incitement; en- 
couragement; motive; spur; stimu- 
lus. 

inception (in-sep'shun), n. reception; 
beginning; the formal qualification 
of a master of arts, previous to tak- 
ing his degree. [Latin.] 

inceptive (in-sep'tiv), adj. beginning; 
noting beginning: n. an inceptive 
word or phrase. 

incessant (in-ses'ant), adj. unceasing; 
ceaseless; continuous. 

incest (in'sest), n. sexual commerce 
between persons related within the 
prohibited "degrees of marriage. 

inch (inch), n. l-12th of a foot; a 
small quantity or degree; a critical 
moment: v.t. to drive by small de- 
grees; deal out sparingly: v.i. move 
slowly. 

inchoate (in'ko-at), adj. just begun; 
incipient; elementary; incomplete. 

inchoative (in-ko'a-tiv), adj. incip- 
ient; rudimentary: n. an incep- 
tive. 

incidence (in'si-dens) , n. the direc- 
tion in which a ray of light or heat 
falls upon a surface. 

incident (in'si : dent), adj, falling upon, 
as a ray of light on a reflecting sur- 
face; apt to occur; appertaining; 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


INCIDENTAL 


262 


INCOMPARABLE 


occurring accidentally; casual; sub- 
ordinate: n. occurrence; that which 
happens beside the main design; 
casualty; episode; event; accident. 

Incidental (in-si-den'tal), adj. casual; 
subordinate: n. something casual or 
subordinate: pi. minor expenses. 

incinerate (in-sin'er-at) , v.t. to burn 
to ashes. 

incipient (in-sip'i-ent), adj. beginning 
to be or to appear; initial. 

incise (in-slz'), v.t. to cut into; to cut 
or gash; to engrave. 

incision (in-sizh'un), n. a cut made 
with a sharp instrument; notch. 

incisive (in-sl'siv), adj. having the 
quality of cutting into; sharp; 
trenchant; pertaining to the incisor 
teeth; incisorial: n. the incisive 
edge or tooth of the mandible of a 
beetle. [Latin.] 

incitation (in-si-ta'shun) , n. the act 
of impelling to action ; an attempt to 
urge, encourage, or move. 

incite (in-sit'). v.t. to move to action; 
stir up; spur on; encourage; im- 
pel. [Latin.] 

incitement (in-sit'ment), n. an in- 
citing cause; incentive; impulse; 
encouragement. 

incivility (in-si-viri-ti) , n. [pi. inci- 
vilities (in-si-vil'i-tiz)], lack of civil- 
ity or courtesy; impoliteness. 

inclement (in-klem'ent), adj. not 
clement ; unmerciful ; tempestuous. 

inclination (in-cli-na/shun), n. a lean- 
ing; deviation from usual direc- 
tion or position; tendency of the 
mind; disposition; a slope or de- 
clivity; slant; propensity. 

incline (in-klin'), v.i. to deviate from 
the normal direction or position; 
lean; bow; have a mental bent or 
tendency; be disposed: v.t. to cause 
to lean; direct; bow (as in rever- 
ence or civility); give a tendency 
to; turn; dispose: n. a slope; an in- 
clined plane; gradient. 

inclined (in-klind'), p. adj. having a 
tendency; sloping; disposed; bent 
into a convex curve. 

inclose (in-kloz'), v.t. to shut in; en- 
compass; surround; put into an 
envelope; put into the same envel- 
ope (with another letter); sepa- 
rate from common lands by a fence. 

Inclosure (in-klo'zhur) , n. the act of 


inclosing, or state of being inclosed, 
especially the act of separating 
land from a common by a fence ; that 
which is inclosed; that which in- 
closes, as a fence ; something in- 
closed with a letter in an envelope, 
as a bill, check, &c. [Latin.] 

include (in-klood'), v.t. to inclose; 
hold as in an inclosure; confine 
within something; comprise or com- 
prehend, as a genus the species. 

included (in-kloo'ded), p. adj. in- 
closed; contained; not projecting 
beyond the mouth of the corolla of 
a flower. 

inclusion (in-kloo'zhun), n. the act 
of including; the state of being in- 
cluded; that which is included. 

inclusive (in-kloo'siv) , adj. inclosing; 
including; comprehending the ex- 
tremes in the sum, as from Monday 
to Saturday inclusive, i.e., taking in 
both Monday and Saturday. 

incognito (in-kog'ni-to) , adj. un- 
known or disguised: adv. in dis- 
guise; under an assumed name. 

incoherent (in-ko-he'rent), adj. with- 
out cohesion; incongruous; incon- 
secutive. 

incohesion (in-ko-he'zhun) , n. want 
of cohesion. 

incombustible (in-kom-bus'ti-bl) , adj. 
that cannot be consumed by fire: n. 
an incombustible substance. 

income (in'kum), n. the gain which 
proceeds from labor, business, prop- 
erty, or capital; annual receipts of 
a person or corporation. 

incommensurable (in-kom-men'su- 
ra-bl), adj. having no common meas- 
ure; having no common divisor 
except unity: n. one of two (or more) 
quantities that have no common 
measure. 

incommensurate (in - kom - men'sii- 
rat) , adj. not admitting of a common 
measure; incommensurable; not suf- 
ficient in measure; inadequate. 

incommode (in-kom-od'), v.t. to give 
inconvenience or trouble to; dis- 
turb. 

incommunicable (in-kom-mu'ni-ka- 
bl), adj. that cannot be communi- 
cated or told. 

incomparable (in-kom'pa-ra-bl) , adj. 
not admitting of comparison; un- 
equaled; transcendent; peerless. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book , 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


INCOMPATIBLE 


263 


INCORRECT 


Incompatible (in-kom-pat'i-bl), adj. 
incapable of harmonious subsistence 
or combination; inconsistent; incon- 
gruous; n.pl. persons or things ir- 
reconcilably disagreeing with each 
other. 

incompetent (in-kom'pe-tent), adj. 
wanting ability; inadequate; want- 
ing qualification or fitness; incapaci- 
tated; inadmissible. 

incomplete (in-kom-plet'), adj. not 
fully finished or developed; not hav- 
ing all its parts; imperfect; defec- 
tive. 

incomprehensible (in-kom-pre-hen'- 
si-bl), adj. illimitable; not to be un- 
derstood or grasped by the mind ; in- 
conceivable. 

incompressible (in-kom-pres'i-bl) , 
adj. incapable of being reduced in 
volume by pressure; resisting pres- 
sure. 

inconceivable (in-kon-sev'a-bl) , adj. 
incapable of being conceived or im- 
agined; incredible. 

inconcinnity (in-kon-sin'i-ti) , n. lack 
of harmony; failure to agree. 

inconclusive (in-kon-kloo/siv)^ adj. 
leading to no conclusion in evidence 
or argument; unconvincing; reach- 
ing no definite result in action; inef- 
fective; inefficient. 

incondensible (in-kon-den'si-bl) , adj. 
incapable of being made more dense 
or compact, or of being reduced to 
liquid form. 

incongruity (in-kon-groo'i-ti), n. [pi. 
incongruities (in-kon-groo'i-tiz)], 
want of mutual fitness; unsuitable- 
ness of one thing to another. 

incongruous (in-kong'groo-us) , adj. 
reciprocally disagreeing; unsuited to 
one another; inharmonious; inap- 
propriate. 

inconsequent (in-kon'se-kwent) , adj. 
not following from the premises; 
illogical; out of proper relation; irrel- 
evant. 

Inconsiderable (in-kon-sid'er-a-bl) , 
adj. not deserving consideration; 
unimportant. 

inconsiderate (in-kon-sid'er-at) , adj. 
without consideration; thoughtless. 

inconsistency (in-kon-sis'ten-si), n. 
[pi. inconsistencies (in-kon-sis'ten- 
siz)], the quality of being inconsist- 
ent; incongruity. 


inconsistent (in-kon-sis'tent), adj. 
lacking coherence or agreement; dis- 
crepant; lacking uniformity; self- 
contradicting; incongruous. 

inconsolable (in-kon-so'la-bl), adj. 
not to be consoled or comforted. 

inconspicuous (in-kon-spik'u-us) , 
adj. not easily perceived; so small 
as to escape notice; hardly dis- 
cernible. 

inconstancy (in-kon'stan-si), n. 
changeableness. 

inconstant (in-kon'stant), adj. sub- 
ject to change; unstable; variable; 
fickle; capricious. 

incontestable (in-kon-test'a-bl), adj. 
not admitting of question or dispute; 
incontrovertible. 

incontinent (in-kon'ti-nent), adj. un- 
restrained; unchaste; n. an unchaste 
person. 

incontrovertible (in-kon-tro-ver'ti- 
bl), adj. not admitting of contro- 
versy; indisputable. 

inconvenience (in-kon-ve'niens), n. 
want of convenience; unfitness; 
troublesomeness ; that which incom- 
modes; disadvantage. Also incon- 
veniency: v.t. to put to inconveni- 
ence; incommode; annoy; molest. 

inconvenient (in-kon-ve'nient), adj. 
disadvantageous; inopportune; un- 
fit; inexpedient. 

inconvertible (in-kon-ver'ti-bl), adj. 
incapable of being converted into, 
or exchanged for, something 
else. 

Incorporate (in-kor'po-rat) , v.t. to 
combine into one body; give a body 
to; embody; unite; associate; unite 
intimately; assimilate; blend; form 
into a corporation recognized by 
law: v.i. to unite with another body 
so as to form a part of it; be mixed 
or blended with: p. adj. incorpo- 
rated ; united in one body. 

incorporation (in-kor-po-ra'shun), n. 
combination; assimilation; mixture; 
formation of a body corporate; a 
corporation. 

incorporeal (in-kor-po're-al), adj. not 
corporeal ; immaterial ; intangible, 
and existing only in contemplation of 
the law. 

incorrect (in-kor-ekf) , adj. not ac- 
cording to model or rule; faulty; 
not according to fact; inaccurate; 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit : note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


INCORRIGIBLE 


264 


INDEFATIGABLE 


not in accordance with morality or 
good manners; improper. [Latin.] 

Incorrigible (in-kor'ri-ji-bl), adj. bad; 
beyond correction or amendment; 
irreclaimable. 

incorrupt (in-kor-upf) , adj. free from 
physical or moral taint; unim- 
paired, upright ; especially above the 
influence of corruption or bribery; 
honest. [Latin.] 

incorruptible (in-kor-upt'ti-bl), adj. 
incapable of physical corruption, de- 
cay, or dissolution; not liable to 
moral perversion or contamination; 
especially incapable of being bribed. 

incorruption (in-kor-up'shun), n. ex- 
emption from corruption. 

incrassation (in-kras-sa'shun), n. a 
swelling or increase of bulk caused 
by fat. [Latin.] 

increase (in-kres'), v.i. to become 
greater in any respect; augment; 
multiply; grow; wax, as the moon: 
v.t. to make greater in any respect; 
enhance; aggravate; enlarge: n. 
(in'kres), a growing larger; that 
which is added to the original stock; 
increment; produce; profit; issue; 
offspring; a waxing, as of the moon. 

incredible (in-kred'i-bl) , adj. surpass- 
ing belief; hard to believe; unimagin- 
able; inconceivable. 

incredulity (in-kre-dii'li-ti) , n. the 
quality of being incredulous; scep- 
ticism; disbelief. 

incredulous (in-kred'u-lus), adj. hard 
of belief; sceptical; unbelieving. 

increment (in'kre-ment), n. increase; 
augmentation; produce. 

incriminate (in-krim'i-nat), v.t. to 
charge with a crime; criminate; ac- 
cuse. 

incrust (in-krust'), v.t. to cover with, 
or as with, a crust; coat; overlay; 
to inlay, as mosaic, so as to form 
a decorative covering. Also encrust. 

incubate (in'ku-bat), v.t. to sit upon 
(eggs) to hatch them; hatch out: 
v.i. to brood; in medicine, to go 
through the stage of incubation. 

incubator (in'ku-ba-ter), n. one who, 
or that which, incubates; especially 
an apparatus for hatching eggs arti- 
ficially. 

incubus (in'ku-bus), n. [pi. incubuses 
(in'ku-bus-ez), incubi (in'ku-bi)], the 
nightmare ; in the superstition of the 


. Middle Ages, a demon believed to 
cause nightmare, and the birth of de- 
formed children; a heavy weight or 
burden. See succubus. [Latin.] 

inculcate (in-kul'kat), v.t. to impress 
upon the mind by frequent admoni- 
tions. 

inculpate (in-kul'pat), v.t. to charge 
with wrong-doing; to censure. 

incumbency (in-kum'ben-si), n. [pi. 
incumbencies (in-kum'ben-siz)], the 
act or state of being incumbent ; full 
possession and exercise of any office ; 
state of holding a benefice. 

incumbent (in-kum'bent), adj. lying 
upon; imposed as a duty: n. the 
holder of an office; a clergyman in 
possession of a benefice. 

incur (in-ker'),. v.t. [p.t. & p.p. in- 
curred, p.pr. incurring], to become 
liable to, by one's own action; con- 
tract, as a debt. 

incurable (in-kur'a-bl) , adj. incapable 
of being cured; beyond the power of 
skill or medicine; irremediable; in- 
corrigible: n. a person diseased be- 
yond cure. m [Latin.] 

incursion (in-ker 'shun), n. an in- 
road; raid; invasion. 

incurvate (in-ker'vat), p. adj. bent in- 
ward; curved. 

indebted (in-det'ed), p.adj. being in 
debt; lying under an obligation. 

indecent (in-de'sent) , adj. violating 
propriety in language, behavior, &c; 
indelicate; obscene. [Latin.] 

indecision (in-de-sizh'un), n. want of 
decision^ a wavering of the mind; 
irresolution. 

indecisive (in-de-sl'siv) , adj. not bring- 
ing to a decision or final issue; in- 
conclusive. 

indeclinable (in-de-kli'na-bl), adj. 
that cannot be declined, or varied by 
declension: n. a word that cannot 
be declined. 

indecorous (in-dek'o-rus), adj. vio- 
lating decorum, or any accepted rule 
of conduct. [Latin.] 

indecorum (in-de-ko'rum), n. vio- 
lation of decorum or propriety; 
breach of etiquette or civility. 

indeed (in-ded') , adv. in fact, in truth. 

indefatigable (in-de-fat'i-ga-bl), adj. 
not to be wearied out; not yielding 
to fatigue; unremitting in labor or 
effort. [Latin.] 


ate, arm, 


t, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


INDEFEASIBLE 


265 


INDIFFERENCE 


Indefeasible (in-de-fe'zi-bl), adj. not 
to be defeated or made void, as a 
title. [Latin.] 

indefensible (in-de-fen'si-bl), adj. that 
cannot be defended, maintained, or 
justified. 

indefinable (in-de-fi'na-bl) , adj. that 
cannot be defined. [Latin.] 

indefinite (in-def'i-nit), adj. not de- 
fined; not precise; vague; having 
no particular limit; large beyond the 
comprehension of man, though not 
absolutely infinite ; too numerous or 
variable to be easily counted. 

indelible (in-del'i-bl), adj. not to be 
blotted out, effaced, or obliterated. 

indelicacy (in-del'i-ka-si) , n. [pi. in- 
delicacies (in-del'i-ka-siz)], want of 
delicacy; that which is offensive 
to refined taste. [Latin.] 

indelicate (in-del'i-kat), adj. offensive 
to modesty or propriety; coarse; in- 
decent. 

indemnification (in-dem-ni-fi-ka'- 
shun), n. the act of securing against 
loss; reimbursement of loss. 

indemnify (in-dem'ni-f I), y.t. [p.t. & 
p.p. indemnified, p.pr. indemnify- 
ing], to secure or insure against loss 
or damage; reimburse. [Latin.] 

indemnity (in-dem'ni-ti), n. [pi. in- 
demnities (in-dem'ni-tiz)], security 
against loss, damage, or punish- 
ment; compensation for loss. 

indent (in-dent'), v.t. to make a dent 
or depression in; dent; cut into 
points like teeth; notch; bind out 
by indenture, as an apprentice: n. 
a notch in the margin; a covenant. 

indentation (in-den-ta'shun) , n. a 
small hollow or depression, as from 
a blow; a dent or dint; a notch or 
recess in a margin. 

indenture (in-den'tur) , n. a covenant 
or deed, formerly in duplicate, with 
the edges notched so as to corre- 
spond: v.t. to bind by indenture, as 
an apprentice. 

independence (in-de-pend'ens) , n. 
freedom from support or governance 
by others; a competency; self-re- 
liance. [Latin.] 

independent (in-de-pen'dent), adj. 
not dependent, supported by, or 
governed by, another; having a 
competency; not subject to bias or 
influence; free; irrespective: n. one 


who supports measures or men in- 
dependently of any organized party. 

indescribable (in-de-skrib'a-bl), adj. 
that cannot be described. 

indestructible (in-de-struk'ti-bl) , adj. 
not to be destroyed. 

indeterminate (in-de-ter'min-at), adj. 
not determinate, settled, or fixed; 
indefinite; not precise; having an 
indefinite number of values or solu- 
tions. 

index (in'deks), n. [pi. indexes (in'- 
deks-ez), indices (in'di-sez)]. that 
which points out or indicates; an al- 
phabetical table of the contents of a 
book; the figure or letter which 
shows the power or root of a quan- 
tity; the exponent: v.t. provide with 
an index. 

Indian (in'di-an), adj. pertaining to 
the Indies, East or West, or to the 
aborigines of America. 

Indian corn (korn), n. a native Amer- 
ican plant, known as maize. 

Indian-file (in'di-an-fil), n. single file. 

Indian Summer (sum'er), n. sum- 
mer-like weather, with calm and ab- 
sence of rain, occurring in autumn. 

india-rubber (in'di-a-rub'er), n. a 
gummy substance imported from 
Brazil and the Congo State and 
hardened by chemical processes; the 
product of the rubber tree; caout- 
chouc. 

indicant (in'di-kant) , adj. indicating: 
n. that which points out a remedy 
for a disease. 

indicate (in'di-kat), v.t. to point out; 
show; suggest; hint; point out, as 
a remedy. 

indication (in-di-ka'shun), n. the act 
of indicating; that which indicates; 
information; token; evidence; sign; 
symptom. 

indicative (in-dik'a-tiv) , adj. pointing 
out; bringing to notice; noting that 
mood of the verb which indicates, 
predicates, or affirms: n. the indica- 
tive mood. 

indict (in-dit'), v.t. to charge with a 
crime, by the presentment of a grand 
jury. 

indictment (m-dit ment), n. a writ- 
ten accusation against a prisoner 
presented by a grand jury to a court. 

indifference (in-dif 'er-ens) , n. the 
state of being indifferent; impartial- 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


INDIFFERENT 


266 


INDO-EUROPEAN 


ity; absence of preference or in- 
terest ; unconcernedness ; unimpor- 
tance; condition of being indifferent 
in character or quality; medioc- 
rity. 

indifferent (in-dif'er-ent), adj. uncon- 
cerned; unimportant; mediocre; re- 
gardless. 

indigence (in'di-jens), n. the state of 
being indigent ; poverty ; want. Also 
indigency. 

indigenous (in-dij'e-nus), adj. born or 
produced in a country; not exotic; 
not imported; innate; inherent; 
native. 

indigent (in'di-jent), adj. destitute; 
needy. 

indigestible (in-di-jest'i-bl), adj. not 
digestible, physically or mentally. 

indigestion (in-di-jes'chun), n. diffi- 
culty in digesting food ; dyspepsia. 

indignant (in-dig'nant) , adj. affected 
with indignation; inflamed with 
mingled anger and disdain. 

indignation (in-dig-na/shun), n. anger 
at what is unworthy, unjust, dishon- 
orable, or base; anger mingled with 
contempt or disgust. 

indignity (in-dig'ni-ti) , n. [pi. indig- 
nities (in-dig'ni-tiz) ], an action in- 
tended to lower the dignity of an- 
other; insult. [Latin.] 

indigo (in'di-go), n. a blue dye-stuff 
obtained from the indigo plant by 
decomposition of the glucoside in- 
dican. In 1880, the German chemist, 
Adolf Baeyer, produced it by syn- 
thesis from coal tar. [Spanish, but 
ultimately Greek.] 

indirect (in-di-rekf), adj. not straight 
or rectilinear; not directly result- 
ing from a cause ; not reaching the 
end aimed at by the most direct 
method; not straightforward or 
fair. 

indiscreet (in-dis-kret'), adj. wanting 
in discretion; imprudent. 

indiscretion (in-dis-kresh'un), n. want 
of discretion; imprudence; an im- 
prudent act. 

indiscriminate (in-dis-krim'i-nat) , 
adj. undistinguishing; promiscuous. 

indispensable (in-dis-pen'sa-bl) , adj. 
that cannot be dispensed with; ab- 
solutely necessary. [Latin.] 

indispose (in-dis-poz'), v.t. to disin- 
cline; unfit. [Latin.] 


indisposed (in-dis-pozd') , adj. slight- 
ly ill in health ; disinclined. 

indisposition (in-dis-po-zish'un) , n. 
slight illness; disinclination. 

indisputable (in-dis-pu'ta-bl) , adj. 
too evident to admit of dispute; un- 
questionable. [Latin.] 

indissoluble (in-dis'o-lii-bl) , adj. not 
dissoluble or dissolvable. [Latin.] 

indistinct (in-dis-tingkf), adj. not 
distinct to the senses or the mind; 
undefined; indefinite; confused. 

indistinguishable (in-dis-ting'gwish- 
a-bl), adj. incapable of being distin- 
guished, discriminated, or perceived. 

indite (in-dif), v.t. to compose; write. 

indium (in'di-um), n. a rare metallic 
element found in zinc-blende. 

individual (in-di-vij'u-al), adj. exist- 
ing as a single indivisible entity ; 
pertaining to, or characteristic of, a 
single person, or thing: n. a single 
person, animal, or thing. [Latin.] 

individualism (in-di-vij'u-al-izm), n. 
the quality of being individual; a 
social system in which each indi- 
vidual works for himself alone; the 
theory of government which dis- 
countenances the interference of the 
State in the affairs of the individual. 

individuality (in-di-vij-u-al'i-ti) , n. 
the condition of being individual; 
separate or distinct existence; dis- 
tinctive character. 

individualize (in-di-vij'u-al-iz), v.t. to 
invest with individuality ; distinguish. 

individually (in-di-vij'ti-a-li), adv. sep- 
arately; personally. 

individuate (in-di-vij'u-at), v.t. to 
mark as distinct. 

indivisible (in-di-viz'i-bl), not separ- 
able into parts: n. that which ia 
indivisible; an element, infinitely 
small, assumed to admit of no 
further division. 

Indo, a prefix meaning connected 
with India, as Indo-Chinese, per- 
taining to Indo-China. 

indocile (in-dos'il), adj. unteach- 
able; intractable. 

indoctrinate (in-dok'tri-nat) , v.t. to 
imbue with learning, principles, or 
doctrines. 

Indo-European (in-do-u-ro-pe'an), 
adj. pertaining to the family of Aryan 
(or Caucasian) languages extend- 
ing from India over Europe but 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut; think, then. 


INDOLENCE 


267 


INEQUALITY 


excepting the Turkish, Hungarian, 
Bohemian, Finnish, Polish, and Rus- 
sian, which were called " Turanian " 
or Ural-Altaic and also by other 
names. 

indolence (in'do-lens) , n. love of 
ease; indisposition to labor; lazi- 
ness; supineness. 

indolent (in'dq-lent), adj. indulging 
in ease; avoiding labor; lazy. 

indomitable (in-dom'i-ta-bl) , adj. un- 
tamable; irrepressible; invincible. 

indoor (in'dor), adj. performed within 
doors. 

indorse (in-dors'). v.t. to write on the 
back of, as a check, &c; sanction; 
approve. Also endorse. [Latin.] 

indorsement (in-dors'ment) , n. the 
act of writing on the back of a check, 
&c; that which is so written; ap- 
proval; sanction. 

indubitable (in-dti'bi-ta-bl) , adj. too 
evident to be doubted; unquestion- 
able. 

induce (in-dus'), v.t. to lead on; in- 
fluence; prevail upon; bring on; ef- 
fect; cause; to infer by induction; 
produce by magnetic or electric in- 
duction. [Latin.] 

inducement (in-dus'ment), n. that 
which induces; motive; in pleading, 
an introductory statement. 

induct (in-dukt/), v.t. to introduce; 
install into an office; put into pos- 
session of a benefice. 

induction (in-duk'shun) , n. the act of 
inducting; the introduction of a 
person into an office; the introduc- 
tion of a clergyman into a benefice; 
the process of discovering and prov- 
ing general propositions from par- 
ticular cases; a conclusion drawn 
from a process of induction; elec- 
trical or magnetic influence without 
direct contact. [Latin.] 

inductive (in-duk'tiv), adj. proceed- 
ing by induction; producing induc- 
tion; operating by induction; sus- 
ceptible of being acted on by 
induction. 

indue (in-du'), v.t. to clothe or invest; 
furnish; supply; endow. [Latin.] 

indulge (in-dulj'), v.t. to be kind or 
complaisant to; humor; give free 
course to: v.i. to gratify one's self. 

indulgence (in-dul'jens), n. forbear- 
ance from restraint or control; per- 


mission; license; excess; forbearance 
of present payment ; toleration. 

indulgent (in-dul'jent), adj. disposed 
to indulge ; complaint ; showing favor ; 
kind. 

indurate (in'du-rat), v.i. to grow 
hard: v.t. to make hard; render un- 
feeling or obdurate. 

industrial (in-dus' tri-al), adj. per- 
taining to productive industry. 

industrious (in-dus'tri-us), adj. char- 
acterized by diligence or industry; 
hard working. 

industry (in'dus-tri), n. [pi. indus- 
tries (in'dus-triz)], steady applica- 
tion to business or labor; productive 
labor; an industrial art; a particular 
branch of work or trade. 

inebriate (in-e'bri-at), v.t. to make 
drunk; intoxicate; intoxicate men- 
tally or emotionally: n. an habitual 
drunkard. [Latin.] 

inebriety (in-e-bri'e-ti), n. intoxica- 
tion, especially habitual drunken- 
ness. 

ineffable (in-ef 'a-bl) , adj. unspeak- 
ble; inexpressible; too sacred for 
utterance. [Latin.] 

ineffaceable (in-ef-fas'a-bl), adj. that 
cannot be rubbed out. 

ineffective (in-ef-ekt'iv), adj. not 
producing the desired effect; in- 
effectual. [Latin.] 

ineffectual (in-e-f ek'tu-al) , adj. not 
producing the desired effect; un- 
availing. 

inefficaey (in-ef 'i-ka-si), n. lack of 
efficacy. 

inefficiency (in-e-fish'en-si) , n. in- 
competency. 

inefficient (in-e-fish'ent) , adj. not 
producing, or not capable of produc- 
ing, the desired effect; incapable. 

inelastic (in-e-las'tik), adj. lacking or 
deficient in elasticity. 

inelegance (in-el'e-gans) , n. [pi. inele- 
gances (in-el'e-gan-sez)], want of any 
quality required by good taste. 

inelegant (in-el'e-gant), adj. offensive 
to good taste. _ 

ineligible (in-el'i-ji-bl), <tdj. unworthy 
of choice; unsuitable; legally dis- 
qualified for choice or election. 

inept (in-ept'), adj. unsuitable; fool- 
ish; inexpert 

inequality 
ine 


uality (in-e-kwal'i-ti), n. [pi. 
equalities (in-e-kwal'i-tiz)], differ- 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


INEQUITABLE 


268 


INFECTION 


ence, especially of rank or station; 
unevenness; changeableness ; inade- 
quacy; deviation of a planet or 
satellite from its uniform mean 
motion. [Latin.] 

inequitable (in-ek'wi-ta-bl) , adj. not 
according to equity; unjust. 

inequity # (in-ek'wi-ti) , n. lack of 
equity; injustice. 

inert (in-ert'), adj. having no power 
of motion or action; lifeless; slug- 
gish. [Latin.] m 

inertia (in-er'shi-a), n. lack of activ- 
ity; inertness; sluggishness; that 
property of matter by _ virtue of 
which it tends to remain at rest, 
if resting, or to move uniformly 
in a straight line, if moving (vis 
inertice) . 

inestimable (in-es'ti-ma-bl), adj. not 
to be estimated; beyond measure or 
price; incalculable; invaluable. 

inevitable (in-ev'i-ta-bl), adj. not to 
be evaded; unavoidable. 

inexact (in-egz-akt'), adj. not precise, 
correct, accurate, or punctual. 

inexcusable (in : eks-ku'za-bl) , adj. 
incapable of being excused; unpar- 
donable. 

inexhaustible (in-egs-awst'i-bl), adj. 
not to be exhausted or spent; un- 
failing; unwearied. [Latin.] 

inexorable (in-eks'o-ra-bl) , adj. not 
to be moved by prayers; unyielding; 
unrelenting. [Latin.] 

inexpediency (in-eks-pe'di-en-si), n. 
unsuitableness ; inadvisability. Also 
inexpedient. 

inexpedient (in-eks-pe'di-ent) , adj. 
unsuitable to circumstances; in- 
advisable. [Latin.] 

inexpensive (in-eks-pen'siv) , adj. 
cheap. 

inexperience (in-eks-pe'ri-ens), n. 
want of experience, or of the knowl- 
edge that comes by experience. 

inexperienced (in-eks-pe'ri-enst) , adj. 
lacking experience; unpracticed; un- 
skilled; unversed. 

inexpert (in-eks-perf), adj. unskilled; 
lacking the knowledge or dexterity 
derived from practice. 

inexpiable (in-eks'pi-a-bl), adj. that 
cannot be expiated, atoned for, or 
satisfied. 

inexplicable (in-eks'pli-ka-bl), adj. 
not to be explained, made plain, or 


intelligible; not to be interpreted or 
accounted for. 

inexplosive (in-eks-plo'siv) , adj. not 
liable to explode. 

inexpressible (in-eks-pres'i-bl), adj. 
incapable of being expressed, uttered 
or described. 

inexpressive (in-eks-pres'iv) , adj. 
lacking expression or distinct sig- 
nificance. 

inextensible (in-eks-ten'si-bl), adj. 
that cannot be extended or stretched. 

inextinguishable (in-eks-ting'gwish- 
a-bl), adj. unquenchable. 

inextricable (m-eks'tri-ka-bl), adj. 
not extricable; not permitting ex- 
trication ; not to be freed from intri- 
cacy or perplexity. 

infallible (in-f al'i-bl) , adj. incapable 
of erring; unerring; certain; un- 
failing. [Latin.] 

infamous (in'fa-mus), adj. having a 
notoriously bad reputation; odious; 
scandalous. 

infamy (in'fa 7 mi), n. infamous char- 
acter; public disgrace; ignominy. 
[Latin.] 

infancy (in'fan-si), n. the state of be- 
ing an infant; early childhood; the 
first age of anything; in law, the 
period of life from birth to the age 
of twenty-one. [Latin.] 

infant (in'f ant) ,_ n. a young child; 
popularly a child under two years; 
in law, a person who has not attained 
his legal majority, or _ the age of 
twenty-one; adj. pertaining to in- 
fancy, or to the legal period of in- 
fancy; infantile; incipient. 

infanticide (in-f an'ti-sld) , n. the 
murder of an infant born alive ; one 
who kills an infant. [Latin.] 

infantile (in'f an-til) , adj. pertaining 
to infants or infancy; child-like; 
childish. 

infantry (in'f an-tri) , n. foot soldiers, 
except engineers and men of the 
army service corps. [French.] 

infatuate (in-f at'u-at) , v.t. to make 
extravagantly foolish; to inspire 
with fatuous passion. [Latin.] ^ 

infect (in-fekt'), v.t. to communicate 
some (especially bad) quality to; 
taint, especially with disease, physi- 
cal or moral. [Latin.] 

infection (in-fek'shun), n. the act of 
infecting; that which infects; con- 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


INFECTIOUS 


269 


INFLATE 


taminating; taint; communication 
of disease from the sick to the 
healthy; an infectious disease. 

infectious (in-fek'shus), adj. com- 
municable by infection; sympathetic; 
communicating infection; demoral- 
izing. 

infelicitous (in-fe-lis'i-tus), ad!;, un- 
fortunate; unhappy; inappropriate; 
ill-timed. [Latin.] 

infer (in-fer'), v.t. [p.t. &.p.p. inferred, 
p.pr. inferring], to derive by induc- 
tion or deduction; accept as a fact 
or consequence; imply: v.i. to con- 
clude. [Latin.] 

inference (in'f er-ens) , _ n. the act of 
inferring; the conclusion; deduction; 
induction. 

inferior (in-fe'ri-er) , adj. lower in 
place, rank, or quality; secondary; 
subordinate; between the earth and 
the sun; below the horizon; growing 
below another organ: n. one who 
ranks below another; a subordi- 
nate. 

inferiority (in-f e-ri-or'i-ti) , n. lower 
state or quality. 

infernal (in-fer'nal), adj. pertaining 
to the Tartarus of the ancients, the 
lower regions, or regions of the 
dead; pertaining to or resembling 
hell; hellish; diabolical; fiendish. 

infest (in-f est'), v.t. to attack; haunt; 
overrun. [Latin.] 

infidel (in'fi-del), adj. rejecting all re- 
ligion; rejecting a religion which 
claims to be divinely revealed, espe- 
cially the Christian religion; mani- 
festing unbelief : n. one who rejects 
Christianity as a divine revelation; 
formerly applied to a Mohammedan, 
Jew, or heathen. [Latin.] 

infidelity (in-fi-del'i-ti) , n. [pi. in- 
fidelities (in-fi-deri-tiz) ], disbelief 
in all religion, especially disbelief 
in Christianity; breach of trust; 
violation of the marriage contract 
by adultery. 

infield (in'feld), n. in baseball, the 
space within the base line, 30 yds. 
x 30 yds. 

infiltration (in-fil-tra'shun), n. the 
act of infiltrating; that which infil- 
trates; morbid condition of an organ 
due to accumulation of substances 
introduced from without. [French.] 

infinite (in'fi-nit), adj. indefinitely 


extensive; immeasurable: n. the 
Infinite Being; the Absolute; the 
Unconditioned; a quantity greater 
or less than any assignable quan- 
tity of the same kind; an inde- 
terminate. [Latin.] 

infinitely (in'fi-nit-li), adv. beyond 
any conceivable degree; vastly. 

infinitesimal (in-fin-i-tes'i-mal), adj. 
infinitely small: n. a quantity less 
than any assignable quantity. 

infinitive (in-fin'i-tiv), adj. the term 
applied to that verb-form which sim- 
ply expresses the general sense of 
the verb without limitation to person 
or number: n. the infinitive mood; 
a verb in the infinitive mood. 

infinity (in-fin'i-ti), n. [pi. infinities 
(in-fm'i-tiz) ], the state of being 
infinite; unlimited extent of time, 
space, or quantity; absolute per- 
fection; an infinite quantity^ 

infirm (in-ferm'), adj.^ feeble in body 
or health; weak-minded; vacillat- 
ing; insecure; debilitated; irreso- 
lute; precarious. [Latin.] 

infirmary (in-fer'ma-ri), n. [pi. in- 
firmaries (in-fer'ma-riz)], a hospital 
for the sick and injured. 

infirmity (in-fer'mi-ti), n. [pi. in- 
firmities ( in-fer 'mi-tiz) ], the state 
of being infirm; debility; imbecility; 
weakness of body or of mind; mal- 
ady; failing; foible. 

infix (in-fiks/), v.t. to fix or fasten in; 
implant; insert: (in'fiks) n. some- 
thing infixed; an element equivalent 
to a prefix or suffix inserted in the 
body of a word. [Latin.] 

inflame _ (in-flam'), v.t. to set on fire; 
fire with passion; excite; provoke; 
irritate; fit into a state of inflam- 
mation: v.i. to become inflamed ._ 

inflammable (in-flam'a-bl), adj. easily 
set on flame; combustible; easily 
excited; excitable. 

inflammation (in-fla-ma'shun) , n. a 
morbid process, characterized, when 
external, by pain, redness, heat, and 
swelling. [Latin.] 

inflammatory (in-flam'a-to-ri) , adj. 
tending to excite passion, tumult, 
or sedition; tending to produce, 
accompanied by, or indicative of, 
inflammation. 

inflate (in-flat'), v.t. to swell, or dis- 
tend, with air or gas; puff up; elate; 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, boofc 
hue, hut : think, then. 


INFLATUS 


270 


INGRATIATE 


expand or raise artificially, as prices. 

inflatus (in-fla'tus), n. inspiration; 
afflatus. 

inflect (in-flekf), v.t. bend; turn from 
a direct line; modulate; vary the 
terminations of; decline; conjugate: 
v.i. to undergo grammatical change 
of termination. 

inflection (in-flek'shun), n. a bend or 
bending; modulation of the voice; 
variation of nouns, verbs, &c., by 
declension and conjugations; diffrac- 
tion of light or heat. Also inflexion. 

inflexible (in-fleks'i-bl), adj. not to be 
bent; rigid; stiff; not to be moved by 
prayers; inexorable; not to be varied 
or changed; unalterable; stub- 
born. 

inflict (in-flikf), v.t. to cause by, or as 
if by, striking; cause to be suffered; 
impose as a punishment. [Latin.l 

inflorescence (in-flo-res'ens), n. the 
mode or principle of floral arrange- 
ment exhibited by any species of 
plant; a group of flowers rising 
upon a common main axis. [Latin.] 

influence (in'flu-ens), n. energy or 
potency tending to produce effects 
insensibly and invisibly; power aris- 
ing from character or station; elec- 
trical induction: v.t. to exercise in- 
fluence on, physically or morally. 

influential (in-flu-en'shal) , adj. hav- 
ing or exerting influence. 

influenza (inflii-en'za), n. an epidemic 
catarrh accompanied by fever, pains, 
and nervous prostration. [Italian.] 

influx (in'fluks), n. an inflow; infusion; 
continuous importation; the point 
at which a stream flows into another 
or into the sea. [Latin.] 

inform (in-form'), v.t. to animate; 
mold; instruct; apprise: v.i. to give 
information. 

informal (in-for'mal), adj. not accord- 
ing to form, custom, or rule; irreg- 
ular; unceremonious; deficient in 
legal form. See form. 

informality (in-f or-mal'i-ti) , n. [pi. 
informalities (in-for-mal'i-tiz)], want 
of regular, customary, or legal form. 

informant (in-for'mant) , n. one who 
gives information. 

information (in-f 6r-ma/shun) , n. com- 
muaicated knowledge or intelligence ; 
a suit instituted on behalf of the 
government; a declaration made be- 


fore a magistrate to induce him to 
issue a summons or warrant. 

informer (in-form'er), n. one who in- 
forms a magistrate of a violation of 
the law, or sues for a penalty under 
some statute. 

infra, a Latin prefix, meaning below, fur- 
ther on, as m/ra-axillary, situated 
below the axil. 

infraction (in-frak'shun), n. a viola- 
tion, or breach, especially of law; 
infringement. [Latin.] 

infrangible (in-fran'ji-bl), adj. that 
cannot be broken, separated, or vio- 
lated; inviolable. 

infrequence (in-f re'kwens) , n. the 
state of being infrequent; rareness. 
Also infrequency. 

infrequent (in-f re'kwent) , adj. seldom 
occurring. 

infringe (in-frinj'), v.t. to violate or 
break, as a law: v.i. to encroach: 
followed by on or upon. [Latin.] 

infuriate (in-f ii'ri-at) , v.t. to enrage; 
madden. 

infuse (in-f uz')., v.t. to introduce, as by 
pouring ; instil ; make an infusion of. 

infusion (in-f ii'zhun) , n. pouring in, 
or something poured in or mingled; 
instillation, as of good principles; a 
liquid extract obtained by steeping 
a vegetable substance in hot or cold 
water without boiling. [Latin.] 

Infusoria (in-fu-so'ri-a), n.pl. the name 
of several classes of active Protozoa. 

ingate (in'gat), n. the aperture in a 
mold through which the melted met- 
al enters. 

ingenious (in-je'nius), adj. having in- 
genuity or inventive skill; clever. 

ingenuity (in-je-nii'i-ti), n. clever- 
ness in contriving or inventing ; skill. 

ingenuous (in-jen'ii-us), adj. frank; 
open; sincere; artless; candid. 

inglorious (in-glo'ri-us), adj. without 
glory ; disgraceful ; shameful. 

ingot (in'got), n. a cast mass of 
metal. 

ingraft (in-graft'), v.t. to graft into 
another; to fix deeply. 

ingrain (in-gran'), v.t. to dye with 
grain or kermes; dye with any deep, 
lasting color; impregnate deeply: 
adj. (in'gran), dyed prior to being 
manufactured. 

ingratiate (in-gra'shi-at) , v.t. to in- 
sinuate (one's self) into the favor of 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


INGRATITUDE 


271 


INLAND 


another; secure favorable reception 
for (with into). 

Ingratitude (in-grat'i-tud) , n. ab- 
sence of gratitude; insensibility to 
kindness. 

ingredient (in-gre'di-ent) , n. a com- 
ponent part of a compound body; 
part. [Latin.] 

ingress (in'gres), n. entrance. 

ingulf, same as engulf. 

inhabit (in-hab'it), v.t. to dwell in; 
occupy as a place of residence: v.i. 
to reside; remain. [Latin.] 

inhabitant (in-hab'i-tant), n. one 
who, or that which, inhabits; a 
permanent resident. 

inhalant (in-ha'lant) , n. an apparatus 
for inhaling; that which is in- 
haled. 

inhalation (in-ha-la'shun), n. the act 
of inhaling; inspiration. 

inhale (in-hal'), v.t. to draw into the 
lungs. [Latin.] 

inharmonious (in-har-mo'ni-us), adj. 
inmusical; discordant. 

inhere (in-her'), v.i. to be fixed or exist 
in something else; be an essential 
part of. 

inherent (in-her'ent), adj. existing 
inseparably in something else; in- 
nate. 

inherit (in-her'it), v.t. to possess from 
an ancestor by right of succession; 
receive by nature from one's ances- 
tors; become divinely endowed with: 
v.i. to come into possession of prop- 
erty as the heir. [Latin.] 

inheritance (in-her'i-tans) , n. the 
act of inheriting ; that which is 
inherited; a possession. 

inhibit (in-hib'it), v.t. to restrain; pro- 
hibit; interdict; prohibit (a priest) 
from exercising his spiritual func- 
tions. [Latin.] 

inhibitive (in-hib'i-tiv), adj. restrain- 
ing; preventing the commission of 
an act. 

inhospitable (in-hos'pi-ta-bl), adj. not 
hospitable; affording no shelter; 
barren; cheerless. 

inhuman (in-hu'man) , adj. cruel ; un- 
feeling. [Latin.] 

inhume (in-hum'), v.t. to bury; inter. 

inimical (in-im'i-kal), adj. hostile; ad- 
verse. [Latin.] 

inimitable (in-im'i-ta-bl) , adj. match- 
less. [Latin.] 


iniquitous (in-ik'kwi-tus), adj. wick- 
ed; unjust. [Latin.] 

iniquity (in-ik'kwi-ti), n. [pi. iniqui- 
ties (in-ik'kwi-tiz)], wickedness; in- 
justice; crime; evil. 

initial (in-ish'al), adj. placed at the 
beginning; incipient: n. a letter 
placed at the beginning of a word, 
&c: pi. the first letters of a per- 
son's name placed separately: v.t. to 
mark with an initial. [Latin.] 

initiate (in-ish'i-at), v.t. to instruct in 
the first principles of anything; set 
on foot; bring in; acquaint with mys- 
teries or secrets. _ 

initiation (in-ish-i-a'shun) , n. the act 
of initiating ; formal admission. 

initiative (in-ish'i-a-tiv), adj. intro- 
ductory: n. an introductory or first 
step; power of commencing, espe- 
cially legislative projects. 

inject (in-jekt'), v.t. to throw or cast 
in; introduce, as a liquid, by me- 
chanical means. [Latin.] 

injection (in-jek'shun), n. the act of 
injecting; that which is injected; an 
enema. 

injudicious (in-ju-dish'us), adj. not 
judicious; indiscreet; unwise. 

injunction (in-jungk'shun) , n. the 
act of enjoining; that which is en- 
joined; command, order, or precept; 
a writ of equity or prohibition 
to restrain certain proceedings. 
[Latin.] 

injure (in'jur), # v.t. to hurt; harm; 
damage, physjcally or morally. 

injurious (in-joo'ri-us), adj. hurtful, 
physically or morally; unjust; detri- 
mental m 

injury (in-joo-ri), ft. [pi. injuries 
(m'joo-riz)], that which occasions 
harm morally or physically; detri- 
ment; loss; damage. [Latin.] 

injustice (in-jus'tis), n. the quality of 
being unjust; violation of another's 
rights; injury; wrong. 

ink (ingk), n. a fluid or viscous ma- 
terial used for writing, printing, &c: 
v.t. to spread ink upon; color or 
blacken with ink. [Old French ] 

inkling (ingk'ling), n. an intimation; 
hint. 

inky (ing'ki), adj. consisting of, or like, 
ink; discolored with ink; black. 

inland (in'land), adj. pertaining to, 
or situated in, the interior of a 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
aue, hut ; think, then. 


INLAY 


272 


INSCRIBE 


country; remote from the sea; not 
foreign: adj. towards the interior. 

inlay (in-la'), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. inlaid, 
p.pr. inlaying], to ornament (a sur- 
face) by laying in pieces of ivory, 
wood, metal, &c: n. materials for 
inlaying. 

inlet (in-let/), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. inlet, 
p.pr. inlet ting], to inlay; insert: n. 
(in'let), an entrance; a small bay 
or creek. 

inly (in'li), adv. inwardly; secretly. 

inmate (in'mat), n. one who lodges 
in the same house with another, ap- 
plied to hospitals, prisons, &c. 

inmost (in'most), adj. deepest within. 
Also innermost. 

inn (in), n. a house for the reception 
and entertainment of travelers; tav- 
ern; in England, a college of com- 
mon law professors and students. 

innate (in-nat')> adj. inborn; native. 

inner (in'er), adj. internal; interior; 
esoteric: n. that part of a target 
which is between the outer and the 
bull's-eye. 

innervate (in'er-vat), v.t. to supply 
with force or nervous energy. 

innings (in'ings), n.pl. in base-ball, the 
turn of a side or player to bat ; lands 
reclaimed from the sea. 

innocence (in'o-sens), _n. freedom 
from guilt; purity; simplicity of 
heart; harmlessness ; mental imbe- 
cility. Also_innocency. [Latin.] 

innocent (in'o-sent) , _ adj. free from 
guilt or wrong-doing; blameless; 
pure in heart and life; weak in in- 
tellect. 

innocuous (in-nok'u-us) , adj. harm- 
less. 

innovate (in'o-vat), v.i. to make alter- 
ations or changes in something al- 
ready established; introduce new 
things. 

innoxious (in-nok'shus), n. harmless. 

innuendo (in-u-en'do) , n. [pi. innuen- 
dos, -does (in-u-en'doz)], an oblique 
hint or insinuation. [Latin.] 

innumerable (in-nu'mer-a-bl), adj. 
that cannot be counted; very nu- 
merous. [Latin.] 

innutritious (in-nu-trish'us^ad!/. not 
affording nutrition or nourishment. 

inoculate (in-ok'u-lat) , v.t. tocommu- 
nicate a disease to by the insertion 
of infectious matter into the system: 


v.i. to practice inoculation; graft by 
the insertion of buds. [Latin.] 

inodorous (in-o'do-rus), adj. lacking 
odor; having no smell. 

inoffensive (in-of-f en'siv) , adj. not 
objectionable; not unpleasant; giv- 
ing no offense. 

inogen (in'o-jen), n. a nitrogenous 
compound supposed by some physi- 
ologists to decompose _ between the 
muscles when they are in action, and 
to be renewed as soon as action 
ceases. 

inoil (in-oil'), v.t. an old English 
expression for unction; to anoint. 

inoperative (in-op'er-a-tiv), adj. not 
in action; having no effect. 

inopportune (in-op-por-tun'), adj. 
unseasonable; inappropriate. 

inordinate (in-or'di-nat) , adj. im- 
moderate; excessive. # 

inorganic (in-or-gan'ik) , adj. desti- 
tute of organs; not produced by 
living organisms. [Grseco-Latin.] 

inquest (in'kwest), n. a coroner's in- 
quiry with a jury into the cause of 
a sudden death from any cause; a 
judicial inquiry. [Latin.] 

inquietude (in-kwl'e-tud), n. dis- 
turbance of body or mind; unrest. 

inquire (in-kwir'), v.i. to seek for or 
after by questions; make inquiry 
(with for, into, after, about). [Latin.] 

inquiry (in-kwir'i), n. [pi. _ inquiries 
(in-kwlr'iz)], the act of inquiring; 
search by question; investigation; 
question; research. 

inquisition (in-kwi-zish'un) , n. in- 
quiry ; examination ; a judicial in- 
quiry in criminal matters. 

inquisitive (in-kwiz'i-tiv), adj. given 
to asking questions; prying; curious. 

inroad (in'rod), n. a hostile incursion. 

insalubrious (in-sa-lu'bri-us), adj. not 
healthful; unwholesome. 

insane (in-san'). adj. mentally de- 
ranged; mad; irrational; very fool- 
ish. [Latin.] 

insanity (in-san'i-ti), n. derangement 
of mind or intellect; lunacy; mad- 
ness. 

insatiable (in-sa'shi-a-bl), adj. that 
cannot be satisfied or appeased. 

inscribe (in-skrib'). v.t. to write or 
engrave upon; address in a formal 
dedication; draw (one figure within 
another). [Latin.] 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


INSCRIPTION 


273 


INSPIRATORY 


Inscription (in-skrip'shun), n. the 
act of inscribing on wood, stone, 
silver, gold; that which is inscribed; 
a dedicatory address; entry in a roll 
or register. 

inscrutable (in-skroo'ta-bl), adj. not 
to be penetrated by inquiry or 
reason; incomprehensible. [Latin.] 

Insect (in'sekt), n. one of a numerous 
class of articulate animals, the In- 
sect a ^anything very minute or con- 
temptible. [Latin.] 

Insecta (in-sek'ta), n.pl. a class of ar- 
ticulate animals having three pairs of 
legs, two pairs of wings, and the body 
divided into three segments — head, 
thorax, and abdomen. 

insecure (in-se-kur'), adj. apprehen- 
sive of, or exposed to, danger or loss. 

insensate (in-sen'sat) , adj. destitute 
of sense or mental perception; soul- 
less; mad; brutish. 

insensible (in-sen'si-bl), adj. that 
cannot be felt or perceived mentally 
or physically ; heedless ; callous ; sense- 
less. 

insert (in-serf), v.t. to place in or 
among; introduce into. 

insertion (in-ser'shun) , n. the act of 
inserting ; that which is inserted, as 
lace or embroidery in a garment, 
words in writing, &c. 

inset (in'set), n. a leaf or leaves in- 
serted in a newspaper, magazine, 
&c: v.t. (in-set') to set in; implant. 

inshore (in'shor) , adv. near or towards 
the shore. 

inside (in'sld), adj. interior; being 
within: adv. & prep, within; in less 
time or space: n. that which is with- 
in; inner part; contents; entrails; 
an inside passenger; the place of 
influence because of intimacy. 

insidious (in-sid'i-us) , adj. treacher- 
ous; deceitful; operating secretly. 

insight (in'sit), n. penetration; intui- 
tion. 

insignia (in-sig'ni-a), n.pl. badges of 
honor or office. [Latin.] 

insignificant (in-sig-nif'i-kant), adj. 
without importance, force, influence, 
or meaning; trivial; contemptible. 

insincere (in-sin-ser'), adj. deceitful; 
dissembling; not to be trusted; un- 
sound. 

insinuate (inTsm'u-at), v.t. to in- 
gratiate, as into the confidence or 


affections of; suggest or hint in- 
directly; introduce as by a winding 
motion; worm in: v.i. work one's 
self into the confidence or affection 
of another. [ Latin. ]_ 

insinuation (in-sin-u-a'shun), n. the 
act of insinuating; an indirect or sly 
hint. 

insipid (in-sip'id), adj. without flavor; 
tasteless. [Latin.] 

insist (in-sisf), v.i. to urge or press, 
as a wish or command; be persistent 
or peremptory. 

insistent (in-sist'ent), adj. urgent; 
conspicuous; entirely on the ground, 
as the hind toe of a bird; supported 
by something else. 

insobriety (in-so-bri'i-ti), n. intem- 
perance. 

insolence (in'so-lens), n. contemptu- 
ous or overbearing language or 
manner; offensive impertinence; in- 
sulting behavior. 

insolent (in'so-lent), adj. overbearing 
or contemptuously offensive to oth- 
ers; insulting; grossly rude. [Latin.] 

insoluble (in-sol'u-bl), adj. that can- 
not be dissolved; not soluble; in- 
explicable. 

insolvency (in-sol'ven-si) , n. [pi. in- 
solvencies (in-sol'ven-siz)], the state 
of being insolvent. 

insolvent (in-sol'vent), adj. unable to 
pay all debts; bankrupt: n. one who 
cannot pay all his debts; a bankrupt. 

insomnia (in-som'ni-a) , n. sleepless- 
ness. [Latin.] 

inspect (in-spekf), v.t. to examine 
critically; test officially; superin- 
tend. [Latin.] 

inspection (in-spek'shun), n. the act 
of inspecting; careful or critical 
scrutiny. 

inspector (in-spek'ter), n. one who 
inspects or oversees; an official who 
superintends some matter of public 
interest; a police officer ranking next 
below a superintendent. 

inspiration (in-spi-ra/shun) , n. the 
act of drawing air into the lungs; 
creative influence of genius ; elevat- 
ing influence derived from associa- 
tion with great minds, scenery, &c; 
the supernatural influence of the 
Holy Spirit on sacred teachers. 

inspiratory (in-spir'a-to-ri), adj. per- 
taining to inspiration. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


INSPIRE 


274 


INSULAR 


inspire (in-spir'), v.t. to draw (air) 
into the lungs; breathe into; imbue 
with ideas; exhilarate or enliven; 
communicate officially: v.i. to inhale 
air or any other influence. [Latin.] 

instability (in-sta-bil'i-ti), n. want of 
stability or firmness; inconstancy; 
fickleness. 

install (in-stawl'), v.t. to place or in- 
state in an office or rank. 

installation (in-stawl-a'shun), n. the 
act of installing; induction of a 
knight (as of the Garter, the Bath, 
&c.) into his place; induction of a 
minister of a non-episcopal church 
to a charge ; introduction of machin- 
ery for use. [Latin.] 

installment (in-stawl'ment) , n. the 
act of installing; payment of part of a 
sum of money due; one of a number 
of parts of anything produced. 

instance (in'stans), v.t. to refer to, 
or offer as an example: n. something 
offered as an illustration or exam- 
ple; earnest solicitation. 

instant (in'stant), adj. urgent; imme- 
diate; passing; current: n. a par- 
ticular moment of time; point of 
duration. [Latin.] 

instantaneous (in-stan-ta'ne-us) , adj. 
acting or occurring in a moment; 
position at a particular moment. 

instantly (in'stant-li) , adv. at once. 

instate (in-staf), v.t. to put in office 
or rank. 

instead (in-sted'), adv. in room or 
place : followed by of. 

instep (in'step), n. the arched fore- 
part of the upper side of the human 
foot; that part of a horse's hind-leg 
which reaches from the ham to the 
pastern-joint. 

instigate (in'sti-gat) , v.t. to provoke 
or urge on (in a bad sense); incite. 

instigator (in'sti-ga-ter) , n. one who 
instigates. 

instil (in-stil'),. v.t. [p.t. & p.p. in- 
stilled, p.pr. instilling], to insinuate 
gradually, as if by drops; pour in 
by drops. 

instinct (in'stingkt) , adj. animated; 
stimulated from within: n. natural 
impulse in animals. [Latin.] 

instinctive (in-stingk'tiv), adj. acting 
or prompted by instinct ; spontaneous. 

institute (in'sti-tut), v.t. to establish; 
set up; fix; originate; set in opera- 


tion; ordain; invest with the spir- 
itual part of a benefice: n. estab- 
lished law; a maxim or principle: 
pi. a book of laws or principles, 
especially Roman laws such as the 
so-called Institutes of Justinian; a 
society for the promotion of some 
special interest, either artistic or 
scientific. 

institution (in-sti-tu'shun), n. the 
act of instituting; that which is 
instituted or established; a corporate 
body or society for promoting a 
particular object; the building where 
such a society meets. [Latin.] 

instruct (in-strukf), v.t. to teach; 
educate; furnish with orders or di- 
rections. [Latin.] 

instruction (in-struk'shun) , n. the act 
of instructing; education; an order, 
&c. 

instructive (in-struk'tiv), adj. tending 
to instruct; conveying instruction. 

instructor (in-struk'ter), n. one who 
instructs. 

instrument (in'stroo-ment), n. that 
by which anything is effected ; a tool 
or implement; a mechanical con- 
trivance for producing musical 
sounds; agent; a writing containing 
the terms of a contract, as a deed. 

instrumental (in-stroo-men'tal) , adj. 
pertaining to, or done by, an instru- 
ment ; conducive to some end ; helpful. 

instrumentality (in-stroo-men-tal'j- 
ti), n. [pi. instrumentalities (in-stroo- 
men-tal'i-tiz)], a subordinate or 
auxiliary agency; means. 

instrumentation (in-stroo-men-ta'- 
shun), n. the arrangement of music 
for a combination of instruments; 
music thus arranged; use or method 
of using an instrument. 

insubordinate (in-sub-or'di-nat), adj. 
not submitting to authority ; mutin- 
ous. 

insufferable (in-suf 'er-a-bl) , adj. in- 
tolerable. 

insufflation (in-suf-fla'shun), n. in 
past years, tne blowing upon or into 
the face of a layman, either to drive 
out a supposed demon, or to breathe 
in the Holy_ Spirit. [Latin.] 

insular (in'su-lar), adj. pertaining to 
an island, or to the inhabitants of 
an island, their customs, &c; iso- 
lated; narrow. [Latin.] 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


INSULATE 


275 


INTER 


Insulate (in'su-lat), y.t. to place alone, 
or in a detached situation; separate 
by a non-conductor from other con- 
ducting bodies. 

insulator (in'su-la-ter), n. one who, 
or that which, insulates; a non- 
conductor of electricity, heat, or 
sound. 

Insult (in'sult), n. an affront or in- 
dignity; gross abuse in word or ac- 
tion: v.t. (in-sult') to treat with 
gross indignity, contempt, or abuse, 
by word or act. 

insuperable (in-su'per-a-bl) , adj. not 
to be overcome; invincible. [Latin.l 

insupportable (in-sup-port'a-bl), adj. 
not to be endured; unbearable. 

insurance (in-shur'ans), n. the act or 
system of insuring against loss or 
damage; a contract entered into to 
secure against loss by fire, &c, by 
the payment of a specified sum; 
premium paid. [Old French.] 

insure (in-shur'), v.t. to contract on 
certain conditions to secure against 
loss or damage by fire, &c; make 
sure or secure. 

insurgent (in-ser'jent), adj. rising 
against constituted authority: n. 
a rebel. [Latin.] 

insurrection (in-ser^rek'shun), n. ac- 
tive or open hostility to constituted 
authority; rebellion. 

intact (in-takf), adj. entire; unin- 
jured. [Latin.] 

intaglio (en-ta'lyo), n. [pi. intaglii, 
-glios (en-ta'lye, en-ta'lyoz)], a gem 
or stone haying a design cut in the 
surface; incised carving. [Italian.] 

intake (in'tak), n. that which is taken 
in as profit on a farm (opposed to 
outgo); said of a channel which 
takes in water at a certain point 
(opposed to outlet); the drawing in 
of the breath of man or beast. 

integer (in'te-jer), n. the whole; a 
whole number: opposed to frac- 
tion. 

integral (in'te-gral), adj. constitut- 
ing a whole; complete; pertaining 
to an integer: n. the whole made 
up of parts. 

integrate (in'te-grat), v.t. to bring 
together the parts of; give the sum 
total of: v.i. to pass from a complex 
and unstable state to one relatively 
simple and stable. 


integrity (in-teg'ri-ti), n. uprightness; 
virtue; honesty; soundness; unim- 
paired or unbroken state of any- 
thing. 

integument (in-teg'u-ment), n. an 
external covering or skin. 

intellect (in'teLekt), n. the mind 
or understanding; superior intelli- 
gence; acquired knowledge. 

intellectual (in-tel-ek'tu-al), adj. per- 
taining to, or apprehended by, the 
intellect; mental; ideal. 

intelligence (in-tel'i-jens), n. in- 
tellectual capacity ; understanding ; 
mind; acquired knowledge; notifi- 
cation; news. 

intelligent (in-tel'i^jent), adj. en- 
dowed with intelligence or under- 
standing; exhibiting knowledge; 
clever; acute; discerning. 

intelligible (in-tel'i-ji-bl), adj. ca- 
pable of being understood; clear. 

intemperance (in-tem'per-ans), _ n. 
want of moderation or self restraint ; 
excess, especially in the use of al- 
coholic liquors. [Latin.] 

intemperate (in-tem'per-at) , adj. 
characterized by want of modera- 
tion or self restraint; excessive; 
addicted to alcoholic liquors . [ L atin .] 

intend (in-tend'), v.t. to purpose; 
mean. 

intendant (in-tend'ant) , n. a superin- 
tendent^ an administrator. [French.] 

intense (in-tens'), adj. increased to 
excess; strained; forced; ardent; 
vehement. # [Latin.] 

intensify (in-ten'si-f I) , v.t. [p.t. & 
p.p. intensified, p.pr. intensifying], 
to render more intense; heighten. 

intensity (in-ten'sj-ti), n. [pi. inten- 
sities (in-ten'si-tiz)J, the state < or 
quality of being intense; density, 
as of a negative plate; the force or 
energy of any physical agent. # 

intensive (in-ten'siv), adj. serving to 
intensify; giving force or emphasis 
to. 

intent (in-tenf), adj. having the 
mind strained or closely fixed on a 
subject; anxiously diligent; con- 
stantly or assiduously directed (with 
on) : n. purpose; aim. 

intention (in-ten'shun) , n. purpose; 
fixed design; end or aim; project. 

inter (in-teV), y.t. [p.t. & p.p. in- 
terred, p.pr. interring], to bury. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
18 hue, hut ; think, then. 


INTER 


276 


INTERNECINE 


Inter, a Latin prefix meaning between, 
among, and very frequent in English. 

intercalate (in-ter'ka-lat) , v.t. to in- 
sert between or among. 

intercede (in-ter-sed'), v.i. to mediate 
as a friend between persons at vari- 
ance; plead for another; interpose. 

intercept (in-ter-sept'), v.t. to stop 
and seize in the way; cut off; ob- 
struct; include between two points 
of a line. 

intercession (in-ter-sesh'un), n. the 
act of interceding; mediation; a 
prayer for persons of different 
conditions. 

interchange (in-ter-chanj'), v.t. to 
exchange; v.i. to succeed alternately: 
n. exchange. 

intercourse (in'ter-kors), n. connec- 
tion, correspondence, or communica- 
tion between individuals, nations, 
&c; mutual exchange; fellowship. 

interdict (in-ter-dikf), v.t. to restrain 
or forbid; cut off from the spiritual 
services of the Church. 

interest (in'ter-est), v.t. to engage the 
attention; awaken concern in; cause 
to take a share in: n. advantage; 
influence; personal concern; benefit; 
profit; premium paid for the use of 
money. 

interfere (in-ter-fer'), v.i. to interpose 
or meddle in the affairs of others; 
oppose; come into collision; act 
reciprocally so as to modify # the 
result; injure the fetlock by striking 
it with the opposite hoof. 

interference (in-ter-f er'ens) , n. the 
act of interfering. 

interim (in'ter-im), n. intervening 
time or period: adv. in the mean- 
while. [Latin.] 

interior (in-te'ri-er), adj. inner; inter- 
nal; remote from the coast or fron- 
tier: n. the inside; the inland; home 
department of a government. 

interjection (in-ter-jek'shun), n. an 
exclamation; a word thrown in to 
express sudden emotion, feeling, &c. 

interlard (in-ter-lard') , v.t. to mix 
fat and lean meat together for 
variety; hence, to introduce jokes 
or saws in talk. 

interleave (in-ter-leV) , v.t. to insert 
a leaf in: as to interleave a book with 
blank leaves or illustrations. 

interline (in-ter-lin'), v.t. to draw a 


line under; in writing, to underscore 
words, usually for emphasis; to 
write between the lines of a manu- 
script or book. 

interlocutory (in-ter-lok'u-to-ri), adj. 
conversational; intermediate; not 
final. 

interloper (in'ter-lo-per), n. an in- 
truder. 

interlucent (in-ter-lu'sent), adj. shin- 
ing between or among various ob- 
jects. 

interlude (in'ter-lud) , n. a short en- 
tertainment given between acts of 
a play, &c; a short instrumental 
passage played between the stan- 
zas of a hymn, acts of an opera, 
&c. 

intermediary (in-ter-me'di-a-ri), adj. 
intervening: n. an agent; go-between; 
medium. 

intermediate (in-ter-me'di-at)^ adj. 
existing or lying in the middle; inter- 
vening. 

intermembral (in-ter-mem'bral) , adj. 
lying or existing between the mem- 
bers of the body. 

interment (in-ter'ment), n. burial. 

intermezzo (in-ter-met'z5), n. an 
interlude of a musical character, 
performed between the acts of an 
opera. [Italian.] 

interminable (in-ter'min-a-bl) , adj. 
without end or limit; boundless. 

intermission (in-ter-mish'un), n. in- 
terruption; pause; temporary ces- 
sation between paroxysms of a 
disease. 

intermit (in-ter-mit') , v.t. [p.t. & p.p. 
intermitted, p.pr. intermitting], to 
cause to cease for a time; interrupt; 
suspend. 

intermix (in-ter-miks') ; v.t. to mix 
together. Same as intermingle. _ 

intern (in-tern'), v.t. to confine within 
a town or fortress, or in the inte- 
rior of a country; place under ar- 
rest: n. a junior physician resident 
in a hospital. [French.] 

internal (in-ter'nal), f adj. m pertaining 
to the center; interior; inward; not 
foreign; domestic. 

international (in-ter-nash'un-al) , adj. 
pertaining to two or more nations 
in common. 

internecine (in-ter-ne'sin) , adj. mu- 
tually destructive; deadly. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


INTERPELLATE 


•27; 


INTONE 


interpellate (in-ter-pel'at), v.t. to 
question. 

interpleader (in-ter-pled'er), n. the 
discussion of a point incidentally 
occurring in law. 

interpolate (in-ter'po-lat) , v.t. to in- 
sert in a book or writing new or 
spurious matter; corrupt by inser- 
tions. 

interpose (in-ter-poz'),. v.t. to place 
between; thrust in; interrupt: v.i. 
to intercede; come between. 

interpret (in-ter'pret), v.t. to explain 
the meaning of; expound; con- 
strue. 

interpretation (in-ter-pre-t a/shun), n. 
the act of interpreting; explanation. 

interregnum (in-ter-reg'num) , n. the 
period between two reigns, govern- 
ments, or ministries; time of abey- 
ance. 

interrogate (in-ter'o-gat), v.t. to ques- 
tion: v.i. to ask questions. 

interrogation (in-ter-o-ga'shun), n. 
the act of interrogating; a question; 
inquiry; a mark (?) denoting a ques- 
tion. 

interrogative (in-ter-rog'a-tiv), adj. 
denoting or containing a question or 
inquiry: n. a word used in asking a 
question. 

interrogatory (in-ter-rog'a-to-ri) , adj. 
pertaining to, or expressing, a ques- 
tion: n. a question in writing put 
to a party to a suit. 

interrupt (in-ter-rupt'), v.t. to stop or 
hinder by breaking in upon; break 
the continuity of; cause to be de- 
layed; end suddenly. 

interruption (in-ter-rup'shun), n. the 
act of interrupting; hindrance; ob- 
struction; intervention; sudden ces- 
sation. 

intersect (in-ter-sekt'), v.t. to cut or 
divide mutually: v.i. to cross each 
other. 

intersection (in-ter-sek'shun) , n. the 
act or state of intersecting; place of 
crossing; the point or line in which 
two lines or two planes cut each 
other. 

intersperse (in-ter-spers') , v.t. to set 
or scatter here and there. 

interstellar (in-ter-stel'ar) , adj. per- 
taining to, or situated in, space be- 
tween the stars. 

interstice (in-ter'stis), n. a narrow 


space between things closely set; 
crevice. 

interstitial (in-ter-stish'al), adj. per- 
taining to, containing, or existing in 
interstices. 

intertidal (in-ter-ti'dal), adj. living 
between high- and low-water mark. 

interurban (in-ter-er'ban) , adj. unit- 
ing or belonging to two cities: n. 
something, such as a car-line, tube, 
or ferry-boat, that unites two closely 
related cities. 

interval (in'ter-val), n. time or space 
between; distance between two 
given musical sounds. 

intervene (in-ter-ven'), v.i. to come, 
or be situated, between; interpose; 
interfere. 

intervention (in-ter-ven'shun), n. the 
act of intervening; interposition; 
mediation. 

interview (in'ter-vu), v.t. to visit, as 
a notable personage, to obtain par- 
ticulars respecting himself or his 
opinions: n. a personal conference 
or meeting. [French.] 

intestate (in-tes'tat), adj. dying with- 
out having made a valid will : n. one 
who dies without having made a 
will. 

intestine (in-tes'tin), adj. internal; 
not foreign: n.pl. the bowels; en- 
trails. 

intimacy (in'ti-ma-si) , n. [pi. intima- 
cies (in'ti-ma-siz)], close or con- 
fidential friendship. 

intimate (in'ti-mat), adj. close in 
friendship; well acquainted; famil- 
iar; confidential; complete: v.t. (in'- 
ti-mat) to indicate; make known. 

intimation (in-ti-ma'shun) , n. an 
indirect suggestion or hint ; announce- 
ment. 

intimidate (in-tim'i-dat) , v.t. to make 
afraid. 

into (in'too), prep, noting passage in- 
wards; inclusion or comprehension. 

intolerable (in-tol'er-a-bl) , adj. un- 
bearable. 

intolerant (in-tol'er-ant) , adj. bigoted; 
unable to bear or endure (with of). 

intonation (in-to-na'shun), n. the act 
or manner of sounding musical 
notes; modulation of the voice; act 
of intoning. 

intone (in-ton'), v.t. to recite in mono- 
tone. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


IN TOTO 


278 


INVENT 


In toto (in to'to), adv. wholly; on the 
whole. [Latin.] 

intoxicant (in-toks'i-kant), n. that 
which intoxicates. [Graeco-Latin.] 

intoxicate (in-toks'i-kat), v.t. to make 
drunk by spirituous liquors; excite 
unduly. 

intoxication (in-toks-i-ka/shun) , n. 
the act of intoxicating; extreme ex- 
citement. 

intra, a Latin prefix meaning within, as 
intramural, within the walls of a 
city or the precincts of a univer- 
sity. 

intractable (in-trak'ta-bl) , adj. un- 
manageable. 

intractile (in-trak'til), adj. incapable 
of being drawn out; not extensible. 

intransitive (in-tran'si-tiv) , adj. not 
passing over to or requiring an 
object: said of certain verbs. 

intrench (in-trench'), v.t. to fortify 
with a wall and ditch. 

intrepid (in-trep'id), adj. bold; fear- 
less. 

intricacy (in'tri-ka-si) , n. [pi. intrica- 
cies (in'tri-ka-siz)], the quality of 
being intricate; perplexity. 

intricate (in'tri-kat) , adj. entangled 
or involved. 

intrigue (in-treg'), v.i.to carry on 
a secret plot ; engage in clandestine 
love affairs : n. a secret plot ; clandes- 
tine love affair. 

intrinsic (in-trin'sik) , adj. pertaining 
to that which is inherent; real; 
genuine. 

intro, a Latin prefix meaning within, 
into K as mfrocession, a depression or 
sinking of parts inwards. 

introduce (in-tro-dus'), v.t. to con- 
duct or bring in; bring into use or 
notice; bring into acquaintance; in- 
sert. 

introduction (in-tro-duk'shun),n. the 
act of introducing; presentation; a 
preface. 

introductory (in-tr5-duk'to-ri), adj. 
serving to introduce. 

introflexed (in-tro-flekst'), adj. bent 
inwards. 

intromit (in-tro-mit'), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. 
intromited, p.pr. intromitting], to 
admit; insert. 

introspection (in-tro-spek'shun) , n. 
looking into one's self; self-examina- 
tion, as to one's thoughts and acts 


and motions. The keen vision of 
one's own personality. 

introspective (in-tro-spek'tiv), adj. 
prone to introspection. 

intrude (in-trud'), v.i.to thrust one's 
self in without invitation or wel- 
come: v.t. force in. 

intrusion (in-tru'zhun), n. the act of 
intruding; encroachment; unlawful 
entry into vacant lands or tene- 
ments. 

intrust (in-trust'), v.t. to deliver in 
trust; confide to the care of. 

intuition (in-tu-ish'un), n. instinctive 
knowledge or feeling; immediate 
perception. 

intuitive (in-tu'i-tiv) , adj. perceived 
immediately by the mind. 

inundate (in-un'dat), v.t. to fill with 
an overflowing abundance; flood. 

inundation (in-un-da'shun), n. over- 
flow; flood. 

inure (in-ur'), v.t. to habituate, or ac- 
custom, toughen. 

in vacuo (in vak'u-o), in a vacuum. 
[Latin.] 

invade (in-vad'), v.t. to enter (a coun- 
try) with a hostile army; infringe 
upon; violate. 

invalid (in-varid), adj. of no force or 
authority; null and void: n. (in'va- 
lid), one who is weak or infirm in 
health; a disabled soldier or sailor: 
v.t. to register as an invalid; affect 
with disease. 

invalidate (in-val'i-dat), v.t. to weak- 
en or destroy the force or validity 
of. 

invalidity (in-va-lid'i-ti) , n. want of 
legal force or argument. 

invaluable (in-val'u-a-bl), adj. price- 
less. 

invariable (in-var'i-a-bl) , adj. con- 
stant. 

invasion (in-va'zhun) . n. the act of in- 
vading; hostile incursion; encroach- 
ment. 

invective (in-vek'tiv) , n. a violent ut- 
terance of censure, sarcasm, or 
abuse: adj. abusive. 

inveigh (in-va/), v.i. to rail against 
persons or things with vehe- 
mence; utter censure or reproach; 
declaim. # 

inveigle (in-ve'gl), v.t. to entice; se- 
duce. 

invent (in-venf), v.t. to find out by 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


INVENTION 


279 


IODINE 


original study or contrivance; devise 
or contrive; originate. [Latin.] 

invention (in-ven'shun), n. the act of 
inventing; the thing invented; dis- 
covery; creative faculty; concoc- 
tion; fabrication. 

inventive (in-ven'tiv), adj. able to 
invent; quick at contriving; ready 
in expedients. 

inventory (in'ven-to-ri) , n. [pi. in- 
ventories (in'ven-td-riz)], # a cata- 
logue or list of goods, furniture, &c. ; 
account: v.t. to draw up an inventory 
or catalogue of. 

inverse (in- vers'), adj. contrary in 
tendency, direction, or effect; recip- 
rocal; inverted. 

inversion (in-ver'shun) , n. the act of 
inverting; the state of being in- 
verted; contrary change of order or 
position. 

inversive (in-ver'siv), adj. pertaining 
to, or causing, inversion. 

invert (in-verf), v.t. to turn upside 
down. [Latin.] 

invertebrate (in-ver'te-brat), adj. hav- 
ing no backbone; having no force 
of character; weak; irresolute. 

invest (in-vesf), v.t. to place or lay 
out, as money; clothe, as with office, 
authority, or dignity; surround: v.i. 
to make an investment. 

investigate (in-ves'ti-gat), v.t. to 
ascertain by careful inquiry; search; 
examine. [Latin.] 

investigation (in-ves-ti : ga'shun), # n. 
the act of investigating; inquiry; 
search. 

investiture (in : ves'ti-tur), n. the act 
or right of giving legal possession; 
the ceremony of inducting a bishop, 
into his office. 

investment m (in-vest'ment), n. the 
act of laying out money produc- 
tively; money so invested; the act 
of besieging or blockading. 

inveterate (in-vet'er-at), adj. deep- 
rooted; habitual. 

invidious (in-vid'i-us), adj. likely to 
provoke ill-will or envy; unpleas- 
ant. [Latin.] 

invigorate (in-vig'o-rat) , v.t. to give 
vigor to; strengthen; animate. 
[Latin.] 

invincible (in-vin'si-bl) , adj. uncon- 
querable. [Latin.] 

inviolable (in-vi'o-la-bl), adj. that 


cannot be profaned or injured; un- 
broken. Inviolate. [Latin.] 

invisible (in-viz'i-bl), adj. that can- 
not be seen. [Latin.] 

invitation (in-vi-ta'shun), n. the act 
of inviting; polite solicitation; the 
words or document by which one 
is invited. [Latin.] 

invite (in-vlf), v.t. to ask, solicit, or 
summon; request the presence of; 
persuade; allure. 

inviting (in-vit'ing), p. adj. tempting; 
seductive. 

invocation (in-vo-ka'shun), n. the 
act or form of invoking. 

invoice (in'vois), n. a document an- 
nouncing the despatch of goods with 
their prices, &c. : v.t. to state or in- 
sert in an invoice. [French.] 

invoke (in-vok'), v.t. to address in 
prayer or supplication; solicit (aid 
or protection). [Latin.] 

involuntary (in-vol'un-ta-ri) , adj. 
without will or choice; not spon- 
taneous. 

involution (in-vo-lu'shun) , n. the act 
of involving or infolding; complica- 
tion ; return of an organ or tissue to 
its normal size after distention; the 
process of raising an arithmetical or 
algebraical quantity to a given 
power, as 3 4 =81. 

involve (in-volv'), v.t. to complicate; 
entangle; surround; embroil; re- 
sult as a logical consequence; mul- 
tiply a quantity into itself any given 
number of times. [Latin.] 

invulnerable (in-vul'ner-a-bl), adj. 
that cannot be wounded or injured; 
without any weak point. [Latin.] 

in wall (in-wawl'), v.t. to enclose 
within walls. Same as immure. 

inward (in'ward), adj. situated with- 
in; in the mind: adv. interior; to- 
wards the center. Also inwards. 

inwardly (in'ward-li) , adv. in an in- 
ward manner; secretly. 

inwrought (in-rawt'), p. adj. worked 
in; adorned with figures or pat- 
terns. 

lod, a Greek prefix, indicating the pres- 
ence of iodine. Also iodo. 

iodic (I-od'ik), adj. pertaining to, or 
containing, iodine. 

iodide (I'6-dId), n. a compound of 
iodine. 

iodine (I'o-din), n. a non-metallic 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


IODOFORM 


280 


IRRITATION 


element, which, when heated, gives 
off a rich violet vapor. 

iodoform (I-o'do-form) , n. a crystal- 
line compound formed by the action 
of iodine on alcohol and potash. A 
valuable antiseptic. 

iodol (I'o-dol), n. an antiseptic spe- 
cific used for wounds and cutaneous 
diseases. 

Ion (I 'on), n. the name given by 
Faraday to a substance resulting 
from the decomposition of a body by 
electrolysis. 

iota (I-o'ta), n. the Greek letter (0, 
which from its being used under the 
vowels a, t), o) (iota subscription), 
denotes anything small or insignifi- 
cant ; the same as jot. 

ipecacuanha (ip-e-kak-u-an'a) , n. the 
root of a South American plant: 
used in medicine. [Portuguese.] 

irascible (I-ras'i-bl) , n. easily excited 
to anger. [Latin.] 

irate (I-raf), adj. angry; enraged. 

ire (Ir), n. anger; wrath. [Latin.] 

iridescent (ir-i-des'ent) , adj. exhibit- 
ing iridescence. 

iridium (I-rid'i-um) , n. a metallic 
element of the platinum group, hard, 
silvery, and formed with other 
elements like it. 

iris (I'ris), n. [pi. irises, irides (I'ris-ez, 
I'ri-dez)], the pupil of the eye; the 
rainbow. [Greek.] 

iriscope (I'ri-skop), n. an apparatus 
for showing the prismatic colors. 

irk (erk), v.t. to weary: v.i. to be- 
come tired. 

irksome (erk 'sum), ad!;', tedious; weari- 
some. 

iron (I'ern), n. the most common and 
useful of the metals; an instrument 
made of iron; anything especially 
hard or durable: pi. fetters: adj. 
pertaining to, resembling, or made 
of iron: v.t. to smooth with an iron; 
implement; furnish with iron; fetter. 

ironclad (I'ern-klad) , n. a warship pro- 
tected wholly or partially with iron 
or steel plates: adj. covered or pro- 
tected with iron armor. 

ironical (I-ron'i-kal) , adj. express- 
ing one thing and meaning another. 

ironwood (I'ern-wood) , n. a name for 
the timber of trees of exceptional 
hardness and durability. 

irony (I'ron-i), n. subtle sarcasm; a 


mode of speech conveying the op- 
posite of what is meant. [Greek.] 

irradiance (ir-ra'di-ans) , n. the act 
of sending forth luminous rays; 
luster. Irradiancy. [Latin.] 

irradiate (ir-ra'di-at), v.t. to shed 
light upon; illuminate; brighten: 
v.i. emit rays of light. 

irradicate (ir-rad'i-kat) , v.t. to root 
deeply. 

irrational (ir-rash'un-al), adj. desti- 
tute of reason; absurd. 

irreclaimable (ir-re-klam'a-bl) , adj. 
that cannot be reclaimed; practi- 
cally lost. 

irredeemable (ir-re-dem'a-bl) , adj. 
not to be replaced by an equiva- 
lent. 

irregular (ir-reg'u-lar), adj.^ not ac- 
cording to rule; variable; vicious. 

irrelevant (ir-rel'e-vant), adj. not con- 
nected with the subject in hand. 

irreligious (ir-re-lij'us), adj. destitute 
of religion. 

irreparable (ir-rep'a-ra-bl), adj. not 
to be rectified or repaired. 

irrepressible (ir-re-pres'i-bl), adj. not 
to be restrained. 

irreproachable (ir-re-proch'a-bl), adj. 
free from blame; innocent. 

irresistible (ir-re-sist'i-bl), adj. not 
to be opposed successfully. 

irresolute (ir-res'o-hlt), adj. infirm of 
purpose. 

irrespective (ir-re-spek'tiv), adj. re- 
gardless (with of). 

irresponsible (ir-re-spon'si-bl), adj. 
not answerable or amenable. 

irreverent (ir-rev'er-ent), adj. lacking 
in reverence or respect. 

irrevocable (ir-rev'o-ka-bl) , adj. that 
cannot be recalled; not alterable. 

irrigable (ir'ri-ga-bl), adj. capable of 
being irrigated. 

irrigate (ir'i-gat), v.t. to moisten 
(land) by causing water to flow over 
by artificial means. [Latin.] 

irritable (ir'i-ta-bl) , adj. easily pro- 
voked to anger; easily stimulated 
to perform some physical function. 

irritant (ir'i-tant), n. anything which 
causes irritation. [Latin.] 

irritate (ir'i-tat), v.t. to make angry;, 
excite heat and redness in. 

irritation (ir-i-ta'shun) , n. the act of 
irritating; the state of being irri- 
tated; exasperation; vexation. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book : 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


IRRUPTION 


281 


ITCH 


irruption (ir-rup'shun), n. a bursting 
or rushing in; sudden invasion. 

is (iz), 3rd p., sing., pres., indie, of 
be. 

is, Greek prefix meaning equal. Also 
iso: as isanthous, having equal 
flowers ; isothermal, having the same 
mean summer temperature. 

isagon (I'sa-gon), n. a figure with 
equal angles. [Greek.] 

Ishmaelite (ish'ma-el-it), n. a de- 
scendant of Ishmael: hence a social 
outcast. 

isinglass (I'zin-glas) , n. a white 
semi-transparent substance prepared 
from the sounds or air-bladders of 
the sturgeon, cod, &c. The name is 
often given to mica from its simi- 
larity of appearance; but it means 
"sturgeon-bladder." [Middle Dutch.] 

Islam (is 'lam), n. the Mohammedan 
religion; the whole body of Moham- 
medans and the countries where the 
religion of Mohammed is professed. 
[The word Islam means "submis- 
sion," i. e. submission to God and 
the practice of Mohammedanism.] 

island (I 'land), n. a tract of land 
surrounded by water; anything re- 
sembling an island. 

isle (II), n. an island [Poet.]. 

ism (izm), n. system or theory. 

iso, Greek prefix. See is. 

isobar (I'so-bar), n. a line which con- 
nects places on the earth's surface 
having the same atmospheric pres- 
sure at the sea level. 

isobaric (I-so-bar'ik), adj. of equal 
barometric pressure; pertaining to, 
or showing, isobars. 

isochromatic (I-so-kro-mat'ik), adj. 
having the same color. 

isochronous (I-sok'ro-nus) , adj. oc- 
curring in equal times. 

isoclinal (I-so-kli'nal) , adj. having 
the same dip or inclination. 

isodynamic (I-so-dl-nam'ik) , adj. hav- 
ing equal force. 

isogeo thermal (I-so-je-o-ther'mal) , 
adj. _ noting imaginary lines con- 
necting places on the earth's sur- 
face which have the same mean 
annual temperature. 

Isolate (is'o-lat), v.t. to place alone; 
place in a detached situation: in- 
sulate; obtain in an uncombined 
form. 


isolation (is-o-la'shun), n. the state of 
being isolated. 

isomeric (I-s5-mer'ik) , adj. having the 
same elements in the same propor- 
tions, but with different physical 
characteristics. 

isometric (I-so-met'rik) , adj. having 
equality of measure. 

isomorphism (I-so-mor'fizm), n. the 
quality of having the same crystal- 
line form, but formed of different 
elements. 

isosceles (I-sos'e-lez) , adj. having equal 
sides. 

isotherm (I'so-therm), n. an imag- 
inary line connecting those places 
on the earth's surface which have 
the same mean temperature. 

Israel (iz'ra-el), n. the patriarch Jacob ; 
the twelve tribes of Israel ; # at present 
the whole body of the Jewish people. 
[Hebrew, literally "Fighter for God."] 

issue (ish'u), n. the act of passing 
or flowing out; egress; that which 
flows or passes out;_ discharge; flux; 
publication; offspring; lineal de- 
scendants; produce of the earth; 
profits of land, &c; essential points 
in pleading or debate; result: v.t. 
to send out; publish; put into cir- 
culation: v.i. to come or pass out; 
arise, as from a source; flow; pro- 
ceed; be descended; end. 

isthmus (ist'mus), n. & neck of land 
connecting two larger portions. 

Italian (i-tal'yan) , adj. pertaining 
to Italy, its inhabitants, or lan- 
guage. 

Italic (i-tal'ik), adj. pertaining _ to 
Italy; noting a slender, sloping kind 
of type (italic) : used for emphasis, 
&c: n.pl. italic type, first made in 
Italy about the year 1500. 

italicize (i-tal'i-siz), v.t. to write or 
print in italics. 

Italiote (i-tal'i-ot), n. a Greek inhabi- 
tant of Italy or an Italian inhabi- 
tant of Greece. Also Graeco-Italian. 

ita-palm (I'ta-pam), n. a tall South 
American palm, supplying the na- 
tives along the Orinoco and Amazon 
with food, drink and rope and ham- 
mock materials. 

itch (ich), n. & parasitic cutaneous 
disease causing great irritation; a 
constant and teasing desire for some- 
thing: v.i. to feel a particular un- 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met : mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


ITEM 


282 


IZZARD 


easiness in the skin, causing a de- 
sire to scratch the part affected; 
have a constant and teasing desire 
for. 

item (I'tem), n. a separate article or 
particular; a newspaper paragraph: 
adv. also. [Latin.] 

itemize (I'tem-ize) , v.t. to give the 
items or details of an account. 

iterate (it'er-at) L vi. to repeat. [Latin.] 

iteration (it-er-a'shun) , repetition. 

iterative (it'er-a-tiv) , adj. repeating. 

itinerancy (I-tin'er-an-si) , n. a passing 
from place to place, especially in 
the discharge of some official func- 
tion, as by a judge on circuit, a 
preacher, &c. 

itinerant (I-tin'er-ant) , adj. passing 
from place to place: n. one who 
itinerates. 

itinerary (i-tin'er-a-ri) , adj. pertaining 
to, or done on, a journey; traveling 
from place to place: n. a traveler's 
guide or route-book; a diary of a 
journey; plan of a projected ex- 
cursion. 


itinerate (I-tin'er-at), v.i. to travel 
from place to place. 

ivoride (I'vo-rid), n. a variety of arti- 
ficial ivory. 

ivory (I'vo-ri), n. the hard, bony, 
white dentine which forms the tusks 
of the elephant, walrus, &c: adj. 
made of, or like, ivory. [Old French.] 

ivory palm (pam), n. the palm 
from which the ivory nuts used in 
turning as an imitation for ivory 
are obtained. 

ivorytype (i'vo-ri-tip), n. a particular 
kind of photographic picture with 
an ivory-like surface. 

ivy (I'vi), n. a clinging evergreen 
plant of the genus Hedera. 

Izar (iz'ar) , n. the yellow star Bootes; a 
Mohammedan woman's outer veil- 
like garment. [Arabic] 

izard (iz'ard), n. another name for 
the ibex. 

izzard (iz'ard), n. a very ancient 
name for the letter z. Hence "From 
a to izzard" means from beginning to 
end. [Greek zeta, Old French ezed.] 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


J 


J, the tenth letter of the English al- 
phabet and the latest to be added to 
it. Before the tenth century, J was 
merely an ornamental form of I. 
Later it was used as a semi-vowel, 
but until the seventeenth century 
this distinction was not strictly en- 
forced by English teachers. 

jabber (jab'er), v.i. to talk rapidly and 
indistinctly; chatter. 

jacinth (ja'sinth), n. hyacinth; a red 
variety of zircon. 

jack (jak), n. sl pike; in bowls, a small 
ball serving as a mark to be aimed 
at; the male of some animals; tim- 
ber cut short of its usual length; 
a flag used for signaling; the knave 
in cards; a leathern coat of mail; a 
name applied to various kinds of 
levers or mechanical labor-saving 
appliances, as a jack-screw, roasting- 
jack, &c: v.t. to lift with a jack. 

jackal (jak'al), n. a dog-like carniv- 
orous animal which hunts in packs; 
one who does base work for an- 
other. [Arabic] 

jackanapes (jak'a-naps), n. a con- 
ceited or upstart fellow. 

jackass (jak'as), n. the male ass; don- 
key. 

jackboots (jak'bootz), n.pl. large 
boots reaching above the knee. 

jackdaw (jack'daw), n. a glossy 
species of crow. 

jacket (jak'et), n. a short tailless coat: 
a covering to prevent radiation of 
heat: v.t. to clothe with a jacket; 
beat. 

jackstays (jak'staz), n.pl. ropes 
stretched along the yard of a ship 
to fasten the sails to. 

Jacobite (jak'o-bit), n. an adherent of 
James II. of England and his de- 
scendants. 

jaconet (jak'o-net), n. a fine soft white 
cotton material somewhat resem- 


bling cambric ; nainsook. Alsojacco- 
net. 

jacqueminot (zhak'mi-no) , n. a deep 
red perpetual rose named after the 
French general, J. F. Jacqueminot 
(1787-1852). 

jade (jad), n. a tired or worn-out 
horse; a vicious woman; a young 
woman (contemptuously or humor- 
ously) ; a silicate of magnesia and 
lime of green color: much used for 
ornaments, &c: v.t. to tire by long- 
continued labor; harass. 

jag (jag), n. a notch; projecting point; 
denticulation; a small load; a condi- 
tion of partial intoxication: v.t. 
[p.t. & p.p. jagged, p.pr. jagging], 
to cut into notches or teeth. 

jaguar (jag'gwar).n. a fierce animal of 
South America, resembling the leop- 
ard ;_the American tiger. [Spanish.] 

jail (jal), n. a prison; a lock-up. 

jalap (jal'ap), n. the root of Ipomcea 
purga: used medicinally as a purga- 
tive. 

jam (jam), n. a conserve of fruit 
boiled with sugar; a squeeze; block; 
crush: v.t. [p.t. & p.p. jammed, p.pr; 
jamming], to squeeze or crush; 
press in tightly; block up by crowd- 
ing. 

jamb (jam), n. one of the upright 
sides of a doorway, window-opening, 
or fireplace. 

jangle (jang'gl), v.i. to quarrel or 
wrangle; sound discordantly: n. a 
discordant sound; wrangle; alterca- 
tion; chatter. 

janissary (jan'i-sa-ri), n. [pi. janis- 
saries (jan'i-sa-riz)], formerly the 
foot-guard of the Turkish sultans. 
[French from Turkish .] 

janitor (jan'i-ter), n.& door-keeper. 

Jansenism (jan'sen-izm), n. the doc- 
trine set forth by Bishop Cornelius 
Jansen of Louvain in opposition to 
the Jesuits. This teaching was ac- 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, £&en. 


JANUARY 


284 


JERKIN 


cepted by many Catholics, but was 
interdicted in 1642. It was pro- 
fessedly based on the writings of St. 
Augustine and taught natural de- 
pravity, to be removable by good 
works. 

January (jan'u-a-ri), n. the first month 
of the year; named from the Latin 
god, Janus. 

japan (ja-pan'), n. work varnished 
and lacquered after the Japanese 
style of ornamentation; a kind of 
varnish: v.t. _ [p.t. & p.p. japanned, 
p.pr. japanning], to cover, varnish, 
or lacquer, with japan; make black 
and glossy. 

Japanese (jap-a-nez'), adj. pertain- 
ing to Japan, its inhabitants, or lan- 
guage. 

japonica (ja-pon'i-ka), n. the name of 
various species of Japanese plants. 

jar (jar), n. an earthenware pot or 
vessel; a shake produced by a sud- 
den shock; jolt; harsh sound; con- 
flict of opinion or interest: v.t. [p.t. 
& p.p. jarred, p.pr. jarring], to cause 
to shake by a sudden shock; jolt: 
v.i. to interfere or clash; emit a 
harsh sound. 

jardiniere (zhar-din-yar'),n. an orna- 
mental flower-stand of porcelain or 
terra-cotta or silver. 

jargon (jar'gon), n. confused, unin- 
telligible talk; a mixture of two or 
more languages; the peculiar phrase- 
ology of a party, sect, &c. 

jasmine (jas'min), n. a plant of the 
genus Jasminum with fragrant flow- 
ers. 

jasper (jas'per), n. an opaque, many- 
shaded variety of quartz: when pol- 
ished it is made into a variety of 
ornamental articles. 

jaundice (jan'dis), n. a disease char- 
acterized by yellowness of the eye- 
balls, skin, &c, caused by biliary 
derangement : hence a mental condi- 
tion likely to be gloomy or depressed. 
It is seldom dangerous and is more 
a symptom than a disease. 

jaunt (jant), n. a short excursion or 
ramble: v.i. to roam or ramble; take 
a short excursion. 

jaunty (jant'i), adj. airy; gay; showy. 

javelin (jav'e-lin), n. a light spear. 

jaw (jaw), n. the 'bones of the mouth 
in which the teeth are placed; 


mouth ; a mechanical contrivance for 
holding the inner end of a vessel's 
boom. 

jay (ja), n. a crow-like, chattering 
bird with handsome plumage; a 
greenhorn; a block-head; a poor 
actor. [American slang.] 

jealous (jel'us), adj. full of, or char- 
acterized by, jealousy; anxiously 
suspicious or watchful. 

jealousy (jel'us-i), n. suspicious fear or 
watchfulness, especially the fear of 
being supplanted by a rival. 

jean (jen), n. twilled undressed cot- 
ton cloth. [Old French.] 

jeer (jer), v.t. to scoff at; ridicule: 
v.i. to speak in a derisive or sarcas- 


tic manner: n. a scoff; derision: pi. 
tackle by which the lower yards of a 
vessel are hoisted or lowered. 

Jehovah (je-ho'va), n. Lord; God of 
the Hebrews; now often written and 
pronounced Yahweh. 

jehu (je'hu), n. one fond of driving, 
especially fast driving (2 Kings, ix. 
20) ; a coachman. 

jelly (jel'i), n. [pi. jellies (jel'iz)], the 
stiffened gelatinous _ juice of fruit, 
meat, &c, after boiling; any semi- 
transparent soft gluey substance: 
v.i. [p.t. & p.p. jellied, p.pr. jelly- 
ing], to turn to, or become, jelly. 

jemmy (jem'i), n. [pi. jemmies (jem'- 
iz)], a short crowbar used by burg- 
lars. Also, in this country, jimmy. 

jenny (jen'i), n. a machine for spin- 
ning; used in composition for female, 
as jenny-wren, jenny-ass, &c. 

jeopard (jep'ard), v.t. to expose to 
loss or injury; hazard. Also jeop- 
ardize. 

jeopardy (jep'ar-di), n. hazard; peril. 

jerboa (jer-bq'a), n. the leaping mouse 
of Africa, with long hind legs. 

jeremiad (jer-e-mi'ad), n. lamenta- 
tion, especially over modern degener- 
acy: from the Book of Lamentations 
of Jeremiah. 

jerk (jerk), v.t. to give a sudden pull, 
twist, or push to; throw with a 
sudden quick movement; cut into 
long strips and dry in the sun, as 
beef: n. a sudden quick pull, twist 
or push; spasmodic movement; 
jerked beef; charqui. [Chilean.] 

jerkin (jer'kin), n. a short coat or jack- 
et; close waistcoat; young salmon. 


ate, arm, at, awl; me, merge, met; mite,mit: note, north, not; boon, book; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


JERRY 


285 


JOB 


jerry (jer'i), adj. constructed hastily, 
and of bad materials, as a jerry- 
built house. 

jest (jest), n. a joke; humorous pleas- 
antry; fun; a laughing-stock: v.i. to 
joke ; make merriment ; make game of. 

Jesuit (jez'u-it), n. a member of the 
Catholic Society of Jesus, founded 
by Ignatius Loyola, 1534. 

jet (jet), n. & stream of water sud- 
denly emitted; a deep black vari- 
ety of lignite, black amber; a gas 
branch; tube for running molten 
metal into a mold: v.t. [p.t. & p.p. 
jetted, p.pr. jetting], to spout out: 
v.i. to shoot or jut out. [French.] 

jetsam (jet'sam), n. that part of a 
ship's cargo which is thrown into 
the sea to lighten the vessel in case 
of peril: opposed to flotsam. Also 
jetsom, jetson. 

jettison (jet'i-sun), n. the act of throw- 
ing goods overboard to lighten a ves- 
sel in case of peril: v.t. to throw 
overboard to lighten a vessel. 

jetty (jet'i), n. [pi. jetties (jet'iz)], a 
structure extending into the water, 
used as a pier, mole, or wall, to re- 
strain or direct currents; projection 
of a building: v.i. [p.t. & p.p. jettied, 
p.pr. jetting], to jut out or project. 

Jew (joo) , n. an Israelite ; Hebrew. Fern. 
Jewess. [Hebr. Yehuddh, Judah.] 

jewel (joo'el) , n. a valuable ornament ; 
gem; precious stone; anything of 
great value or dear to one: v.t. to 
adorn with, or as with, jewels; fur- 
nish with jewels. 

jeweler (joo'el-er), n. one who makes 
or deals in jewels. 

jewelry (joo'el -ri), n. jewels collective- 
ly; the art or trade of a jeweler. 

Jewish (joo'ish), adj. pertaining to the 
Jews, their language, customs, &c. m 

Jewry (jpo'ri),_ n. Judaea; a district in 
a city inhabited by Jews; ghetto. 

jib (jib), n. a large triangular sail 
projecting beyond the bowsprit; the 
projecting arm or beam of a crane; 
a jibbing horse: v.i. [p.t. & p.p. 
jibbed, p.pr. jibbing], to move rest- 
lessly backwards or sideways: said 
of a horse. # [01_d_ French.] 

jib-boom (jib 'boom), n. a spar be- 
yond the bowsprit, on which the jib 
is set. 

jiffy (jif'i), n. an instant. 


jig (jig), n. a quick lively dance, or 
music for such a dance; a particular 
kind of fish-hook: v.i. [p.t. & p.p. 
jigged, p.pr. jigging], to dance a jig: 
v.t. jerk up and down. 

jigger (jig'er), n. one who jigs; a name 
for various mechanical contrivances 
and appliances; another form of 
chigoe, an African insect which 
lays poisonous eggs under the 
toenails of the white traveller. 

jilt (jilt), n. a coquette or flirt: v.t. 
to encourage (a lover) and then dis- 
card him: v.i. to play the jilt; prac- 
tice deception in love. 

jingle (jing'gl), n. a sharp tinkling 
metallic sound; a little bell or rat- 
tle; meaningless rhyme; a covered 
two-wheeled Irish car: v.i. to sound 
with a jingle. 

jingo (jing'go), n. [pi. jingoes (jing'- 
goz)], one of a party of Englishmen, 
mainly Conservatives, who, at the 
time of the Russo-Turkish War of 
1S77-78, wished Great Britain to go 
to war with Russia: named from a 
popular song of the day which con- 
tained the mild oath "by jingo!" 
[Etymology doubtful; perhaps from 
the Basque word, meaning " King."] 

jinrikishaw (jin-rik'i-shaw), n. a small 
Japanese two-wheeled carriage, 
drawn by one or more men. Also 
jinriksha and 'rickshaw. [Japanese, 
meaning "strongman carriage."] 

jitney (jit'ne), n. colloquial for five- 
cent piece. [Western U. S.] 

jitney-bus (jit'ne-bus) , n. a vehicle, 
usually a second-hand automobile, 
charging a five-cent fare, in competi- 
tion with regular transportation 
companies. 

jiu-jitsu Qu-jit'soo), n. an ancient 
Japanese system of _ wrestling. It 
means "muscle-breaking." 

jo (jo), n. a sweetheart. [Scotch.] 

job (job), n. a piece of work, espe- 
cially of a temporary or chance na- 
ture: any scheme for making money 
or securing private advantage at the 
public expense ; any event or circum- 
stance ; a _ sudden stroke or thrust 
with a pointed instrument: v.t. [p.t. 
& p.p. jobbed, p.pr. jobbing], to let 
out for hire; buy up (goods) _ and 
retail them; punch suddenly with a 
sharp instrument: v.i. buy and sell, 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met : mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


JOCKEY 286 JUBILATION 

as a stock-broker; perform job make jokes: v.t. to cast jokes at; 

work; let out or hire horses; work rally. [Latin.] 

for one's own advantage under the jolly (jori), adj. [comparative jollier, su- 

guise of public zeal. < perlative jolliest], full of life and 

jockey (jok'i), n. [pi. jockeys (jok'iz)], mirth; gay; inspiring mirth; excel- 
one who rides a horse in a race; lent; most remarkable; companion- 
groom; a dealer in horses; cheat: able: adv. exceedingly: v.t. [p.t. & 
v.t. [p.t. & p.p. jockeyed, p.pr. jock- p.p. jollied, p.pr. jollying], to joke 
eying], to cheat or deceive; jostle or rally; to treat well for the pur- 
against by riding unfairly. pose of obtaining some advantage. 

jocose (jo-kos'), adj. sportive; hu- jolt (jolt), v.t. to shake by sudden 

morous. _ jerks: v.i. to have a jerky motion: 

jocular (jok'u-16r), adj. making jokes. n. a sudden jerk, an unpleasant sur- 

jocund (jok'und), adv. jovial; sport- prise. 

ive; gay. jonquil (jon'kwil), n. a bulbous plant 

jog (jog), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. jogged, p.pr. with fragrant flowers. Also jon- 

jogging], to push or shake slightly, quille. 

usually with the elbow or hand, by jorum (jo'rum), n. a large drinking 

way of reminder; stimulate: v.i. to bowl. 

travel along with a slow trotting joss (jos), n. a Chinese god or idol, 
motion: n. a slight push or shake; jostle (jos'l), v.t. to push against; el- 
slow trot; stimulant. bow. 

join (join), v.t. to unite; connect; jot (jot), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. jotted, p.pr. 

associate; add or annex; to unite in jotting], to make a memorandum of 

marriage: v.i. to adhere; be in con- (with doum): n. a tittle. See iota, 

tact; be associated or in unity with: journal (jer'nal), n. a record of news 

n. a joint or union. or events; diary; a book in which 

joinder (join'der), n. in law, the particular transactions are entered 
coupling of two or more causes of from the day-book; a ship's log- 
action into the same declaration. book; the bearing part of the shaft 

joiner (join'er), n. one who, or that of a machine. [French.] 

which, joins, especially an artisan journalism (jer'nal-izm), n. a news- 

who finishes the woodwork for paper or periodical literature; the in- 

houses, &c. fluence exercised by such literature; 

joinery (join'er-i), n. joiner's work. the profession of a journalist. 

joint (joint), n. the place where two journey (jer'ni), n. passage from one 
or more things join; articulation of place to another; a day's work or 
limbs; node or internode; hinge; a travel: v.i. to travel from one place 
fissure dividing rock masses into to another. [French.] 
blocks; one of the larger pieces into journeyman (jer'ni-man), n. [pi. jour- 
which a carcass is cut up; a place of neymen (jer'ni-men)], a mechanic 
low resort; as, an opium joint: adj. who has served his apprentice- 
produced by the action of two or ship. 

more; united in or sharing: v.t. jovial (j5v'i-al), adj. convivial: merry, 

cut or divide into joints, as meat. jowl (joul), n. the jaw or cheek; head 

jointure 'joint'tir), n. landed estate or of a fish. 

tenements settled on a woman in joy (joi), n. exhilaration of spirits; 

consideration of her marriage, to be gaiety; gladness: v.i. to rejoice or 

enjoyed by her after the death of be glad. # [French.] 

her husband: v.t. to settle a jointure joyful (joi'fool), adj. full of joy. 

upon. m joyless (joi'les), adj. without joy; 

joist (joist), n. a horizontal timber to destitute of_gladness. 

which the boards of a floor or laths jubilant (jqo'bi-lant) , adj. express- 
of a ceiling are fastened: v.t. to fur- ing exultation; triumphant, 
nish with joists. jubilation (joo-bi-la'shun), n. a shout- 
joke (jok), n. something said or done ing for joy; declaration of tri- 
to excite mirth; jest; sport: v.i. to umph. 

ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


JUBILEE 


287 


JUNCTURE 


jubilee (joo'bi-le), to. a Jewish festival 
celebrated every 50th year, to com- 
memorate the deliverance of the Is- 
raelites from Egyptian bondage; the 
50th anniversary of any event; a 
year of special indulgence granted 
by the Pope every 25th year. [French 
from HebrewJ 

Judaean (joo-de'an), adj. pertaining to 
Judaea. 

Judaism (joo'da-izm), to. the religious 
rites and doctrines of the Jews ; con- 
formity to Jewish rites and doc- 
trines. 

judge (juj), n. the presiding official 
in a court of law, having authority 
to hear and determine civil and 
criminal causes; arbitrator; connois- 
seur; one of the chief rulers of the 
Israelites from the death of Joshua 
to the kingship of Saul: v.t. to ex- 
examine and pass sentence upon; dis- 
tinguish; consider: v.t. to come to a 
conclusion by comparison and con- 
sideration; hear and determine a 
case, and pass sentence. [French 
from Latin.] 

judgment (juj'ment), to. the act of 
judging; a judicial decision; mental 
faculty of deciding correctly by the 
comparison of facts and ideas; pen- 
etration; intelligence; criticism; opin- 
ion; punishment inflicted by God; 
the final trial of mankind by God 
(with the) ; judgment-day. 

judicature (joo'di-ka-tur), to. a court 
of justice; power of dispensing jus- 
tice^by legal trial and judgment. 

judicial (joo-dish'al), adj. pertaining 
to courts of justice or to the admin- 
istration of justice; proceeding from, 
or inflicted by, a court of justice; im- 
partial. 

judiciary (joo-dish'i-a-ri), adj. per- 
taining to courts of justice; passing 
judgment: to. judges collectively, 
that branch of a government con- 
cerned with the administration of 
civil and criminal law. 

judicious (joo-dish'us), adj. prudent; 
discreet. 

jug, v.t. to put into a jug; to cook in 
a jug; to imprison: v.i. to imitate 
the cry of a nightingale; to nestle 
together as birds: to. an earthenware 
vessel with a handle, used to carry 
liquids; a jail or prison. 


juggle (jug'l), v.t. to cheat by arti- 
fice: v.i. to conjure: to. a trick by 
sleight of hand; imposture. 

jugglery (jug'ler-i), to. [pi. juggleries 
(jug'ler-iz) J, legerdemain; impost- 
ure. 

jugular (jug'u-lar), adj. pertaining to 
the neck or throat or jugular vein: 
to. a jugular vein. 

juice (joos), to. sap; the fluid parts 
of animal bodies. 

julep (joo'lep), to. a drink composed of 
brandy or whisky sweetened and 
flavored with mint; a mixture of 
sugar and water as a vehicle for ad- 
ministering medicine. [French.] 

Julian (joo'lian), adj. pertaining to 
Julius Caesar, or to the Julian cal- 
endar as adjusted by Julius Caesar 
46 B.C. : replaced by the Gregorian 
year (New Style) in England, 
1752. 

julienne (zhoo-li-en'), to. a clear meat 
soup with chopped carrots, &c. 

July (joo-ll'), to. the seventh month of 
the year, named from Julius Caesar, 
who was born in it. 

jumble (jum'bl), to. a confused mass; 
a kind of thin cake: v.t. to mix in a 
confused mass; throw together with- 
out order: v.i. to mix or unite con- 
fusedly. 

jumbo (jum'bo), to. a colossus: adj. 
larger than usual, as " a jumbo 
squab." 

jump (jump), to. a spring or bound; 
the space jumped: in mining, a 
fault: v.t. to cause to spring or 
bound; leap over; to abscond with- 
out payment of bail; to seize without 
title, as a mining claim: v.i. to spring 
upward or forward. 

jumper (jump'er), to. one who, or that 
which, jumps; a name applied to 
certain religious sects who practice 
dancing under religious excitement; 
a hooded Arctic fur jacket; a long, 
loose workman's jacket; a one-piece 
frock, with low neck and short 
sleeves, worn over a chemisette. 

junction ( jungk'shun) , to. the act of 
being joined; union; a point or place 
of union. 

juncture (jungk'tur), to. the point or 
line at which two bodies are joined; 
joint; articulation; particular or 
critical occasion. 


ate, arm, at, awl; me, merge, met; mite, mit: note, north, not; boon, book; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


JUNE 


288 


JUXTAPOSITION 


June (joon), n. the sixth month, 
named from Juno, the wife of Jove. 

jungle (jung'gl), n. a dense tropical 
thicket of forest trees, brushwood, 
tall grasses, reeds, and creepers. 

junior (joon'yer), adj. younger; of 
lower standing; pertaining to youth: 
n. the younger of two; one of lower 
standing. The abbreviation Jr. is 
written after the name of a mem- 
ber of a family who has an older 
relative of the same name still living. 
Thus John Brown, Jr., may be the 
son, the grandson, or the nephew of 
John Brown, Sr. (senior). 

juniper (joo'ni-per), n. a shrub, the 
berries of which are used in flavor- 
ing gin. 

junk (jungk), n. short pieces of old 
cable, rope, &c, used for making 
mats, oakum, &c; hard salt ship 
beef; a Chinese flat-bottomed vessel 
with a square bow and high stern, 
having the mast in one piece. [Span- 
ish.] 

junket (jung'ket), n. a preparation 
of curds and cream; a variety of 
sweetmeat ; excursion ; picnic : v.i. to 
participate in an excursion or pic- 
nic. 

jurisdiction (joo-ris-dik'shun), n. le- 
gal authority; extent of power; dis- 
trict over which any authority ex- 
tends. 

jurisprudence (joo-ris-pro5'dens), n. 
legal science; system of laws of a 
country. 

jurist (joo'rist), n. one skilled in legal 
science. 

juror (jSS'rer), n. a juryman. 

jury (joo'ri), n. a body of men, usually 
twelve, selected according to law and 
sworn to inquire into or decide on 
the evidence before them ; a commit- 
tee of experts selected to award 


prizes, &c, at a public exhibition, 
&c. 

jury mast (joo'ri-mast), n. a tem- 
porary mast raised instead of one 
lost. 

jus (jus), n. a right that may be le- 
gally enforced. [Latin.] 

just (just), adj. comformable to di- 
vine or human laws; upright; im- 
partial; faithful ; # exact; regular; 
fair: adv. exactly; barely; nearly; 
almost; perfectly. [Latin.] 

justice (jus'tis), n. the quality of be- 
ing just; rectitude in dealing with 
others; impartiality; a judge or 
magistrate. 

justiciary (jus-tish'i-a-ri), n. [pi. jus- 
ticiaries (jus-tish'i-a-riz)], a judge. 

justifiable (jus-ti-fi'a-bl) , adj. defensi- 
ble. 

justification (jus-ti-fi-ka'shun), n. the 
act of justifying; vindication or de- 
fense; the act of acceptance of a man 
by God as justified by the merits of 
Jesus Christ. [Latin.] 

justify (jus'ti-fi), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. justi- 
fied, p.pr. justifying], to snow or 
prove to be just or right; vindicate; 
pardon, accept and treat as just on 
the ground of faith and repentance: 
v.i. to conform to each other by 
proper spacing, as lines of type. 

jut (jut), v.i. [p.t. & p.p. jutted, p.pr. 
jutting], project beyond the main 
body.__ 

jute (joot), n. the fiber of an East 
Indian plant used for ropes, bag- 
ging, mats,_&c. [Bengali.] 

juvenile (joq've-nil), adj. youthful; 
characteristic of, or suitable to, 
youth: n. a young person. 

juxta, a prefix meaning near. 
[Latin.] 

juxtaposition (juks-ta-po-zish'un), n. 
nearness, closeness. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book 
hue, hut ; think, tJien. 


K 


K, the eleventh letter of the English 
alphabet. As a capital letter, it 
appears to have been formed out of 
the Egyptian hierarchic pictograph 
representing a bowl. In both early 
Greek and Latin the character 
represented a "hard" sound, as it 
does in our language to-day, op- 
posed to S. But K was in Greek 
at one time a letter called Koppa 
9, apparently Q. Q was finally lost 
except as a numeral in Greek, and 
as part of a diphthongal combina- 
tion, qu, in Latin. 

Kaiser (ki'zer), n. the title of the em- 
perors of Germany, Austria and 
Bulgaria. The Russian title, Czar, 
is in reality the same, since all three 
come from the Ccesar of Roman im- 
perialism (properly pronounced ki'- 
sar). 

kale (kal), n. a cabbage with open 
curled leaves; sea-kale. Also kail. 

kaleidoscope (ka-li'do-skop) , n. an 
optical instrument which by an ar- 
rangement of mirrors causes objects 
viewed through it to appear in a 
variety of symmetrical and beautiful 
patterns. 

kalmuck, n. a rough hairy kind of 
cloth. 

kami (ka'mi), n. a Japanese title 
equivalent to English Lord. 

kamis (ka-mes'). n. a long shirt worn 
by Mohammedans. [Arabic] The 
word has been Europeanized so as to 
give us chemise. 

kangaroo (kang-ga-roo'). n. a her- 
bivorous marsupial mammal pecu- 
liar to Australia, having, short fore- 
legs and long powerful hind legs, 
with which it leaps. 

kaolin (ka'o-lin), n. china or porce- 
lain clay. [Chinese.] 

karat, same as carat. 

keckle (kek'l), v.t. to preserve (a 


rope, &c.) from chafing by a cover- 
ing of canvas, &c. 

kedge (kej), n. a light anchor used in 
warping: v.t. to warp. 

keel (kel), n. the chief and lowest 
timber of a vessel extending from 
stem to stern and supporting the 
whole frame: hence a ship; a low, 
flat-bottomed coal-barge; the lowest 
petals of the corolla of a papiliona- 
ceous flower; carina: v.t. to furnish 
with a keel: v.i. turn up the keel; 
give up. 

keelhaul (kel'hawl) , v.t. to drag under 
water beneath the bottom of a ship 
from one side to the other; formerly 
a naval punishment; reprimand 
sternly. 

keelson (kel'sun), n. a beam or timber 
laid on the middle of the floor tim- 
bers over the keel of a vessel to 
strengthen it. Also kelson. 

keen (ken), adj. sharp; eager; pierc- 
ing; bitter; acute [Anglo-Saxon]: n. 
a shrill bitter wail of lamentation 
for the dead. [Erse.] 

keep (kep), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. kept, p. 
pr. keeping], to have the care of; 
guard; preserve; maintain; do; ob- 
serve; fulfil; supply with the neces- 
saries of life; detain; confine: v.i. 
to remain in any state or condition: 
n. subsistence; the stronghold or 
donjon of a mediaeval castle. 

keeping (kep'ing), n. care; custody; 
charge; subsistence; harmony; con- 
gruity. 

keepsake (kep'sak), n. something kept 
as a souvenir of the giver. 

keeve (kev), n. a large vat or tub. 

keg (keg), n. a small barrel. 

kelp (kelp), n. the calcined ashes of 
sea-weeds, from which iodine is ob- 
tained; a large coarse seaweed or 
wrack. 

kemp (kemp), n. coarse rough hair 
or wool; refuse of fur. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


KEN 


290 


KINDNESS 


ken (ken), n. view; knowledge: v.t. 
[p.t. & p.p. kenned, p.pr. kenning], 
to know; descry. [Scotch.] 

kendal (ken'dal), n. a coarse green 
cloth, first made near Kendal Green, 
in Westmoreland, England. 

kennel (ken'el), n. a house for a dog or 
pack of hounds; lair of a fox; street 
gutter; vile lodging: v.L to confine 
in a kennel: v.i. to live in a kennel. 
[Old French.] 

keno (ke'no), n. a game of chance 
played with numbered balls, cards, 
and buttons. [French.] 

keratin (ker'a-tin), n. the principal 
constituent of hair, nails, and 
horn. 

kermess (ker'mes), n. an open-air 
festival. [Dutch.] 

kernel (ker'nel), n. a grain or seed; the 
edible substance of a nut or fruit 
stone; essence. 

kerosene (ker'o-sen), n. refined petro- 
leum. [Greek.] 

ketch (kech), n. a stoutly-built, two- 
masted, fore-and-aft rigged vessel. 

ketchup (kech'up), n. a sauce pre- 
pared from tomatoes, mushrooms, 
&c. Also catsup and catchup. 

kettle (ket'l), n. a metallic vessel for 
boiling liquids. 

kettledrum (ket'1-drum), n. a hemi- 
spherical copper drum; afternoon 
tea party. 

key (ke), n. a portable metal instru- 
ment for operating a lock; an in- 
strument by which something is 
turned, secured, or operated upon; 
clef; solution; literal translation: 
v.t. fasten or connect with a key. 

Key (ke), n. one of the twenty-four 
members of the Manx Parliament 
which is elected and is called the 
House of Keys. 

key (ka), n. a low narrow island usually 
containing coral. [Spanish.] 

khaki (ka'ki), n. a light drab-colored 
cloth much used for undress uni- 
form since the Boer War of 1899. 
[Anglo-Indian.] 

khan (kan), n. an Asiatic prince, chief, 
or governor ; in India, a title given to 
a caravanserai. [Persian.] 

khanate (kan'at), n. the jurisdiction of 
a khan. 

khedive (ke-dev'), n. the official title 
of the Viceroy of Egypt, first be- 


stowed upon him by the Sultan of 
Turkey in 1868. [Turkish.] 

kick (kik), n. a blow with the foot; 
a recoil: v.t. to strike with the foot: 
v.i. recoil; resist. 

kid (kid), n. the young of the goat, or 
its soft skin used for gloves, &c. ; a 
child; a small wooden tub: adj. 
made of kid: v.i. [p.t. & p.p. kidded, 
p.pr. kidding], to bring forth a kid: 
v.t. to furnish or cover with kid; 
humbug. 

kiddle (kid'l), n. a wicker fish-weir. 

kidnap (kid'nap), v.t. to get forcible 
and illegal possession of (human be- 
ings, especially children). 

kidney (kid'ni), n. [pi. kidneys (kid'- 
niz)J, one of two oblong flattened 
organs which separate the urine from 
the blood; anything resembling a 
kidney ; sort or kind. 

kil erg (kil'erg), n. a unit of energy 
= 1,000 ergs. 

kill (kil), v.t. to deprive of life; de- 
stroy ; slay. 

kiln (kil), n. a furnace, oven, or pile 
for burning, drying, or harden- 
ing. 

kilogramme (kil'o-gram), n. 1,000 
grammes = 2.2046 lbs. 

kiloliter (kil'o-le-tr), n. 1,000 liters = 
220 imperial gals, (about). 

kilometer (kil'o-me-tr) , n. 1,000 me- 
ters = 3,280.8 feet. 

kilt (kilt), n. a short petticoat or 
philibeg of the Scottish Highland- 
ers: v.t. to form into broad, flat 
plaits; tuck up. [Gaelic] 

kimono (kim'o-no), n. the loose outer 
robe of the Japanese. [Japanese.] 

kin (kin), n. consanguinity; relation- 
ship ; kindred ; a Chinese lute. 

kind (kind), adj. benevolent; indul- 
gent; affectionate; sympathetic: n. 
genus or species; quality; variety; 
sort. 

kindergarten (kin'der-gar-ten) , n. a 
school for young children in which 
they are taught by diverting object 
lessons, &c. [German.] 

kindle (kind'l), v.t. to set fire to; in- 
flame. 

kindly (klnd'li), adj. [comp, kindlier, 
superl. kindliest], benevolent; sym- 
pathetic; beneficial; natural: adv. 
in a kindly manner. 

kindness (kind'nes), n. the state 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut; think, Men. 


KINDRED 


291 


KNIT 


or quality of being kind; a kind 
act. 

kindred (kin'dred), adj. of like na- 
ture or character; cognate; n. rela- 
tionship by birth or marriage; con- 
sanguinity. 

kinemacolor (kin-e-ma-kurer), n. a 
colored moving picture, approximat- 
ing the natural colors of objects. 

kinematics (kin-e-mat'iks), n. the 
science of pure motion. 

kinetic (kin-et'ik), adj. pertaining to, 
or imparting, motion; active. 

kinetograph (kin-et'to-graf ) , n. an ap- 
paratus for taking photographs of 
moving objects and afterwards re- 
producing them on a screen, as if 
in actual motion. 

king (king)^ n. a m&le sovereign or 
ruler; a piece or card representing 
a king in a game; one who is spe- 
cially distinguished in the same 
class or kind. 

kingdom (king'dum), n. the territory 
ruled by a king or queen; royal au- 
thority; any sphere of independent 
influence. 

kink (kingk), n. a twist in a rope or 
thread whea doubled; whim: v.t. & 
v.i. to form kinks. 

kinsfolk (kins'fok), n. relatives. 

kip (kip), n. the untanned skin of a 
calf or small cattle. 

kipper (kip'er), n. a salmon after 
spawning; a salmon, herring, &c., 
cut open, salted, and smoke-dried; 
a salmon that has remained too long 
in fresh water: v.t. to cure, as a 
salmon. [Gaelic] 

kirk (kerk), n. a church; the Church 
of Scotland (with the). [Gaelic] 

kirtle (ker'tl), n. an upper garment; 
petticoat: v.t. to array in a kirtle. 

kismet (kis'met), n. fate, [x^rabic] 

kiss (kis), n. a salute or caress with 
the lips; a slight touch: v.t. to sa- 
lute with the lips; touch slightly: 
v.i. to caress mutually with the lips. 

kist (kist) , n. a chest or box. 

kit (kit), n. a small wooden tub; a 
small violin; traveling necessaries, 
outfit, &c; set; a large bottle; a 
family or brood. 

kitchen (kich'en), n. a room set 
apart for cooking; ship's galley: adj. 
pertaining to the kitchen, 

kitchenette (kich-en-ef), n. a very 


small kitchen, especially in a studio- 
apartment. 

kite (kit), n. a rapacious bird of 
prey; a light frame of wood cov- 
ered with paper or linen for flying 
in the air; a light lofty sail; an ac- 
commodation bill. 

kith (kith), n. acquaintance. 

kitten (kit'n), n. a youngcat. 

kleptomania (klep-to-ma'ni-a) , n. a 
form of insanity manifesting itself 
in an irresistible propensity to steal. 

knack (nak), n. adroitness; dex- 
terity. 

knapsack (nap'sak), n. a leather or 
cloth traveling-case carried on the 
back. 

knaye (nav), n. a dishonest or de- 
ceitful person; a court-card with the 
figure of a soldier or servant. 

knead (ned), v.t. to work into a mass, 
as dough; operate upon in massage; 
mold. 

knee (ne), n. the articulation of the 
leg and thigh bones; anything re- 
sembling a knee: v.t. to connect or 
strengthen with knees. 

kneel (nel), v.i. [p.t. & p.p. knelt, 
p.pr. kneeling], to bend, or fall 
upon, the knees. 

knell (nel), n. the sound of a bell 
when struck, especially a funeral 
bell; an ill omen: v.t. & v.i. to sound 
or toll, as a funeral bell. 

knickerbockers (nik'er-bok-erz) , n. 
pi. wide breeches gathered in below 
the knee. 

knick-knack (nik'nak) , n. a little orna- 
mental trifle; kickshaw. 

knife (nlf), e n. [pi. knives (nivz)], 
a cutting instrument with a sharp- 
edged blade set in a handle: v.t. to 
stab with a knife. 

knight (nit), n. one who holds non- 
hereditary rank, next below a baro- 
net, but entitling him to the prefix 
Sir; in mediaeval times, one of gentle 
birth, who, after serving as an es- 
quire, was admitted by certain cere- 
monies to military rank; a cham- 
pion; lover; one of the pieces in 
chess: v.t. to confer the honor of 
knighthood upon. 

knit (nit) , v.t. [p.t. _ & p.p. knitted, 
p.pr. knitting], to tie, unite, or draw 
together; weave together by nee- 
dles; contract. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit : note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
19 hue, hut; think, then. 


KNOB 292 KUTCH 

knob (nob), n. the rounded handle of kobold (ko'bold), n. a dwarf goblin 

a door, &c; round protuberance; or sprite frequenting houses, mines, 

knoll. and caves, where he guards great 

knock (nok), n. a blow or stroke treasures of gold and silver. This 
with something hard or heavy; rap; myth is found nearly all over the 
severe criticism; mockery; v.t. to world. [German.] 
give a blow to; drive or strike kodak (ko'dak), n. a portable camera 
against: v.i. to strike a blow with for taking instantaneous photo- 
something hard or heavy; to criti- graphs: v.t. to take an instanta- 
cise severely; to mock. neous picture of. [Coined word.] 

knock-out (nok'out), n. a mechanical kopje (kop'ye), n. a hillock. _ [Dutch.] 

device for throwing out finished Koran (ko-ran', Arabic koo-ran'), n. 

work; a knock-down blow ending a "the Book"; the sacred writings of 

fight. all the Mohammedan peoples. It 

knoll (nol), n. a rounded hillock; is divided into 114 surahs or chap- 
hilltop, ters. 

knop (nop), n. an architectural or- kosher (ko'sher), adj. pure, clean, ac- 

nament of clustered leaves and flow- cording to Jewish ordinances: said 

ers; button. • of meat. 

knot (not), n. an interweaving or koumiss (koo'mis), n. a spirituous 

tying of thread or cord, &c; any- beverage made by the Tartars from 

thing resembling a knot; entangle- fermented mare's milk. A like drink 

ment; difficulty; a hard part in a is made in Western countries from 

piece of wood; part of a tree where cow's milk, sugar and yeast. Also 

the branches shoot out; a division kumiss. [Russian.] 

of a log-line (each 47.42 ft.); a kowtow (ko-tou'), n. a Chinese form 

nautical mile = 2,025 yds.; bond of salutation from an inferior to a 

of union; group; the red-breasted superior by touching the ground 

sand-piper: v.t. [p.t. & p.p. knotted, with the forehead: v.i. salute by the 

p.pr. knotting], to tie in a knot; kowtow. Also kotow, 

unite firmly or closely '.v.i. form knots kraal (krawl), n. an African village 

or joints ; make knots for fringe. consisting of a group of huts sur- 

knout (nout), n. a leathern whip rounded by a palisade; a single 

consisting of leather thongs mingled hut; a cattle-pen. [Dutch.] 

with wires; formerly used as a Kremlin (krem'lin), n. a Russian 

punishment in Russia: v.t. to punish citadel, especially that of Mos- 

with the knout. [Russian.] cow. 

know (no), v .t. [p.t. knew, p.p. known, kreutzer (kroit'ser), n. an Austrian 

p.pr. knowing], to perceive with the copper coin = ^2 of a cent; former- 

mmd; understand clearly; have ly a German coin = 2-3 of a 

knowledge of; distinguish: v.i. to cent, 

be informed. Kriss Kringle (kris'kring-gl), n. the 

knowledge (nol'ej), n. clear percep- saint of Christmastime, St. Nicholas; 

tion of a truth or fact; erudition; the Christ-child. [German.] 

skill from practice; acquaintance; Ku-Klux-Klan (kti-kluks-klan') , n. 

information. a secret organization in several 

knuckle (nuk'l), n. the projecting Southern states after the Civil War. 

joint of the fingers; the knee-joint kutch (kuch), n. the packet of vel- 

of a calf or pig: v.i. to bend the lum leaves in which gold is placed 

fingers; yield or submit. to be beaten. [French.] 

ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut; think, then. 


L 


L, the letter L in English is a sound 
(el) and not a name. In this re- 
spect it differs from the Egyptian 
hieratic character, which was the 
picture of a lioness. The Phoeni- 
cians called it lamed, " an ox-goose " ; 
the Greeks lanida, " a head." But 
the Latin here broke away from pic- 
ture-writing and used a simple char- 
acter, differing in this even from the 
Anglo-Saxons, who called the letter, 
lagu, " a lake." L is one of the 
most melodious sounds that any 
language knows, being, like R, a pure 
liquid. R, in fact, often changes to 
I, not only in English, but in many 
languages by the phonetic process 
called lallation. As an abbreviation, 
L. (pronounced el) is used in some 
American cities to denote "eZevated 
railway." In the country, people 
speak of the wing of a house as an 
lT(el). 

la (la), n. the sixth note of the scale 
[Mus.]. 

laager (la'ger), n. an extemporized 
camp for defense, formed with wag- 
ons, &c: v.t. to protect by a laager. 
[South African Dutch. 1 

labefaction (lab-e-fak'shun), n. weak- 
ening; decay. 

label (la'bel), n. a small slip of paper, 
&c, attached to anything to indi- 
cate its destination, ownership, &c; 
codicil; a projecting molding: v.t. to 
mark with, or affix, a label; classify. 

labial (la'bi-al), adj. formed by the 
lips : n. a letter representing a sound 
so formed. 

labor (la'ber), n. toil or exertion, phys- 
ical or mental; effort; difficulty; 
pain; parturition: v.t. to cause to 
toil; fabricate: v.i. to exert muscu- 
lar strength; use mental efforts; be 
hard pressed; take pains; move 
slowly; pitch and roll heavily; suf- 
fer the pains of childbirth. [Latin.] 


laboratory (lab'or-a-to-ri), n. [pi. lab- 
oratories (lab'or-a-to^riz)], a place 
where scientific experiments and op- 
erations are carried on. 

laborious (la-bo'ri-us), adj. difficult; 
toilsome. 

labyrinth (lab'i-rinth), n. a series of 
intricate winding passages: from the 
structure said to have been made in 
Crete by Daedalus; a maze; inex- 
plicable difficulty; the winding cavi- 
ties of the internal ear; a series of 
troughs through which ore slime is 
passed and the metallic particles de- 
posited. [Greek.] 

lac (lak), n. a resinous substance 
formed on certain trees by an in- 
sect (Carteria lacca). 

lac (lak), n. the sum of 100,000 rupees 
= about $50,000. Also lakh. 

lace (las), n. an ornamental fabric 
of fine linen, cotton thread, gold or 
silver, &c, curiously woven; a cord 
used for binding or fastening: v.t. 
to fasten with a lace; adorn with 
lace; beat. 

lacerate (las'er-at), v.t. to rend; 
wound. 

laceration (las-er-a'shun), n. the act 
of rending; a harrowing of the feel- 
ings; a rent. 

lachrymal (lak'ri-mal) , adj. pertain- 
ing to tears. 

lachrymose (lak'ri-mos) , adj. tearful; 
sad. 

lack (lak), v.t. to be destitute of: v.i. 
to be in need; to be deficient; come 
short: n. want; failure. 

lackey (lak'i), n. a menial attendant; 
footman: v.t. to wait upon, as a 
lackey: v.i. act servilely. 

laconic < (la-kon'ik), adj. expressing 
much in few words. Also laconical. 

lacquer (lak'er), n. a varnish consist- 
ing of shellac dissolved in alcohol 
and variously colored: v.t. to var- 
nish with lacquer. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, £/ien. 


LACROSSE 


294 


LANCER 


lacrosse (la-kros'), n. a Canadian 
game resembling football, but played 
with a netted bat (crosse). 

lact, a Latin prefix meaning milk, as 
lactic, adj. pertaining to milk. Also 
lacti, lacto. 

lactation (lak-ta/shun) , n. secretion 
of milk ; the act or period of suckling. 

lacteal (lak'te-al), adj. pertaining to, 
or like, milk; conveying chyle: n.pl. 
the lymphatic vessels which convey 
chyle from the intestines to the tho- 
racic-duct. 

lactometer (lak-tom'e-ter) , n. an in- 
strument for ascertaining the spe- 
cific gravity of milk. 

lacuna (la-ku'na), n. [pi. lacunae 
(la-ku'ne)], a blank space; hiatus; 
small pit or hollow. [Latin.] 

lad (lad), n. a boy or youth; com- 
rade. 

ladder (lad'er), n. a framework con- 
sisting of two parallel side pieces 
connected by bars, &c, forming 
steps at suitable distances; any- 
thing by which one climbs or as- 
cends. 

lade (lad), v.t. [p.t. laded, p.p. laded, 
laden, p.pr. lading], to load; bur- 
den; heave or throw out. 

lading (lad'ing), n. the act of loading; 
freight. 

ladle (lad'l), n. a deep spoon for serv- 
ing out liquids: v.t. to dip up with a 
a ladle. 

lady (la'di), n. [pi. ladies (la'diz)], a 
well-bred woman; the title of the 
wife of a knight or a superior in 
rank to him; the daughter of a 
duke, marquis, or earl; the mistress 
of a house. 

lag (lag), v.i. [p.t. & p.p. lagged, p.pr. 
lagging], to move slowly; loiter; 
stay behind: v.t. cause to be ar- 
rested or punished: adj. long de- 
layed; last: n. retardation of me- 
chanical movement. 

lager beer (la'ger ber), n. a German 
beer suitable for storing. 

laggard (lag'erd), n. a slow person; 
loiterer: adj._ backward; slow. 

lagoon (la-g55n'), n. a shallow lake 
formed at the mouth of a river or 
near the sea; marsh or fen. 

Lagthing (lag'ting), n. the Norwe- 
gian Upper House of Parliament. 

laid (lad), p.t. & p.p. of lay; marked 


with fine parallel ribbed lines: said 
of paper. 

lain (Ian), p.p. of lie. 

lair (lar), n. the covert of a wild beast. 

laity (la'i-ti), n. the people, as dis- 
tinguished from the clergy. 

lake (lak), n. a large body of water 
surrounded by land; a pigment. 

lallation (lal-la/shun), n. an uncon- 
scious preference for I in place of r. 
The Chinese language affords the 
most striking instances of this as 
an actual working principle in lan- 
guage. 

lama (la'ma), n. a Buddhist priest. 

Iamb (lam), n. the young of a sheep; 
one who is gentle or innocent; an 
inexperienced speculator: v.i. to 
bring forth lambs. 

lambent (lam'bent), adj. playing 
about; flickering; touching lightly. 

lambkin (lam'kin), n. a little lamb. 

lambrequin (lam'bre-kin), n. a fes- 
tooned drapery, hanging from the 
upper part of a window, doorway, 
&c. [French.] 

lame (lam), adj. crippled or disabled 
in the limbs; not sound or efficient: 
v.t. to cripple or disable. 

lamella (la-mel'a), n. [pi. lamella? 
(la-mere)], a thin scale or plate. 

lameness (lam'nes), n. state of being 
lame. 

lament (la-menf), v.t. to mourn for: 
v.i. to express sorrow: n. an expres- 
sion of sorrow ; lamentation. 

lamentable (lam'en-ta-bl) , adj. to be 
lamented; mournful; pitiable. 

lamentation (lam-en-ta'shun) , n. 
grief audibly expressed; outcry. 

lamina (lam'i-na), n. [pi. lamina? 
(lam'i-ne)], a thin plate or scale; a 
coat or layer lying over another; 
blade of a leaf or petal. [Latin.] # 

lamp (lamp), n. a vessel for burning 
oi£ &c, with a wick; any device for 
producing artificial light. 

lampoon (lam-poon'), n. personal 
written satire designed to bring the 
subject of it into contempt: v.t. to 
satirize by a lampoon. 

lamprey (lam'pre), n. an eel-like fish. 

lance (lans), n. a long shaft of wood 
with a spear head; a thrust with a 
lancet: v.t. to pierce with a lance; 
cut open with a lancet. 

lancer (lan'ser), n. sl cavalry soldier 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


LANCET 


295 


LARYNGOTOMY 


armed with a lance: pi. a kind of 
quadrille. 

lancet (lan'set), n. a surgeon's knife; a 
lancet-shaped or pointed window. 

land (land), n. the solid portion of 
the surface of the globe; the earth; 
a country or district; real estate: 
v.t. to set on shore; capture and 
bring on shore; win: v.i. to come or 
go on shore; disembark. 

landau (lan'do), n. a kind of carriage. 

landgrave (land'grav), n. a count or 
graf who had privileges superior 
to other counts and grafs, es- 
pecially as to land, rents, &c. 
Fern, landgravine. [German.] 

landlord (land'lord), n. one who has 
tenants holding under him; the 
keeper of a hotel or inn. 

landscape (land'skap), n. the general 
aspect of a country, or a picture 
representing it. 

lane (Ian), n. a narrow path, as be- 
tween hedges, walls, &c; narrow 
street. 

language (lang'gwej), n. human 
speech; the speech of one nation or 
race as distinguished from that of 
another; style or expression peculiar 
to an individual. [French.] 

languid (lan'gwid), adj. wanting ener- 
gy; weak. 

languish (lan'gwish), v.i. to become 
weak or spiritless; pine away; look 
with tenderness or wistfulness. 

languor (lang'gwer), n. the state of 
being languid; dulness; listlessness. 

lank (langk), adj. lean; slender. 

lanolin (lan'o-lin), n. an unctuous 
substance obtained from the wool 
of sheep, &c. 

lantern (lan'tern), n. a transparent 
case for holding or carrying a light; 
the light-room of a lighthouse; a 
small tower on the roof of a building 
to admit light and air. 

lanthanum (lan'tha-num), n. a rare 
metallic element. Also lanthanium. 

lanyard (lan'yard) , n. a piece of rope, 
cord, &c, for seizing or fastening 
the tackle of a ship. Also laniard. 

lap (lap), n. the loose part of a gar- 
ment which may be doubled at pleas- 
ure; part of the body or clothes from 
the waist to the knees of a person 
seated; a name for various pieces 
of mechanism; one length of a 


course which has to be passed over 
more than once in a race; the act of 
lapping: v.t. [p.t. & p.p. lapped, 
p.pr. lapping], to bend and spread 
over; lick up: v.i. to lie partially on 
something else. 

lapdog (lap 'dog), n. a small pet dog. 

lapel (la-pel'), n. part of a coat which 
laps over. 

lapid, a Latin prefix meaning stone. n 

lapidary (lap'i-da-ri), n. [pi. lapi- 
daries (lap'i-da-riz)], an artificer who 
cuts and sets precious stones; a 
connoisseur or dealer in gems. 

lappet (lap'et), n. a little loose flap. 

lapsable (laps'a-bl), adj. capable of 
lapsing. 

lapse (laps), v.i. to glide or slip 
slowly away; fall by degrees; com- 
mit a slight fault or fail in duty; 
pass to another proprietor by negli- 
gence or death; slide or fall anew 
into sin: n. a gliding or passing 
away slowly; slight fault or mis- 
take; omission to present to a bene- 
fice within a certain time. 

larboard (lar'bord), n. the term used 
formerly for the port or left-hand 
side of a ship. 

larceny (lar'se-ni), n. theft. 

larch (larch), n. a coniferous tree. 

lard (lard), n. the fat of swine melted 
down: v.t. to cover with lard; insert 
strips of bacon in before roasting: 
hence to mix. 

larder (lar'der), n. & pantry; house- 
hold provisions. 

large (larj), adj. great in size; bulky; 
wide; extensive; comprehensive. 

largess (lar'jes), n. & gift or bounty. 

lariat (lar'i-at), n. a rope or lasso, 
especially of horsehair used by cattle- 
herders and plainsmen, in North and 
South America. [Spanish.] 

lark (lark), n. a noted song-bird of 
the genus Alauda; a frolic. 

larrup (lar'up), v.t. to beat or 
flog. 

larva (lar'va), n. [pi. larvae (lar've)], 
an insect in the first stage of its 
metamorphosis after leaving the 
egg. 

laryngo, a Greek prefix meaning 
larynx, as_ laryngoscope, an instru- 
ment furnished with mirrors for in- 
specting the larynx. 

laryngotomy (lar-in-got'o-mi), n. the 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, /Tien. 


LARYNX 


296 


LAUREATE 


surgical operation of cutting into the 
windpipe. 

larynx (lar'ingks), n. the upper part 
of the trachea or windpipe. [Greek.] 

lascar (las-kar'), n. an East Indian 
sailor employed on a European ves- 
sel. [Hindu.] 

lascivious (las-siv i-us), adj. lustful; 
wanton; exciting lust. [Latin.] 

lash (lash), v.t. to strike with a sound- 
ing blow; whip; scourge with satire; 
fasten or bind with a cord or rope; 
v.i. to apply the whip; flog: n. the 
thong of a whip; a scourge; stroke 
with anything pliant; sarcasm or 
satire. [Latin.] 

lass (las), n. a young woman; girl. 

lassitude (las'i-ttid), n. weariness; lan- 
guor. 

lasso (las'o), n. a rope, usually of hide, 
with a noose, used for catching wild 
horses and cattle: v.t. to catch with 
a lasso. 

last (last), adj. coming after all oth- 
ers in time, place, or order; lowest; 
utmost; least likely: adv. on the last 
time or occasion; finally: v.i. to re- 
main in existence or operation; en- 
dure: n. a wooden implement for 
shaping boots and shoes. 

lasting (last'ing), adj. durable; perma- 
nent: n. a twilled fabric used for 
making women's shoes. 

latch (lach), n. a door catch: v.t. to 
secure or fasten with a latch. 

latchet (lach'et), n. a shoe string. 

late (lat), adj. [comp. later, superl. 
latest], coming after the usual time; 
tardy; long delayed; far in the day 
or night; recent; recently deceased: 
adv. after delay; recently. 

lateen (la-ten'), n. a triangular sail 
used on boats on the Mediterranean 
Sea, and the Swiss lakes. 

lately (lat'li), adv. not long ago. 

latent (la/tent), n. concealed; invisible. 

lateral (lat'er-al), adj. pertaining to, 
proceeding from, or acting upon, 
the side. 

lath (lath), n. a strip of wood. 

lathe (Wh), n. a machine for turn- 
ing and polishing articles of wood, 
metal, &c. 

lather (l&th'er), n. froth made by 
moistened soap; profuse sweating: 
v.t. to cover with lather. 

Latin (lat 'in), adj. pertaining to, writ- 


ten, or expressed in, Latin; pertain- 
ing to Latium, ancient Rome, its in- 
habitants or language, or the races 
and languages derived from Rome; 
Roman; Roman Catholic: n. an an- 
cient Roman; the language of an- 
cient Rome and its literature. 

latitude (lat'i-tud) , n. distance on the 
earth's surface as measured by de- 
grees north or south from the equa- 
tor; breadth; extent; freedom from 
rules; laxity; range or scope. 

latter (lat'er), adj. the second of two 
things previously mentioned; re- 
cent; modern. 

lattice (lat'is), n. crossed open work 
of metal or wood: v.t. to furnish or 
cross with a lattice. 

laud (lawd), v.t. to praise highly; 
extol: n. praise; worship or hymn of 
praise. 

laudable (lawd'a-bl), adj. commend- 
able. 

laudanum (lawd'a-num) , n. a prepa- 
ration of opium, weaker than mor- 
phine. 

laudatory (lawd'a-to-ri), adj. expres- 
sing praise. 

laugh (laf), n. a convulsive sound 
caused by merriment: v.i. to ex- 
press merriment, &c„ by a laugh; 
appear gay, pleasant, &c; jeer 
(with at) : v.t. to express or utter 
with laughter. 

laughter (laf'ter), n. convulsive mer- 
riment. 

launch (lanch), v.t. to move or cause 
to slide into the water, as a vessel; 
hurl; dart; send forth: v.i. to put 
to sea; expatiate in language; 
plunge; enter on a new career: n. 
the act of launching a vessel; 
plunge; the largest boat of a man- 
of-war; a large open pleasure-boat 
usually propelled by steam, gas, or 
electricity. 

laundry (lawn'dri), n. [pi. laundries 
(lawn'driz)], a place where clothes 
are washed and ironed. 

laureate (law're-at). adj. decked or 
invested with laurel: n. one crowned 
with laurel ; poet-laureate. In Eng- 
land, originally expected to write for 
the diversion or laudation of the 
court, but now doing so at his pleas- 
ure only, or on the occasion of 
some great national event, as a 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


LAUREL 


297 


LEAP 


battle (Tennyson's "Balaklava") 
or the death of a monarch (Austin's 
Elegy on Queen Victoria). 

laurel (law'rel), n. an evergreen shrub; 
crown or wreath of laurel: hence 
honor; distinction. 

lava (la'va), n. molten volcanic mat- 
ter. [Italian.] 

lavatory (lav'a-to-ri), n. [pi. lavatories 
(lay'a-to-riz)], a place for washing; 
retiring-room. [Latin.] 

lave (lav), v.t. & v.i. to bathe or wash. 

lavender (lav'en-der), an aromatic 
plant grown for its oil and for the 
delicate perfume which is in its oil. 

lavish (lav'ish), adj. profuse; extrav- 
agant: v.t. expend or bestow with, 
profusion; squander; waste. 

law (law), n. a rule of action estab- 
lished by authority; edict, statute, 
or custom; act or enactment of a 
legislative body; jurisprudence; ju- 
dicial process; rule or axiom of 
science or art; the Mosaic code. 

lawful (law'fool), adj. agreeable or 
conformable to law;' just; legal. 

lawless (law'les) , adj. not obedient to 
or controlled by law; not according 
to law; ungoverned; unruly. 

lawn (lawn), n. a plot of grass kept 
closely mown; fine cambric used for 
the sleeves of a bishop's gown: hence 
the office of a bishop. 

lawsuit (law'sut), n. an action at law. 

lawyer (law'yer), n. one skilled in 
legal knowledge; one, especially a 
solicitor, who practices in the law- 
courts; a skilled exponent of the 
Mosaic law. 

lax (laks), adj. loose; vague; weak. 

laxity (laks'i-ti), n. the state or qual- 
ity of being lax. Also laxness. 

lay (la), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. laid, p.pr. lay- 
ing], to put or place; spread over; 
cause to lie down ; settle ; calm ; bring 
forward; wager; deposit; exercise; 
set or place secretly; impose; im- 
pute: v.i. to produce eggs: n. rela- 
tive arrangement; particular busi- 
ness; share of profits; a simple song: 
adj. pertaining to the people, as dis- 
tinguished from the clergy; non- 
professional. 

layer (la'er), n. a stratum, row, or 
bed; runner of a plant fastened 
down and covered with earth for 
propagation. 


laziness (la'zi-nes), n. indolence; slug- 
gishness. 

lazy (la'zi), adj. [comp. lazier, superl. 
laziest], idle; indolent; slothful. 

lea (le), n. a meadow. 

leach (lech), v.t. to pass water through 
(ashes) to form lye. 

lead (led), n. a soft heavy ductile 
bluish r grey metal; a plummet for 
sounding depths at sea ; a thin strip 
of type-metal for separating lines; 
a stick of graphite; a sheet of lead: 
adj. consisting, wholly or partially, 
of lead: v.i. to furnish with lead. 

lead (led), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. led, p.pr. 
leading], to conduct with the hand; 
guide or conduct; precede; allure; 
induce; spend or use: v.i. to take 
precedence ; act as a leader ; play the 
first card or domino: n. guidance; 
precedence; the right to play first. 

leaded (led'ed), p. adj. separated by 
leads; set in, or covered with, lead. 

leaden (led'en) , adj. made of, or colored 
like, lead; heavy; sluggish. 

leader (led/er), n. one who leads; the 
chief editorial article of a news- 
paper; tendon; the foremost horse 
in a string. 

leaf (lef), n. [pi. leaves (levz)], one 
of the thin flat parts of a plant; 
anything thinly beaten; something 
resembling a leaf; part of a book 
containing two pages; a valved part 
of a table, shutter, &c. 

leaflet (lef let), n. a small leaf; a tract 
or folding circular. 

league (leg), n. an alliance for mu- 
tual interests as in the Land League 
in Ireland ; the Golden Circle be- 
fore our Civil War, &c. ; confederacy; 
three geographical miles: v.t. to com- 
bine for mutual interests: v.i. to con- 
federate. 

leak (lek), n. a hole which lets in 
water: v.i. to let water in or out 
through a hole, &c. 

leakage (lek'aj), n. the state of a ves- 
sel that leaks; allowance for loss 
by leakage. 

leal (lei), adj. true-hearted. [Scotch.] 

lean (len), v.i. [p.t. & p.p. leaned, 
leant, p.pr. leaning], to incline or 
deviate from an upright position: 
v.t. to cause to lean; rest: adj. thin; 
sterile. 

leap (lep), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. leaped, 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


LEARN 


298 


LEGHORN 


leapt, p.pr. leaping], to pass over by 
leaping; jump or spring over: v.i. to 
jump; vault: n. the act of leaping; 
jump; spring; the space passed in 
leaping. 

learn (lern), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. learned, 
learnt, p.pr. learning], to acquire 
knowledge of; fix in the mind: v.i. 
to gain or receive knowledge or 
skill. 

lease (les), n. a written contract for 
the letting of land or tenements for 
a specified number of years; period: 
v.t. to let by a written contract; 
take a lease of. 

leash (lesh), n. a thong by which a 
hawk or hound is held; a brace and 
a half; three; a band by which 
anything is held: v.t. to tie or bind 
by a leash. 

least (lest), adj. smallest in degree, 
size, value, importance, &c: adv. in 
the lowest or smallest degree. 

leather (leth'er), n. the tanned and 
curried skin of an animal; anything 
made of, or resembling, leather. 

leave (lev), n. permission granted; 
departure; farewell: v.t. [p.t. & p.p. 
left, p.pr. leaving], to depart from; 
forsake, abandon; bequeath; desist 
from; refer for decision: v.i. to de- 
part; go away. 

leaven (lev'n), v.t. to produce fer- 
mentation in; taint; imbue: n. fer- 
ment mixed with a body to render it 
light; any influence working silently 
and strongly that causes changes in 
things or opinions. 

lecherous (lech'er-us) , adj. lustful. 

lectern (lek'tern), n. the reading 
desk of a church. 

lection (lek'shun), n. reading; a por- 
tion of the Scriptures to be read in 
the church service. 

lecture (lek'tur), n. a formal discourse 
on any subject; reprimand: v.i. to 
deliver a lecture: v.t. to reprimand. 

ledge (lej), n. a shelf; ridge; layer; 
edge. 

ledger (lej'er), n. the principal account 
book of a mercantile house. 

lee (le), n. the side or quarter to- 
wards which the wind blows; calm 
or sheltered side. 

leech (lech), n. an aquatic worm fur- 
nished with a sucker, used in medi- 
cine for bleeding : formerly the name 


for a physician: v.t. to bleed with 
leeches. 

leek (lek), n. a biennial plant of the 
onion family with a bulbous root. 

leer (ler), n. a sly, sidelong look 
indicative of malice, triumph, or 
lasciviousness : v.i. to look with a leer. 

lees (lez), n.pl. dregs of liquor. 

leeward (le'werd and loo ard), n. in 
the direction towards which the wind 
blows: n. lee side. 

leeway (le'wa), n. the lateral drift of 
a vessel to leeward of her course; 
arrears. 

left (left), adj. opposite to right: n. 
the side opposite to right: p.t. & p.p. 
of leave. 

leg (leg), n. one of the limbs by 
which men and animals walk, espe- 
cially in man between the knee and 
the ankle; anything resembling a 
leg, especially if used as a support; 
a covering for the leg; one of the 
fielders in cricket. 

legacy (leg'a-si), n. [pi. legacies (leg'a- 
siz)J, a gift by will of money or 
property; bequest. 

legal (le'gal), adj. pertaining to law; 
permitted or authorized by law; 
legitimate. 

legality (le-gal'i-ti) , n. conformity to 
Taw. 

legalize (le'gal-iz), v.t. to make lawful; 
sanction. 

legal-tender (le-gal : ten'der) , n. money 
issued by legislative act and whose 
acceptance in payment of debts is 
obligatory- 
legate (leg'at), n. sl papal ambassa- 
dor; envoy. 

legation (le-ga'shun) , n. an embassy; 
ambassador; the official residence 
of an ambassador. 

legend (lej 'end), n. a romantic or 
non-historical story; myth; fable; 
inscription, as on a coin, coat of 
arms, &c. [Latin.] 

legendary (lej 'end-a-ri) , adj. fabulous; 
mythical. 

legerdemain (le j 'er-de-man') , n. sleight 
of hand; nimbleness of touch and 
movement as in juggling. [French.] 

leggings (leg'ingz), n.pl. long gai- 
ters. 

Leghorn (leg'horn), n. a bonnet or 
hat made of finely plaited Leghorn 
straw; a variety of domestic fowl. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


LEGIBLE 


299 


LET 


legible (leg'i-bl), adj. capable of being 
read; clear; distinct; apparent. 

legion (le'jun), n. a division of the 
ancient Roman army, numbering 
under the Republic about 4000 
men, and later 6000 men. The 
name is also given to other military 
or semi-military bodies, either under 
the control of the State as the 
Legion of Honor in France, or other- 
wise, as the Loyal Legion in this 
country; a great number; host. 
[Latin.] 

legislate (lej'is-lat), v.i. to make or 
enact a law: v.t. to effect by legis- 
lation. [Latin.] 

legislation (lej-is-la'shun), n. the act 
of making a law or laws. 

legislative (lej'is-la-tiv), adj. pertain- 
ing to, or enacted by, legislation; 
having the power to legislate: n. 
the legislature. 

Legislature (lej'is-la-tur), n. that 
body in a state which is invested with 
the power of enacting and repealing 
laws; the legislative body of a state 
or territory. [Latin.] 

legitimate "(le-jit'i-mat), adj. lawful; 
born in wedlock; real; logically cor- 
rect: v.t. to make, or sanction as, 
lawful; render legitimate. Also le- 
gitimize. 

legume (le-gum'), n. a two-valved 
seed-vessel having its seeds attached 
to one side only, as a pea-pod. 
[French.] 

leisure (le'zhur), n. spare time: adj. 
free from business; unoccupied^ 

lemon (lem'un), n. the acid fruit of 
Citrus Limonum; the color of a 
lemon: adj. pertaining to, or of the 
color of, a lemon. 

lemonade (lem-un-ad') , n. a beverage 
of sweetened or aerated water fla- 
vored with lemon. 

lend (lend), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. lent, p.pr. 
lending], to grant to another for 
temporary use; accommodate: v.i. 
to make a loan. 

length (length), n. the measure of 
anything from end to end; extent; 
duration; reach; forty-two lines of 
an actor's part. 

lengthen (length'en), v.t. to make long 
or longer: v.i. to grow longer. 

lengthwise (length'wiz) , adv. in the 
direction of the length. 


lengthy (length'i), adj. long and 
tiresome L 

lenient (le'ni-ent), adj. mild; merci- 
ful. 

lenity (len'i-ti), n. mildness; human- 
ity. 

lens (lenz), n. a convex, or concave, 
glass adapted for changing the di- 
rection of rays of > light and thus 
magnifying or diminishing the ap- 
parent size of objects; the crystal- 
line humor of the eye. 

Lent (lent), n. a fast of 40 days (ex- 
cluding Sundays), Ash Wednesday 
to Easter eve. 

lentil (len'til), n. a leguminous plant: 
pi. its orbicular seeds, used for food. 

leonine (le'o-n'n), adj. like a lion; 
powerful; kingly. 

leopard (lep'ard),. n. a large cat-like 
beast of prey, with a beautiful spot- 
ted skin. 

leper (lep'er), n. one affected with lep- 
rosy. 

leprosy (lep'ro-si), r?. # [p/. # leprosies 
(lep'ro-siz)], a chronic skin disease 
characterized by ulcers and white 
scaly scabs. 

lese-majeste (las-ma-zhes-ta'), n. a 
crime against royalty or the sover- 
eign power; treason. [French.] 

lesion (le'zhun), n. injury; morbid 
change in a function or organism. 

less (les). adj. (used as comparative 
of little), not so much; smaller: 
adv. in a smaller or lower degree: n. 
sl smaller quantity: suffix meaning 
absence of a quality, without, as 
soulZess, worthZess, &c. 

lessee (les-e'), n. a person to whom a 
lease is granted 

lessen (les'en), v.t. to make less; re- 
duce. 

lesser (les'er), adj. a double compara- 
tive of less. 

lesson (les'n), n. that which a pupil 
learns, or repeats, or does for a tutor; 
instruction or lecture given at one 
time; exercise; precept; a portion of 
Scripture read at divine service; ad- 
monition. [French.] 

lest (lest), conj. that not; for fear 
that. 

let (let), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. let, p.pr. let- 
ting], to permit; grant to a tenant; 
lease; give out on contract: v.i. to 
be hired or leased; suffer something. 


ate, arm, at, aw 


me, merge, met ; mite, mit : note, north, not ; boon, book 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


LETHAL 


300 


LIBRATION 


to be done (let in the imperative 
mood is used to denote entreaty, per- 
mission or command) : n. an obsta- 
cle. 

lethal (le'thal), adj. deadly; fatal. 

lethargy (leth'ar-ji), n. morbid drowsi- 
ness; unnatural prolonged slumber; 
apathy. 

Lethe (le'the), n. in classic mythol- 
ogy, the stream of forgetfulness of 
the under world, whose waters, when 
drunk, produced loss of memory: 
hence oblivion, forgetfulness. [Greek.] 

letter (let'er), n. a mark or character 
used to represent a_ sound ; written 
or printed communication; a print- 
ing type; literal meaning; a docu- 
ment certifying certain privileges, 
authority, &c: pi. literature; eru- 
dition: v.t. to impress or inscribe 
letters upon. 

Levant (le-vant'), n. the eastern 
coasts of the Mediterranean. 

levant (le-vant'), v.i. to decamp. 

levee (lev-e'), n. a morning reception 
held by a sovereign or personage of 
high rank; properly, one attended 
by gentlemen only; a river embank- 
ment: v.t. to embank. [French.] 

level (lev'el), n. a horizontal plane or 
line; surface without inequalities; 
state of equality; standard; line of 
direction; an instrument for indi- 
cating a horizontal line or plane; 
section of a canal from one lock to 
another: adj. even; horizontal; 
smooth; equal to something else in 
importance: v.t. to make even; free 
from inequalities ; bring to the same 
level; point in taking aim. 

lever (lev'er or le'yer), n. a bar of 
metal, &c, turning on a^ support 
(fulcrum) for raising a weight. 

leviathan (le-vi'a-than), n. a large 
unidentified aquatic animal (Job 
xli. 1); anything huge as a whale. 
[Hebrew, "aquatic monster."] 

levity (lev'i-ti), n. lightness of dis- 
position, conduct, &c; inconsisten- 
cy ; trifling gaiety ; lightness of weight. 

levy (lev'i), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. levied, p.pr. 
levying], to raise or collect, as an 
army or tax; seize in execution: v.i. 
to make a levy: n. the act of raising 
money or men; amount or number 
raised. 

levy (lev'i), n. a small coin, originally 


a Spanish rial and worth 12 H cents 
in money of the United States. 

lewd (lud), adj. licentious; libidinous. 

lexicon (leks'i-kon), n. a word-book; 
a dictionary. [Greek.] 

liability (li-a-bil'i-ti) , n. [pi. liabili- 
ties (li-a-bil'i-tiz)], the state of being 
liable: pi. debts. 

liable (li'a-bl), adj. exposed to dam- 
age, danger, expense, &c; contin- 
gently subject. 

liaison (le-a-zong'), n. illicit or se- 
cret intimacy between a man and a 
woman. [French.] 

liar (ll'ar), n. one addicted to lying. 

libation (ll-ba'shun) , n. the act of 
pouring wine or oil on the ground, 
as a sacrifice to some deity; the 
liquid so poured out. [Latin.] 

libel (li'bel), n. defamation of charac- 
ter or reputation; any writing, 
print, publication, or picture calcu- 
lated to injure the reputation or 
character of anyone and bring him 
into public contempt: v.t. to publish 
a libel against; defame the character 
of; exhibit a charge against in a 
court of law. 

libelous (li'bel-us), adj. containing, or 
of the nature of, a libel. 

liberal (lib'er-al), adj. generous; mu- 
nificent ; plentiful ; free from narrow- 
ness in ideas or doctrines: n. an 
opponent of conservatism; one who 
advocates extension of freedom in 
political institutions. [Latin.] 

liberality (lib-er-al'i-ti) , n. [pi. liber- 
alities (lib-er-al'i-tiz)], the quality 
of being liberal; generosity; magna- 
nimity; mental breadth; catholic- 
ity. 

liberate (lib'er-at), v.t. to set free. 

libertine (lib'er-tin), n. a debauchee: 
adj. unrestrained, morally or social- 
ly; licentious. 

liberty (lib'er-ti), n. [pi. liberties 
(lib'er-tiz)], freedom ; special privilege 
or exemption; immunity; permission; 
ungranted or undue freedom; priv- 
ileged district ._ 

librarian (li-bra'ri-an), n. the custo- 
dian of a library. [Latin.] 

library (li'bra-ri), n. [pi. libraries 
(li'bra-riz)], an arranged collection 
of books; the building where such a 
collection is kept. 

libration (ll-bra'shun) , n. the act of 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, £7ien. 


LIBRETTO 


301 


LILAC 


balancing; equipoise; an apparent 
irregularity in the moon's motion. 
libretto (li-bret'o), n. a book contain- 
ing the words of an opera, oratorio, 
&c: the text itself. [Italian.] 

lice (lis), pi. of louse. 

license (li'sens), n. permission; leave; 
unrestrained liberty; legal permit to 
do something otherwise unlawful 
v.t. to authorize by a legal permit. 

licentiate (li-sen'shi-at), n. one li- 
censed to preach or practice a pro- 
fession. 

licentious (ll-sen'shus) , adj. unre- 
strained morally or legally; las- 
civious; dissolute. 

lichen (li'ken or lich'en), n. one of 
an order of cellular flowerless (cryp- 
togamic) plants of fungoid nature 
growing parasitic on stones, algae, 
&c; a kind of skin eruption. 

licit (lis'it), adj. lawful. 

lick (lik), v.t. to pass the tongue over; 
caress with the tongue; lap up; 
vanquish; chastise (the last two are 
vulgar): v.i. to make a licking move- 
ment: n. the act of licking; quick or 
careless stroke; superficial saline 
deposit. 

licorice (lik'o-ris), n. the root or in- 
spissated juice of the licorice-plant 
(Glycyrrhiza glabra). 

lid (lid), n. a movable cover closing 
an aperture; top; eyelid. 

lie (li), v.i. [p.Llay, p.p. lain, p.pr. 
lying], to rest in a recumbent posi- 
tion ; lean or press ; rest or remain ; 
be situated or placed; be maintain- 
able at law. 

lie (li), v.i. [p.t. & p.p. lied, p.pr. ly- 
ing], to utter a falsehood; represent 
falsely: n. a falsehood; wilful mis- 
statement. 

lief (lef), adv. willingly; rather. 

liege (lej), adj. bound by feudal serv- 
ice or tenure: n. a vassal; liege lord, 
or sovereign. 

lien (le'en or len), n. a legal claim upon 
property; security for payment. 

lieu (hi), n. place; stead. 

lieutenant (lef-ten'ant) , n. an officer 
ranking next below a captain in the 
army and a commander in the navy ; 
a deputy. [French.] 

life (lif), n. animate existence; vi- 
tality; union of soul and body; 
period between birth and death. 


lift (lift), v.t. to raise from the ground; 
elevate ; support in the air ; steal : 
v.i. to exert strength in raising; 
dissipate in the air: n. the act of 
lifting; elevation; promotion; a ma- 
chine for raising or lifting. 
ligament (lig'a-ment), n. a strong 
elastic tissue connecting th^ extrem- 
ities of movable bones; bond or 
tie. 
ligature (lig'a-tur), n. a narrow 
bandage or tie; two or more letters 
cast on one shank (fi, ce); a slur, or 
notes joined by a slur. 
light (lit), n. the imponderable agent 
by which objects are rendered visible 
by its action on the retina; day; an 
illuminating or enlightening agent; 
aspect; a window; that which emits 
light: adj. clear; bright; not heavy 
or burdensome ; unencumbered ; gay ; 
trifling; unimportant; nimble; short 
in weight; well leavened and raised; 
graceful; undignified; dizzy; un- 
chaste: v.t. [p.t. & p.p. lighted, lit, 
p.pr. lighting], to set fire to; in- 
flame; illuminate; furnish with, or 
guide by, a light: v.i. to receive or 
reflect; rest or settle; fall upon by 
chance; happen. 

lighten (lit'en), v.t. to make light; il- 
luminate; flash out; render less 
heavy: v.i. to brighten; shine out. 

lighter (lit'er), n. a large open bark 
for loading and unloading vessels. 

lighthouse (lit'hous), n. a # structure 
furnished with a brilliant light to in- 
dicate points of danger to mariners 
at night. 

lightning (lit'ning), n. a sudden flash 
of electricity, usually accompanied 
by thunder. 

ligneous (lig'ne-us), adj. woody. 

like (lik), adj. similar; resembling; 
equal or nearly equal; disposed: 
adv. in the same manner as; prob- 
ably: v.t. have a taste for; enjoy: 
n. a counterpart. 

likely (lik'li), adj. [comp. likelier, su- 
perl. likeliest], probable; suitable: 
adv. probably. 

liken (lik'n), v.t. to compare. 

likeness (lik'nes), n. similarity; por- 
trait. 

liking (lik'ing), n. preference; fond- 
ness. 

lilac (li'lak), n. a shrub of the genus 


ate, arm, at, awl: me, merge, met; mite, mit; note, north, not; boon, book; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


LILT 


302 


LIP 


Syringa, with pale pinkish purple 
flowers; a color. 

lilt (lilt), to. a cadenced movement 
in a song that is blithe and full of 
animation. 

lily (lil'i), n. a plant of the genus 
Lilium, with bulbous roots and hand- 
some flowers: adj. unsullied; lily- 
white. 

limb (lim), n. a jointed or articulated 
part of an animal body; branch of a 
tree; edge or border; roguish child; 
leg: v.t. to dismember. 

limber (lim'ber), n. the detachable 
forepart of a gun-carriage: adj. 
pliant: v.t. to attach a _ limber to (a 
gun-carriage); make pliant. 

lime (lim), n. a calcareous earth ob- 
tained by the action of heat upon 
limestone; bird-lime; a tree of the 
orange kind yielding an edible juicy 
fruit; the linden tree: v.t. to apply 
lime to. 

limit (lim 'it), ft. a border or bound- 
ary; utmost extent: v.t. to confine 
within bounds; restrict. [Latin.] 

limousine (lim-oo-zene'), ft. the body 
of a closed automobile. [French.] 

limp (limp), adj. flexible; flaccid: n. 
a halt in walking: v.i. to walk with 
a halt. 

linchpin (linch'pin), n. the pin which 
goes through the end of the axle of a 
wheel, and keeps it in its place. 

linden (lin'den), n. a tree with heart- 
shaped leaves, and small clusters of 
cream-colored flowers. There are 
several species, European and Amer- 
ican. 

line (fin), n. length without breadth; 
a slender string or cord; fishing- 
line; extended row; l-12th of an 
inch; short letter; occupation; mark 
in the hand or face; outline; verse; 
extent; direction; regular infantry; 
equator; particular class_ of goods; 
descent: v.t. to draw lines upon; 
place along side by side; cover on 
the inside; strengthen by inner 
works. [Latin-French.] 

lineage (lin'e-aj), n. ancestral line of 
descent from a common progenitor; 
family. 

lineal (lin'e-al), _ adj. composed of 
lines ; in direct line from an ancestor. 

lineament (lin'e-a-ment), n. feature; 
outline. 


linear (lin'e-ar), adj. pertaining to, or 
composed of, lines ; having a straight 
direction. 

linen (lin'en), ft. a cloth made of flax; 
articles made of linen; undercloth- 
ing: adj. made of, or resembling, 
linen. 

liner (li'ner), n. a line-of -battle ship; 
a steamship belonging to a trans- 
atlantic company; a person who 
makes linings. 

linger (ling'ger), v.i. to delay; loiter; 
remain long in any state. 

lingerie (lang-zhe-re'), n. undercloth- 
ing. 

lingo (ling'go), n. language ; dialect. 

lingual (ling'gwal), ad/, pertaining to, 
or formed by, the tongue: n. a letter 
or sound, so articulated, as s, th, 
&c. 

linguistics (ling-gwis'tiks), n.pl. com- 
parative philology. 

liniment (lin'i-ment) , ft. a medicated 
liquid for rubbing into the skin. 

lining (lln'ing), n. an inside covering; 
contents. 

link (lingk), ft. a single ring or di- 
vision of a chain; anything doubled 
like a link; single part of a con- 
nected series; a land measure 7.92 
inches; connection; torch made of 
pitch and tow: pi. flat sandy soil; 
golfing grounds: v.t. to connect by, 
or as by, a link: v.i. to be connected. 

linnet (lin'et), n. a British finch. 

linoleum (li-no'le-um), n. a floor 
cloth composed of ground cork, lin- 
seed oil, and chloride of sulphur. 

linotype (lin'o-tip), ft. a machine for 
composing and casting stereotyped 
words or lines for printing. 

linseed (lin'sed), ft. the seed of flax, 
from which linseed oil is express- 
ed. 

lint (lint), n. scraped linen used for 
dressing wounds. 

lintel (lin'tel), n. the _ horizontal top 
piece of a door or window. 

lion (li'un), n. a large powerful car- 
nivorous mammal of the genus 
Felis, found in Africa and Southern 
Asia: pi. noted persons or places: 
adj. (in composition) noble; majestic; 
courageous. Feminine, lioness. 

lip (lip), ft. one of the two borders of 
the mouth ; edge of anything ; mouth ; 
lip-like organ; speech: v.t. [p.t. & 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book i 
hue, hut; think, then. 


LIQUATION 


303 


LIVELY 


p.p. lipped, p.pr. lipping], 
with the lips; Kiss; utter. 


to touch 


liquation (li-kwa'shun) , n. the act 
or process of melting. 

liquefy (lik'we-fi), v.t. to melt or 
make liquid: v.i. to become liquid. 

liquid (lik'wid), adj. clear; tearful; 
not solid; readily flowing: n. liquid 
substance; one of the consonants I, 
m, n, r. 

liquidate (lik'wi-dat), v.t. to pay off, 
as a debt; arrange, as the affairs of 
a bankrupt. 

liquor (lik'er), n. an alcoholic bever- 
age; a liquid: v.t. to treat with a 
solution: v.i. to take intoxicating 
drinks [Slang]. 

lisle (lil), n. a fine thread or lace. 

lisp (lisp), v.i. to pronounce s and z 
nearly like th; speak: v.t. to utter 
imperfectly or affectedly: n. the im- 
perfect utterance of s and z. 

lissom (lis'um), n. supple; lithesome. 

list (list), n. a catalogue, roll, or reg- 
ister; the edge or selvage of cloth; 
strip of cloth; inclination to one 
side; small square molding: pi. an 
enclosing for a tournament: v.t. to 
catalogue, register, or enrol; cover 
with strips of cloth;- sew together; 
cause to tilt over to one side; listen 
to: v.i. to enlist; choose; careen; 
hearken. 

listen (lis'n), v.i. to attend to closely, 
so as to hear; hearken; obey. 

Listerism (list'er-izm) , n. the anti- 
septic method of operating and 
dressing, introduced by Lord Lister. 

listless (list'les), adj. indifferent; lan- 
guid. 

lit, p.t. & p.p. of light. 

litany (lira-ni), n. a solemn respon- 
^ sive form of supplication. 

liter (le'ter), n. in the metric system, a 

measure of capacity, = 61.026 cubic 

. inches, or a little more than 1 quart. 

literacy (lit'er-a-si), n. the state of 
m being able to read and write. 

literal (lit'er-al), adj. consisting of, or 
expressed by, letters; following the 
m exact words; exact; plain. 

literary (lit'er-a-ri) , adj. pertaining to, 
or appropriate to, literature or men 
of letters; versed in, or engaged in, 
literature. 

literature (lit'er-a-tur) , n. the writ- 
ten or printed literary productions 


of a country or period ; literary work ; 
learning. 

litharge (lith'arj), n. oxide of lead. 

lithe (\ith), adj. supple; pliant. 

lithia (lith'i-a), n. oxide of lithium. 

lithium (lith'i-um), n. a metallic ele- 
ment. 

lithograph (lith'o-graf), n. a print 
reproduced from a drawing on stone: 
v.t. to draw, or engrave on stone, 
and transfer to paper. 

litigant (lit'i-gant), n. one who con- 
tends in law: adj. engaged in, or in- 
clined to, litigation. 

litigate (lit'i-gat), v.t. to contest in a 
court of law: v.i. to engage in a law- 
suit. 

litigation (lit-i-ga/shun) , n. the act or 
process of carrying on a lawsuit; 
judicial contest. 

litmus (lit'mus), n. a purple dye, ob- 
tained from certain lichens. 

litter (lit'er), n. straw, hay, &c, used 
for horses' bedding: a frame-work 
with a bed, for carrying a person in 
a recumbent position; state of con- 
fusion or untidiness; number of 
young produced at one birth, as pigs, 
&c.: v.t. supply with litter; cover 
with straw; scatter about carelessly: 
v.i. bring forth a litter of young. 

litterateur (lit-er-a-ter'), n. a literary 
man. [French.] 

little (lit'l), adj. [comparative less, 
superlative least], small in size, 
quantity, duration, or importance; 
insignificant; young; mean: adv. in 
a small degree; not much: n. small 
shore of a sea, lake, &c. 

littoral (lit'o-ral), adj. pertaining to, 
near, or living on the shore: situa- 
ted between high- and low-water 
mark: n. country lying near the 
shore of a sea, lake, &c. [Latin.] 

liturgy (lit'er-ji), n. [pi. liturgies 
(lirer-jiz)], the prescribed forms or 
ritual for public worship. 

live (liv), v.i. to exist or have life; 
pass or enjoy life; reside; endure; 
subsist: adj. (liv) having life; quick; 
effective; ignited; kept for use; 
energetic. 

livelihood (llv'li-hood), n. means of 
living. 

liveliness (liv'li-nes), n. briskness. 

lively (liv'li), adj. active; brisk; ani- 
mated; sprightly; vivid; forcible. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


LIVER 


304 


LOCUST 


liver (liv'er), n. one who lives; a 
glandular organ secreting bile. 

livery (liv'er-i), n. [pi. liveries (liv'er- 
iz)J, a particular costume worn by 
servants ; the state of being kept and 
fed at a stipulated rate, as horses. 

livid (liv'id), adj. black and blue; dis- 
colored as by a blow; ashy pale. 

living (liv'ing), p. adj. having life; 
flowing; vigorous; active; quicken- 
ing: n. livelihood; a church benefice; 
mode of life. 

lizard (liz'ard), n. a lacertilian reptile 
having a scaly body, and four well- 
developed limbs, each with five toes. 

llama (la/ma), n. a South American 
quadruped, somewhat resembling a 
camel. [Spanish.] 

llanos (lya'noz or la'noz), n.pl. the 
extensive level grassy plains, or 
steppes of South America. 

lo (lo), inter j. behold! see! 

load (lod), v.t. to put on as much as 
can be carried; burden; weigh down; 
embarrass; freight; charge, as a gun: 
n. a burden; weight; freight; en- 
cumbrance; pressure; a weight of 
hay, straw, or ore. 

loadline (lod'lln), n. the fine to which 
a vessel sinks when loaded with her 
full cargo. 

loaf (lof), v.i. to idle away time: n. 
[pi. loaves (lovz)], a large cake of 
bread. _ 

loam (lorn), n. rich vegetable mold, 
with clay and sand: v.t. to cover 
with loam. 

loan (Ion), n. a sum of money lent 
for a period, repayable with inter- 
est; something granted for tempo- 
rary use: v.i. to lend money. 

loath (loth), adj. unwilling; reluc- 
tant. 

loathe (loth), v.t. to regard with ab- 
horrence or disgust; detest: v.i. to 
feel nausea. 

loathsome Qjoth'sum) , adj. exciting 
loathing. 

lob (lob), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. lobbed, p.pr. 
lobbing], to toss gently: v.i. to bowl 
lobs: n. a large worm, used for fish- 
ing, the lugworm ; a slow ball bowled 
underhand. 

lobby (lob'i), n. [pi. lobbies (lob'iz)], 
a small hall or waiting room; pas- 
sage opening before an apartment; 
that part of the hall of a legislative 


chamber to which the public have 
access: v.i. [p.t. & p.p. lobbied, p.pr. 
lobbying], to solicit the votes of 
members of a legislature to carry a 
particular measure. 

lobe (lob), n. any rounded and pro- 
jecting part; a subdivision of an 
organ. 

lobster (lob'ster), n. an edible marine 
decapod crustacean. 

local (lo'kal), adj. pertaining to 
place; restricted to a particular 
place: n. a newspaper paragraph of 
local interest ; a suburban train. _ 

locality (lq-kal'i-ti), n. [pi. localities 
(lo-kal'i-tiz)], existence in or limita- 
tion to a place; position. 

localize (15'kal-iz), v.t. to limit to a 
particular place. 

locate (lo'kat), v.t. to place ; estab- 
lish; mark out and determine the 
position of: v.i. to settle. 

location (lo-ka'shun) , n. place; plot 
of ground marked out by boundaries. 

loch (lokh), n. a lake. [Scotch.] 

lock (lok), n. a mechanical device 
furnished with a spring and bolt for 
fastening a door, &c, by means of a 
key; anything that fastens; enclos- 
ure between lock-gates for raising 
and lowering the water within 
them; mechanism for firing a gun; 
hug in wrestling; a tuft of hair or 
wool; ringlet; tress: v.t. to fasten 
or secure with a lock; shut up; con- 
fine: v.i. to become fast by a lock; 
entwine. 

locker (lok'er), n. a receptacle se- 
cured by a lock. 

locket (lok'et) , n. a small gold or silver 
case attached to a necklace or chain. 

lockjaw (lok' jaw), n. a spasmodic dis- 
ease by which the lower jaw is 
drawn up and becomes fixed ; teta- 
nus. 

lockout (lok'out), n. the exclusion of 
workmen from a factory by an em- 
ployer to compel them to accept his 
terms: v.t. to close a factory against. 

locomotion (lo-ko-mo'shun), n. the 
act or power of moving from place 
to place. 

locomotive (lo-ko-mo'tiv), adj. per- 
taining to locomotion; not sta- 
tionary: n. a steam engine for draw- 
ing railway cars. 

locust (lo'kust), n. a migratory and 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


LOCUTION 


305 


LOOPHOLE 


destructive winged insect resem- 
bling the grasshopper; a tree of the 
bean family. 

locution (lo-ku'shun), n. speech; 
phrase. 

lode (lod), n. a vein containing metal- 
lic ore. 

lodge (loj), v.t. to furnish with a 
temporary dwelling: v.i. to reside 
for a time; be deposited or fixed: n. 
a small house in a park; gate-keep- 
er's cottage; wild beast's den; hut of 
an American Indian; place where 
members of an association meet, es- 
pecially Freemasons; the members 
themselves. 

lodger (loj'er), n. one who resides in 
lodgings. 

lodging (loj'ing), n. a place of tem- 
porary residence: pi. a room or 
rooms hired in the house of another. 

loft (16ft), n. a room directly beneath 
a roof. 

lofty (loft'i), adj. [camp, loftier, su- 
perl. loftiest], very high; proud; 
stately; sublime. 

log (log), n. an undressed piece of 
timber; a log-book; a heavy dull 
fellow; an instrument for ascertain- 
ing the rate of progress of a ship: 
v.t. [p.t. & p.p. _ logged, p.pr. log- 
ging], to enter in a log-book: v.i. 
to hew down and get out trees. 

logarithm (log'a-rithm), n. the expo- 
nent of the power to which a fixed 
number (the base) must be raised 
in order to produce a given number. 
[Greek.] 

loggia (lozh'i-a), n. a partly covered 
gallery or portico; an open balcony 
in a theater. [Italian.] 

logic (loj'ik), n. the science of correct 
reasoning, especially of inference. 

logical (loj'i-kal), adj. pertaining to, 
or used in, logic; according to the 
rules of logic. 

logrolling (log'rol-ing), n. the act of 
rolling logs ; united action in carrying 
legislative schemes for mutual bene- 
fit; mutual praise by authors of 
each other's books. 

logwood (log'wood), n. a wood of a 
deep-red color, used in dyeing. 

loin (loin), n. the lower part of the 
back of a quadruped or man: pi. 
the reins. 

loiter (loi'ter), v.t. to idle (with 


away): v.i. to spend time idly; de- 
lay; linger. 

loll (lol), v.i. to lounge at ease; hang 
out the tongue. 

lone (Ion), adj. solitary; retired: by 
one's self; unmarried or in widow- 
hood. 

lonely (lon'li), adj. [comp. lonelier, su- 
per*, loneliest], deserted; solitary; 
unfrequented. 

long (long), adj. not short; extended 
in time, or length; drawn out; 
slow; tedious; tall; fingering: far- 
seeing: adv. to a great length or 
period: far distant: for a length of 
time: n. anything that is long: v.i. 
to desire eagerly (with for or after) . 

longevity (lon-jev'i-ti), n. extended 
age. 

longhand flong'hand), n. ordinary 
handwriting, as distinguished from 
shorthand. 

longi, a Latin prefix meaning long, slb 
longicom: adj. long-horned. 

longitude (lonj'i-tud), n. distance 
east and west on the earth's surface 
measured from a meridian or place, 
estimated in degrees; on the ecliptic, 
distance in degrees from the vernal 
equinox. 

longshoreman <16ng'shor-man), n. 
a wharf laborer. A stevedore, who 
loads and unloads vessels. 

long-sighted ilong'slt-ed), n. able to 
see distant objects better than those 
near: presbyopia. 

loo (loo), n. a game at cards. 

loof (loof), n. the fullest part of a 
ship's bow. 

look (look), v.i. to direct the eye to 
anything, in order to view it; direct 
the mind or attention to; examine; 
front or face; expect; watch; ap- 
pear: v.t. to search or seek for; 
turn the eyes upon: n. the act of 
looking: mien; aspect: interj. see! 

loom (loom), n. a frame or machine 
for weaving cloth; an oar handle: 
v.i. to rise, gradually and appear 
larger than in reality. 

loon (loon), n. a stupid fellow; a fool. 

loop (loop), n. a folding or doubling 
of string, rope, &c; noose through 
which a cord may be run: anything 
resembling a loop: v.t. to form into, 
furnish with, or secure with, loops. 

loophole (loop'hol), n. a narrow aper- 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met : mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


LOOSE 306 LOW 

ture for observation or defense; vation; failure; defeat; that which 

meansof evasion. is lost. 

loose (loos), adj. not fast; unbound; lost (lost), p. adj. missing; forfeited; 

not fixed; not tight; not crowded destroyed; perplexed, 

together; vague; unconnected; lax lot (lot), n. fortune; destiny; por- 

in principles or morals: n. the state tion or parcel; anything used to 

of being loose: v.t. to set free; un- determine chances; great quantity: 

bind; disengage; relax. v.t. to separate into lots; assign; 

loot (loot), v.t. to pillage or plunder, catalogue. 

especially a captured city: n. booty lotion (lo'shun), n. a medicated fluid 
thus taken. for outward application. 
lop (lop), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. lopped, p. lottery (lot'er-i), _ n. [pi. lotteries 
pr. lopping], to cut off (a part of (lot'er-iz)], a distribution of prizes by 
anything), especially branches of a chance ;_ drawing of lots, 
tree; cut off partially; trim; let Lotus (lo'tus), n. a genus of the 
fall: v.i. to hang down: n. a hanging water-lily family, especially the sa- 
down; that which is lopped, as cred lotus of the ancient Nile; a 
branches. name for various trees or shrubs, 
lopsided (lop'si-ded) , n. heavier on the fruit of , which was fabled .to 
one side cause forgetfulness of care and m- 
loquacious (lo-kwa'shus), adj. talk- , duce a state of dreamy indolence. 
ati ve loud (loud), adj. high- or full-sound- 
lord (lord), n. a ruler or governor; in ^ nois y< ostentatious in dress or 
master; one possessed of supreme ^ a ™£; f^^SF 8 an unpleas " 
power; the owner of a manor; a , ant od / ° 1 r ' °™' loud ly- . , , 
baron in the British peerage; the lounge (lounj), v.i to saunter a^bout 
son of a duke or marquis ; eldest ™ * az ^ W™^ ^ U m ^w^ 
son of an earl; title of honor given entl £ : "-, the act of bunging; a 
to certain officials: v.t. to invest with , low-backed couch 
authority; preside over: v.i. to dom- lou ? e Q ou ^i n ' ( W- . hce < lls ^ a P ara " 
ineer to nommand Sltic insect of various species, espe- 
iJSk«« SS' „ . i; ++ i* „ cially those of the genus Pediculus, 
lordhng (lordhng), n. a little or parasitic on man. 

.„» e &np) „. the state, |^« 5^ T^o^Wet 

given to noblemen and judges, and love B ' (luv) , „. a strong feeling of af _ 

in England to such bishops as are fect ) n, especially to one of the op- 

peers. . . posite sex; courtship; devoted af- 

lore (lor) n. learning; instruction; fection for or attachment to; pa- 
space between the eye and bill of a renta i care; a sweetheart: v.t. to 
bird, regard with strong affection; feel 

lorgnette (lor-nyet'), n. a long-han- devotion towards; delight in: v.i. to 

died opera glass; a pair, of eye- be in love; have strong affection, 

glasses fixed to a long handle into loveliness (luv'li-nes), n. the quality 

which they shut. of being lovely. 

lorn (lorn), adj. forsaken; forlorn. lovely (luv'li), adj. [comp. lovelier, su- 

lory (lo'ri), n. [pi. lories (lo'riz)], a perl, loveliest], exciting love or ad- 
species of parrot with brilliant miration; amiable; beautiful; pret- 
plumage. ty; inviting; delightful: adv. so as 

lose (looz), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. lost, p.pr. to inspire love or admiration. 

losing], to be deprived of; cease to low (15), adj. not high; depressed; 
have in possession; mislay; forfeit; shallow; not noisy; subdued; near 
waste; squander: v.i. to fail of sue- the horizon; cheap; moderate; fee- 
cess; yield; be defeated. ble or weak; of less than the normal 

loss (16s), n. detriment; injury; pri- height; vulgar; abject: n. the bellow 

ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


LOWER 


307 


LURCH 


of cattle: adv. not on high; deeply; 
softly; quietly; meaningly; at a low 
price; in humble rank: v.i. to bel- 
low like cattle. 

lower (lo'er), v.t. to lessen or bring 
down; reduce in price or value; 
weaken; humble; change to a lower 
pitch: v.i. to become lower; sink; 
fall; (lou'er) to appear dark, gloomy, 
or threatening. 

lowly (lo'li), adj. [comp. lowlier, su- 
perl. lowliest! , low in rank or size; 
numble; modest: adv. modestly. 

loyal (loi'al), adj. faithful in allegi- 
ance to one's sovereign or country; 
true to plighted faith or duty. 

loyalist (loi'al-ist), n. one who ad- 
heres to and supports the authority 
of his sovereign or country. _ 

lozenge (loz'enj), n. an oblique-an- 
gled parallelogram; a rhomb; dia- 
mond-shaped figure used in herald- 
ry ; a sweetmeat. 

lubber (lub'er), n. an awkward, 
clumsy fellow; a raw sailor. 

lubricate (lu'bri-kat) , v.t. to make 
smooth or slippery. 

lubricity (loo-bris'i-ti) , n. immorality; 
sensuality. 

lucid (lu'sid), adj. clear; readily un- 
derstood; shining; transparent. 

lucidity (lu-sid'i-ti), n. the state of 
being lucid. 

Lucifer (lu'si-fer), n. Venus, as the 
morning star: Satan, as the brilliant, 
ambitious angel. 

lucifer, n. a match ignited by fric- 
tion. 

luck (luk), n. casual event or acci- 
dent; fortune, either good or bad; 
success. 

lucky (luk'i), adj. [comp. luckier, su- 
perl. luckiest], having good luck or 
fortune; successful; auspicious. 

lucrative (lu'kra-tiv), adj. profita- 
ble. 

luculi (hi'ku-li), n.pl. bright spots on 
the sun's surface. [Latin, luculus.j 

ludicrous (lu'di-krus), adj. exciting 
mirth; comical; droll. [Latin.] 

luff (luf), n. the weather-gauge, or 
that part of a ship towards the 
wind; the act of sailing close to 
the wind; luff-tackle: v.i. to steer 
nearer to the wind. Also loof. 

lug (lug), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. lugged, 
p.pr. lugging], to pull or draw 


along: v.i. to drag; move heavily; 
pull laboriously: n. the act or effort 
of lugging; something difficult to 
move; a projecting part; the ear; 
a lug-sail; handle of a vessel: pi. 
conceited airs. 

luggage (lug'aj), n. effects of a trav- 
eler; baggage. 

lugubrious (lu-gu'bri-us), adj. mourn- 
ful. 

lukewarm (luk'warm) , adj. moderate- 
ly warm. 

lull (lul), v.t. to soothe to sleep; 
quiet: v.i. to become calm: n. abate- 
ment; temporary calm. 

lullaby (lul'a-bi), n. [pi. lullabies 
(mTa-biz)], a cradle-song. 

lumbago (lum-ba'go), n. rheumatism 
of the muscles of the loins. 

lumbar (lum'bar), adj. pertaining to 
the loins. 

lumber (lum'ber), n. rubbish; forest 
timber sawed for market: v.t. to fill 
with lumber or rubbish; heap to- 
gether in disorder: v.i. to cut down 
timber and_prepare it for market. 

luminary (lumi-na-ri), n. [pi. lumi- 
naries (m'mi-na-riz)], a body emit- 
ting light, especially a heavenly 
body; one who enlightens or in- 
structs. [Latin.] 

luminous (lu'mi-nus), adj. emitting or 
radiating light; bright; clear; per- 
spicuous. 

lump (lump), n. a small shapeless 
mass; aggregate; gross; a swelling: 
v.t. to throw or unite in the gross; 
heap indiscriminately; put up with. 

lunacy (lu'na-si), n. mental unsound- 
ness: adj. pertaining to lunacy, or 
to lunatics. 

lunar (hl'nar), adj. pertaining to, 
measured by, or influenced by, the 
moon: n. lunar distance. [Latin.] 

lunatic (lii'na-tik), adj. affected with, 
or characteristic of, lunacy: n. one 
who is insane. 

lunch (lunch), n. a light meal be- 
tween breakfast and dinner. Also 
luncheon: v.i. to take lunch. 

lung (lung), n. one of two organs of 
respiration in air-breathing verte- 
brates. 

lunge (lunj), n. a sudden thrust or 
pass with the sword; sudden lurch: 
v.i. to make a lunge. 

lurch (lerch), n. a sudden roll to one 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book 
20 hue, hut ; think, then. 


LURE 


308 


LYRIC 


side, as of a ship; tendency; a dif- 
ficult or forlorn position; a losing 
position in cribbage: v.i. to roll 
suddenly to one side. 

lure (lur), v.t. to allure: n. any- 
thing used as an enticement; bait; 
a long carved trumpet used in 
Scandinavia. 

lurid (lur'id) , adj. greyish-orange ; wan ; 
ghastly; pale; gloomy. 

lurk (lerk), v.i. to he in wait; be 
concealed. 

luscious (lush'us), adj. sweet to ex- 
cess; delightful to the taste or 
sense; fulsome. 

lush (lush), adj. rich and juicy: n. 
intoxicating drink. 

lust (lust), n. strong desire to pos- 
sess or enjoy; concupiscence: v.i. 
to desire strongly; have inordinate 
desires (with after). 

luster (lus'ter), n. brightness; splen- 
dor; brilliancy of reflected light; re- 
nown; a lustrous dress-cloth; the 
quality and intensity of light re- 
flected from the surface of minerals. 

lustful (lust 'fool), adj. sensual; robust. 

lustration (lus-tra'shun), n. purifica- 
tion. [Latin.] 

lustrous (lus'trus), adj. having a lus- 
ter. 

lusty (lust'i), adj. [comp. lustier, 
superl. lustiest], robust; vigorous; 
healthy. 

lute (lut), n. a stringed musical in- 
strument of the guitar family; a 
composition of clay, &c, used for 
making the joints of vessels air- 


tight, or protecting them from the 
action of fire. 

luxuriance (luk-shu'ri-ans), n. exu- 
berant in growth. Also luxuriancy. 

luxurious (luk-shu'ri-us), adj. pertain- 
ing to luxury; indulging in, or ad- 
ministering to, luxury. 

luxury (luk'shu-ri), n. [pi. luxuries 
(luk'shu-riz)], extravagant indulgence 
in the pleasures of the senses, dress, 
&c; a dainty; anything productive 
of enjoyment. 

lyceum, n. a literary seminary; an 
academy; a literary association; an 
intermediate classical school. 

lye (li), n. an alkaline solution. 

lying (li'ing), p. adj. addicted to false- 
hood; the state or act of being re- 
cumbent: n. untruthfulness. 

lymph (limf), n. sl colorless alkaline 
nutritive fluid in animal bodies. 
[Latin.] 

lymphatic (lim-fat'ik), adj. pertain- 
ing to, conveying, or containing 
lymph; sluggish: pi. the minute 
ducts which convey lymph. 

lynch (finch), v.t. to judge and pun- 
ish without the usual forms of law. 

lynx (links), n. a fierce cat-like ani- 
mal, proverbial for its keenness of 
sight. 

lyre (lir), n. a musical instrument of 
the harp kind: used by the ancients 
to accompany the voice. [Latin.] 

lyric (lir'ik), adj. pertaining to, or 
adapted to singing to, a lyre: n. a 
lyric composition. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met : mite, mit : note, north, not ; boon, book 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


M 


M, the thirteenth letter of the English 
alphabet, and probably derived di- 
rectly from the Phoenician, Hebrew, 
Greek and Latin, for the character and 
name show but little change. Thus 
Phoenician mu gives the Greeks their 
mu; and the Hebrews their mem; the 
Latins had em, and thus the letter 
and sound have been transmitted. 
In the Runic "furstark," the char- 
acter is called mann and stands 
in the twentieth place. The sig- 
nificance of the Phoenician mu was 
" water," and likewise of the Greek 
mu so long as people used it with a 
common understanding. 

ma (ma), n. contraction of mamma. 

macadamize (mak-ad'am-iz), v.t. to 
cover (a road) with small broken 
stone, so as to form a smooth hard 
rounded surface. Named from John 
L. Macadam, a Scottish engineer (d. 
1836). 

macaroni (mak-a-ro'ni), n. a paste 
composed chiefly of fine flour and 
made into long thin tubes [Italian]; 
a dandy of the eighteenth and early 
nineteenth centurie^ 

macaroon (mak-a-roon') , n. a small 
cake made of flour, eggs, almonds, 
and sugar. [French.] 

macaw (ma-kaw'), n. a large and 
handsome species of parrot with 
strong hooked bill. 

mace (mas), n. a massive staff usual- 
ly surmounted with a crown; a 
heavy billiard cue; the second cov- 
ering of the nutmeg. [French.] 

macerate (mas'er-at), v.t. to soften 
or separate the parts of by steeping 
in a fluid; mortify or harass. 

machete (ma-cha'ta), n. a large 
heavy knife used by the inhabitants 
of South America for cutting through 
forests, &c. [Spanish- American.] 

machination (mak-i-na'shun), n. a 
plot; artifice. [Latin.] 


machine (ma-shen'), n. any contriv- 
ance to increase and regulate motive 
power; an engine; a light carriage 
or vehicle; one who acts mechani- 
cally or at the bidding of another. 

machinery (ma-shen'er-i) , n. ma- 
chines collectively; parts of a ma- 
chine; any combination by which 
something is kept in action or the 
result desired is obtained. 

mackerel (mak'er-el), n. an edible 
marine fish, mottled with green and 
blue. [Old French.] 

mackintosh (mak'in-tosh), n. an 
india-rubber water-proof overcoat. 

mackle (mak'l), v.t. to blot or blur, so 
as to produce the impression of 
double printing. 

macro, a Greek -prefix meaning large, 
long, as macrocephalous, adj. long- 
headed. 

macrocosm (mak'ro-kozm), n. the 
universe. 

macron (mak'ron), n. a mark (-) 
over a vowel to indicate that it is 
long, as came. 

mad (mad), adj. [comp. madder, su- 
perl. maddest], mentally disordered 
or distracted; insane; infatuated; 
furious with rage or terror; in- 
flamed with anger. 

madam (mad'am), n. [pi. mesdames 
(ma-dam')], a complimentary title, 
or form of courteous address to a 
married lady. 

madcap (mad'kap), n. a wild, thought- 
less, eccentric person. 

madden (mad'n), v.t. to make mad or 
furious: v.i. to become mad or furi- 
ous. 

madder (mad'er), n. a plant of the ge- 
nus Rubia, from the root of which 
a red dye and pigment is extracted. 

made (mad), adj. artificially pro- 
duced or formed: p.t.& p.p. of make. 

Madeira (ma-de'ra), n. a rich wine 
once made in the island of Madeira. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


MADEMOISELLE 


310 


MAIDEN 


mademoiselle (mad-mwa-zel')., n. in 
France, a title of courtesy given to 
a young lady. 

madonna (ma-don'na), n. [pi. ma- 
donnas (ma-don'naz)], a picture of 
the Virgin Mary, usually with the 
infant Christ. [Italian.] 

madras (ma-dras'), n. a printed, cot- 
ton fabric used for shirting. 

madrigal (mad'ri-gal) , n. a light amor- 
ous song; a part song unaccompanied 
by music. [French.] 

maelstrom (mal 'strum), n. a cele- 
brated whirlpool on the Norwegian 
coast. 

magazine (mag-a-zen') , n. a ware- 
house; receptacle for military stores, 
is ammunition, &c; chamber in a 
gun; a periodical literary or scien- 
tific publication. [French.] 

magenta (ma-jen'ta), n. a red ani- 
line dye named after Marshal Mac- 
Mahon who won the battle of Ma- 
genta for the French in 1859. 

maggot (mag'ot), n. the footless lar- 
va of a fly; grub; whim. [Welsh.] 

Magi (ma'jl), n.pL among the Akka- 
dians and ancient Persians, the 
sacerdotal and learned class; the 
wise men of the East. [Persian.] 

magic (maj'ik), n. the pretended art 
of working by the power or assist- 
ance of supernatural beings; sor- 
cery; witchcraft; enchantment: adj. 
pertaining to, produced by, or ex- 
ercising, magic; enchanted; necro- 
mantic. When practiced for kindly 
purposes, it is called White Magic. 
Also magical. [Latin.] 

magician (ma-jish'an), n. one skilled 
in magic. 

magisterial (maj-is-te'ri-al), adj. per- 
taining to, or suitable to, a mas- 
ter or magistrate; authorita- 
tive. 

magistracy; (maj'is-tra-si)^ n. [pi. 
magistracies (maj'is-tra-siz)], the 
office or dignity of a magistrate; 
magistrates collectively. 

magistrate (maj'is-trat), n. a civil 
officer invested with certain judicial 
and executive powers. 

magnanimity (mag-na-nim'i-ti), n. 
greatness of mind; elevation of 
soul; nobility. [Latin.] 

magnanimous (mag-nan 'i-mus), adj. 
great of mind; elevated in soul or 


sentiment; generous; courageous; 
heroic. 

magnate (mag'nat), n. a person of 
rank or distinction; nobleman. 

magnesia (mag-ne'shi-a) , n. a white 
tasteless earthy powder, the oxide 
of magnesium. [Greek.] 

magnesium (mag-ne'shi-um), n. a 
metallic element, the base of mag- 
nesia. 

magnet (mag'net), n. the loadstone; a 
magnetized steel bar. [Greek.] 

magnetic (mag-net'ik), adj. pertain- 
ing to, exhibiting, or produced by, 
the magnet or magnetism. 

magnetism (mag'ne-tizm), n. that 
property possessed by various bodies, 
as iron or steel, of attracting or re- 
pelling each other according to cer- 
tain physical laws; the science that 
treats of such magnetic phenomena 
and laws. 

magnificence (mag-nif 'i-sens) , n. 
grandeur of appearance; splendor; 
pomp; also used as a title at the 
German universities — "Your Mag- 
nificence." [Latin.] 

magnify (mag'ni-fl), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. 
magnified, p.pr. magnifying], to 
make great or greater; increase the 
apparent dimensions of; glorify or 
extol. [Latin.] 

magnitude (mag'ni-tiid) , n. compara- 
tive size or bulk; extent of dimen- 
sions (length, breadth, and thick- 
ness); importance. [Latin.] 

magnolia (mag-no'li-a), n. a hand- 
some sweet-scented flowering 
shrub. 

maM-stick (mawl'stik), n. a stick 
used by painters as a rest for the 
hand while painting. Also maul- 
stick. [German.] 

mahogany (ma-hog'a-ni) , n. a tree 
of tropical America, yielding a dark 
reddish-brown wood, used for fur- 
niture; a dining-table. [S. American.] 

maid (mad), n. a young unmarried 
woman; girl; virgin; a female serv- 
ant. 

maiden (mad 'en), # n. an unmarried 
woman; virgin; girl; a washing ma- 
chine; a kind of guillotine formerly 
used in Scotland; in cricket, an over 
in which no runs are scored: adj. 
pertaining to, or like, a maiden; 
pure; innocent; unsullied; unused. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


MAIDENHOOD 


311 


MALFORMATION 


maidenhood (mad 'en-hood), n. the 
state of being a maiden. 

maidenly (mad'en-li), adj. like, or 
suitable to, a maiden; modest; 
gentle: adv. in a maidenlike manner. 

mail (mal), n. defensive body-armor 
of steel, net, or plate-work; govern- 
ment system for conveying letters, 
&c; a receptacle for the conveyance 
of letters, &c; letters, &c, carried 
by post; tribute formerly levied by 
freebooters: v.t. to clothe with, or 
as with, mail; post, or send by post. 

maim (mam), v.t. to deprive of the 
use of a limb; cripple or mutilate: 
n. an injury to the body by crippling 
or mutilation. 

main (man), adj. chief; principal; 
leading; direct: n. the ocean. 

maintain (man-tan'), v.t. to support; 
sustain; defend; vindicate; affirm; 
continue. 

maintenance (man'te-nans) , n. sus- 
tenance; support; vindication; cham- 
perty. 

maize (maz), n. Indian corn. [Span- 
ish.] 

majestic (ma-jes'tik), adj. having 
dignity of person or mien; stately; 
noble; sublime. 

majesty (maj'es-ti), n. [pi. majesties 
(maj'es-tiz)T, sovereignty; grandeur; 
nobility; sublimity. [French.] 

majolica (ma-jol'i-ka), n. a fine soft 
enameled kind of pottery. It was 
first imported from Majorca, one 
of the Balearic Isles, into Italy. 
This ancient majolica was covered 
with a white opaque enamel on 
which decorative figures in color 
were displayed. Modern majolica 
is enamelled in color. It is also 
called faience. [Named from Ma- 
jorca.] 

major (ma'jer), adj. greater in num- 
ber, extent, or quality; greater by 
a semitone [Mus.]: n. a military 
officer next in rank above a cap- 
tain; the first proposition of a reg- 
ular syllogism in which the major 
term is contained. [French.] 

majority (ma-jor'i-ti), n. [pi. ma- 
jorities (ma-jor'i-tiz)], the state of 
being greater; greater number; more 
than half; full legal age (21); rank, 
&c, of a major. 

make (mak), v.t. to create; fashion; 


fabricate; compose; produce or ef- 
fect; prepare for use; acquire; in- 
cur; force; raise to rank or dig- 
nity; score; keep or hold; arrive 
near or in sight of: v.i. to tend or 
move; have effect; contribute; be 
active; rise or flow: n. shape; con- 
struction. 

makeshift (makeshift), n. a tempo- 
rary expedient. 

make-up (mak'up), n. the general 
composition of anything; artificial 
preparation. 

malachite (mal'a-kit), n. native car- 
bonate of copper, of a blue or green 
color. 

maladroit (mal-a-droif) , adj. not 
dexterous; unskilful; clumsy. 

malady (mal'a-di), n. [pi. maladies 
(mal a-diz)], a disease, especially a 
deep-seated or lingering disorder, 
mental or physical. [French.] 

Malaga (mal'a-ga), n. a variety of 
sweet Spanish wine containing rai- 
sins. 

malapert (mal'a-pert), adj. pert; 
saucy. 

malapropos (mal-ap-ro-po') , adv. un- 
seasonably. [French.] 

malar (ma'lar), adj. pertaining to 
the cheek or cheek-bone. [Latin.] 

malaria (ma-la/ri-a), n. noxious ex- 
halations from marshy land, pro- 
ducing fevers, &c.; disease produced 
by such exhalations or by the bite 
of malaria-infected mosquitoes; chills 
and fever; ague. 

malcontent (mal'kon-tent) , adj. dis- 
contented, especially with estab- 
lished authority. 

male (mal), adj. pertaining to the sex 
that begets young ; not female ; bear- 
ing stamens; suitable to the male sex: 
n. one of the male sex. 

malediction (mal-e-dik'shun), n. de- 
nunciation of evil; execration; 
curse. 

malefactor (mal 'e-fak-ter), n. an evil 
doer; criminal. 

malevolence (ma-lev'o-lens), n. spite- 
fulness; ill-will. 

malfeasance (mal-fe'zans), n. an il- 
legal act or deed. 

malformation (mal-f or-ma'shun) , n. 
faulty or abnormal structure of an 
organism. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


MALIC 


312 


MANE 


malic (ma'lik), adj. derived from fruit, 
especially from the apple. [Latin.] 

malice (maris), n. evil intention to 
injure others; deliberate mischief; 
spite. 

malicious (ma-lish'us) , adj. bearing 
ill-will or spite ; prompted by hatred. 

malign (ma-lin'), v.t. to speak evil of; 
slander: adj. hurtful; pestilential. 

malignancy; (ma-lig'nan-si) , n. the 
state of being malignant ; virulence. 

malignant (ma-lig'nant) , adj. mali- 
cious; pernicious; intending or ef- 
fecting evil; virulent. 

malinger (ma-ling'ger) , v.i. to feign 
illness in order to evade duty. 

malison (mal'i-zn), n. a curse; execra- 
tion. 

mall (mawl), n. a large heavy wooden 
mallet or beetle; a public walk 
shaded by trees, originally a place 
where the game of pall-mall was 
played. [Old French; Latin.] 

mallard (marard), n. a wild duck. 

malleable (mal'e-a-bl), adj. capable of 
being extended by hammering or 
rolling. In ancient times, glass was 
made so as to be malleable, but this 
is now one of the lost arts. 

mallet (mal'et),n. a wooden hammer. 

malleus (mal'e-us), n. one of the three 
small auditory bones of the ear. 

mallow (mal'o), n. a plant of the genus 
Malva. Also mallows. 

malmsey (mam-zi), n. a rich variety 
of grape; a strong, full-flavored 
sweet wine. 

malpractice (mal-prak'tis), n. evil 
practice; illegal or immoral profes- 
sional conduct especially in medi- 
cine. 

malt (mawlt), n. barley or other grain 
steeped in water, fermented, and 
kiln dried for brewing: adj. made 
with malt: v.t. to make into malt: 
v.i. to be converted into malt. 

maltose (mawlt'os), n. sugar obtained 
from starch by the action of diastase 
or malt. 

maltreat (mal-tref), v.t. to treat ill 
or roughly. 

malversation (mal-ver-sa'shun), n. 
fraudulent practices, especially those 
committed in an office of trust. 

mamma (ma-ma' or ma'ma), n. a fa- 
miliar name for mother, found in 
nearly all the languages of Europe 


and going back to the Greek, Latin, 
and Hebrew. 

mammal (mam'al), n. one of the 
Mammalia. 

Mammalia (mam-a'li-a) , n.pl. the 
highest class of the Vertebrata, con- 
taining those animals which suckle 
their young. 

mammary (mam'a-ri), adj. pertaining 
to the breasts. 

mammon (mam'un),n.wealth; worldly 
gain: from Mammon, the Syrian god 
of riches. 

mammoth (mam'oth), n. an ex- 
tinct species of huge fossil elephants : 
adj. gigantic. 

man (man), n. [pi. men (men)], a hu- 
man being; an adult male of the hu- 
man species ; mankind ; male servant ; 
vassal ; one possessed of manly attri- 
butes; a husband; one of the pieces 
in chess or draughts '.v.t. [p.t. & p.p. 
manned, p.pr. manning], to furnish 
with men; guard. 

manacle (man'a-kl), n. a handcuff: 
v.t. to place handcuffs upon; shackle. 

manage (man'aj), v.t. to conduct or 
carry on; govern; render docile or 
tractable; use cautiously; wield: v.i. 
to conduct affairs. 

manageable (man'aj-a-bl), adj. easy 
to be managed; docile. 

management (man'aj-ment) , n. the 
act or art of managing ; control ; skill 
in direction; administration. 

manakin (man'a-kin). See manikin. 

manbote (man'bot), n. among the 
Anglo-Saxons, the fine paid for kill- 
ing a man. 

mandatory (man'da-to-ri) , adj. con- 
taining a mandate; directory. 

mandible (man'di-bl), n. the Jaw; in 
vertebrates, the under jaw; in birds, 
both jaws: in insects and crusta- 
ceans, the anterior pair. 

mandolin (man'do-lin), n. a musical 
instrument of the guitar kind. 

mandrake (man'drak), n. a plant of 
the nightshade family, with narcotic 
properties. 

mandrel (man'drel), n. the shank of a 
lathe on which the work to be turned 
is placed; the revolving arbor of a 
circular saw. Also mandril. 

mane (man), n. the long hair on the 
neck of certain quadrupeds, as the 
horse. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit : note, north, not ; boon, book 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


MANEUVER 


313 


MANUAL 


maneuver, manoeuvre (ma-no5'ver), 
n. adroit management or operation 
in military or naval affairs; skilful or 
dexterous management; stratagem: 
v.i. to perform maneuvers with 
troops or war vessels; manage with 
adroitness or address. 

manful (man'fool), adj. courageous; 
resolute. 

manganese (mang'ga-nez), n. a grey- 
colored, hard and brittle metallic 
element. 

mange (manj), n. a cutaneous dis- 
ease of dogs, cattle, &c. 

manger (man'jer), n. a feeding trough 
for horses or cattle. 

mangle (mang'gl), v.t. to lacerate; mu- 
tilate; hack; o smooth with a mangle: 
n. a machine for smoothing linen. 

mango (mang'go), n. [pi. mangoes 
(mang'goz)], the fruit of the mango 
tree of East India. 

mania (ma'ni-a), n. violent insanity; 
intense excitement; excessive or un- 
reasonable desire. 

maniac (ma'ni-ak), adj. affected with 
mania: n. a madman. 

manicure (man'i-kur), n. the care of 
the hands, nails, &c; also one who 
engages in manicuring. 

manifest (man'i-fest), adj. clear; plain; 
apparent: v.t. to make manifest; 
place beyond doubt: n. the invoice 
of a cargo to be exhibited to the cus- 
tom-house officials. 

manifesto (man-i-fes'to) , n. [pi. mani- 
festoes (man-i-fes'toz)j, a public dec- 
laration concerning political meas- 
ures or intentions. 

manifold (man'i-fold) , adj. various in 
kind or quality; numerous; multi- 
plied; complicated: adv. many times: 
v.t. to reduplicate by means of a 
manifold- writ er . 

manikin (man'i-kin), n. a dwarf; a 
model of the human body for ana- 
tomical study. Also mannikin. 

manila, manilla (ma-nil'a), n. a kind 
of cheroot manufactured at Manila 
in the Philippine Islands; a hemp 
used for ropes, matting, &c, made 
from the fibers of Musa textilis, allied 
to the banana. 

maniple (man'i-pl), n. a kind of scarf 
worn on the left arm by a priest at 
mass; a company in an ancient Ro- 
man legion. 


manipulate ( ma-nip 'u-lat), v.t. to op- 
erate or work by means of the hands ; 
treat ; control the action of, by man- 
agement; falsify: w.i. to use the 
hands, especially in scientific opera- 
tions, or mechanical processes. 

manly (man'li), adj. having the char- 
acteristics of a man; courageous; 
noble; dignified; resolute: adv. like 
a man. 

manna (man'a), n. a name given by 
the Israelites to the food miracu- 
lously supplied in the wilderness (Ex. 
xvi. 15) ; the sweet laxative juice 
exuded from certain species of ash of 
Southern Europe. 

manner (man'er), n. method; mode of 
action; habit; custom; sort; mien; 
aspect; style; fashion: pi. deport- 
ment; morals; behavior. 

mannerism (man'er-izm), n. a pecu- 
liarity of style, action, or bearing, 
especially if constrained or affected. 

mannish (man'ish) , adj. masculine. 

manor (man'er), n. the district over 
which a feudal lord held authority, 
and subject to the jurisdiction of his 
ccurt-baron; the land belonging to a 
lord, or so much as he formerly re- 
served for his own use; a tract of 
land occupied by tenants who pay a 
fee-farm rent to the owner .^ 

manse (mans), n. the residence of 
a Presbyterian parochial minister. 
[Scotch.] 

mansion (man'shun), n. a large 
and handsome dwelling house. 

manslaughter (man'slaw-ter) , n. the 
unlawful killing of a human being, 
but without malice or premed'tation. 

mantel (man'tel), n. a narrow orna- 
mental slab above a fireplace. Also 
mantelpiece. 

mantilla (man-til'a), n. a lady's light 
cloak or hood. [Spanish.] 

mantle (man'tl), n. a loose cloak or 
cape; the external fold of the skin 
of the body of mollusks; a conical 
net-work that becomes incandescent 
when heated: used over a gas jet, 
&c, to increase the brilliancy of the 
light: v.t. to cover with, or as with, 
a mantle; conceal: v.i. expand or 
spread out. 

manual (man'ii-al), adj. pertaining to, 
or performed by, the hands: n. a 
handy compendium ; the service book 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


MANUFACTORY 


314 


MARK 


of the Roman Catholic Church; the 
keyboard of an organ or harmo- 
nium. 

manufactory (man-u-fak'to-ri), n.jpl. 
manufactories (man - u - f ak'to - riz) ], 
the place where goods are manu- 
factured. 

manufacture (man-u-fak'tur), v.t. to 
make or fabricate from raw mate- 
rials; produce artificially: v.i. to be 
occupied in manufactures: n. the 
conversion of raw materials into 
articles for use; the thing manu- 
factured. 

manumission (man-u-mish'un) , n. 
the act of liberating from slavery; 
emancipation._ 

manure (ma-nur'), n. any. fertilizing 
substance used for enriching the 
soil: v.t. to enrich with fertilizing 
substances. 

manuscript (man'u-skript), adj. writ- 
ten: n. a book or paper written by 
hand. 

many (men'i), adj. [comp. more, 
superl. most], numerous; consisting 
of a great number: n. a great num- 
ber; multitude; people. 

map (map), n. a representation of 
tne earth or some portion of it on 
a plane surface; a representation of 
the heavens: v.t. [p.t. & p.p. mapped, 
p.pr. mapping], to delineate or lay 
down in a map; describe clearly; 
sketch or plan. [Latin.] 

maple (ma pi), n. a tree of several 
species of the genus Acer, from one 
of which the rock-maple sugar is 
extracted. 

mar (mar), p.t. [p.t. & p.p. marred, 
p.pr. marring], to disfigure; injure; 
damage: n. a blemish or disfigure- 
ment; injury. 

marabou (mar'a-boo), n. a large Af- 
rican stork, with handsome feathers. 

marabout (mar'a-boot), n. a Mo- 
hammedan saint, who professes to 
cure diseases by supernatural pow- 
er. 

marasmus (ma-raz'mus), n. atrophy. 

maraud (ma-rawd'), v.i. to rove in 
search of plunder. 

marble (mar'bl), n. a hard lime- 
stone of various colors capable of 
taking a fine polish; anything re- 
sembling marble; a small ball of 
marble or stone: adj. made of, or 


like, marble; cold; hard; unfeeling: 
v.t. to stain or vein like marble. 

March (march), n. the third month 
of the year, named from Mars, the 
Roman god of war. 

march (march), n. a regular, meas- 
ured walk, especially of soldiers; 
steady onward movement ; a musical 
composition for the accompaniment 
of troops; frontier; borderland: v.t. 
to cause to move in a regular meas- 
ured walk, as troops: v.i. to move 
with regular steps, or in military 
form. 

marchioness (mar'shun-es) , n. the 
wife or widow of a marquis. 

marconigram (mar-ko'ni-gram), n. 
a message sent by Marconi's system 
of wireless telegraphy. 

mare (mar), n. the female of the 
horse. 

margarine (mar'ga-rin), n. artificial 
butter. Also oleomargarine. 

margin (mai'jin), n. border; the part 
of a page at the edge not printed 
upon; reserved _ amount ; latitude: 
v.t. to furnish with a margin; enter 
on the margin of a page. 

marginal (mar'gi-nal), adj. pertain- 
ing to, or placed on, a margin. 

margrave (mar'grav), n. a German 
title of nobility. Fern, margravine. 

marigold (mar'i-gold) , n. a plant 
with showy yellow flowers of various 
genera. 

marine (ma-ren'), adj. pertaining to, 
living in, or formed by, the sea; 
naval; near to the sea; used at sea: 
n. a soldier who serves on a war- 
ship; the navy of a nation; naval 
affairs; collective shipping of a 
country. [Latin.] 

mariner (mar'i-ner), n. a sailor. 

marionette (mar-iKJ-nef), n. a pup- 
pet moved by strings. 

marital (mar'i-tal), adj. pertaining to 
marriage. 

maritime (mar'i-tim), adj. pertaining 
to, connected with, or bordering 
upon, the sea; naval. 

marjoram (mar'jo-ram), n. a genus 
of aromatic plants, containing the 
sweet marjoram. 

mark (mark), n. a, visible sign by 
which anything is known; impres- 
sion; evidence; target; a character 
made as a substitute for writing; 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


MARKET 


315 


MASK 


an old Scotch coin = 27^ cents; a 
current German coin and monetary- 
unit = 24 l /i cents; a former Euro- 
pean unit of weight = about 8 
ounces: v.t. to make a mark upon; 
notify by, or as by, a sign; distin- 
guish; take notice of; single out: 
v.i. to observe critically; take note. 

market (mar'ket), n. a public place 
for the sale or purchase of commodi- 
ties; market place; rate or price: 
v.i. to deal in a market; buy or sell. 

marl (marl), n. calcareous earth min- 
gled with clay and carbonate of lime : 
used as a manure: v.t. to manure 
with marl; to wind with marlines. 

marmalade (mar'ma-lad), n. a con- 
fection made of oranges or other 
fruit, 

marmoset (mar'md-zet), n. a species 
of small American monkey. 

marmot (mar'mot), n. the Alpine 
rat; prairie dog. 

maroon (ma-roon'), n. formerly a fu- 
gitive slave in the West Indies; one 
who is marooned: v.t. to place and 
abandon on a desert island: adj. of a 
brownish-crimson color. 

marplot (mar'plot), n. one who frus- 
trates some plan by his officious in- 
terference. 

marque (mark), n. a license granted 
by a state to a private vessel to 
make reprisals at sea on the ships of 
another nation. Hence this license 
is called "a letter of marque and 
reprisal." 

marquetry (mar'ket-ri) , n. inlaid 
work. 

marquis (mar'kwis), n. a nobleman 
ranking next below a duke. [French.] 
Fern, marchioness. [Latin and Old 
High German.] 

marriage (mar'aj), n. the act of le- 
gally uniting a man and woman in 
wedlock; marriage ceremony. 

marrow (mar'o), n. the medulla or 
oily tissue which fills the cavities of 
bones; the essence of anything; a 
vegetable marrow. 

marry (mar'i), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. married, 
p.pr. marrying], to unite as husband 
and wife; wed: v.i. to enter into the 
state of wedlock: inter j. By Mary! 
forsooth! 

marseilles (mar-salz'), n. a double 
cloth fabric, quilted in the loom. 


marsh (marsh), n. a swampy tract of 
land. 

marshal (mar'shal), n. an official of 
high rank who superintends and 
regulates state ceremonials; a pur- 
suivant; in the French army, the 
highest military officer; a sheriff: 
v.t. to arrange or dispose in order. 

marshy (mar'ahi), adj. swampy; grow- 
ing in marshes. 

mart (mart), n. a market; purchase 
and sale. 

marten (mar'ten), n. a small carniv- 
orous animal of the weasel kind. 

martial (mar'shal), adj. pertaining to, 
or adapted for, war; military. 

martin (mar'tin), n. one of several spe- 
cies of birds allied to the swallow. 

martinet (mar-ti-nef), n. a strict dis- 
ciplinarian: pi. small lines fastened 
to the leech of a sail. _ 

martingale (mar'tin-gal), n. a broad 
strap passing from the nose-band to 
the girth of a horse, between its fore 
legs, to keep its head down; a lower 
stay for the jib-boom or flying jib- 
boom. 

martyr (mar'ter), n. one who testifies 
by nis death to his faith or principles ; 
one who suffers acutely: v.t. to put 
to death for adherence to some be- 
lief, especially Christianity; perse- 
cute; torture; destroy. 

martyrdom (mar'ter-dum) , n. the 
death or sufferings of a martyr. 

marvel (mar'vel), n. something extra- 
ordinary and astonishing ; a prodigy : 
v.i. to be struck with astonishment; 
wonder. 

marvelous (mar'vel-us), adj. exciting 
wonder; incredible. 

mascot (mas'kot), n. a person or thing 
that brings good fortune. Feminine 
mascotte. [French.] 

masculine (mas'ku-lin), adj. pertain- 
ing to, having the qualities of, or 
suitable for, a man; manly; power- 
ful; robust; coarse; noting the male 
gender in grammar. 

mash (mash), n. a soft or pulpy mass; 
a mixture of bran and water for 
horses; bruised malt, &c, steeped 
in hot water for making wort: v.t. 
to mix with hot water (as malt) in 
brewing; convert into a mash or 
soft pulpy state; to inspire love in. 

mask (mask), n. a cover or partial 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


MASON 


316 


MATHEMATICAL 


cover to conceal the face; pretext or 
subterfuge; a masquerade: v.t. to 
conceal with, or as with, a mask; 
cover or hold in check: v.i. to 
take part in a masquerade; be dis- 
guised. 

mason (ma'sn), n. a builder in stone; 
a Freemason. 

masquerade (mas-ker-ad'), n. a ball 
or festive gathering where masks are 
worn; a disguise: v.t. to cover with 
a mask or disguise: v.i. to take part 
in a masquerade. 

mass (mas), n. a large quantity; 
lump; body of things collectively; 
the celebration of the Eucharist in 
the Roman Catholic Church ; a mu- 
sical setting for certain parts of such 
a ce'ebration: pi. common people 
(with the) : v.t. & v.i. to collect into a 
mass or body. 

massacre (mas'a-ker), n. indiscrimi- 
nate slaughter with unnecessary cruel- 
ty: v.t. to slaughter indiscriminately 
with unnecessary cruelty. 

massage (ma-sazh'), n. a method of 
medical treatment by rubbing or 
kneading the body. 

masse (ma-sa/), n. in billiards, a sharp 
stroke made with the cue perpen- 
dicular or nearly so. 

masseur (ma-ser'), n. one who per- 
forms the operation of massage. 
Feminine masseuse (ma-sez'). 
[French.] 

massive (mas'iv) , adj. weighty ; heavy ; 
bulky; imperfectly and irregularly 
crystallized. 

mast (mast), n. a long round piece of 
timber or iron tube, either entire, or 
formed of parts, raised vertically on 
the keel of a vessel to support the 
sails; acorns and beech-nuts. 

master (mas'ter), n. one who rules or 
commands others; director; em- 
ployer; owner; head of a household, 
college, school, &c; an expert; com- 
mander of a merchant-vessel; a uni- 
versity degree; appellation given to 
boys; a legal title: adj. pertaining 
to a master; chief: v.t. to subdue or 
overcome: v.i. excel. 

mastery (mas'ter-i), n. dominion; pre- 
eminence; eminent skill. 

mastic (mas'tik), n. a resin obtained 
from the mastic tree; used as a var- 
nish. 


masticate (mas'ti-kat), v.t. to grind 
with the teeth; chew. 

mastiff (mas'tif), n. a variety of large 
dog. 

mastodon (mas'to-don), n. an extinct 
genus of mammals, allied to the ele- 
phant. 

mastoid (mas'toid) , adj. breast-like. 

mat (mat), n. a texture of various 
fibrous materials, used for cleansing 
the feet, &c; a web of rope-yard; 
an ornamental article on which to 
place things at table: v.t. [p.t. & p.p. 
matted, p.pr. matting], to cover 
with mats; entangle or interweave. 

matador (ma-ta-dor') , n. the man 
who kills the bull in a bull-fight; one 
of the three principal cards at omber 
and quadrille. [Spanish.] 

match (mach), n. anything that read- 
ily ignites; a lucifer; anything which 
agrees with or suits another thing; 
an equal; game or contest; mar- 
riage; one to be gained in marriage: 
v.t. to be equal to; set against or 
oppose as an equal: v.t. to harmonize 
with ; to equal. 

mate (mat), n. a companion or asso- 
ciate ; an equal ; the male and female 
of animals associated for propaga- 
tion; an officer in the merchant ser- 
vice ranking below the captain; 
checkmate: v.t. to match; be equal 
to; marry. 

mate (ma'ta), n. a tea made of the 
dried leaves of Brazilian holly; used 
largely in South America. 

matelote (mat'e-lot), n. a dish com- 
posed of various kinds of fish. 

material (ma-te'ri-al) , adj. consisting 
of matter; not spiritual; corporeal; 
essential: n. the substance of which 
anything is made. 

materialism (ma-te'ri-al-izm), n. the 
doctrine that all spiritual phenomena 
are the result of organized matter. 

materialize (ma-te'ri-al-iz) , v.t. to 
invest with material characteristics. 

maternal (ma-ter'nal), adj. motherly. 

maternity (ma-ter'ni-ti) , n. the char- 
acter or relationship of a mother. 

math (math), n. a mowing; mathe- 
matics. 

mathematical (math-e-mat'ik-al) , 
adj. pertaining to, or performed by, 
mathematics; theoretically precise. 
Also mathematics. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


MATHEMATICIAN 


317 


MAYONNAISE 


mathematician (math-e-ma-tish'an) , 
n. one who is skilled in mathematics. 

mathematics (math-e-mat'iks), n. 
the science of number and space. 

matin (mat/in), adj. pertaining to the 
morning or to matins: n.pl. morning 
prayer; in the Roman Catholic 
Church the first canonical hour. 

matinee (mat-i-na/), n. a reception 
or musical or dramatic perform- 
ance held in the daytime. [French.] 

matriarch (ma/tri-ark), n. a mother 
who in one period of ancient his- 
tory ruled the family, and also the 
tribe. At this time, men were not 
husbands, but were merely chosen 
by any woman according to her 
fancy. See polyandry. 

matricide (mat'ri-sid), n. the murder 
of a mother by a son or daughter; 
one who murders one's mother. 

matriculate (ma-trik'u-lat) , v.t. to 
admit to the membership of a college 
or university by entering one's name 
in a register: v.i. to be admitted as 
a member or student of a college, &c. 

matrimonial (mat-ri-mo'ni-al) , adj. 
pertaining to marriage; nuptial; 
connubial. 

matrimony (mat'ri-mo-ni), n. mar- 
riage. [Latin.] 

matrix (ma'triks), n. [pi. matrices 
(mat'ri-sez)], the womb; the 'cavity 
in which anything is formed or cast; 
a mold ; the rock in which a fossil or 
mineral is embedded; the five col- 
ors (black, white, blue, red, yellow) 
from which all others are formed in 
dyeing. [Latin.] 

matron (ma'tron), n. a married 
woman, especially one who has 
borne children; the lady superin- 
tendent of a hospital or institu- 
tion. 

matte (mat), n. metal imperfectly 
reduced. [French.] 

matted (mat'ed), adj. covered with a 
mat; closely tangled together. 

matter (mat'er), n. that which oc- 
cupies space, and is perceptible by 
the senses ; body ; substance ; thing of 
importance; business; event; indefi- 
nite amount; pus; set-up type: v.i. 
to signify; be of importance. 

matting (mat'ing), n. mats collective- 
ly; material for mats; ornamental 
matwork. 


mattock (mat 'ok), n. a pickaxe hav- 
ing one of its ends flat. 

mattress (mat'res), n. a quilted hair- 
or straw-stuffed bed; a spring mat- 
tress; a mat made of trees or shrubs. 

mature (ma-tur')> adj. [comparative 
maturer, superlative maturest], ripe; 
full-grown; ready for application or 
use: v.t. to bring or hasten to ma- 
turity: v.i. to become ripe. 

maturity (ma-tur'i-ti), n. the state or 
quality of being mature; ripeness; 
full development. 

maudlin (mawd'lin) , adj. easily moved 
to tears; weakly and foolishly senti- 
mental. 

maul (mawl), n. a large wooden ham- 
mer: v.t. to wound or bruise in a 
rough manner. Seemell. 

mausoleum (maw-so-le'um) , n. & 
stately tomb or monument, espe- 
cially that of Mausolus, King of Ca- 
ria, erected by his widow Artemisia. 

mauve (mov), n. a soft lilac or pur- 
ple color, the first of aniline dye- 
stuffs discovered by Sir W. H. Per- 
kin. 

maw (maw), n. the stomach of ani- 
mals; the craw of a bird. 

mawkish (mawk'ish), adj. loathsome; 
affectedly sentimental. 

maxillary (maks'il-a-ri) , adj. pertain- 
ing to the jaw or jawbone. 

maxim (maks'im), n. an established 
principle or truth; proverb; aphor- 
ism. [Latin.] 

maximite (maks'im-it), n. a power- 
ful explosive invented by Sir Hiram 
Maxim. 

maximum (maks'i-mum), n. and adj. 
the greatest possible out of any 
class of things. See minimum. 

May (ma), n. the fifth month of the 
year. Its name is from the Latin 
Maia, the mother of Mercury, who 
was the goddess of growth. 

may, v. aux. [v.t. might (mlt)], to 
be able; be allowed. 

mayhem (ma/hem), n. the crime 
of attacking another so as to pre- 
vent his defense, and especially by 
mutilating him; as, for example, 
biting or tearing off an ear or a nose. 
The word is the same as maim. 

mayonnaise (mi-on-az'), n. a s: uce 
composed of the yolk of eggs, olive-oil 
and vinegar (or lemon-juice)seasoned. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


MAYOR 


318 


MEDIATION 


mayor (ma'er), n. the chief magis- 
trate of a city or borough. Feminine 
mayoress. 

maze (maz), n. bewilderment; a laby- 
rinth: v.t. to bewilder. 

mazurka (ma-zer'ka), n. a lively 
Polish dance; music set to such a 
dance. Also mazourka. [Polish.] 

mead (med), n. a fermented liquor of 
honey, water, and spices; a meadow 
[Poet.]. 

meadow (med'o), n. a tract of rich 
pasture land; land yielding hay; low 
grass land by the banks of rivers. 

meager (me'ger), adj. thin; scanty; 
poor; barren; lean; weak. [French.] 

meal (mel), n. edible ground grain; a 
repast. 

mealy (me'li), adj. consisting of, sprin- 
kled with, or having the qualities of, 
meal. 

mean (men), adj. [comparative mean- 
er, superlative meanest], wanting in 
dignity or honor; vulgar; inferior; 
insignificant; humble; sordid; 
stingy; middle; not excessive: n. the 
middle point, quantity, value, or de- 
gree; average: pi. resources; prop- 
erty: v.t. [p.t. & p.p. meant, p.pr. 
meaning], to have in the mind or 
intention; signify: v.i. to have an 
intention. 

meander (me-an'der), v.t. to wind or 
flow round: v.i. to have a winding 
course ; be intricate. The name of a 
river in Asia_Minor. 

meaning (men'ing), n. intention; 
sense. 

meant (ment), p.t. & p.p. of mean. 

meantime (men'tim), adv. in the in- 
tervening time. Also meanwhile. 

measles (me'zlz), n. an infectious 
disease characterized by fever and 
small red spots on the skin ; a dis- 
ease of swine and of trees. [Danish.] 

measurable (mezh'er-a-bl), adj. ca- 
pable of being measured. 

measure (mezh'er), n. the standard by 
which the volume or extent of any- 
thing is compared; extent or dimen- 
sions of a thing; proportion; a 
divisor leaving no remainder; an 
instrument for measuring; musical 
time; meter; law or statute: pi. 
strata or beds: v.t. to ascertain the 
extent, size, or volume of ; mark out ; 
estimate; allot; determine by rule 


or standard: v.i. to take measure- 
ments; be equal or uniform. 

measurement (mezh'er-ment), n. the 
act of measuring; quantity ascer- 
tained by measuring; size; area; ca- 
pacity. 

meat (met), n. animal flesh. 

mechanic (me-kan'ik), n. a skilled* 
workman: pi. the science of the laws 
of matter and motion, especially the 
science of machinery. [Greek.] 

mechanical (me-kan'i-kal) , adj. per- 
taining to the principles of mechan- 
ics; pertaining to, or produced by, 
machines or machinery; done auto- 
matically, as from force of habit. 

mechanism (mek'a-nizfh) , n. parts 
of a machine ; mechanical construc- 
tion. > 

medal (med'al), n. a coin-shaped piece 
of metal impressed with a device or 
inscription to commemorate some 
event, distinguished person, or ideal- 
ized group. The medal reached its 
perfection in the fifteenth century 
with Pisano. The side bearing the 
head is called the obverse and the 
other side, the reverse. [French.] 

medallion (me-dal'yun) , n. a large 
antique medal; a round or oval tab- 
let with figures in bas-relief. 

meddle (med'l), v.i. to interpose or 
interfere officiously. 

meddlesome (med'1-sum), adj. offi- 
ciously intrusive. _ 

mediaeval (med-i-e'val), adj. char- 
acterizing the period of history be- 
tween the sixth and fifteenth cen- 
turies A.D., usually known as the 
Middle Ages. 

median (me'di-an) , adj. pertaining to, 
or connected with, the middle of 
anything; a median line is an imag- 
inary line drawn between the two 
symmetrical halves of the body 
down the back. In geometry also 
a median line is one drawn from any 
angle of a triangle to the middle 
point of the opposite side.^ When 
these median lines intersect its place 
of intersection is called the median 
point. [Latin.] 

mediate (me'di-at), v.i. to interpose 
as a mutual friend between parties to 
effect a reconciliation. [Latin.] 

mediation _ (me-di-a'shun) , n. the act 
of mediating; reconciliation. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit : note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


MEDIATOR 


319 


MEMBER 


mediator (me'di-a-ter), n. one who me- 
diates; an intercessor. 

medical (med'i-kal), adj. pertaining 
to, or connected with, medicine. 

medicament (med'i-ka-ment), n. a 
medicine or healing application. 

medicate (med'i-kat), v.t. to impreg- 
nate or tincture with anything me- 
dicinal. 

medicinal (me-dis'i-nal), adj. having 
the properties of, or used in, medi- 
cine. 

medicine (med'i-sin), n. the science 
which relates to the treatment and 
alleviation of disease; a specific for 
the cure of disease. [Latin.] 

mediocre (me'di-o'ker), adj. of me- 
dium excellence; ordinary. 

mediocrity (me-di-ok'ri-ti), n. of 
moderate degree ; a person of or- 
dinary abilities. _ [Latin.] 

meditate (med'i-tat), v.i. to muse or 
ponder; think abstractedly: v.t. to 
think upon; design. _ [Latin.] 

meditation (med-i-ta'shun) , n. the 
act of meditating; deep thought. 

medium (me'di-um), n. [pi. media, 
mediums (me'di-a, me'dfi-umz)], a 
mean ; anything intervening ; agency ; 
space or substance in which bodies 
exist or move ; a size of paper 24 x 19 
inches ; middle term of a syllogism ; a 
person through whom communica- 
tions from the spirit world are con- 
veyed ; the liquid vehicle with which 
dry pigments are ground. [Latin.] 

medley (med'li), n. mixture or con- 
fused mass of different ingredients. 
[Old French.] 

medulla (me-dul'a), n. the marrow of 
bones; pith of plants. [Latin.] 

meed (med), n. recompense; re- 
ward. 

meek (mek), adj. [comparative meek- 
er, superlative meekest], gentle; sub- 
missive; yielding; mild of temper. 

meer (mer), n. sl boundary or divi- 
sion. Also mere. .[Scottish.] 

meerschaum (mer'shum), n. a clay- 
like silicate of magnesia from which 
pipe-bowls are made; a pipe of this 
material. [German, "sea-foam."] 

meet (met), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. met, p.pr. 
meeting], to come up to from a dif- 
ferent direction; confront; encoun- 
ter; receive: v.i. to assemble; be 
united: n. a meeting of huntsmen; 


the place of meeting: adj. fit; suit- 
able ; appropriate. 

meeting (met'ing), n. an assembly; 
junction; a congregation. 

meg, a Greek prefix meaning great, 
powerful. Also mega, megalo, as 
me^acephalous : adj. having a large 
head. 

megafog (meg'a-fog), n. a fog-sig- 
nalling device. 

megaphone (meg'a-fon), n. anew form 
of speaking-trumpet for increasing 
the volume of the voice. [Greek.] 

megrim (me'grim), n. a sick or neu- 
ralgic headache, usually on one side 
of the head : pi. vertigo in a horse. 

melancholy (mel'an-kol-i), n. great 
depression of spirits; melancholia: 
adj. depressed in spirits; hypochon- 
driac. 

melange (ma-langzh'). n. a confused 
mixture; medley. [French.] 

melee (ma-la'), n. a hand-to-hand 
conflict; scuffle; affray. 

melinite (mel'm-it), n. a powerful 
explosive. 

meliorate (mel'yo-rat), v.t. to im- 
prove or make better. 

mellifluent (mel-if'flu-ent), adj. 
smooth; sweetly flowing. Also mel- 
lifluous. 

mellow (mel'o), adj. fully ripe; not 
hard, harsh, or rigid; half tipsy. 

melodeon (me-lo'de-on), n. a small 
reed organ. 

melodious (me-lo'di-us), adj. full of, 
or produced by, melody; musical. 

melodrama (mel-o-dra'ma) , n. a play 
characterized by sensational or ro- 
mantic incidents. [Greek.] 

melody (mel'S-di), n. [pi. melodies 
(mel o-diz) ], the arrangement of dif- 
ferent musical sounds for a single 
voice or instrument; tune. 

melon (mel'un), n. a plant of the cu- 
cumber family with edible fruit. 
[French.] 

melt (melt), v.t. & v.i. to change from 
a solid to a liquid state; dissolve; 
soften to love and tenderness. 

melton (mel'tun), n. a kind of thick 
broadcloth with an unfinished sur- 
face. Named 'from the manufac- 
turer. 

member (mem'ber), n. a limb or or- 
gan, essential part of anything; one 
of an association or community. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, ndrth, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


MEMBRANE 


320 


MERCY 


membrane (mem 'bran), n. a thin 
fold or layer of tissue forming the 
covering of some part or organ. 

membranous (mem'bra-nus), adj. 
pertaining to, consisting of, or like, 
membranes. 

memento (me-men'to), n. [pi. me- 
mentos (me-men'toz)], a souvenir; 
memorial. [Latin.] 

memoir (mem'war), n. a history 
written from personal experience 
and knowledge; a biography; pi. a 
record of investigations on a sub- 
ject; transactions or journal of a 
learned or scientific society. 

memorable (mem'or-a-bl) , adj. wor- 
thy of remembrance; remarkable; 
notable. 

memorandum (mem-o-ran'dum) , n. 
[pi. memoranda (mem-o-ran'da)], a 
note to assist the memory; brief 
record of something to be remem- 
bered; summary or outline. 

memorial (me-mo'ri-al), adj. com- 
memorative; preservative of, or con- 
tained in, the memory: n. an in- 
formal diplomatic paper; a written 
representation of facts addressed 
to the government, a public body, 
&c. 

memory (mem'o-ri), n. [pi. memories 
(mem'o-riz)], that faculty _ of the 
mind by which it retains the 
knowledge of previous occurrences, 
facts, thoughts, &c, and recalls 
them. 

menace (men'as), n. a threat: v.t. to 
threaten. 

menage (ma'nazh), n. management; 
one's establishment or household. 
[French.] 

menagerie (men-azh'er-i or men-aj'- 
e-ri), n. a place where wild animals 
are kept ; a collection of wild animals 
for exhibition. 

mend (mend), v.i. to repair (that 
which is broken or worn); make 
good or better; reform; increase: 
v.i. to grow better; improve. 

mendacious (men-da'shus) , adj. given 
to falsehood; lying; false. 

mendacity (men-das'i-ti), n. [pi. men- 
dacities (men-das'i-tiz)], falsehood; 
habitual lying. 

mendicant (men'di-kant) , adj. prac- 
ticing begging; reduced to beggary: 
n. a beggar; a begging friar. 


menial (me'ni-al), adj. pertaining to 
a retinue of servants; pertaining to, 
or suitable for, servants; mean; 
servile: n. a domestic servant; one 
who performs servile work. [Old 
French.] 

meninges (men-in'jez), n.pl. the 
three membranes that envelop the 
brain and the spinal cord. [Greek.] 

meningitis (men-in-ji'tis) , n. inflam- 
mation of the meninges. [Greek.] 

mensurable (men'su-ra-bl) , adj. 
measurable. 

mensuration (men-su-ra'shun), n. the 
act or process of taking the measure 
or dimensions of anything; measure- 
ment. 

mental (men'tal), adj. pertaining to 
the mind; intellectual. [Latin.] 

menthol (men'thol), n. a crystalline 
substance resembling camphor: used 
as a counter-irritant. [Latin.] 

mention (men'shun), n. a brief no- 
tice; casual remark; hint: v.t. to 
speak briefly of; notice casually; 
name. [Latin.] 

menu (men-u'), n. a bill of fare. 
[French.] 

mercantile (mer'kan-til) , adj. com- 
mercial. [Latin.] 

mercenary (meVse-na-ri) , n. [pi. mer- 
cenaries (mer'se-na-riz)], a soldier 
hired into foreign service; one who 
serves for pay: adj. serving for pay 
or reward; venial; sordid. [Latin.] 

mercer (mer'ser), n. a dealer in textile 
fabrics. 

mercerize (mer'ser-iz) , to treat cot- 
ton cloth in such a manner as to 
give it a luster like that of silk. 

merchandise (mer'chan-dis), n. goods, 
wares, or commodities, bought and 
sold. 

merchant (mer'chant), n. one who 
traffics or trades on a large scale, 
especially with foreign countries; a 
shopkeeper^ adj. pertaining to, or 
employed in, trade; mercantile. 
[French.] 

mercurial (mer-ku'ri-al) , adj. active; 
volatile; fickle; pertaining to, made 
of, or caused by, mercury; mer- 
curial ointment is an ointment con- 
taining crude mercury in particles. 

mercury, n. one of the elements, 
popularly known as quicksilver. 

mercy (mer'si), n. [pi. mercies (mer'- 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


MERE 


321 


METAL 


siz)], the disposition to forgive, spare, 
or pity; clemency; forbearance; com- 
passion; beneficence. 

mere, same as meer. 

mere (mer), adj. [superlative merest], 
such and no more; simple; entire; 
absolute. 

merely (mer-li), adv. simply; purely; 
only. 

meretricious (mer-e-trish'us), adj. 
pertaining to prostitutes; lustful; 
tawdry. [Latin.] 

merge (merj), v.t. to absorb or swal- 
low up: v.i. to be swallowed up or 
lost. 

merger (merj'er), n. the legal consol- 
idation of two estates, conforming 
them into one estate; the placing of 
the operations of two or more com- 
peting interests under the control of 
a single body. [Latin.] 

meridian (me-rid'i-an) , adj. pertain- 
ing to mid-day: n. mid^day; noon; 
highest point or culmination; an 
imaginary great circle of the sphere 
passing through the poles of the 
heavens and the zenith and nadir of 
any given place, and cutting the 
equator at right angles. [Latin.] 

meringue (ma-rang'), n. a light con- 
fection of eggs, sugar, cream, or 
jam. 

merino (me-re'no), n. [pi. merinos 
(me-re'noz)], a breed of sneep with a 
fine wool; the wool of such sheep: 
adj. pertaining to, or made of, the 
wool of the merino sheep. 

merit (mer'it), n. excellence; worth; 
deserved reward: pi. essential < cir- 
cumstances: v.t. to earn; be entitled 
to; be deserving of._ 

meritorious (mer-i-to'ri-us), adj. hav- 
ing merit ; deserving of reward or 
praise. 

merk (merk), n. an ancient Scottish 
coin, the same as the mark of Con- 
tinental countries. ($0.28.) 

merlin (mer'lin), n. a small falcon. 

merling (merl'ing), n. the whiting. 

mermaid (mer'mad), n. a fabled ma- 
rine creature having the upper part 
like a woman and the lower part like 
a fish. 

merman (mer'man), n. the male of the 
mermaid. 

merriment (mer'i-ment), n. mirth; 
fun; frolic; gaiety. Also merriness. 


merry (mer'i), adj. [comparative merri- 
er, superlative merriest], full of mirth 
and good humor; gay; sportive; jo- 
vial; pleasant. 

mesa (ma/sa), n. elevated table-land. 
[Spanish.] 

mesh (mesh), n. an opening or inter- 
stice of a net; brewers' grains. 

mesmerism (mez'mer-izm), n. the art 
of inducing an abnormal state of the 
nervous system in which the 
thoughts and actions of the patient 
are controlled by the will of the op- 
erator; animal magnetism. 

mesne (men), adj. middle; interven- 
ing. 

mess (mes), n. a number of persons 
who sit down to table together, es- 
pecially soldiers or sailors; a state 
of dirt or confusion: v.i. to eat to- 
gether: v.t. to furnish with food; 
dirty. 

message (mes'aj), n. a communica- 
tion, written or verbal, sent from one 
person to another; an official com- 
munication. 

messenger (mes'en-jer), n. one who 
conveys a message ; an office servant 
who carries messages; a herald or 
harbinger; an official of the bank- 
ruptcy court. 

Messiah (mes-I'a), n. Christ the 
Anointed One. Also Messias. 

messieurs (mes'yers), n.pl. sirs; 
Messrs. used in addressing business 
communications. 

messmate (mes'mat), n. one who has 
sat at table with the same men for a 
time long enough to establish a real 
intimacy. It is usually on ship- 
board that men become messmates. 
See mess ; bunkie. 

met, p.t. & p.p. of meet. 

meta, a Greek prefix meaning between, 
over, after, duplicate, resembling, change 
from one state to another. 

metabolism (me-tab'o-lizm), n. the 
continuous process by which living 
cells or tissues undergo chemical 
change accompanied by swift altera- 
tions in temper or character. 

metacarpus (met-a-kar'pus) , n. that 
part of the hand which is between 
the wrist and the fingers. 

metal (met'al), n. an elementary sub- 
stance having certain physical char- 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


METALLIC 


322 


MICRO 


acteristics, as luster, ductility, mal- 
leability, insolubility, is fusible by 
heat, and a conductor of electricity; 
molten glass; small stone cubes; ef- 
fective power or caliber of the guns 
of a warship: pi. the rails of a rail- 
road: v.t. to cover with metal. [Latin.] 

metallic (me-tal'ik), adj. pertaining 
to, consisting of, or like, metal. 

metallurgy (met'al-er-ji), n. the art 
or process of working metals and of 
separating them from their ores. 

metamorphism (met-a-mor'fizm), n. 
the process by which stratified rocks 
^nder pressure, heat, chemical ac- 
tion, &c, have changed from their 
original structure, as limestone to 
marble. 

metamorphosis (met-a-mor-fo'sis), n. 
change of form, shape, or structure; 
transformation, as of a chrysalis into 
a butterfly. 

metaphor (met'a-for), n. a figure of 
speech by which one word is em- 
ployed for another of which it is the 
image; a compressed simile. 

metaphoric (met-a-f or'ik) , adj. per- 
taining to, or comprising, a meta- 
phor; not literal: figurative. Also 
metaphorical. 

metaphysics (met-a-fiz'iks), n. the 
science which investigates the first 
principles of nature and thought; 
ontology or the science of being. 

metathesis (me-tath'e-sis), n. trans- 
position of the letters of a word or 
syllable, as third for the early thrid 
(Anglo-Saxon), thridda. 

metempsychosis (me-tem-si-ko'sis) , 
n. transmigration of the soul after 
death into the body of another man 
or lower animal. 

meteor (me'te-or), n. a transient lu- 
minous body in the sky; falling or 
shooting star; anything that daz- 
zles or excites wonder for the mo- 
ment. 

meter (me'ter), n. an instrument for 
registering automatically the amount 
measured by it. Also metre. 

meter, metre (me'ter), n. a rhyth- 
mic arrangement of syllables in 
verse; unit of length in the decimal 
system = 39.37 inches. [Greek.] 

methinks (me-thingks'), v.i. [p.t. 
methought] . In this really compound 
expression, me is the object of thinks, 


a transitive verb meaning "it seems." 
[Anglo-Saxon.] Hence, methinks is 
equivalent to "it seems to me." 

method (meth'od), n. regular ar- 
rangement of things; system; or- 
der; classification. 

methodical (me-thod'i-kal), adj. char- 
acterized by, or arranged with re- 
gard to, method; systematic. Also 
methodic. 

methyl (meth'il), n. the hydro-car- 
bon radical of methyl alcohol, or 
wood spirit. 

metonymy (me-ton'i-mi) , n. a figure 
of speech in which one word is used 
for another related to it, as "the 
steel" for the sword. 

metric (met'rik), adj. pertaining to 
the decimal system of weights and 
measures. 

metrical (met'ri-kal), adj. pertaining 
to meter, measurement, or rhythm. 

metrology (met-rol'o-ji), n. the science 
of weights and measures. 

metronome (met'ro-nom) , n. an in- 
strument which beats musical time 
by means of a short pendulum. 

metropolis (me-trop'o-lis), n. the cap- 
ital or chief city of a kingdom or coun- 
try ; the seat or see of a metropolitan. 

metropolitan (met-ro-pol'i-tan) , adj. 
pertaining to the capital city of a 
kingdom or country, or to an arch- 
bishopric: n. the presiding bishop of 
a country or province; an arch- 
bishop. [Greek.] 

mettle (met'l), n. constitutional ar- 
dor or spirit; fortitude. [Latin.] 

mettlesome (met'1-sum), n. high spir- 
ited. 

mew (mu), n. the cry of a cat; a sea- 
gull: pi. stables for carriage horses: 
v.t. to shed or molt (the feathers): 
v.i. to cry like a cat. 

mezzanine (met'za-nen), n. a low 
intermediate story between two 
higher ones; a window in such a 
story. [Italian.] 

mezzotint (mez'o-tint), n. a variety 
of copper engraving. Also mezzo- 
tinto. [Italian.] 

mica (mi'ka), n. a mineral divisible 
into thin transparent plates. 

mice, pi. of mouse. 

micro, a Greek prejix meaning small, as 
microcosm, a small universe or com- 
munity. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


MICROBE 


323 


MILITIA 


microbe (ml'krob), n. a minute mi- 
croscopical organism found in the 
blood of animals, especially those 
suffering from disease; bacterium. 

microcrith (ml'kro-krith), n. the 
weight of an atom of hydrogen. 

microcyte (mi'kro-sit), n. a minute 
elementary granule in the blood, es- 
pecially present in disease. 

microphone (ml'kro-fon), n. an in- 
strument for intensifying very 
minute sounds. 

microscope (mi'kro-skop) , n. an opti- 
cal instrument for magnifying mi- 
nute objects so as to render them 
visible for purposes of investiga- 
tion. 

microscopic (ml-kro-skop'ik), adj. 
pertaining to, or determined by the 
aid of, a microscope. Also micro- 
scopical. 

microtome (ml'kro-tom) , n. an in- 
strument for making very thin sec- 
tions in botanical laboratories. 
[Greek.] 

mid (mid), adj. middle: prefix, as 
midday: n. a midshipman. 

midden (mid'n), also kitchen-mid- 
den (kich'en-mid'n) , n. a mound 
littered with sea-shells, and the re- 
mains of animal bones, together with 
rude stone implements. Such are 
found all over the world and mark 
the eating-places of pre-historic 
people. The word midden means 
dung-hill, or muck-pile. [Danish.] 

middle (mid'l), adj. equally distant 
from the extremes; mean; medial: n. 
the point equally distant from the 
extremes; central part; the waist. 

middleman (mid'1-man), n. in trade 
and commerce the one who stands 
between the producer and the con- 
sumer, taking a profit from each. 

middling (mid'ling), adj. of middle 
rank, size, or quality; moderate: 
n.pl. the coarser part of flour. 

midge (mij), n. a gnat. 

midget (mij'et), n. a very tiny gnat; 
also applied to a baby. 

midriff (mid'rif), n. the diaphragm 
separating the cavity of the chest 
from the stomach. 

midshipman (mid 'ship-man), n. [pi. 
midshipmen], in the British navy, a 
junior officer ranking next above a 
cadet. In the American navy the 


midshipman was the lowest of offi- 
cers, but is now called a " naval 
cadet," and upon promotion be- 
comes an " ensign." 

midst (midst), n. the middle. 

midwife (mid'wif), n. [pi. midwives 
(mid'wivz)], a woman who assists at 
childbirth. 

mien (men), n. external appearance; 
air; look; carriage. 

might (mit), n. power; strength; 
force: p.t. of may. 

mighty (mlt'i), adj. [comp. mightier, 
superl. mightiest], powerful; strong; 
influential; momentous; wonderful; 
huge: adv. very; exceedingly. 

mignon (min-yong'), adj. pretty; 
delicate. [French.] 

mignonette (min-yun-et'),n. a fra- 
grant annual with greenish flower 
and orange-colored stamens. 

migratory (mi'gra-to-ri), adj. remov- 
ing or passing from one place of 
abode or resort to another; roving; 
nomad. 

milch (milch), adj. yielding milk. 

mild (mild), adj. [comp. milder, su- 
perl. mildest], gentle in temper and 
disposition; gentle; soft; placid; 
moderate; not sharp, sour, or bit- 
ter; lenitive. 

mildew (mil'du), n. a disease of 
plants produced by small fungi: 
spots of mold on cloth, &c, caused 
by damp: v.t. to taint with mildew: 
v.i. be affected with mildew. 

mile (rail), n. a measure of_ length 
varying in different countries; the 
English statute mile, in use in this 
country, contains 1,760 yds., the 
geographical or nautical mile l-60th 
of a degree of latitude or 2,025 yds. 
(nearly). 

mileage (mll'aj), n. an allowance for 
expenses per mile; length in miles. 

militant (imTi-tant), adj. warlike; 
fighting; serving as a soldier. 

military (mil'i-ta-ri) , adj. pertaining 
to soldiers or to arms ; warlike ; mar- 
tial: n. soldiers collectively; army; 
troops. 

militate (mil'i-tat), v.i. to be, or stand, 
opposed; operate against (with 
against) . 

militia (mi-lish'a), n. citizens en- 
rolled and trained for the internal 
defense of a State. 


ate. arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
21 hue, hut ; think, then. 


MILK 


324 


MINION 


milk (milk), n. a white fluid secreted 
by the mammary glands of female 
mammals for the nourishment of 
their young, especially the milk of 
the cow; the white juice of certain 
plants: v.t. to draw milk from; sup- 
ply with milk. 

milksop (milk'sop), n. an effeminate, 
weak person. See mollycoddle. 

mill (mil), n. a machine for grinding 
and reducing a substance to small 
particles; a manufactory; a prize 
fight. (See mell and maul) ; a money 
of account = 1-1, 000th of a dollar: 
v.t. to reduce to fine particles in a 
mill; press or stamp, as the edges of 
coins; full (cloth); roll into bars, as 
metal; thrash. 

millennium (mil-len'i-um) , n. the 
space of 1,000 years, especially that 
period during which Satan will be 
bound and Christ will reign on earth 
(Rev xx. 1-4). [Latin.] 

miller (mil'er), n. one who keeps or 
works a flour mill. 

millet (mil'et), n. a grain-bearing 
plant. [French.] 

milliner (mil'in-er) , n. one who makes 
women's bonnets, hats, headdresses, 
&c. [From Milan in Italy.] 

millinery (mil'li-ner-i), n.the articles 
made and sold by a milliner. 

milling (miring), n. the act of grind- 
ing in, or passing through, a dress- 
ing mill; the process of making a 
serrated edge on a coin, &c. 

million (mil'yun), n. the number of 
ten hundred thousand; an indefi- 
nitely large number. [French.] 

millionaire (mil-yun-ar'), n. a person 
who is worth a million; one very rich. 

mime (mim), n. a comic Greek and 
Roman play representing real per- 
sons and events; an actor in a mime. 

mimeograph (mim'e-o-graf ) , n. a 
machine for multiplying copies of a 
letter, drawing, etc. 

mimic (mim'ik), adj. inclined to imi- 
tate; imitative: n. one who mimics 
or imitates: v.t. to imitate, or ridi- 
cule by imitation. [Greek.] 

mimicry (mim'ik-ri), n. ludicrous imi- 
tation for sport or ridicule; close ex- 
ternal likeness. 

minaret (min'a-ret), n. a tall slen- 
der turret attached to a mosque 
surrounded with several balconies 


from which the muezzin calls the 
people to prayers. [Spanish and 
Turkish.] 

minatory (min'a-to-ri) , adj. threaten- 
ing. 

mince (mins), v.t. to cut or chop into 
minute pieces ; extenuate or suppress : 
v.i. to talk with affected elegance; 
walk with short steps or in a prim 
manner. 

mind (mind) , n. the intellectual or ra- 
tional faculty in man; the under- 
standing or intellect; soul; mem- 
ory; intention; opinion: v.t. to at- 
tend to; heed; obey. 

mindful (mind/fool), adj. bearing in 
mind; observant; attentive. 

mine (mln), pron. belonging to me: 
n. an excavation in the earth from 
which minerals, precious stones, &c, 
are extracted ; a tunnel under an en- 
emy's works to blow them up ; a rich 
source of wealth: v.i. to carry on min- 
ing operations ; practice secret meth- 
ods: v.t. to undermine or sap. 

mineral (min'er-al), n. any inor- 
ganic body found on the surface or 
in the earth: adj. pertaining to, con- 
sisting of, or impregnated with, a 
mineral. 

mineralogy (min-er-al'o-ji), n. the 
science of minerals. 

mingle (ming'gl), v.t. to intermix; join 
or combine; blend; compound: v.i. 
to be mixed or united with. 

miniature (min'i-a-tur) , n. a very 
small painting, especially a portrait 
on ivory, &c: adj. done on a very 
small scale; diminutive; minute. 

minim (min'im), n. the smallest liquid 
measure; a single drop; a musical 
note = 2 crotchets; one of an order 
of mendicant friars founded by St. 
Francis of Paola, fifteenth century; 
a small fish. 

minimize (min'i-miz), v.t. to reduce to 
a minimum. 

minimum (min'i-mum), n. [pi. mini- 
ma (min'i-ma)]^ the least quantity; 
trifle. See maximum. 

mining (mln'ing), p.adj. pertaining 
to mines; burrowing in the earth: 
n. the act of making mines or work- 
ing them. 

minion (min'yun), n. a size of type 
intermediate between nonpareil and 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


MINISTER 


325 


MISCELLANEOUS 


brevier (see type); a servile flat- 
terer or dependent. [French.] 

minister (min'is-ter), n. a servant; one 
subordinate to another; agent; one 
intrusted with the direction of af- 
fairs of state; a clergyman or pastor 
of a church authorized to preach and 
administer the sacraments: v.t. to 
supply; administer: v.i. to serve in 
some office, clerical or lay; supply 
necessaries. 

ministerial (min-is-te'ri-al) , adj. per- 
taining to ministry or service, official 
or clerical; pertaining to a minis- 
ter of the state or of religion. 

ministration (min-is-tra/shun), n. 
the act of ministering; administra- 
tion; service. 

ministry (min'is-tri) , n. [pi. ministries 
(min'is-triz)], the agency or service 
of a minister of religion; the office, 
duties, or functions of a minister of 
state; ministers of state collective- 
ly; term of ministerial office. 

minium (min'i-um), n. red oxide of 
lead. 

miniver (min'i-ver), n. the Siberian 
squirrel or its fur. Also minever. 

mink (mingk), n. a carnivorous mam- 
mal allied to the weasel, yielding a 
valuable fur. 

minnow (min'o), n. a fresh-water 
fish of small size. 

minor (mi'ner), adj. smaller; less; 
inconsiderable; less by a semitone 
[Music]: n. one of either sex who 
is under the age of twenty-one; in 
logic, the term or premise contain- 
ing the subject of the conclusion. 

minority (mi-nor'i-ti), n. [pi. mi- 
norities (mi-nor'i-tiz)j, the smallest 
number: opposed to majority; the 
state of being a minor. 

minster (min'ster), n. the church of a 
monastery^ a cathedral church. 

minstrel (min'strel), n. in medieval 
times, one of an order of men who 
traveled from place to place singing 
their musical compositions to the 
accompaniment of a harp; a poet or 
musician. 

mint (mint), # n. the place where 
money is coined by government au- 
thority; source of unlimited supply; 
place of invention or fabrication: an 
odoriferous plant yielding a pungent 


essential oil: v.t. to coin or stamp 
(money) ; invent. [Latin.] 

minuend (rmn'u-end), n. that num- 
ber from winch another number is 
to be subtracted. [Latin.] 

minuet (min : u-et'), n. a slow graceful 
dance; music for such a dance. 

minus (mi'nus), n. the sign (-) of 
subtraction. 

minute (mi-nut'), adj. very small; pre- 
cise: n. (min'it), l-60th part of an 
hour or of a degree; an official note; 
memorandum. 

minutely (mi-niit'li), adv. in a mi- 
nute manner; exactly. 

minuteness (mi-nut'nes), n. the 
quality of being minute; exactness. 

minx (mingks), n. a pert, wanton 
girl. 

miracle (mir'a-kl), n. a supernatural 
occurrence or act ; wonder or marvel. 

miraculous (mi-rak'Q-lus), adj. per- 
formed supernaturally ; wonderful. 

mirage (mi-razh'), n. an optical at- 
mospheric illusion by which the im- 
age of a distant object is seen as if 
inverted. [French.] 

mire (mir), n. deep mud; wet clayey 
earth: v.t. to soil with mire; plunge 
and fix in mud: v.i. to sink in mud. 

mirror (mir'er), n. a looking-glass; 
speculum; pattern: v.t. to reflect as 
in a mirror. 

mirth (merth), n. noisy gaiety; so- 
cial merriment; hilarity; jollity. 

mirthful (merth'fool) , adj. merry ; fes- 
tive. 

mirthless (merth'les), adj. destitute 
of mirth; morose; sad. 

mirza (mer'za), n. a Persian title 
equivalent to prince. 

mis, a Latin prejix meaning wrong, 
wrongly, ill, error, divergence. 

misadventure (mis-ad-yen'tur), n. 
an unlucky accident ; misfortune. 

misanthrope (mis'an-throp), n. a 
hater of mankind. 

misapprehend (mis-ap-re-hend'), v.t. 
to misunderstand; misconceive. 

misappropriate (mis-a-pro'pri-at), v.t. 
to apply to a wrong use or purpose, 
as trust-money, &c. 

miscarry (mis-kar'i), v.i. [p.t. & p.p. 
miscarried, p.pr. miscarrying], to go 
wrong; be unsuccessful; bring forth 
young prematurely. 

miscellaneous (mis-e-la'ne-us), adj. 


ate, arm, at, awl; me, merge, m^t: rmt<\ mit; note, north, not; boon, book; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


MISCELLANY 


326 


MISUNDERSTAND 


consisting of several kinds mixed to- 
gether; promiscuous. 

miscellany (mis'e-la-ni), n. [pi. mis- 
cellanies (mis'e-la-niz)], a mixture of 
various kinds, a book containing a 
variety of literary compositions. 

mischance (mis-chans'), n. misfor- 
tune; mishap. 

mischief (mis'chif), n. harm; injury; 
hurt; damage; misfortune. 

mischievous (mis'chi-vus), adj. pro- 
ducing injury or damage; hurtful; 
inclined to mischief. 

misconceive (mis-kon-sev'), v.t. to 
conceive wrongly; misjudge; mis- 
apprehend. 

misconstrue (mis-kon-stroo'), v.t. to 
construe or interpret wrongly. 

miscreant (mis'kre-ant), n. an un- 
scrupulous villain; vile wretch: adj. 
unscrupulous. 

misdeed (mis-ded'), n. a bad deed. 

misdemean (mis-de-men'), v.t. to be- 
have (one's self) ill. 

misdemeanor (mis-de-me'ner) , n. evil 
conduct; a crime less than a felony. 

miser (mi'zer)^ n. a covetous man 
who denies himself the comforts of 
life to hoard up money. [Latin.] 

miserable (miz'er-a-bl), adj. wretch- 
ed; very unhappy; worthless; des- 
picable; very mean or poor. 

misery (miz'er-i), n. extreme pain, 
distress, or misfortune; great un- 
happiness. 

misfit (mis'fit), n. non-fitting cloth- 
ing; a person unfitted for the posi- 
tion he occupies. 

mishap (mis-hap'), n. ill-chance, ac- 
cident, misfortune. 

mislead (mis-led), v.t. to guide into 
error. 

misnomer (mis-no'mer), n. a misnam- 
ing; a wrong name. 

misogynist (mi-soj'i-nist), n. a wom- 
an-hater. [Greek.] 

misplace (mis-plas'), v.t. to put in a 
wrong place; place on an improper 
or undeserving object. 

misprision (mis-prizh'un) , n. in law, 
a high offense under the degree of a 
capital one, but bordering upon it. 

misrepresent (mis-rep-re-zenf), v.t. 
to represent falsely or incorrectly, 
wilfully, or through carelessness. 


ceive, or obtain: v.t. to fail to 


per- 
hit, 


&c; omit or pass by; do without; 
feel the want of: v.i. to fail to hit; 
fly wide of the mark. 

missal (mis'al), n. the book containing 
the order of service for the Roman 
Catholic Mass. 

missile (mis'il), n. a weapon or thing 
thrown, or designed to be thrown, 
to injure another. 

missingXmis'ing), p. adj. lost; wanting. 

mission (mish'un), n. the act of 
sending, or state of being sent with 
certain powers, especially to propa- 
gate religion; embassy; delegation; 
commission; a series of special re- 
ligious services. 

missionary (mish'un-a-ri), n. [pi. 
missionaries (mish'un-a-riz)], a per- 
son who is sent to propagate religion, 
especially in foreign parts: adj. per- 
taining to missions or missionaries. 

missive (mis'iv), n. a letter or mes- 
sage: adj. sent specially. 

mist (mist), n. visible watery vapor 
in the atmosphere, at or near the 
earth's surface; fog; anything that 
dims or obscures the vision: v.t. to 
coyer with, or as with, mist: v.i. to 
rain in minute drops. 

mistake (mis-tak'), v.t. [p.t. mistook, 
p.p. mistaken, p.pr. mistaking], to 
misunderstand ; misconceive ; mis- 
judge: v.i. to err in judgment or 
opinion: n. an error in judgment; 
misconception; fault. 

mistletoe (miz'l-to), n. an evergreen 
plant parasitic on apple trees, and 
less commonly on the oak. 

mistral (mis-tral'), n. a cold, dry, 
northwest wind that blows over the 
Gulf of Lyons and the adjacent 
Mediterranean countries. It chills 
and has a depressing effect on all 
who feel it. 

mistress (mis'tres), n. a woman who 
exercises authority or governs; the 
female head of a family, school, &c. ; 
a woman well skilled in anything; 
a woman courted and beloved; 
sweetheart ; a kept woman. 

mistrust (mis-trust'), n. want of con- 
fidence: v.t. to doubt. 

misty (mis'ti), adj. [comp. mistier, 
superl. mistiest], characterized by, 
or obscured with, mist; dim; ob- 
scure; clouded. 

misunderstand (mis-un-der-stand') , 


fit*i, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


MITE 


327 


MODULATE 


v.t. to take in a wrong sense ; miscon- 
ceive. 

mite (mit), n. a minute insect of the 
division Acarida often found in 
cheese ; a small coin formerly current ; 
a very small object or quantity. 

miter, mitre (mi'ter), n. the head- 
dress of the high priest of the Jews; 
a kind of crown cleft in the middle, 
worn by archbishops, bishops, and 
sometimes by abbots on special oc- 
casions; the dignity of a bishop; the 
junction of moldings at an angle of 
45°: v.t. to adorn with a miter; 
join at 45°. [Graeco-Latin.] 

mitigate (mit'i-gat), v.t. to render 
less severe or rigorous or painful; 
soften; alleviate. 

mitten (mit'n), n. a fingerless winter 
glove; a fingerless cover for the 
hand or wrist. 

mittimus (mit'i-mus) (Latin "We 
send"), n. a warrant of commitment 
to prison ; a writ transferring a rec- 
ord out of one court to another. 

mix (miks), v.t. to unite or blend 
into one mass or compound; join: 
v.i. to become united in a com- 
pound ; associate ; mingle. 

mixture (miks'tur), n. the state of 
being mixed; a compound or masa 
formed by mixing, especially one 
in which the particles of each in- 
gredient retain their property. 

mizzen (miz'n), n. the hindmost of 
the fore- and aft-sails of a ves- 
sel. 

mizzle (miz'l), v.i. to rain in very mi- 
nute drops; to take one's self off: n. 
fine rain. 

mnemonics (ne-mon'iks) , n.pl. the 
art or science of assisting the mem- 
ory. 

moan (mon), v.i. to utter a low 
sound from, or as from, pain or 
sorrow: n. a low prolonged expres- 
sion of sorrow or pain. 

moat (mot), n. a ditch round a for- 
tress, &c: v.t. to surround with a 
moat. 

mob (mob), n. the populace; a rude 
disorderly crowd; riotous assembly; 
rabble: v.t. to attack in a disorderly 
crowd; crowd about and annoy. 

mobile (mo'bil), adj. easily moved. 

mobility (mo-bil'i-ti) , n. suscepti- 
bility of motion. 


mobilize (mo'bil-Iz), v.t. to call into 
active military service; place troops 
on a war footing. 

moccasin (mok'a-sin), n. a deerskin 
sandal or shoe worn by the North 
American Indians; a poisonous 
American snake. 

mock (mok), v.t. to ridicule; mimic 
in sport, contempt, or derision; de- 
ride; disappoint the hopes of; tan- 
talize: n. derision; ridicule: adj. 
false; counterfeit. 

mockery (mok'er-i), n. derision; ridi- 
cule; delusion; imitation. 

modal (mo'dal), adj. pertaining to 
mode or form; indicating some 
mode of expression. 

mode (mod), n. form; custom ; fashion ; 
manner; variety of a syllogism. 

model (mod'el), n. a pattern of some- 
thing to be made, or reproduced ; ex- 
ample for imitation; standard copy; 
a person who poses as a subject for 
a painter or sculptor: adj. serving 
as a pattern or model: v.t. to form 
after a model, especially in some 
plastic material: v.i. to practice 
modeling. [French.] 

moderate (mod'er-at), v.t. to keep 
within bounds; lessen; qualify: v.i. 
to become less violent or intense; 
preside as a moderator : adj. (mod'er- 
at), kept within bounds; not extreme 
or excessive ; restrained ; frugal ; calm . 

moderation (mod-er-a'shun), n. the 
act of moderating; the state of 
being moderate; freedom from ex- 
cess: equanimity. 

modern (mod'ern), adj. pertaining 
to the present time; recent: n.pl. 
people of modern times. [French.] 

modest (mod'est), adj. m restrained by 
a due sense of propriety; diffident; 
decent; chaste. [Latin.] 

modesty (mod'es-ti) , n. the quality or 
state of being modest; propriety of 
behavior or manner; chastity; dif- 
fidence; moderation. 

modicum (mod'i-kum), n. a little. 

modify (mod'i-fl), v.t. m [p.t. & p.p. 
modified, p.pr. modifying], to change 
slightly in form; vary; qualify; re- 
duce. 

modulate (mod'u-lat), v.t. to vary 
the sound of; change the key or 
mode of: v.i. to pass from one musi- 
cal key to another. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


MOHAIR 


328 


MONARCHY 


mohair (mo'har), n. a fabric made 
from the hair of the Angora goat ; an 
imitation of such a fabric. 

moiety (moi'e-ti), n. one of two equal 
parts or shares; half. [French.] 

moil (moil), v.i. to toil; drudge. 

moist (moist), adj. containing water 
or other liquid; humid; damp. 

moisture (moist'ur), n. a moderate 
degree of dampness; slight wetness. 

molar (mo'ler), n. a double tooth or 
grinder: adj. used for, and capable 
of, grinding. 

molasses (mo-las'ez), n. a coarse syrup 
drained from sugar-cane; a finer 
syrup is called treacle, a name 
oftener used in England than the 
United States. [Spanish.] 

mold, mould (mold), n. a fine soft 
soil, rich in decayed matter; sub- 
stance of which anything is com- 
posed; a minute fungoid growth of 
decaying animal or vegetable mat- 
ter; the matrix in which anything 
is cast or shaped; character: v.t. 
cover with mold; cause to become 
moldy; fashion in, or as in, a mold: 
v.i. to become moldy. 

molder, moulder (mol'der), vj. to 
turn into dust by natural decay: 
v.i. to crumble to mold; waste away 
by degrees: n. one who molds. 

moldiness, mouldiness (mol'di-nes), 
n. the state of being moldy. 

mole (mol), n. a dark-colored mark 
or small protuberance on the skin; 
a small soft-furred burrowing ani- 
mal with small eyes of the genus 
Talpa; a pier or breakwater. 

molecular (mo-lek'u-ler), adj. per- 
taining to, consisting of, produced 
by, or existing between, mole- 
cules. 

molecule (mol'e-kul), n. the smallest 
quantity of an element or compound 
which can exist separately. 

molest (mo-lesf), v.t. to annoy, or 
interfere with; trouble; vex. [Latin.] 

molestation (mol-es-ta'shun) , n. the 
act of molesting; interference; an- 
noyance. 

mollify (mol'i-fI), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. 
mollified, p.pr. mollifying], to calm; 
soften; assuage. [Latin.] 

Mollusca (mo-lus'ka), n.pl. & divi- 
sion of the Invertebrata comprising 
animals with a soft fleshy body, and 


covered more or less with a calca- 
reous shell, as the snail, &c. 

molluscan (mo-lus'kan), adj. pertain- 
ing to the Mollusca. Also mollus- 
cous. 

mollycoddle (mol'i-cod-1), n. an ef- 
feminate, weak, simpleton; a girl-boy. 
See milksop. 

Moloch (mo'lok), n. the fire-god of 
the ancient Phoenicians and Ammo- 
nites to whom human sacrifices were 
offered. Also Molech. [Hebrew, 
"the God."] 

molt, moult (molt), v.i. to cast the 
feathers, hair, skin, &c. 

molten (mol'ten), adj. melted; made 
of melted metal. 

molybdenum (mol-ib-de'num) , n. a 
rare metallic element. 

moment (mo'ment), n. the smallest 
possible portion of time; an instant; 
importance; value; the product of 
a force and the perpendicular of its 
line of action from the point on 
which it acts. [LatinJ 

momentary (mo'men-ta-ri) , adj. last- 
ing only for, or done in, a moment. 

momentous (mo-men'tus) , adj. very 
important. 

momentum (mo-men'tum) , n. im- 
petus; the product of the mass by 
the velocity of a moving body. 
[Latin.] 

monachism (mon'a-kizm) , n. mo- 
nastic life or system. Also monas- 
ticism. [Greek.] 

monad (mo'nad), n. an ultimate atom; 
a simple primary constituent of mat- 
ter; one of the smallest flagellate 
Infusoria; an elementary organism 
or cell; a univalent atom or radical. 

monandrous (mo-nan'drus) , adj. 
opposed to polyandrous. Having 
one husband instead of several. 
[Greek.] 

monarch (mon'ark), n. a supreme 
ruler; sovereign; the chief of its class 
or kind: adj. supreme. [Greek.] _ 

monarchic (mon-ar'kik), adj. pertain- 
ing to a monarch or to monarchy; 
vested in a monarch. Also monar- 
chical. 

monarchy (mon'ar-ki), n. [pi. mon- 
archies (mon'ar-kiz)], government 
in which the supreme power, either 
absolute or limited, is vested in a 
monarch, kingdom, or empire. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


MONASTERS 


329 


MONSOON 


monastery (mon'as-ter-i), n. [pi. mon- 
asteries (mon'as-ter-iz)], a home for 
religious retirement for men. 

monastic (mo-nas'tik), adj. pertain- 
ing to monasteries, monks, their 
rules, &c. Also monastical. 

Monday (mun'da), n. the second day 
of the week. Named after the moon 
— " Moon-day." 

monetary (mun'e-ta-ri) , adj. per- 
taining to money. 

monetize (mun'e-tiz), v.t. to convert 
into money; give a standard or cur- 
rent value to. 

money (mun'i), n. [pi. moneys (mun'- 
iz)], coin; specie; gold, silver, or 
other metal stamped by legal 
authority and used as currency; any 
currency used as money; wealth. 
[Latin.] 

monger (mung'ger), n. a dealer. 

mongoose (mon'goos), n. a small 
ichneumon that preys on snakes. 
[Mahrati.] 

mongrel (mung'grel), adj. of a mixed 
breed or kind: n. anything of mixed 
breed or kind, as a dog, &c. 

monism (mo'nizm), n. the doctrine 
of the unity of substance; the 
identity of matter and mind. 

monition (mo-nish'un), n. admoni- 
tion; warning; notice. 

monitor (mon'i-ter), n. one who warns 
or admonishes; a senior pupil se- 
lected to instruct or discipline the 
younger scholars ; heavily-armed tur- 
reted iron-clad; a genus of large 
lizards. [Latin.] 

monitory (mon'i-to-ri), adj. giving 
monition. 

monk (mungk), n. a man who de- 
votes himself exclusively to a reli- 
gious life and lives in community 
with others similarly bound by vows 
to chastity, obedience, and poverty. 
[Greek.] 

monkey (mung'ki), n. [pi. monkeys 
(mung'kiz)], a quadrumanous mam- 
mal, of the species Simiidae; a name 
for various mechanical contrivances 
(such as monkey-boat, monkey-wrench, 
etc.) ; a name of contempt, especially 
for one of mischievous propensities. 
[French, then Italian, a diminutive, 
meaning "little ape."] 

mono, a Greek prefix meaning one, sin- 
gle, alone. Also mon, as monobasic: 


adj. having only a single atom or 
equivalent of base, monocle, an eye- 
glass ior one eye. 

monody (mon'o-di), n. a plaintive 
poem or song for one voice. 

monogamy (mo-nog'a-mi), n. mar- 
riage of one wife only; marrying 
only once. 

monogram (mon'o-gram) , n. a cipher 
or character formed by the inter- 
weaving of two or more letters. 

monograph (mon'o-graf ) , n. a paper 
or treatise written on one par- 
ticular subject or some branch of it. 

monolith (mon'o-lith) , n. a pillar or 
column formed of a single stone: 
adj. monolithic. 

monologue (mon'o-Iog), n. a dramatic 
scene in which one person only 
speaks; soliloquy. 

monomania (mon-o-ma'ni-a), n. men- 
tal derangement in regard to one 
subject only. 

monometallism (mon-o-met'al-izm), 
n. the legalized use of one metal 
only as the basis of legal tender. 

monoplane (mon'o-plan), n. an aero- 
plane or flying machine, composed 
of a single plane, as contrasted with 
the biplane, q.v._ 

monopolist (mo-nop'o-list), n. one 
who has a monopoly or monopolizes. 

monopolize (mo-nop'o-llz), v.t. to 
acquire the possession of , so as to be 
the only seller. 

monopoly (mo-nop'o-li), n. in com- 
merce, the control of some article 
that is widely sold and limited in 
amount. 

monorail (mon'o-ral), n. a railway 
in which only one rail is used. 

monotone (mon'o-ton), n. a recita- 
tion on a single note or key ; a picture 
produced in a single tint or tone: \ 
v.t. to recite (as prayers) on a single 
note. 

monotonous (mo-not'o-nus), adj. con- 
tinued in the same unvarying tone. 

monotony (mo-not'o-ni), n. dull 
uniformity of tone; unvarying or 
irksome sameness. 

monotype (mon'o-tip), n. a type- 
setting machine that casts single 
letters, instead of whole lines. 

monsoon (mon-soon'), n. a periodical 
wind in the Indian Ocean blowing 
from the southwest from April to 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


MONSTER 


330 


MORALITY 


October, and from the northeast 
during the other part of the year. 

monster (mon'ster), n. anything out 
of the usual course of nature; 
prodigy; something greatly de- 
formed ; a person remarkable for 
extreme wickedness, cruelty, &c: 
adj. of unusual size. [Latin.] 

monstrosity (mon-stros'i-ti), n. [pi. 
monstrosities (mon-stros'i-tiz) ], the 
state or quality of being monstrous; 
an unnatural production. 

monstrous (mon'strus), adj. out of 
the common course of nature; 
wonderful; huge; horrible; enor- 
mous. 

month (munth), n. one of the twelve 
divisions of the year, either calen- 
dar or lunar. 

monthly (munth'li), adj. continued, 
performed, or happening, in a month : 
adv. once each month: n. a maga- 
zine or periodical published each 
month. 

monument (mon'u-ment) , n. any- 
thing that perpetuates the memory 
of a person or event. [Latin.] 

monumental (mon-u-men'tal) , adj. 
pertaining to, or serving as, a monu- 
ment; _lasting. 

moo (moo), v.i. to make the noise of 
a cow; low: n. the lowing of a cow. 

mood (mood), n. style; manner; 
temper of mind; variation in the 
form of a verb to express the man- 
ner of action or being; in logic, the 
form of a syllogism with regard to 
the quantity and quality of the 
three propositions by which it is 
formed; in music, the same as mode. 
[Latin.] 

moody (mood-i), adj. [comp. moodier, 
superl. moodiest], abstracted and 
pensive; out of temper; sad; gloomy. 

moon (moon), n. the satellite _ that 
revolves round the earth; satellite of 
a planet; a month [Indian]; a 
crescent-shaped outwork: v.i. to 
wander and look about in an ab- 
stracted and listless manner. 

moonshiner (modn'shi-ner) , n. a 
distiller of illicit whisky ; a smuggler 
of whisky. [Americanism.] 

moonstone (moon'ston), n. a trans- 
lucent stone of yellowish or yellow- 
white color exhibiting beautiful 
pearly reflections. 


Moor (moor), n. one of a dark race 
dwelling in Barbary in Northern 
Africa. [Literally "black."] 

moor (moor), n. an extensive tract 
of waste land covered with heather, 
&c, sometimes marshy or peaty: v.t. 
to secure (a ship) by a cable and 
anchor: v.i. to be secured by a cable 
and anchor. _ 

mooring (moor'ing), n. the act of 
securing a vessel to a particular 
place; the cables, anchors, &c, laid 
at the bottom of a harbor, &c, to 
which a vessel is moored: pi. the 
place where a vessel is moored. 

moose (moos), n. a large North 
American deer resembling the Euro- 
pean elk._ 

moot (moot), v.t. to propose for dis- 
cussion: v.i. to argue or plead on 
a supposed case: n. & discussion on 
a supposed case: adj. subject or 
open for discussion or debate. 

mop (mop), n. an instrument for 
washing floors, decks, &c, consist- 
ing of a bundle of cloth, rags, &c, 
fastened to the end of a long handle ; 
a fair at which servants are hired: 
v.t. [p.t. & p.p. mopped, p.pr. mop- 
ping], to rub or dry with a mop. 

mope (mop) , v.i. to be silent, dull 
or dispirited. 

moppet (mop'et), n. a pet. 

moquette (mo-ket'), n. a carpet, 
woven with a short velvety pile. 
[French.] 

moraine (mo-ran'), n. a line of rocks 
and gravel at the edges and base 
of glaciers. 

moral (mor'al), adj. pertaining to 
morality or morals; conformed to 
right; subject to, or influenced by, 
the moral law; virtuous; practical- 
ly sufficient; serving to teach a 
moral: n. inner meaning: pi. moral 
philosophy or ethics; conduct of 
life; behavior. [Latin.] 

morale (mo-ral'), n. moral condition; 
that mental state which renders a 
man capable of endurance and of 
exhibiting courage in the pres- 
ence of danger. [French.] 

morality (mo-ral'i-ti) , n. [pi. moral- 
ities (mo-ral'i-tiz)], the doctrine or 
practice of the duties of life; ethics; 
virtue ; formerly a kind of allegorical 
play. 


fite, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, n6rth, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


MORALIZE 


331 


MORTUARY 


moralize (mor'al-iz), v.t. to apply or 
explain in a moral sense ; render 
moral: v.i. to make reflections on 
good or evil. 

moratorium (mor'a-to-ri-um)^ n. an 
emergency extension of period al- 
lowed for payment of debt, as de- 
clared by several governments on 
the outbreak of the European War. 

morass (mo-ras'), n. a swamp; fen. 

Moravian (mo-ra'vi-an) , adj. pertain- 
ing to Moravia, in Austria, or to a 
Protestant sect, the Moravians or 
United Brethren. 

morbid (mor'bid), adj. pertaining to 
disease; sickly; unhealthy. [Latin.] 

more (mor), adj. [comp. of many and 
much, superl. most], greater in num- 
ber, quality, extent, &c; additional; 
longer: adv. to a greater degree, &c; 
again; besides: n. a greater quantity, 
number, &c; something further or 
additional. 

moreover (mor-o'ver), adv. besides; 
further. 

Moresque (m5-resk'), adj. Moorish 
or Arabesque: n. such decoration or 
architecture. [French.] _ 

morganatic (mor-ga-nat'ik), adj. de- 
noting the marriage of a man of 
royal rank with a woman of inferior 
degree, whose children are legitimate 
but cannot inherit their father's 
rank or possessions, except such 
property as he leaves them by will. 
[German. ] 

morgue (morg), n. a place where the 
bodies of persons found dead are ex- 
posed for identification. [French.] 

moribund (mor'i-bund) , adj. dying. 

Mormon (mor'mun), adj. pertaining 
to a sect founded in 1830 by Joseph 
Smith, who professed to have found 
the Book of Mormon. The sect, 
called also Latter Day Saints, for- 
merly practiced polygamy, and has 
its headquarters in Utah. 

morning (morn'ing), n. the early part 
of the day: -poet, morn: adj. per- 
taining to, occurring, or performed, 
in the morning. 

morocco (mo-rok'o), n. a fine kind 
of grained leather of goatskin or 
sheepskin; first prepared in Moroc- 
co, Africa. 

morose (mo-ros'), adj. sullen; aus- 
tere; gloomy. 


morphia (mor'fi-a), n. the narcotic 
principle of opium. Also morphine. 

morphology ^mor-fql'o-jij, n. the 
science of the forms in the organisms 
of animals and plants. 

morrow (mor'o), n. the next day. 

morsel (mor'sel), n. a small piece. 

mortal (mor'tal), adj. subject to 
death; causing death; fatal; pun- 
ishable with death; violent; ex- 
treme; tedious; pertaining to human 
beings: n. a human being; man, as 
subject to death. _ [Latin.] 

mortality (mor-tal'i-ti), n. the condi- 
tion of being mortal; mankind; fre- 
quency or number of deaths in ratio 
to population. 

mortar (mor'ter), n. a vessel in which 
substances are pounded with a pes- 
tle; a short piece of ordnance used 
for throwing shells at high angles 
of elevation; a building cement of 
lime, sand, and water: v.t. to plaster 
or secure with mortar. 

mortgage (mor'gaj), n. a deed con- 
veying property to a creditor as 
security for the payment of a debt; 
the deed by which such conveyance 
is made: v.t. to convey or make over 
to a creditor as security ; pledge. 

mortgagee (mor-ga-je'), n. the person 
to whom a mortgage is made or 
given. 

mortgager (mor'ga-jer), n. the per- 
son who grants a mortgage. Also 
mortgagor. 

mortification (mor-ti-fi-ka/shun), n. 
the act _ of mortifying; gangrene; 
subjugation of the passions and ap- 
petites by abstinence; humiliation; 
vexation; chagrin. 

mortify (mor'ti-fi), v.t [p.t. & p.p. 
mortified, p.pr. mortifying], to de- 
stroy the vital functions of; produce 
gangrene in; subdue by penance or 
austerities ; humble ; depress ; chagrin : 
v.i. to be subdued; practice austeri- 
ties; become gangrenous. 

mortise (mor'tis), n. a hole made in 
wood to receive a tenon: v.t. to cut 
or make a mortise in. 

mortmain (mort'man), n. alienation 
of lands or tenements to any cor- 
porate body. [French.] 

mortuary (mor'tu-a-ri) , n. [pi. mor- 
tuaries (mor'tu-a-riz), a building for 
the dead pending burial: adj. per- 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met : mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


MOSAIC 


332 


MOUNTAINOUS 


taining to the burial of the 
dead. 

Mosaic (mo-za'ik), adj. pertaining to 
Moses, to the Law, institutions, &c, 
given through him, or in his writ- 
ings. 

mosaic (m5-za'ik), adj. pertaining to, 
or consisting of, mosaic work: n. a 
design, or form of artistic work, 
formed by the union of very minute 
pieces of glass, stone, &c, of various 
colors, inlaid in a ground of stucco 
or metal. [Greek.] 

Moslem (mos'lem), adj. pertaining to 
Mohammedans: n. a Mohammedan 
or Mussulman. Literally, "those who 
have submitted." 

mosque (mosk), n. a Mohammedan 
temple. [Turkish.! 

mosquito (mus-ke'to), n. an insect 
of the genus Culex, the females of 
which puncture the skin of men and 
animals, causing great cutaneous ir- 
ritation and pain. [Spanish.] 

moss (mos), n. soft peaty moorland; 
a natural order of cryptogamous 
bog plants, the musci, with simple 
narrow leaves and of cellular struc- 
ture; a lichen. 

most (most), adj. [superl. of more], 
greatest in number, quantity, or de- 
gree: n. the greatest number, part, 
quantity, or value. 

mot (mo), n. a witty saying. [French.] 

mote (mot), n. a popular assembly 
for the discussion and management 
of affairs; a very small particle. 

moth (moth), n. a lepidopterous in- 
sect or its larvae, which feed upon 
cloth, fur, &c; anything that grad- 
ually gnaws away. 

mother (mu^'er), n. female parent, 
especially one of the human race; 
one who has given birth to a child; 
origin or source; the female superior 
of a religious house; a thick slimy 
substance or film concreted in liq- 
uids: adj. native; producing others: 
v.t. to adopt as a son or daughter. 

mother-in-law (mu^'er-in-law), n. 
the mother of one's husband or 
wife. 

motherless (mu^/i'er-les) , adj. deprived 
of one's mother. 

motion (mo 'shun), n. the act, pro- 
cess, or state of moving; passage of 
a body from one place to another; 


animal life and action; impulse, de- 
sire, or passion; internal activity; a 
proposition made in a deliberative as- 
sembly; evacuation of the bowels: 
v.i. to make a significant movement 
or gesture. [Latin.] 

motive (mo'tiv), adj. causing motion; 
able or tending to move: n. that 
which moves or excites to action; 
inducement; reason; stimulus; in 
art, leading idea, or conception. 

motley (mot'li), adj. covered with 
parts of various colors; heteroge- 
neous. 

motor (mo'ter), n. a machine trans- 
mitting power; a device for trans- 
forming heat, etc., into mechanical 
motion: adj. imparting motion. 

motordrome (mo'ter-drom), n. a track 
where automobile and motorcycle 
races are held. 

motto (mot'o), n. [pi. mottoes 
(mot'oz) ], a concise sentence added 
to a device, or prefixed to anything, 
suggesting some guiding principle. 
[Italian.] 

moujik (m5o-zhek'), n. a Russian 
peasant. 

mould. See mold. 

moult. See molt. 

mound (mound), n. an artificial bank 
of earth or stone, originally for de- 
fensive purposes; hillock; a small 
globe surmounted by a cross, sym- 
bolical of empire: v.t. to furnish, or 
fortify, with a mound. 

mount (mount), n. a hill or moun- 
tain; a rocky mass or elevation ris- 
ing above the level of the surround- 
ing land; a mound for defense or at- 
tack; rampart; cardboard on which 
a drawing is fixed: v.t. to raise on 
high; climb; ascend; bestride; fur- 
nish with horses; prepare for use by 
fixing on, or in, something else: v.i. 
to rise up; project; tower; get on 
horseback. 

mountain (moun'tn), n. a large mass 
of rock or earth rising above the 
level of the adjacent country; usu- 
ally over 2,000 feet; anything very 
large. 

mountaineer (moun-tn-er') , n. one 
who dwells among, or climbs, moun- 
tains: v.i. to climb mountains. 

mountainous (moun'tn-us) , adj. full 
of, or resembling, mountains. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, n6rth, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


MOUNTEBANK 


333 


MUFFLE 


mountebank (moun'te-bank) , n. a 
quack-doctor; boastful pretender. 

mounted (moun'ted), p.adj. seated 
or serving on horseback; placed on a 
suitable support. 

mounting (moun'tingX n. the act 
of mounting, embellishing, or equip- 
ping. 

mourn (morn), v.i. to grieve; la- 
ment; be sorrowful; wear mourn- 
ing: v.t. to grieve for; bewail. 

mournful (morn'fool), adj. causing, 
or expressing, sorrow; doleful; sad. 

mourning (morn'ing), n. expression of 
grief; lamenting; the dress of a 
mourner. 

mouse (mous), n. [pi. mice (mis) ], 
a small rodent of the genus Mus, 
that infests houses, granaries, &c: 
v.i. (mouz) to watch for, or catch, 
mice; watch for something in a sly 
manner; pry curiously: v.t. to tear, 
as a cat tears a mouse. 

moustache (moos-tash') , n. the better 
spelling for the hair which grows 
over the upper lip. [French.] See 
mustache. 

mouth (mouth), n. the opening in 
the head of an animal by which it 
receives food and utters sounds; en- 
trance or opening; exit; instrument 
of speaking; grimace: v.t. (mouth) 
to utter with an affected swelling or 
pompous voice: v.i. make grimaces. 

mouthful (mouth'fool) , n. [pi. mouth- 
fuls (mouth'foolz) ], as much as can 
be put into the mouth at one time; 
small quantity. 

mouthpiece (mouth'pes) , n. that part 
of an instrument which is held in 
or applied to the mouth; a spokes- 
man. 

movable (moov'a-bl), adj. capable of 
being moved or conveyed; changing 
from one time to another: n.pl. 
goods, wares, or furniture. 

move (mo5v), v.t. to cause to change 
place or position; impel; set in mo- 
tion; rouse to action; influence; 
propose formally: v.i. to change 
place or position; go from place to 
place; stir; take action; change res- 
idence: n. the act of moving; right 
to move; movement; artifice or 
scheme. 

movement (moov'ment), n. the act or 
manner of moving; change of place 


or position; motion; excitement 

movie (moov'e), n. a photoplay, or 
moving picture show (colloq.). 

moving (moov'ing), p.adj. causing 
motion, or change of position; 
stirring the passions or affections; 
pathetic: n. the act of changing 
one's residence. 

moving picture (moov'ing pik-tur), 
ft. a succession of photographs of 
moving objects upon a continuous 
film for projection upon a screen. 

mow (mo), v.t. [p.t. mowed, p.p. 
mowed, mown, p.pr. mowing], to 
cut down with, or as with, a scythe: 
v.i. to cut grass with a scythe. 

mown (mon), p.p. of mow. 

much (much), adj. [comparative more, 
superlative most], great in quantity 
or amount; long in duration; many 
in number: adv. to a great degree 

mucilage (mu'si-laj), n. a gummy or 
gelatinous substance; gum of plants. 

muck (muk), n. moist dung; any- 
thing filthy or vile: v.t. to manure 
with dung. 

mucous (mu'kus), adj. pertaining to, 
resembling, or secreting, mucus; vis- 
cous or slimy. 

mucus (mii'kus), n. the viscid fluid 
secreted by the mucous membrane; 
a gummy or slimy substance found 
in certain plants. 

mud (mud), n. soft wet earth; mire. 

muddle (mud'l), v.t. to make a mess of 
or confuse; cloud or stupefy; make 
partially drunk; squander: n. a con- 
fused state; intellectual dulness or 
bewilderment. 

muezzin (moo-ez'zn), n. a Moham- 
medan priest who from a minaret 
of some mosque calls the faithful to 
prayer, especially at sunrise or sun- 
set. [Arabic] 

muff (muf), ft. a warm soft cylindrical 
cover of fur, &c, to keep the hands 
warm in cold weather; a stupid, 
spiritless fellow; failure to hold a 
ball when catching it: v.t. to handle 
awkwardly; fail to hold (a ball) 
when almost catching it. 

muffin (muf 'in), n. a soft light spongy 
round cake. 

muffle (muf'l), v.t. to wrap up closely 
and warmly; cover or conceal the 
face of; cover up so as to deaden 
sound: v.i. to speak indistinctly: ft. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


MUFFLER 


334 


MUMMY 


a semi-cylindrical earthenware oven 
used in assaying metals. 

muffler (muf'ler), n. a wrapper. 

mufti (mufti), n. [pi. muftis (muf'tiz)], 
a doctor or official expounder of 
Mohammedan law; civilian dress 
worn by a naval or military officer 
when off duty. [Turkish.] 

mug (mug), n. an earthenware or 
metallic drinking vessel; the face. 

mugwump (mug'wump), n. an in- 
dependent member of any political 
party with which he acts only so long 
as its principles are his own. [Origi- 
nally a New England rustic word.] 

mulatto (mu-lat'6), n. [pi. mulattoes 
(mu-lat'oz)], the offspring of negro 
and white parents. [Spanish.] Fem- 
inine, mulatress. [French.] 

mulberry (mul'ber-i), n. [pi. mulber- 
ries (mul'ber-iz)], the tree or fruit of 
the genus Morus ; dark purple. # 

mulct (mulkt), v.t. to punish with a 
fine: n. a fine, especially for some 
misdemeanor. [Latin.] 

mule (mul), n. the offspring of a 
male ass and a mare; a stubborn, 
obstinate person; a machine for 
spinning cotton, &c. [Latin.] 

mulish (mul'ish), adj. like a mule; 
stubborn. 

mull (mul), n. a headland or cape; a 
snuff-box made of the end of a horn; 
a very thin soft kind of muslin; an 
inferior kind of madder ; dust m or 
rubbish; failure: v.t. to warm, spice, 
and sweeten (wine, ale, &c.) : v.i. to 
brood, to be introspective, to dwell 
long and deeply on some theme, 
often in a morbid way. 

mullet (mul'et), n. an edible marine 
fish, much esteemed for the table. 

mullion (mul'yun), n. an # upright bar 
or division between the lights of win- 
dows, screens, &c, in a Gothic arch: 
v.t. to furnish with, or divide by. 
mullions. 

mulse (muls), n. wine boiled and 
mixed with honey. [Latin.] 

mult, multi, Latin prefixes meaning 
many ; as, rawZ/angular, having many 
angles, multiflorous, having many 
flowers. 

multigraph (mul'ti-graf ) , n. a machine 
for manifolding letters, office forms, 
&c, in typewriter type. 

multifarious (mul-ti-fa/ri-us), adj. 


having great diversity; made up of 
many parts. 

multiple (mul'ti-pl), adj. consisting 
of many parts ; repeated many times : 
n. a number or quantity which con- 
tains another an exact number of 
times without a remainder. 

multiplex (mul'ti-pleks), adj. mani- 
fold. [Latin.] 

multiplicand (mul-ti-pli-kand'), n. 
the number or quantity to be 
multiplied. 

multiplication (mul-ti-pli-ka/shun) , 
n. the act or process of multiplying; 
rule or operation by < which any 
given number or quantity is multi- 
plied. 

multiplicity (mul-ti-plis'i-ti), n. the 
state of being manifold; a great 
number. 

multiplier (mul'ti-pll-er) , n. one who, 
or that which, multiplies or increases; 
the number or quantity by which an- 
other is multiplied. 

multiply (mul'ti-pli), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. 
multiplied, p.pr. ^ multiplying], to 
cause to increase in number; make 
more by natural generation, produc- 
tion, or addition; repeat (any given 
number or quantity) as often as 
there are units in another number 
or quantity: v.i. to increase in num- 
ber or extent. 

multitude (mul'ti-tud) , n. a great 
number; crowd; assembly; populace 
(with the). 

multitudinous (mul-ti-tu'di-nus) , 
adj. pertaining to, or consisting of, 
a multitude; numerous. 

mum (mum), adj. silent: n. silence; 
a kind of strong ale: inter j. be si- 
lent! 

mumble (mum'bl), v.t. & v.i. to mut- 
ter or speak indistinctly; chew 
gently with closed lips. [Danish.] 

mumm (mum), v.i. to mask or dis- 
guise one's self for sport. 

mummer (mum'er), n. one who 
makes sport in disguise; a masker; 
actor. [Old French.] 

mummery (mum'er-i), n. masquer- 
ading; buffoonery; hypocritical par- 
ade or disguise. 

mummy (mum'i), n. [pi. mummies 
(mum'iz)], a dead body embalmed 
after the manner of the ancient 
Egyptians; a kind of wax used in 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut-; think, then. 


MUMP 


335 


MUSLIN 


grafting trees; a rich brown color 
from bitumen. 

mump (mump), v.i. & v.t. to move the 
lips with the mouth nearly closed; 
nibble; cheat; whine or sulk; play 
the beggar; to mutter; impose 
upon. 

mumps (mumps), n. contagious 
febrile disease characterized by a 
swelling of the parotoid glands. 

munch (munch), v.t. & v.i. to chew 
with an audible crunching noise. 

mundane (mun'dan), adj. pertaining 
to the world. [Latin.] 

municipal (mu-nis'i-pal), adj. per- 
taining to a city, corporation, state, 
or local self-government. [Latin.] 

municipality (mu-nis-i-pal'i-ti), n. 
[pi. municipalities (mu-nis-i-pari- 
tiz)], a corporate town or city; a 
division of the country. [France.] 

munificence (mu-nif'i-sens), n. the 
quality or state of being munificent ; 
liberality. 

munificent (mu-nif 'i-sent) , adj. char- 
acterized by great liberality in giving ; 
bountiful. 

muniment (mu'ni-ment), n. a strong- 
hold or fortification; a legal record 
defending a title; title-deed or char- 
acter. [Latin.] 

munitions (mu-nish'unz) , n.pl. mili- 
tary stores or material. 

mural (mu'ral), adj. pertaining to, 
growing on, or resembling, a 
wall. 

murder (mer'der), n. homicide with 
malice aforethought: v.t. to kill with 
premeditated malice; mangle; mar 
or ruin. 

murderer (mer'der-er) , n. one who is 
guilty of murder. Feminine, murder- 
ess. 

murderous (mer'der-us) , adj. per- 
taining to, guilty of, or attended 
with, murder. 

muriatic (mu-ri-at'ik), adj. derived 
from sea salt. 

murk (merk), n. darkness. 

murky (merk'i), adj. dark; gloomy; 
obscure. 

murmur (mer'mer), n. a low indis- 
tinct sound, as of a running stream; 
a complaint in a low muttering 
tone: v.i. to make a low continued 
noise like the hum of bees; mutter 
in discontent; grumble. 


murrain (mur'an), n. an infectious 
and fatal disease among cattle. 

murrey (mur'i), n. dark red. 

muscatel (mus-ka-tel'), n. a variety of 
rich musky wine; the grapes which 
produce it; a sweet fragrant pear. 
Muscadel, muscadine. [French.] 

muscle (mus'l), n. a highly contractile 
organ of fibrous tissue by which 
movement in an animal body is ef- 
fected; muscular strength. 

Muscovite (mus'ko-vit), n. a Russian. 

muscular (mus'ku-lar), adj. per- 
taining to, consisting of, or per- 
formed by, muscles; strong; vig- 
orous; brawny. 

Muse (muz), n. any one of the nine 
classical goddesses who presided 
each over one of the nine liberal arts. 

muse (muz), v.i. 'to study in silence; 
meditate; be absent-minded: v.t. to 
meditate on. 

museum (mu-ze'um), n. a collection 
of natural, scientific, or literary curi- 
osities, or of works of art; the 
building containing such a collection. 
Theii greatest museum in ancient 
times was at Alexandria; in modern 
times, the British Museum in London. 

mush (mush), n. boiled Indian corn 
meal. 

mushroom (mush 'room), n. an edible 
fungus Agaricusca?npestris, or simi- 
lar edible fungi; an upstart: adj. 
made from, or resembling, mush- 
rooms; upstart; ephemeral. 

music (mu'zik), n. the art or science 
of harmonic sounds ; harmony or 
melody; musical score or composi- 
tion. [Greek.] 

musical (mu'zi-kal) , adj. pertaining 
to, producing, or consisting of, 
music; harmonious; melodious. 

musician (mu-zish'an), n. one skilled 
in the science of music ; one who sings, 
or plays on a musical instrument. 

musing (muz'ing), n. meditation: 
adj. meditative. 

musk (musk), n. a strong-scented sub- 
stance obtained from the male musk- 
deer [Sanskrit-French]; a small 
plant with a musk-scented perfume. 

musket (mus'ket), n. the firearm for- 
merly used by infantry. 

musketeer (mus-ket-er') , n. a soldier 
armed with a musket. 

muslin (muz'lin), n. a fine thin cot- 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


MUSS 


336 


MYSTERY 


ton cloth or fabric: adj. made of 
muslin. The name is derived from 
Moslem. See Mussulman. 

muss (mus), n, a confused struggle; 
disorder: v .t. to disorder, as clothing. 

mussel (mus'el), n. a marine edible 
bivalve. [Latin.] 

Mussulman (mus'ul-man), n. [pi. 
Mussulmans (mus'ul-manz)], a Mo- 
hammedan, or Moslem. The word 
is derived from Moslem. See Mu- 
hammedan. 

mussy (mus'i), adj. disordered. [Col- 
loquial.] 

must (must), n. unfermented ex- 
pressed grape juice: v.t. to make 
moldy and sour: v.i., pr.t. only; to be 
obliged morally or physically. 

mustache (mus-taslr ) , n. hair worn on 
a man's upper lip. Also moustache. 

mustang (mus'tang), n. the small, 
hardy, semi-wild horse of the prai- 
ries. [Spanish.] 

mustard (mus'terd), n. a plant and 
its seed of the genus Sinapis; a con- 
diment made from the ground seed. 

muster (mus'ter), n. an assembly of 
troops for review or active service; 
register of troops mustered; assem- 
blage; collection: v.t. to assemble, as 
troops for review or active service: 
v.i. to meet in one place. [O. French.] 

musty (mus'ti), adj. [comp. mustier, 
superl. mustiest], spoiled with damp, 
mold, or age; spiritless; antiquated. 

mutable (mu'ta-bl) , adj. susceptible 
of change. [Latin.] 

mutation (mu-ta/shun) , n. altera- 
tion; change. 

mute (mut), adj. silent; dumb; not 
pronounced or sounded: n. one who 
is dumb or remains silent; an under- 
taker's assistant who stands before 
the door of a house at a funeral; a 
consonant which is not pronounced, 
or intercepts the sound; a contriv- 
ance to deaden or soften the sound 
of a musical instrument. [Latin.] 

mutilate (mu'ti-lat), v.t. to cut off a 
limb or essential part of; render im- 
perfect; maim. [Latin.] 

mutinous (mu'ti-nus), adj. disposed 
to, or guilty of, mutiny ; seditious. 

mutiny (mu'ti-ni), n. insurrection 
against, or forcible resistance to, 
constituted authority, especially of 
soldiers or sailors against their offi- 


cers: v.i. [p.t. & p.p. mutinied, p.pr. 
mutinying], to rise against consti- 
tuted authority. [French.] 

mutoscope (mQ'to-skop), n. a form 
of kinetoscope, worked by hand. 

mutter (mut'er), v.i. to utter worda 
in a low voice with compressed lips ; 
murmur: v.t. to utter indistinctly: 
n. indistinct utterance; murmur. 
[Danish.] 

mutton (mut'n), n. the flesh of sheep. 
[French.] 

mutual (mu'tu-al), adj. reciprocal. 
[Latin.] 

muzzle (muz'l), n. the projecting 
mouth, lips, and nose of an animal; 
snout; the mouth of a gun, &c; a 
fastening or cover for the mouth 
of a dog, &c, to prevent biting: v.t. 
to secure the mouth of with a muzzle. 

my (mi), poss. pron. belonging to me. 

mycology (mi-kol'o-ji), n. the branch 
of botany that treats of fungi or 
mushrooms. 

myology (mi-ol'o-ji), n. a description 
of the muscles. 

myopia (mi-o'pi-a), n. short-sighted- 
ness. See presbyopia. 

myriad (mir'i-ad), n. the number of 
10,000; a very large number: adj. 
innumerable. [Greek.] 

myrmidon, n. a brutal or unprinci- 
pled follower or subordinate. 

myrrh (mer), n. the aromatic gummy 
resin of Balsamodendron myrrha, 
growing in Arabia and Abyssinia. 
[Greek.] 

myrtle (mer'tl), n. a fragrant ever- 
green shrub of the genus Myrtus. 

myself (mi-self), pron. [pi. ourselves 
(our-selvz')], I or me in person: 
used emphatically or reflexively. 

mystagogue (mis'ta-gog), n. an ini- 
tiator into, or interpreter of, the 
Greek mysteries ; in the Roman 
Catholic Church, one who keeps 
and exhibits relics. < [Greek.] 

mysterious (mis-te'ri-us) , adj. not 
clear to the understanding; obscure; 
incomprehensible. 

mystery (mis'ter-i), n. [pi. mysteries 
(mis'ter-iz)], something secret, ob- 
scure, or unexplained; that which is 
beyond human comprehension; for- 
merly a trade or handicraft: pi. 
among the ancients, sacred rites and 
ceremonies to which the initiated 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hiie, hut ; think, £/ien. 


MYSTIC 337 MYTHOLOGY 

only were admitted, as at Eleusis, in mystery; obscure; bewilder; 

where the well educated were taught puzzle. 

that their mythology was only myth (mith), n. a legend; poetic fic- 
allegory, and where the doctrine of tion; a fabulous narrative founded 
the immortality of the soul was on some event, especially in the 
preached ; religious dramas or miracle early existence of a people, and em- 
plays in the Middle Ages. [Greek.] bodying their ideas as to their own 

mystic (mis'tik), adj. pertaining to, or origin, their gods, natural phenom- 

containing, mystery or mysticism; ena, &c. [Greek.] 
allegorical; emblematical; obscure ;* my thic (mith'ik), adj. pertaining to 

occult. Also mystical. myths. Also mythical. 

mysticism (mis'ti-sizm), n. the doc- mythological (mith-o-loj'i-kal), adj. 
trines of the Mystics, who professed pertaining to mythology; mythical, 
a pure, sublime, and disinterested mythology (mith-ol'o-ji), n. [pi. myth- 
devotion, and who aspired, through ologies (mith-ol' 6-jiz)], the col- 
the inward perception of the mind, lected body or system of the 
a more direct intercourse with God traditions or legends of a people 
than is afforded by revelation; ob- in which are embodied their beliefs 
scurity of .thought or teaching. concerning their origin, gods, heroes, 

mystify (mis'ti-fl), v.t.jp.t. & p.p. mys- &c; the science of myths; a treatise 

tified, p.pr. mystifying], to involve on myths. 

ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


N 


N, the fourteenth letter in the English 
language. It is a liquid nasal among 
the consonants and affiliates equally 
with m, r, and /. Cf. com-mingle ; 
cor-relate; and col-loquy. The char- 
acter is possibly derived from the 
Phoenician Nun (Greek nu), mean- 
ing a fish. 

nab (nab), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. nabbed. 
p.pr. nabbing], to catch or seize 
unexpectedly. 

nabob (na/bob), n. in India, a deputy 
or administrator under the extinct 
Mogul Empire ; one who has amassed 
wealth in India; a very wealthy man. 
[Hindustani.] 

nacelle (na-sel'), n. the bar protecting 
the sides of a dirigible. 

nacre (na'ker), n. mother-of-pearl. 

nacreous (na/kre-us) r adj.^ having an 
iridescent luster ; resembling mother- 
of-pearl. 

nadab (na'dab), n. the high-priest of 
the Persians. 

nadir (na'der), n. that part of the 
heavens directly under our feet, or 
directly opposite to the zenith. 

naevus (ne'vus), n. a birth-mark. 
[Latin.] 

nag (nag), n. a small saddle-horse: 
v.t. [p.t. & p.p. nagged, p.pr. nag- 
ging], to scold or find fault with con- 
tinually: v.i. to find fault constantly. 

Naiad (na/yad), n. a water-nymph. 

naif (na-eP), adj. noting an uncut 
jewel with a natural luster, as a 
naif gem. Also_ anything simple 
and rather winning because of its 
lack of art. Feminine, naive. 

nail (nal), n. the horny substance at 
the ends of the human fingers and 
toes; the claws of a bird or other 
animal; 2M inches: a pointed piece 
of metal usually furnished with a 
head for fastening woodwork, &c: 
v.t. to fasten with nails; to secure 
or make certain; to hold down tight- 


ly, as to an argument; to expose, 
as to nail a lie. 

nainsook (nan'sook), n. a thick kind 
of muslin. [Hindu.] 

naked (na'ked), adj. unclothed; bare; 
unarmed; defenseless; exposed to 
view; plain; without addition or 
ornament; without glasses. 

name (nam), n. that by which a per- 
son or thing is called; designation; 
character; reputation; fame; au- 
thority: v.t. to give an appellation or 
designation to; nominate; specify; 
mention by name. 

nameless (nam'les), adj. without a 
name; unknown; not fit to be men- 
tioned. 

namesake (nam'sak), n. one having 
the same name. 

nankeen (nan-ken 7 ), n. a buff-colored 
cotton cloth, originally from the 
district of Nankeen in China. 

nanny-goat (nan'i-got), n. a she- 
goat. See billy-goat. 

nap (nap), n. a short slumber; doze; 
a game at cards (Napoleon); the 
woolly substance on the surface of 
cloth; pile; downy covering of 
plants; top of a hill: v.i : [p.t. & 
p.p. napped, p.pr. napping], to 
doze. 

nape (nap), n. the back of the 
neck. 

napery (nap'er-i), n. table-linen; linen 
underclothing. 

naphtha (nap'tha), n. a clear, volatile, 
inflammable, bituminous, liquid hy- 
drocarbon exuding from the earth, 
or distilled from coal-tar, &c; rock- 
oil. 

napkin (nap'kin), n. a small cloth, 
specifically one used at table for 
wiping the hands, &c. 

narcotic (nar-kot'ik), adj. producing 
coma or torpor: n. a medicine to 
alleviate pain and produce sleep, 


ate, arm, at, awl; me, merge, met; mite, mit : note, north, not; boon, book; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


NARD 


339 


NAUTILUS 


and in excessive doses causing 
death. 

nard (nard), n. spikenard; an aro- 
matic unguent prepared from it. 

narrate (nar-raf), v.t. to tell; recite; 
give an account of; write, as a story. 

narrative (nar'ra-tiv) , adj. pertaining 
to narration: n. recital of a story or 
event; tale. 

narrow (nar'o), adj. of little breadth 
or extent; limited; straitened; con- 
tracted in mind; bigoted; ungener- 
ous; within a little distance: v.t. to 
lessen the breadth or extent of; 
confine or contract; restrict: v.i. to 
become narrow; not to take ground 
enough: said of a horse: n.pl. a 
strait or narrow passage between 
two seas. 

nasal (naz'al), adj. pertaining to, af- 
fected by, or pronounced through 
the nose: n. a letter pronounced 
through the nose. [Latin.] 

nascent (nas'ent), adj. beginning to 
grow or exist. [Latin.] 

nasty (nas'ti), adj. [comp. nastier, su- 
perl. nastiest], dirty, nauseous; fil- 
thy; obscene; foul; serious. < 

natal (na'tal), adj. pertaining _ to 
one's birth or birthday; indige- 
nous. 

natant (nat'ant), adj. swimming; in 
heraldry, floating on the surface: 
said of fish. 

natatorium (nat-a-to'ri-um), n. a 
swimming pool. 

nation (na/shun), n. the inhabitants 
of one country or united under the 
same government; people ethnologi- 
cally or linguistically allied. [Latin.] 

national (nash'un-al), adj. pertain- 
ing to a nation; public; general; 
attached to one's country. 

nationality (nash-un-al'i-ti) , n. na- 
tional character; patriotism; nation. 

native (na'tiv), adj. pertaining to 
the time and place of birth; pro- 
duced by nature; not acquired; in- 
nate: n. one who is born in a cer- 
tain country or place; an oyster cul- 
tivated artificially. 

nativity (na-tiv'i-ti), n. time, place, 
and manner of birth; astrological 
representation of the position of the 
heavenly bodies at the time of one's 
birth. 

Nativity, n. the birth of Christ (with the) . 


natron (na'tron), n. native carbonate 
of soda. [Arabic] 

natty (nat'i), adj. tidy; neat; smart. 

natural (nat'ii-ral), adj. pertaining 
to, produced by, or in the course of, 
nature; inborn; not artificial; oc- 
curring in the ordinary course of 
things; treating of mind and mat- 
ter; not revealed, as religion; true 
to life; unassumed; affectionate by 
nature; illegitimate; unconverted; 
according to the usual diatonic 
scale of C [Music]: n. a sign (\n) used 
to correct the previous power of a 
sharp or flat [Music]; an idiot. 

naturalism (nat'u-ral-izm), n. mere 
state of nature; natural religion; 
the denial of supernatural inter- 
ference with natural laws 

naturalize (nat'u-ral-iz), v.t. to make 
natural; acclimatize; invest (a for- 
eigner) with the privileges of a natu- 
ral-born citizen or subject. 

nature (na'cher or nat'ur), n. the 
universe; essential qualities; spe- 
cies; natural order of things; con- 
stitution; personal character or 
natural disposition; natural affec- 
tion; nudity. [Latin.] 

nature-faker (iiat'ur-fak'er), n. one 
who puts forward misleading state- 
ments about natural phenomena, 
habits of animals, &c. 

naught (nawt), < n. nothing: adj. 
worthless: adv. in no degree. 

naughty (nawt'i), adj. bad; perverse 
or mischievous. 

nausea (naw'shi-a), n. a strong sensa- 
tion of sickness; sea-sickness; loath- 
ing or disgust. [Latin.] 

nauseate (naw'shi-at), v.t. to affect 
with nausea; loathe: v.i. to feel dis- 
gust; be inclined to vomit. 

nauseous (naw'shus), adj. loathsome; 
abhorrent. 

nautch (nawch), n. in India, a dance 
performed by girls; dancing exhibi- 
tion. [Hindustani.] 

nautical (naw'ti-kal), adj. pertain- 
ing to ships, sailors, or navigation; 
maritime. Also nautic. 

nautilus (naw'ti-lus), n. [pi. nautili 
(naw'ti-ll)], any member of a genus 
of cephalopods, including those 
furnished with a chambered spinal 
univalve shell; a kind of diving- 
bell. [Latin.] 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book 
23 hue, hut ; think, then. 


NAVAL 


340 


NE'ER 


naval (na/val), adj. pertaining to 
ships or a navy; consisting of ships; 
maritime. 

nave (nav), n. the middle or body of 
a church, extending from the chan- 
cel to the principal entrance; the 
center of a wheel in which the 
spokes are inserted. [Latin. ] 

navel (nav'el), n. the depression in the 
center of the lower part of the ab- 
domen. 

navigable (nay'i-ga-bl) , adj. capable 
of being navigated. 

navigate (nav'i-gat) ; v.i. to pass on 
the water by a ship or vessel; sail: 
v.t. to pass over in a ship or boat; 
steer or manage in sailing. 

navigation (nay-i-ga'shun) , n. the 
act of navigating ; the science of 
navigating ships. 

navy (na'vi), n. the ships of war 
belonging to a nation, or their offi- 
cers and men. [Latin.] 

nay (na), adv. no; not only so, but: 
n. a refusal or denial. 

Nazarene (naz-a-ren'), n. a native of 
Nazareth: applied to Jesus Christ, 
His followers, and the early Chris- 
tians as a term of contempt; in the 
Early Church, one of a sect of Ju- 
daizing Jews. 

neap (nep), adj. low: applied to the 
tides which occur in the beginning 
of the second and fourth quarters of 
the moon. 

near (ner), adj. [comp. nearer, su- 
perl. nearest], not iar distant in 
time, place, or degree; close; inti- 
mate; dear; familiar; literal; nar- 
row; parsimonious; on the left 
side: adv. at a little distance; al- 
most: prep, close to: v.t. to ap- 
proach; come near to. 

near-sight (ner'sit), short-sightedness; 
myopia. 

neat (net), n. cattle of the bovine 
genus : adj. pertaining to bovine ani- 
mals; tidy; trim and clean; simple 
and elegant; chaste; unadulterated. 

neb (neb), n. a bird's beak, mouth; 
nose or snout. 

nebula (neb'u-la),n. [pi. nebulae (neb'u- 
le)], a faint misty patch of light in the 
heavens produced by groups of stars 
too remote to be seen singly, or by 
masses of diffused gaseous matter; a 
slight white spot on the cornea. 


nebulous (neb'ii-lus), adj. pertaining 
to, or resembling, a nebula; cloudy; 
hazy; perplexed. 

necessary (nes'e-sa-ri), adj. that can- 
not be otherwise; essential; indis- 
pensable: n. [pi. necessaries (nes'e- 
sa-riz)], things requisite. 

necessitate (ne-ses'i-tat), v.t. to make 
necessary; compel; render unavoid- 
able; constrain. 

necessity (ne-ses'i-ti), n. the state of 
being necessary; that which is un- 
avoidable; compulsion; extreme 
poverty : pi. things necessary for hu- 
man life. [Latin.] 

neck (nek), n. that part of the body 
between the head and trunk; a long 
narrow part, as of land or a ves- 
sel. 

necklace (nek'las), n. & string of 
beads or ornaments, as pearls, dia- 
monds, and lapis lazuli, worn round 
the neck. 

necrology (nek-rol'o-ji), n. a register, 
or account, of the_dead. 

necromancy (nek'ro-man-si) , n. the 
pretended art of predicting future 
events by communication with the 
dead. 

necropolis (nek-rop'o-lis), n. "city of 
the dead;" a cemetery. [Greek.] 

necrosis (nek-ro'sis), n. mortification 
and death of a bone; a disease in 
plants, characterized by small black 
spots. 

nectar (nek'tar), n. in classic my- 
thology, the wine of the gods: the 
honey of plants; any delicious bev- 
erage. 

nee (na), adj. by birth: often placed 
before the maiden name of a mar- 
ried woman. [French.] 

need (ned), n. necessity; urgent 
want; exigency; poverty: v.t. to 
want: v.i. to be necessary or wanted. 

needful (ned'fool), adj. necessary; 
needy. 

needle (ned'l), n. a small sharp-point- 
ed steel instrument furnished with 
an eye to hold thread; anything re- 
sembling a needle ; the polarized steel 
of a mariner's compass. 

needs (nedz), adv. necessarily; indis- 
pensably. 

needy (ned'i), adj. very poor; neces- 
sitous. 

ne'er (nar), adv. contraction of never. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, nOrth, not ; boon, book 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


NEFARIOUS 


341 


NEURALGIA 


nefarious (ne-far'i-us), adj. ex- 
tremely wicked; vile; infamous. 

negation (ne-ga/shun), n. denial; ab- 
sence of certain qualities. [Latin.] 

negative (neg'a : tiv), adj. implying 
negation; denying; refusing; having 
the power of veto ; noting a quantity 
to be subtracted: n. a proposition 
by which something is denied; a 
word expressing denial; a photo- 
graph in which the lights and shades 
of the object are the opposite of 
those in nature; v.t. to dismiss or 
reject by vote. 

neglect (neg-lekf), n. omission; habit- 
ual negligence ; disregard ; careless- 
ness: v.t. to omit by carelessness or 
design; slight; disregard. 

neglectful (neg-lekt'fool), adj. in- 
dicating, or accustomed to, neglect; 
careless. 

negligence (neg'li-jens), n. careless- 
ness. 

negligent (neg'li-jent), adj. careless. 

negotiable (ne-go'shi-a-bl), adj. cap- 
able of being negotiated, trans- 
ferred, or exchanged. 

negotiate (ne-go'shi-at) , v.i. to treat 
with others in business or private 
affairs; hold intercourse respecting 
a treaty, &c: v.t. to conclude by 
treaty, bargain, or agreement ; selL 

negro (ne'gro), n. [pi. negroes (ne'- 
groz)], an African black. Fern, ne- 
gress: adj. pertaining to, or charac- 
teristic of, negroes. [Spanish.] 

negus (ne'gus), n. a beverage of hot 
water and wine, sweetened and 
spiced. Named from the inventor, 
one Col. Negus. 

neigh (na), v.i. to utter the cry, or 
whinny, of a horse: n. the cry of 
a horse. 

neighbor (na'ber), n. one who dwells 
near to another; an intimate: adj. 
near to another; adjacent: v.t. to 
adjoin: v.i. to be neighborly or 
friendly. 

neighborhood (na'ber-hood) , n. adja- 
cent district; vicinity; the state of 
being neighbors. 

neighborly (na'ber-li), adj. like, or be- 
coming, a neighbor; social; civil; 
friendly: adv. in the manner of a 
neighbor. 

neither (ne' or m'ther), pron. & conj. 
not either. 


Nemesis (nem'e-sis), n. retributive 
vengeance: from Nemesis, the aveng- 
ing deity of the Greeks. 

neo, a Greek prefix meaning new, 
young, recent, as neoplastic, recently 
formed. 

neologism (ne-ol'o-jizm), n. sl new 
word or phrase introduced into a 
language; new religious doctrines. 

neon (ne'on), n. a recently discovered 
element existing in atmospheric air. 

neophyte (ne'o : fit), n. a novice; one 
recently baptized; a convert: adj. 
recently entered. [Greek.] 

nephew (nef'u), n. the son of a brother 
or sister. 

nepotism (nep'o-tizm), n. a prefer- 
ence shown in bestowing patronage 
to one's relatives in the public ser- 
vice. [Latin.] 

nerve (nerv), n. one of the grey fibers 
which convey sensation from all 
parts of the body to the brain and 
originate motion; tendon; sinew; 
strength; manliness; the strong vein 
of a leaf: v.t. to invigorate or 
strengthen. [Franco-Latin.] 

nervous (ner'vus), adj. pertaining to, 
or composed of, nerves; having 
weak nerves; easily agitated; vigor- 
ous in style. 

nest (nest), n. the bed or dwelling 
chosen by a bird for incubation, and 
the rearing of its young; the place 
where eggs are laid and hatched; 
a cozy residence; a number of boxes, 
one fitting inside another: v.i. to 
build and occupy a nest. 

nestle (nes'l), v.i. to lie close and 
snug; take shelter: v.t. to cherish. 

net (net), n. an instrument of twine 
knotted into meshes for catching 
birds, fish, &c; anything resembling 
or made like a net; a snare: adj. 
clear of all charges or deductions: 
opposed to gross: v.t. [p.t. & p.p. 
netted, p.pr. netting], to make into 
a net or network; take with a net; 
snare; produce as clear profit: v.i. 
to form network. 

nether (neth'er), adj. lying beneath; 
lower ; belonging to the regions below. 

nettle (net'l), n. a stinging plant of 
the genus Urtica: v.t. to provoke or 
irritate. 

neuralgia (nu-ral'ji-a), n. acute pain 
in a nerve. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


NEURASTHENIA 


342 


NIHILISM 


neurasthenia (nu-ras-the'ni-a) , n. 
brain and nerve exhaustion, as from 
influenza, &c. 

neuro, a Greek prefix meaning nerve, as 
neurography, a treatise on the nerves. 

neurology (nu-rol'o-ji), n. a scientific 
descriptionof the nerves. 

neurotic (nu-rot'ik), adj. pertaining 
to, seated in, or affecting, the nerves; 
characterized by a morbid hysteri- 
cal style: n. a nerve tonic. _ 

neuter (nu'ter), adj. of neither sex; 
intransitive: n. a flower having nei- 
ther pistil nor stamens; a sterile 
sexless insect, especially the work- 
ing bee. [Latin.] 

neutral (nu'tral), adj. unbiased; in- 
different; taking no part on either 
side in a contest; neither very good 
nor very bad ; neither acid not al- 
kaline; said of chemical salts. 

neutrality (nu-tral'i-ti) , n. the state 
of being neutral. 

neutralize (nu'tral-iz), v.t. to make 
neutral; render inactive. 

never (nev'er), adv. not at any time; 
in no degree. 

nevertheless (nev-er-fAe-les'), adv. 
notwithstanding; in spite of that. 

new (nu), adj. recent in origin; mod- 
ern; novel; lately made, produced, 
invented, or discovered; recently 
entered upon or commenced; not 
previously used; fresh. 

newel (nii'el), n. in a winding stair- 
case, the central upright pillar 
around which the steps turn. 

new-fangled (nu-fang'gld), adj. new- 
fashioned. 

news (nuz), n. recent intelligence; 
tidings. 

newspaper (nuz'pa-per), n. a paper 
published periodically, usually daily 
or weekly, containing the most re- 
cent intelligence. 

New Thought (nu thawt), n. an op- 
timistic belief that circumstances 
may be controlled by the mind, by a 
new thought, acting in harmony with 
universal love. 

next (nekst), adj. [superl. of nigh and 
near], nearest in time, place, degree, 
or rank: adv. immediately succeed- 
ing. 

nib (nib), n. a bird's beak; the point 
of anything, especially a pen. 

nice (nls), adj. fastidious; precise; 


squeamish ; minutely discriminative ; 
delicate; refined; socially agreeable; 
pleasing to the palate; scrupulously 
exact. [French.] 

nicety (nis'e-ti), n. delicate manage- 
ment; fastidious delicacy; preci- 
sion; minute accuracy: pi. table 
delicacies. 

niche (nich), n. a recess in a wall 
for a statue. [French.] 

nick (nik), n. exact or critical point 
of time; winning throw at dice: v.t. 
to cut in nicks or notches; touch at 
^the lucky moment; cheat; steal. 

nickel (nik'el), n. a greyish-white duc- 
tile metal; a five-cent coin, made of 
nickel and copper alloy. [Swedish.] 

nickelodeon (nik-el-5d'e-on), n. an 
amusement place for moving pic- 
tures, admission to which is five 
cents. 

nickname (nik'nam), n. a name given 
in derision or familiarity: v.t. to 
give a nickname to; call by an op- 
probrious name. 

nicotine (nik'o-tin), n. an acrid, poi- 
sonous alkaloid extracted from to- 
bacco. Also nicotin. Named from 
the French diplomat, Nicot, who 
first introduced this kind of tobacco 
into France (1562). 

niece (nes), n. the daughter of a 
brother or sister. [French.] 

niggard (nig'ard), adj. meanly cov- 
etous; parsimonious; miserly. Also 
niggardly: n. one who is meanly 
covetous; a miser. . 

nigh (ni), adj. near in time or place; 
adjacent; closely allied by blood or 
friendship: adv. near; almost: prep. 
near to. 

night (nit), n. the time from sunset 
to sunrise; period of darkness; 
death; intellectual or moral dark- 
ness. 

night-hawk (nit'hawk), n. a, person 
who prowls at night; in cities a cab- 
man to take drunkards into his cab 
to rob them. 

nightingale (nit'in-gal) , n. a small 
bird which sings with a sweet note 
at night; philomel. 

nightmare (nit'mar), n. _ a dreadful 
dream accompanied with oppres- 
sion on the chest and a feeling of 
helplessness; an incubus. 

nihilism (ni'hil-izm), n. scepticism 


^te, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, n6rth, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


NIL 


343 


NOISOME 


which denies that anything, even ex- 
istence, can be known; an extreme 
socialist movement in Russia to 
destroy existing institutions and 
found a new order of things with 
communistic rights of land and 
property. [Latin, "nothing."] 

nil (nil), n. nothing. [Latin.] 

nimble (nim'bl), adj. quick and ac- 
tive; alert; lively; brisk. 

nimbus (nim'bus), n. in art, the 
halo or cloud of light surrounding 
the heads of divinities, saints, and 
sovereigns; a rain-cloud. 

nine (nin), adj. containing one more 
than eight: n. the sum of 1 and 8. 

ninefold (nin'fold), adj. nine times re- 
peated. 

nineteen (nin'ten), adj. consisting of 
nine and ten : n. the sum of nine and 
ten. 

nineteenth (nm'tenth), adj. being 
one of 19 equal parts: n. a nine- 
teenth part. 

ninetieth (nln'ti-eth), adj. next after 
89th: n. a ninetieth part. 

ninety (nln'ti), adj. containing 9 ten 
times: n. the number containing 9 
times 10; the symbol (xc. 90) ex- 
pressing such a number. 

ninny (nin'i), n. a simpleton. 

ninth (ninth), adj. the ordinal of nine: 
n. one of nine equal parts. 

nip (nip), n. a pinch, as with the 
nails or teeth; a blast as by cold; 
a small drink of spirits: v.t. [p.t. & 
p.p. nipped, p.pr. nipping], to pinch; 
cut off the end of; check the growth 
or vigor of, especially by frost; blast 
or destroy. 

nipper (nip'er), n. one who, or that 
which, nips; one of the four fore- 
teeth of a horse ; a small boy [English 
slang]: pi. small pincers. 

nipple (nip'l), n. that part of the 

L breast of a woman from which milk 
is drawn by a child ; a teat. 

nit (nit), n. the egg of any small in- 
sect. 

niter, nitre (ni'ter), n. nitrate of 
potash or saltpeter. [Latin.] 

nitric (ni'trik), adj. contained in 
^nitrogen. 

nitro, a Grseco-Latin prefix used in 
chemistry meaning containing nitro- 
gen, as mfro-hydrochloric acid or 
aqua regia. 


nitrogen (ni'tro-jen), n. a gas which, 
with argon, constitutes 4-5ths by 
volume of the atmosphere, and con- 
stitutes the basis of nitric acid. 

nitro- glycerine (nl-tro-glis'er-in), n. 
a highly explosive, oily liquid, pre- 
pared by the action of nitric and 
sulphuric acids upon glycerine. Also 
^nitro-glycerin, nitroleum. 

nix (niks), n. in Teutonic mythology, 
a water-sprite [German]; a kelpie 
[Scotch]. 

no (no), adv. a word of denial or 
refusal: opposed to yes: adj. none. 

nob (nob), n. a knob; the head; a 
fop. In the last sense, nob (from 
noble) is an antonym of mob (from 
mobile) . The word snob suggests the 
worst qualities of each. 

nobby (nob'i), adj. capital; spruce; 
stylish. 

Nobel Prize (no'bel priz), n. one of the 
annual money prizes awarded in ac- 
cordance with the will of Alfred 
Bernhard Nobel, a Swedish chemist 
and engineer, inventor of dynamite, 
to the person rendering to humanity 
the greatest services during the year 
in various sciences, in literature, or 
in promoting international peace. 

nobility (no-bil'i-ti) , n. the state or 
quality of being noble; noble birth; 
grandeur; dignity; nobles collec- 
tively. _ 

noble (noT)l), adj. high in excellence 
or worth; illustrious; magnanimous; 
generous ; exalted in rank ; of ancient 
lineage: n. peer or nobleman. 

nobody (no'bod-i), n. no pne; a per- 
son of no importance or influence. 

nocent (no'sent) , adj . harmful. [Latin.] 

nocturnal (nok-ter'nal) , adj. pertain- 
ing to, done, or happening at, night. 

nod (nod), n. a quick inclination of 
the head; a command: v.t. [p.t. & 
p.p. nodded, v.pr. nodding], to sig- 
nify by a nod; incline or bend: v.i. 
to give a quick forward motion of 
the head; bend the head in token of 
assent, or as a salute; be drowsy. 

noddle (nod'l), n. the head. 

noise (noiz), n. sound; clamor; out- 
cry; frequent or public conversation: 
v.t. to spread abroad by rumor: v.i. 
to sound loud. 

noisome (noi'sum), adj. injurious to 
health; noxious; disgusting. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met : mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


NOISY 


344 


NOTABLE 


noisy (noiz'i), adj. full of noise; tur- 
bulent. 

nomad (nom'ad), n. one of a tribe 
that wanders about in search of 
food and pasture: adj. nomadic. 

nomadic (no-mad'ik), adj. wander- 
ing; pastoral. [Greek.] 

nomenclature (no'men-kla-tur), n. 
the words, terms, or language used 
in any art or science. [Latin.] 

nomial (no'mi-al), n. in algebra, a sin- 
gle term. 

nominal (nom'i-nal), adj. pertaining 
to, or containing, names; existing 
only in name. 

nominate (nom'i-nat), v.t. to propose 
for an office; appoint. 

nomination (nom-i-na'shun) , n. the 
act of nominating; the state of being 
nominated. 

nominative (nom'i-na-tiv) , adj. not- 
ing in grammar the .case of the sub- 
ject: n. the case of the subject. 

nominator (nom'i-na-ter) , n. one who 
nominates. 

nominee (nom-i-ne'), n. one who is 
proposed for an office. 

nonage (non'aj), n. minority. [Latin.] 

nonagenarian (non-a-jen-a'ri-an), n. 
a person 90 years old. [Latin.] 

nonagon (non'a-gon), n. a plane figure 
with nine sides and nine angles. 

nonchalant (nong-sha-lang'), adj. 
cool; indifferent. 

nondescript (non'de-skript), n. a per- 
son or thing that cannot be easily 
described or classed: adj. abnormal; 
novel; odd. [Latin.] 

none (nun), adj. not any; not one: 
n. & pron. no one; nothing. 

nonentity (non-en'ti : ti) , n. [pi. non- 
entities (non-en'ti-tiz)], a thing not 
existing; a person of no importance 
or influence. 

nonpareil (non-pa-rel'), adj. without 
an equal: n. unequaled excellence; a 
kind of printing-type (see type); a 
variety of apple. [French.] 

nonplus (non'plus), v.t. [p.t.& p.p. 
nonplussed, p.pr. nonplussing], to 
throw into complete perplexity ; puz- 
zle: n. an insuperable difficulty; 
puzzle. [Latin.] 

nonsense (non'sens), n. language 
without meaning; anything absurd : 
inter j. absurd! 


nonsensical (non-sen'si-kal), adj. ab- 
surd; unmeaning. 

non sequitur (non sek'wi-ter), n. in 
logic, a conclusion or inference 
which does not follow from the 
premises. [Latin.] 

nonsuit (non'sut), n. the withdrawal 
of a suit during trial either volun- 
tarily or by judgment of the court 
on the discovery of error or defect 
in the pleadings: v.t. to subject to a 
nonsuit. [Law Latin.] 

noodle (nood'l), n. a simpleton; a 
strip of dried dough, served in soup 
or as a baked dish. 

nook (nook), n. a small recess or se- 
cluded retreat ; a corner. 

noon (noon), n. the middle of the day, 
12 o'clock; height: adj. pertaining to 
noon. 

noonday (noon'da), adj. pertaining to 
noon, or midday : n. noon. Also 
noontide. 

noose (noos), n. a running knot 
which binds the closer the more 
tightly it is drawn: v.t. to catch or 
tie in a noose; ensnare. 

nor (nor), conj. a negative particle 
correlative to neither or not. 

normal (nor'mal), adj. according to 
rule; regular; perpendicular. [Latin.] 

north (north), n. one of the four car- 
dinal points; the point opposite to 
the south: adj. pertaining to, situ- 
ated in, or coming from, the north: 
adv. to the north. 

norther (nor'ther), n. a strong gale 
which prevails in the Gulf of Mexico 
from September to March. 

northern (nor^/iern), adj. in, from, or 
towards, the north. Also northerly. 

nose (noz), n. the organ of smell; 
scent; a snout; nozzle; anything re- 
sembling a nose: v.t. to smell or 
scent. 

nosegay (noz'ga), n. a bouquet. 

nostalgia (nos-tal'ji-a), n. homesick- 
ness. [Greek.] 

nostril (nos'tril), n. one of the two 
openings in the nose. 

nostrum (nos'trum), n. a quack medi- 
cine. [Latin, meaning " ours," i. e. 
"our special remedy," &c] 

not (not), adv. a word expressive of 
denial or refusal. 

notable (no'ta-bl), adj. worthy of 
notice; memorable; notorious; re- 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


NOTARY 


345 


NULLIFY 


markable; industrious; thrifty: n. a 
person or thing of distinction. 

notary (no'ta-ri), n. [pi. notaries 
(no'ta-riz)], an official authorized to 
attest deeds, protest bills of exchange, 
&c. [Latin.] 

notation (no-ta'shun), n. the act or 
practice of recording by marks or 
symbols; a system of signs or sym- 
bols. [Latin.] 

notch (noch), n. a small hollow cut; 
indentation: v.t. to cut into small 
hollows. 

note (not), n. a memorandum; repu- 
tation; brief explanation; short let- 
ter; a diplomatic communication; a 
mark or sign representing a sound; 
the sound itself [music]; a paper 
acknowledging a debt and promis- 
ing payment: pi. a summary of a 
speech: v.t. to make a note of; 
mark; show respect or attention 
to. 

nothing (nuth'ing), n. not any- 
thing; a thing of no value, use, or 
importance; a cipher: adv. in no de- 
gree. 

notice (no'tis), n. mental or visual 
observation; attention; remark; ad- 
vice; information; warning; pub- 
lic intimation; press criticism: v.t. 
to see or observe; regard; attend to; 
make remarks upon. [Latin.] 

notification (no-ti-fi-ka'shun), n. the 
act of giving notice; notice given; 
document by which information is 
communicated. [Latin.] 

notify (no'ti-fi), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. noti- 
fied, p.pr. notifying], to give notice 
to; make known. 

notion (nS'shun), n. an idea or concep- 
tion; opinion; belief; inclination; 
a clever contrivance. 

notoriety (no-to-ri'i-ti), n. the state 
of being notorious. Also notorious- 
ness. 

notorious (no-to'ri-us), adj. publicly 
known; usually in a bad sense. 

notwithstanding (not - with - stand'- 
ing), prep, in spite of: conj. although: 
adv. however; yet. 

nougat (noo-ga'), n. a confection of 
almonds, pistachio nuts, sugar, and 
paste. [French.] 

nought, same as naught. 

noumenon (no-55'me-non) , n. [pi. 
noumena (no-6o'me-na)], essence; 


the substance or reality existing 
under the phenomenal. [Greek.] 

noun (noun), n. the name of any- 
thing; a substantive. 

nourish (nur'ish), v.t. to feed or 
bring up; support; maintain; edu- 
cate: v.i. to promote growth. 

nourishment (nur'ish-ment), n. that 
which nourishes. 

novel (nov'el), adj. of recent origin 
or introduction; new; strange or 
unusual: n. a fictitious tale or ro- 
mance. 

novelist (nov'el-ist), n. a writer of 
novels. 

novelty (nov'el-ti), n. newness; some- 
thing new. 

novice (nov'is), n. a beginner; in the 
Roman Catholic Church, one who 
has entered a religious house but 
has not yet taken the vow. 

now (nou), adv. at the present time; 
quite recently. 

nowise (no'wiz), adv. not in any 
manner or degree. 

noxious (nok'shus), adj. harmful; 
pernicious; deadly. [Latin.] 

nozzle (noz'l), n. a projecting mouth- 
piece. 

nubbin (nub 'in), n. a small or im- 
perfect ear of maize. 

nucleus (nti'kle-us), n. the central 
mass around which matter accretes 
or grows; the head of a comet. 

nude (mid), adj. bare; naked; in 
law, made without consideration; 
void; in art, the undraped body 
(with the). [Latin.] 

nudge (nuj), v.t. to touch gently, as 
with the elbow: n. a gentle touch, as 
with the elbow. 

nudity (nu'di-ti), n. nakedness: pi. 
naked parts. 

nugatory (nu'ga-to-ri) , adj. trifling; 
useless. [Latin.] 

nugget (nug'et), n. a lump or mass 
of metal, especially of gold in aurif- 
erous soil. 

nuisance (nu'sans), n. anything of- 
fensive, injurious, vexatious, or an- 
noying. 

null (nul), adj. of no legal force; 
void. [Latin.] 

nullification (nul-i-fi-ka'shun), n. 
the act of nullifying. 

nullify (nuri-fi), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. nulli- 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, nOrth, not ; boon, book 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


NULLITY 


346 


NYMPH 


fied, p.pr. nullifying], to annul or 
render void. 

nullity (nul'i-ti), n. want of existence, 
force, or validity. 

numb (num), adj. deprived of sensa- 
tion or motion; torpid: v.t. to be- 
numb. 

number (num'ber), n. a unit; one, or 
more than one; multitude; one of a 
series; a collection of things; sounds 
distributed into harmonies; poetry; 
meter, or verse (usually pi.): v.t. 
to count; mark with a number. 

numeral (nu'mer-al), adj. pertain- 
ing to, consisting of, or denoting, 
number: n. a symbol or word ex- 
pressing a number. [Latin.] 

numerate (nu'mer : at), v.t. to reckon 
or enumerate; point or read, as fig- 
ures. [Latin.] 

numerator (nu'mer-a-ter) , n. one who 
numbers; the figure or figures above 
the line in fractions which indicate 
how many parts of a unit are taken. 

numerous (nu'mer-us), adj. consist- 
ing of a great number. 

numismatic (nu-mis-mat'ik) , adj. 
pertaining to coins or medals: n.pl. 
the science and study of coins and 
medals. [Greek.] 

numskull (num'skul), n. a blockhead. 

nun (nun), n. a female devoted to a 
religious life and seclusion under a 
vow of chastity; a variety of pig- 
eon; the blue titmouse. 

nuptial (nup'shal), adj. pertaining 
to, or constituting, marriage: n.pl. 
marriage ceremony. [Latin.] 

nurse (ners), n. a woman who has 
the care of infants, or of the child 


of another person; one who tends 
the sick or infirm; one who, or that 
which, protects or fosters: v.t. to 
tend or suckle, as an infant; bring 
up; tend in sickness; promote; 
economize. [French.] 

nursery (ners'er-i), n. [pi. nurseries 
(ners'er-iz)], an apartment for young 
children; a place or garden for rear- 
ing young plants; a race for two- 
year-old horses. 

nursling (ners'ling), n. an infant. 

nurture (ner'tur), n. that which 
nourishes; diet; food; education: 
v.t. to bring up; educate; nourish. 

nut (nut), n. the fruit of certain trees, 
containing a kernel inclosed in a 
hard shell; a piece of metal grooved 
for screwing on to the end of a bolt: 
v.i. [p.t. & p.p. nutted, p.pr. nutting], 
to gather nuts. [Old French.] 

nutmeg (nut'meg), n. the aromatic 
kernel of the fruit of an East In- 
dian tree. 

nutriment (nu'tri-ment) , n. nourish- 
ment. [Latin.] 

nutrition (nu-trish'un) , n. that which 
nourishes; food; the action of pro- 
moting growth or repairing waste in 
organic bodies. 

nutritious _ (ntr-trish'us) , adj. afford- 
ing nutrition. 

nutritive (nu'tri-tiv), adj. pertaining 
to, or having the quality of, nutri- 
tion. 

nymph (nimf), n. in classic mythol- 
ogy, a goddess of nature inhabiting 
the mountains, woods, streams, &c; 
a light, handsome, graceful young 
woman. [Greek.] 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, but ; think, then. 


o 


O, the fifteenth letter and the fourth 
vowel in English. It is doubtless a 
pictograph representing the human 
eye, as in the Phoenician ayin. The 
Greeks after a time divided the o's 
into two — o mikron, "little eye," 
and o mega, "big eye.'' The letter 
has not changed since classical 
times. 

O (5), inter j. an exclamation of won- 
der, pain, &c: n. [pi. o's (oz)], a 
ring, cipher, or naught. 

oaf (of), n. a changeling; but oftener a 
big, hulking, idle fellow; a lout. 

oak (ok), n. a tree of many species, 
especially the common oak (Quercus 
robur), valued for its timber. 

oakum (ok'um), n. old ropes un- 
twisted and pulled into loose hemp. 

oar (or), n. a light pole with a broad 
blade, for rowing a boat: v.t. & v.i. 
to row. 

oasis (o-a'sis)^ n. [pi. oases (o-a'sez)], a 
fertile spot in a barren sandy desert. 

oat (ot), n. a grassy plant of the genus 
Avena, the grain of which is used as 
food [usually in pi.]. 

oath (oth), n. a solemn declaration of 
truth-telling with an appeal to God 
as witness. 

ob, a Latin prefix meaning before, 
against, towards, in front of, reversed. 

obdurate (ob'du-rat), adj. hardened 
in heart or feelings, especially against 
moral influence. 

obedience (o-be'di-ens), n. submis- 
sion to authority; dutif ulness. 

obedient (o-be'di-ent), adj. submis- 
sive to authority ; dutiful. 

obelisk (ob'e-lisk), n. a lofty, four- 
sided stone pillar gradually # tapering 
as it rises, and terminating in a 
pyramidal top like the so-called Cleo- 
patra's Needle in Central Park, New 
York City; a reference mark (f). 

obese (5-beV ) , adj. corpulent. 

obesity (o-bes'i-ti), n. excessive corpu- 


lence, especially of an unhealthy 
kind. Also obeseness. 

obey (o-ba/), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. obeyed, 
p.pr. obeyingl, to submit to the rule 
or authority of; comply with the 
orders or instructions of: v.i. to 
yield; do as bidden. [French.] 

obfuscate (ob-fus'kat), v.t. to be- 
wilder. [Latin.] 

obi (o'bi), n. among the West Indian 
natives and negroes of Africa a sys- 
tem of secret sorcery or magical 
rites; a charm; a kind of sash worn 
by Japanese women. 

obituary (o-bit'u-a-ri), n. [pi. obit- 
uaries (o-bit'u-a-riz)], a register of 
deaths; an account of a deceased 
person: adj. pertaining to, or record- 
ing, deaths. [Latin.] 

object (ob-jekt'), v.t. to urge against; 
oppose: v.i. to make objections: n. 
(ob'jekt) anything placed before 
the mind or senses; motive; end; 
aim. [Latin.] 

objection (ob-jek'shun), n. the act of 
objecting; adverse reason; difficulty 
raised. 

objective (ob-jek'tiv), adj. pertaining 
to an object; external to the mind; 
in grammar, noting the case which 
follows a transitive verb or a prepo- 
sition and is governed by it: n. 
the accusative case; an objective 
point. 

objectivity (ob-jek-tiv'i-ti), n. the 
state or quality of being objective; 
that one regards whatever his senses 
teach him as being true. 

objurgate (ob'jer-gat), v.t. to chide or 
reprove. 

oblate (ob-laf), adj. depressed or flat- 
tened at the poles; orange-shaped: 
in the Roman Catholic Church, not- 
ing a secular priest who has devoted 
himself and his property to the mon- 
astery he has entered. [Latin.] 

oblation (ob-la'shun), n. an offering 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


OBLIGATION 


348 


OBTAIN 


or sacrifice ; anything presented in 
religious worship. 

obligation (ob-li-ga/shun) , n. the bind- 
ing power of a vow, promise, or 
contract ; the state of being indebted 
for a favor; in law, a bond to 
which a penalty is annexed on fail- 
ure of due performance. [Latin.] 

obligatory (ob'li-ga-to-ri), adj. mor- 
ally or legally binding. 

oblige (o-blij'), v.t. to constrain by 
force, morally, legally, or physically ; 
bind by some favor or kindness 
rendered; render a favor to; gratify. 
[Latin.] 

obliging (o-bllj'ing), p.adj. complai- 
sant; civil or courteous. 

oblique (ob-lek'), adj. deviating from 
a right line; not parallel; not di- 
rect or straightforward. [Latin.] 

obliqueness (ob-lek'nes), n. the state 
or quality of being oblique; slanting 
direction; moral error. Also, and 
better, obliquity. 

obliterate (ob-lit'er-at), v.t. to efface 
or wear out; destroy by the effects 
of time or other means. [Latin.] 

oblivion (ob-liv'i-un), n. the state of 
being blotted out from memory ; for- 
getfulness. [Latin.] 

oblivious (ob-liv'i-us), adj. forgetful. 

oblong (ob'long), adj. longer than 
broad: n. a geometrical figure of 
such shape. 

obloquy (ob'lo-kwi), n. reproachful 
language; calumny; slander; re- 
proach. 

obnoxious (ob-nok'shus) , adj. deserv- 
ing of censure or disapproval; hate- 
ful; offensive; unpopular. 

oboe (o'bo-e), n. a musical wind in- 
strument of the reed class ; hautboy ; 
an organ stop. 

obscene (ob-sen'), adj. offensive to 
chastity; impure in language or ac- 
tion; indecent; filthy. [Latin.] 

obscenity (ob-sen'i-ti) , n. impurity in 
language or action; indecency. Also 
obsceneness. 

obscure (ob-skur'), adj. without light 
or distinctness; dark; not easily un- 
derstood; illegible; secluded; hum- 
ble: v.t. to darken or dim; dis- 
guise; render less visible or intel- 
ligible; tarnish; make mean. [Latin.] 

obscureness (ob-skur'nes), n. the 


state or quality of being obscure. 
Also obscurity. 

obsecration (ob-se-kra'shun) , n. en- 
treaty. 

obsequies (ob'se-kwiz), n.pl. funeral 
rites. [Latin.] 

obsequious (ob-se'kwi-us) , adj. ser- 
vile; compliant to excess. [Latin.] 

observable (ob-zer'va-bl) , adj. cap- 
able of being observed; worthy of 
observation; remarkable. 

observance (ob-zer'vans) , n. the act 
of observing; performance of rites; 
rule of practice. 

observant (ob-zer'vant), adj. taking 
notice; attentive; mindful. 

observation (ob r zer-va'shun), n. the 
act of observing; attention; that 
which is observed; remark; note. 

observatory (ob-zer'va-to-ri), n. [pi. 
observatories (ob-zer'va-to-riz)], a 
building fitted up for astronomical 
research. 

observe (ob-zerv'), v.t. to keep in view; 
take notice of; celebrate; practice 
ceremonially; mention: v.i. to make 
observations. [Latin.] 

observing (ob-zerv'ing) , p.adj. giving 
particular attention to. Also ob- 
servant. 

obsolescent (ob-so-les'ent), adj. be- 
coming obsolete. 

obsolete (ob'so-let), adj. gone out of 
date; disused; imperfectly devel- 
oped, 

obsoleteness m (ob-so-let'nes), n. _ the 
state of being obsolete; indistinct- 
ness. 

obstacle (ob'sta-kl), n. that which 
hinders or opposes. [Latin.] 

obstetric (ob-stet'rik), adj. pertain- 
ing to midwifery. [Latin.] 

obstinacy (ob'sti-na-si), n. the state 
or quality of being obstinate; stub- 
bornness. Also obstinateness. 

obstinate (ob'sti-nat), adj. pertina- 
ciously adhering to one's opinion 
or purpose; stubborn. [Latin.] 

obstreperous (ob-strep'er-us), adj. 
clamorously noisy; turbulent. 

obstruct (ob-strukt') , v.t. to block up 
or impede; hinder from passing; in- 
terrupt. [Latin.] 

obstruction (ob-struk'shun) , n. an 
impediment. 

obtain (ob-tan'), v.t. to get possession 
of; gain; acquire; win; procure: 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met : mite, mit : note, north, not ; boon, book 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


OBTRUDE 


349 


ODDITY 


v.i. to be established in practice or 
use. [Latin.] 

obtrude (ob-trood'), v.t. to thrust in 
or upon; urge or offer with unreason- 
able importunity: v.i. to enter un- 
invited. [Latin.] 

obtrusion (ob-troo'zhun), n. the act 
of obtruding. 

obtrusive (ob-troo'siv), adj. inclined 
or apt to intrude. 

obtuse (ob-tiis'), adj. not pointed or 
acute; greater than a right angle; 
dull. 

obtuseness (ob-tus'nes), n. the state 
or quality of being obtuse; blunt- 
ness; mental dulness. 

obverse (ob-vers'), adj. bearing the 
head: said of a coin or medal; nar- 
rower at the base than the top: 
said of a leaf or radicle: n. (ob'vers) 
the side of a coin or medal having 
the face or head upon it; opposed to 
reverse. [Latin.] 

obvert (ob-vert'), v.t. to turn towards; 
face. [Latin.] 

obviate (ob'vi-at), v.t. to remove, as 
difficulties or objections. [Latin.] 

obvious (ob'vi-us), adj. evident. 

occasion (ok-ka/zhun) , n. occurrence; 
state or position of affairs; opportu- 
nity; incidental cause or need; exi- 
gence: v.t. to cause or influence di- 
rectly or indirectly ; give rise to. 

occasional (ok-ka/zhun-al), adj. inci- 
dental or casual. 

Occident (ok'si-dent) , n. the West; 
the countries west of Asia and the 
Turkish dominions. [Latin.] 

occipital (ok-sip'i-tal), adj. pertain- 
ing to the occiput. [Latin.] 

occiput (ok'si-put), n. the hinder part 
of the skull or head. 

occult (ok-kulf). adj. hidden; secret; 
invisible. [Latin.] # 

occultism (ok-kult'izm), n. Eastern 
theosophy; mysticism in general. 

occupant (ok'ii-pant), n. one who has 
possession. 

occupation (ok-u-pa'shun), n. the act 
or state of occupying; business, em- 
ployment, or calling. 

occupy (ok'u-pl), v.L [p.t. & p.p. occu- 
pied, p.pr. occupying], to take pos- 
session of; hold or keep in possession, 
as for use; fill or cover; employ: v.i. 
to traffic. [Latin.] 

occur (ok-ker'), v.i. [p.t. & p.p. oc- 


curred, p.pr. occurring], to happen 
or take place; come to the mind; 
be found or met with. [Latin.] 

occurrence (ok-ker'ens), n. an acci- 
dent, event, or incident. 

ocean (o'shun), n. the vast expanse 
of salt water covering more than 
3-5ths of the globe; any one of its 
chief divisions ; an immense expanse : 
adj. pertaining to the great expanse 
of salt water. [Latin.] 

ochre (o'ker) , n. a fine yellow or brown- 
colored clay: used as a pigment. 

octa, a Latin prefix meaning eight . Also 
octo, as octachord, an instrument of 
8 strings; a system of 8 sounds; 
octodecimo, a book with 18 leaves to 
the sheet (18mo). 

octagon (ok'ta-gon), n. a plane figure 
of 8 sides and 8 angles. 

octahedron (ok-ta-he'drun), n. a solid 
figure contained by 8 equal equilat- 
eral triangles. 

octave (ok'tav), n. an eighth, or an in- 
terval of 12 semitones; the 8th day 
after a church festival, the festival 
itself being included; a small cask 
of wine = l-8th of a pipe: adj. con- 
sisting of 8. 

octavo (ok-ta'vo), n. a sheet of print- 
ing paper folded in 8 leaves or 16 
pages (8vo) : adj. having 8 leaves or 
16 pages to the sheet. 

octogenarian (ok-to-je-na'ri-an), n. 
one who is eighty years old: adj. 
eighty years old. [Latin.] 

octopus (ok'to-pus), n. [pi. octopuses 
(ok'to-pus-ez)], a genus of Cephalo- 
pods having 8 arms, containing the 
cuttle-fish. 

octoroon (ok-to-roon'), n. the off- 
spring of a white person and a 
quadroon, and therefore seven- 
eighths white. 

octuple (ok'tu-pl), adj. eight-fold. 

ocular (ok'u-lar), adj. pertaining to, 
depending on, or formed by, the eye; 
known from actual sight. [Latin.] 

oculist (ok'u-list), n. one who is skilled 
in the treatment of eye diseases. 

odd (od), adj. not paired or matched 
with another; not even; not exactly 
divisible by two; unusual; peculiar; 
eccentric. 

oddity (od'i-ti), n. a person or thing 
that is peculiar; eccentricity; 
strangeness. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


ODDS 


350 


OLFACTORY 


odds (odz), n.pl. inequality; advan- 
tage; superiority; excess of either 
compared with the other; probabil- 
ity; more than an even, wager. 

ode (od), n. a short song; lyric poem. 

odious (o'di-us), adj. offensive; un- 
popular. 

odium (o'di-um), n. hatred; dislike. 
[Latin.] 

odor (o'der), n. a scent; estimation. 
[Latin.] 

odorous (o'der-us), adj. emitting an 
odor or scent; fragrant. 

o'er (or), same as over. 

of (ov), prep, from; out of; belong- 
ing to; according to; proceeding 
from. 

off (of), adj. most distant; noting the 
right-hand side in driving, or the 
left-hand side of the bowler at crick- 
et: adv. away from: prep, not on; 
distant from: inter j. begone! 

offal (of'al), n. refuse; waste meat. 

off-cast (of'kast), n. whatever is cast 
away, rejected, or scorned. 

offend (of -fend'), v.t. to displease or 
make angry; molest or annoy; pain 
or shock: v.i. to transgress; do any- 
thing displeasing. [Latin.] 

offense (of -fens') , n. any cause of anger 
or displeasure; insult; injury; as- 
sault. 

offensive (of-fen'siy) , adj. causing dis- 
pleasure'; annoying; disagreeable; 
disgusting; used in attack: n. the 
act of attacking (with the). 

offer (of'er), v.t. to present for accept- 
ance or refusal; proffer; present in 
worship or sacrifice; bid as a price 
or reward: v.i. to be ready; express 
a willingness; attempt or make an 
attempt: n. a proposal made; price 
offered; first advance. [Latin. ]_ 

offering (of'er-ing), n. that which is of- 
fered; a sacrifice; oblation. 

office (of 'is), n. public or private busi- 
ness; employment; function; act of 
worship; formulary of devotion; act 
of kindness ;; service; apartment for 
the transaction of business : pi. the 
outlying buildings of a mansion. 
[Latin.] 

officer (of'is-er), n. a person commis- 
sioned to perform a certain public 
duty: v.t. to furnish with officers. 

official (of-fish'al), adj. pertaining to 
an office or public duty; from the 


proper authority: n. one who holds 
a civil office. 

officiate (of-fish'i-at) , v.i. to perform 
the duties of an office. 

officious' (of-fish'us), adj. too forward 
in offering services; meddling. 

offing (of'ing), n. that part of the sea 
with deep water off the shore. 

off scouring (of'skour-ing), n. refuse. 

offset (of 'set), n. a young shoot or 
bud; a sum or account placed as an 
equivalent for another; in survey- 
ing, a perpendicular let fall from the 
main line to an outlying point. 

offside (of'sid), n. the side to the right 
hand of the driver. 

offspring (of 'spring), n. children; de- 
scendants. 

often (of 'en), adv. many times; fre- 
quently. 

ogle (o'gl), v.t. to look fondly at with 
a side glance: n. a side glance. 

ogre (o'ger), n. an imaginary man- 
eating monster or giant. Feminine 
ogress. [French.] 

oh (o), inter j. an exclamation of won- 
der, pain, or anxiety. 

ohm (om), n. the unit of electrical 
resistance, named after Dr. G. S. 
Ohm, the German electrician. 

oil (oil), n. a highly inflammable 
fatty liquid obtained from various 
animal and vegetable substances: 
v.t. to lubricate with oil. [German.] 

oilcloth (oil'kloth), n. painted canvas 
for floor covering. 

ointment (oint'ment), n. an unctu- 
ous substance applied to a wound or 
injured part. 

old (old), adj. [comp. older , superl. 
oldest], aged; decayed by time; an- 
cient; out of date; long practiced. 

oleaginous (o-le-aj'i-nus), adj. oily; 
unctuous. _ 

oleander (o-le-an'der) , n. an ever- 
green shrub with handsome fragrant 
flowers. 

oleaster (o-le-as'ter) , n. the wild 
olive. 

oleine (o'le-in), n. the pure liquid part 
of oil or fat. Also olein. 

oleo, a Latin prefix meaning oily, per- 
taining to oil, or oily. 

oleomargarine (o-le-6-mar'gar-in) , 
n. imitation butter made from milk 
and animal fat. Also margarine. 

olfactory (ol-f ak'to-ri) , adj. pertain- 


ate, arm, at, awl; me, merge, s met; mite, mit ; note, north, not; boon, book: 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


OLIGARCHY 


351 


OPERATE 


ing to, or used in, smelling: n. organ 
of smell (usually pi). 

oligarchy (ol'i-gar-ki), n. [pi. oligar- 
chies (ol'i-gar-kiz)], government in 
which the supreme power is in the 
hands of a few ; a state so governed. 

olive (ol'iv), n. a plant of the genus 
Olea, or its oily fruit; a tawny yel- 
low color: adj. pertaining to, or re- 
sembling, the olive. [Latin.] 

olla (ol'ya). n. a wide-mouthed cook- 
ing vessel of earthenware found in 
all Spanish and Spanish- American 
countries. [Spanish.] 

omega (o-me'ga), n. the last letter of 
the Greek alphabet: hence the last; 
end. 

omelet (om'e-let), n. a kind of pan- 
cake of eggs, &c. [French.] 

omen (o'men), n. a sign of some fu- 
ture event: v.t. to portend or prog- 
nosticate. [Latin.] 

ominous (om'i-nus), adj. foreboding 
evil; inauspicious. 

omission (o-mish'un), n. neglect or 
failure to do something required; 
something omitted. [Latin.] 

omit (o-mif), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. omitted, 
v.pr. omitting], to leave out; neg- 
lect ; fail to mention. 

omni, a Latin prefix meaning all, en- 
tirely, as omnipresent . 

omnibus (om'ni-bus), n. a public 
four-wheeled carriage for passenger 
traffic. 

omnipotence (om-nip'o-tens), n. un- 
limited power. 

omnipotent (om-nip'o-tent) , adj. hav- 
ing unlimited power. 

Omnipotent, n. God (with the). 

omnipresence (om-ni-prez'ens), n. 
universal presence. 

omniscient (om-nish'ent), adj. know- 
ing all things; infinitely wise. 
[Latin.] 

omnivorous (om-niv'er-us), adj. feed- 
ing upon animal and vegetable food ; 
all-devouring. 

on (on), prep, upon; in contact with 
the upper part; at; near: adv. for- 
ward; onward: adj. noting the side 
to the right of the batsman in crick- 
et: inter j. go on! 

once (wuns), adv. at one time; for- 
merly; one time. 

one (wun), adj. single in number; 
some way; individual: n. [pi. ones 


(wunz)], the number one or its 
symbol; an individual. 

onerous (on'er-us), adj. burdensome; 
weighty; oppressive. 

onion (un'yim), n . a bulbous-rooted 
plant of the genus Allium: used in 
cookery. [Latin.] 

only (on'li), adj. single; one and no 
more: adv. singly ; merely. 

onomatopoeia (on-o-mat-o-pe'ya), n. 
the formation of words to resemble 
the sounds made by the thing sig- 
nified, as buzz, a bee; tick-tick, a 
watch, &c; the use of words so 
formed, or the word itself. [Greek.] 

onset (on'set), n. an assault; attack. 

onslaught (on'slawt), n. a furious at- 
tack. 

ontology (on-tol'o-ji), n. the logic of 
pure being; metaphysics. 

onus (o'nus), n. a burden; duty; ob- 
ligation. 

onward (on'werd), adj. advancing; 
progressing: adv. in advance. Also 
onwards: inter j. forward! 

onyx (on'iks), n. a variety of agate. 

oolong (oo'long), n. a Chinese black 
tea, the flavor of which resembles 
green tea. Also oulong. [Chinese.] 

ooze (ooz), n. soft mud or slime; gen- 
tle flow; liquor of a tan vat: v.i. to 
flow gently; percolate. 

opacity (o-pas'i-ti) , n. opaqueness; the 
character of not being transparent. 

opal (o'pal), 7U 2u precious stone of 
milky hue, exhibiting a play of vari- 
ous colors. [French.] 

opalescent (o-pal-es'ent), adj. re- 
sembling opal in its reflection of 
light. 

opaque (o-pak'), adj. not transparent. 

open (op'n), adj. not shut; unfastened; 
clear of trees ; unsealed ; clear ; un- 
reserved; public; generous; frank; 
sincere; enunciated, without closing 
the mouth: v.t. to make open; be- 
gin; expand; break the seal of: v.i. 
to unclose itself; commence; begin 
to appear; bark in view or the scent 
of game: said of a dog. 

opening (op'n-ing), n. an aperture; op- 
portunity: adj. first in order. 

opera (op'er-a), n. a musical drama. 
See music-drama. [Italian.] 

operate (op'er-at), v.i. to work; pro- 
duce a certain effect; perform a sur- 
gical operation: v.t. to cause to per- 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut : think, then- 


OPERATIC 


352 


ORACLE 


form certain work: as, to operate a 
machine. [Latin.] 

operatic (op-er-at'ik), adj. pertaining 
to the opera. 

operation (op-er-a'shun) , n. the act of 
operating; agency; effect; manipu- 
lation; surgical performance with 
instruments; a series of movements 
by an army or fleet. 

operative (op'er-a-tiv), adj. having the 
power of acting; efficacious; vigor- 
ous: n. an artisan or skilled workman. 

operetta (op-er-et'a), n. a light mu- 
sical drama. [Italian.] 

ophidian (o'fidi-an), adj. pertaining 
to the Ophidia; snake-like: n. one of 
the Ophidia; a reptile. 

ophthalmia (of-thaTmi-a) , n. in- 
flammation of the eye or eyeball. 
Also ophthalmitis. [Greek.] 

opiate (o'pi-at), n. a medicine com- 
pounded with opium to induce sleep 
or rest; narcotic; anything that 
soothes: adj. narcotic; soothing; in- 
ducing sleep or quiet. [Latin.] 

opinion (o-pm'yun), n. belief or judg- 
ment; estimation; persuasion. 

opinionated (6-pin'yun-a-ted), adj. 
firm or obstinate in one's opinions. 

opium (o'pi-um), n. the dried juice 
of the capsules of the white poppy, 
used as a narcotic, and also as an 
anodyne. Opium is a single sub- 
stance from a blending of codeine, 
morphine, and narcotine, which 
constitute a mass of alkaloids. 
[Latin.] 

opossum (o-pos'um), n. an American 
and Australian marsupial carnivor- 
ous mammal. 

opponent (op-po'nent), adj. opposite; 
adverse; antagonistic: n. one who 
opposes, especially in argument or 
debate; adversary. 

opportune (op-per-tun'), adj. well- 
timed; seasonable. [Latin.] 

opportunism (qp-per-tun'izm), n. 
sacrifice of principle to circum- 
stances, especially in politics. 

opportunity (op-per-tu'ni-ti), n. con- 
venient time or occasion. 

oppose (op-poz'), v.t. to act against; 
contend with; resist; place as an 
obstacle; check. _ [Latin.] 

opposite (pp'po-zit), adj. placed or 
standing in front; contrary; adverse; 
antagonistic. 


opposition (op-po-zish'un) , n. the act 
or state of opposing; hostile resist- 
ance; contrariety; obstacle; the situ- 
ation of two heavenly bodies when 
their longitudes differ by 180°; the 
collective body of opponents to the 
existing administration or govern- 
ment. 

oppress (op-pres'). v.t. to burden; 
crush by hardship or severity; lie 
heavily upon. 

oppression (op-presh'un), n. the act 
of oppressing; state of being op- 
pressed; hardship; calamity; in- 
justice; lassitude; dulness. 

oppressive (op-pres'iv), adj. unrea- 
sonably burdensome; unjustly se- 
vere; tyrannical; overpowering; 
heavy. 

opprobrious (op-pro 'bri-us), adj. ex- 
pressive of opprobrium; reproachful 
and contemptuous; disgraceful. 

opprobrium (op-pro'bri-um) , n. re- 
proach with disdain or contempt; 
ignominy. 

optative (op'ta-tiv), adj. expressing de- 
sire or wish; a mood in Greek gram- 
mar denoting expression of desire. 

optic (op'tik), adj. pertaining to 
vision. Also optical: n. pi. the sci- 
ence of the properties of light and 
vision. 

optician (op-tish'un) , n. one skilled 
in optics; one who makes or sells 
optical instruments. 

optimism (op'ti-mizm), n. the doc- 
trine that everything in the present 
state of existence is for the best. 
See pessimism. [Latin.] 

option (op'shun), n. power or right of 
choice; wish; selection; on the 
Stock Exchange, the liberty to sell 
or buy stock in a time bargain at a 
stated price. [Latin.] 

optional (op'shun-al), adj. left to one's 
wish or choice. 

opulence (op'u-lens), n. wealth. Also 
opulency. [Latin.] 

opulent (op'u-lent), adj. wealthy; 
rich. 

opus (o'pus), n. [pi. opera (op'er-a)], 
a work; musical composition. [Lfltin.] 

or (or), conj. the correlative of either. 

oracle (or'a-kl), n. among _ the an- 
cients, the response of a deity or in- 
spired priest to some inquiry; the 
deity who gave the answer ; the place 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


ORAL 


353 


ORGAN 


where a deity might be consulted; 
the Jewish temple; a prophetic dec- 
laration; a prophet or person of 
reputed wisdom. [Latin.] 

oral (o'ral), adj. verbal. 

orange (or'enj), n. a tree {Citrus 
Aurantium) with a deep golden-col- 
ored and juicy fruit; the color of 
such fruit: adj. pertaining to an 
orange; orange-colored. [French.] 

orang-outang (o'rang'oo-tang), n. 
the great anthropoid ape of the East- 
ern Archipelago. Also ourang-ou- 
tang. [Malay, "forest man."] 

oration (o-ra'shun), n. a formal pub- 
lic speech delivered on an occasion 
of special importance; harangue. 

orator (or'a-ter), n. one who makes 
an eloquent oration. [Latin.] 

oratorical (or-a-tor'i-kal) , adj. per- 
taining to an orator or to oratory; 
rhetorical. 

oratorio (or-a-to'ri-5), n. a musical 
composition having a sacred theme 
as its subject. [Italian.] 

oratory (or'a-to-ri) , n. the art of an 
orator; eloquence: n.vl. oratories, a 
small chapel, especially one for pri- 
vate devotion. 

orb (orb), n. a circular body; sphere; 
the eye: circuit. [Latin.] 

orbit (orbit), n. the bony cavity of 
the eye; the path described^ by a 
heavenly body during its periodical 
revolution. 

orchard (or'cherd), n. an inclosure of 
fruit trees. 

orchestra (6r-kes'tra), n. in the an- 
cient Greek theater the place where 
the chorus danced; (or'kes-tra), in a 
modern theater, &c, the place oc- 
cupied by the musicians ; the parquet ; 
the body of musicians. [Greek.] 

orchestration (6r-kes-tra'shun), n. 
musical arrangement or instrumen- 
tation for an orchestra. 

orchid (or'kid), n. a handsome flower, 
often of fantastic shape, of the genus 
Orchis. [Greek.] 

ordain (6r-dan'), v.t. to appoint; in- 
stitute; invest with ministerial or 
priestly functions. [Latin.] 

ordeal (6r-de'al), n. an ancient method 
of trial by fire, water, combat, &c, 
to determine the guilt or innocence 
of an accused person : hence a severe 
trial or test. 


order (or'der), n. method or regular ar- 
rangement; settled mode of proce- 
dure; rule; regulation; command; 
class; rank; degree; a religious fra- 
ternity; an association of persons 
possessing a common honorary dis- 
tinction; a division intermediate be- 
tween a class or sub-class and a 
family; in architecture, a system of 
constructing and ornamenting col- 
umns, comprising the Tuscan, Doric, 
Ionic, Corinthian, and Composite: 
pi. the three orders (bishop, priest, 
deacon) of the Christian ministry in 
an Episcopal Church (Holy Or- 
ders) : v.t. to regulate or manage ; 
command; conduct; direct: v.i. to 
give a command or order. [Latin.] 

ordering (or'der-ing) , n. arrangement; 
distribution. 

orderly (or'der-li), adj. well regulated; 
methodical; performed in good or- 
der; peaceable; on military duty: n. 
a soldier who attends upon an offi- 
cer to carry his orders: adv. method- 
ically. 

ordinal (6r'din-al), adj. noting order: 
n. a number noting order; a book 
containing the form of service for 
ordination. 

ordinance (or'di-nans) , n. an estab- 
lished rule, rite, or law. 

ordinary (or'di-na-ri) , adj. according 
to established order; usual; cus- 
tomary; commonplace; mediocre; 
plain; a meal for all comers at fixed 
charges (English usage); an eccle- 
siastical judge; a prison chaplain; in 
heraldry, that part of the escutcheon 
contained between straight and other 
lines. 

ordinate (or'di-nat), n. a straight line 
in a curve terminated on both sides 
by the curve and bisected by the 
diameter. 

ordination (6r-di-na'shun), n. the act 
of conferring holy orders; the state 
of being ordained' or appointed. 

ordnance (ord'nans), n. artillery. 

ore (or), n. metal as extracted from 
the earth in its natural state or 
combined with some other sub- 
stance. 

organ (or'gan), n. an instrument; 
means of communication or convey- 
ance; that part of a living structure 
by means of which some function is 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit : note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


ORGANDIE 


354 


OSCILLATION 


discharged or work performed; a 
wind instrument. [Greek.] 

organdie (or'gan-di), n. a fine, thin 
muslin. [French.] 

organic (6r-gan'ik), adj. pertaining to, 
composed of, containing, or pro- 
duced by, organs; instrumental. Also 
organic al. 

organism (or'gan-ism), n. organical 
structure. 

organization (6r-gan-i-za'shun), _ n. 
organic structure; act of organizing; 
a political group controlling elections, 
etc. 

organize (6r'gan-iz) , v.t. to form or 
furnish with organs; to arrange a 
task in suitable parts so that it may 
be performed efficiently. 

organon (or'ga-non), n. a body of 
rules for regulating scientific or 
philosophical .investigation. Fran- 
cis Bacon's great philosophical work 
was called Novum Organum,, or new 
body of doctrine. [Greek.] 

orgy (or'ji), n. a drunken revel, espe- 
cially at night: pi. secret rites in the 
worship of Dionysus (Bacchus), dis- 
tinguished by wild revelry. [French, 
from_Greek.] 

oriel (o'ri-el), n. a large bay window. 
[French.] 

Orient (o'ri-ent), adj. Oriental: n. the 
East. _ [Latin.] 

orient (o'ri-ent), v.t. to define the po- 
sition of with reference to the East. 

Oriental (o-ri-en'tal), adj. pertaining 
to, or situated in, the East ; pro- 
ceeding from Asia or the East: n. an 
inhabitant of Asia or the East. 

oriental (o-ri-en'tal), adj. precious; 
pure; valuable: said of gems. 

orientate (o'ri-en-tat), v.t. & v.i. to 
turn towards the East. 

orifice (or'i-fis), n. a mouth or aper- 
ture. [Latin.] 

origin (or'i-jin), n. beginning; first 
existence; source; cause; deriva- 
tion. 

original (5-rij'i-nal), adj. first in or- 
der; having power to originate; not 
copied: n. that from which anything 
is copied, &c. ; the language in which 
a work is written; archetype; an 
eccentric person. [Latin.] 

originality (o-rij-i-nal'i-ti) , n. origi- 
nal state or quality. 

originate (o-rij'i-nat), v.t. to bring 


into existence: v.i. to rise; com- 
mence. 

oriole (o'ri-ol), n. the golden-thrush. 
[French J 

ormolu (or'mo-loo), n. bronze or cop- 
per gilt in imitation of gold. 

ornament (or'na-ment) , n. anything 
that adorns or beautifies; embellish- 
ment: v.t. to adorn, beautify, or 
decorate. 

ornate (or-naf), adj. ornamented. 

ornith, a Greek prefix meaning bird. 
Also ornitho, as ornitholite, the re- 
mains of a bird in a fossil state. 

ornithology (6r-ni-thoro-ji), n. the 
scientific study of the structure, 
habits, &c, of birds. 

ornithopter (6r-nith-op'ter) , n. a 
flying machine with flapping wings, 
in imitation of a bird. No such 
machine has proved successful. 

orotund (o'ro-tund), adj. character- 
ized by fullness, clearness, strength 
and smoothness: said of the voice or 
manner of utterance: n. a quality of 
voice thus characterized. [Latin.] 

orphan (or 'fan), n. a child bereft of 
one or both parents: adj. bereft of 
parents. [French, from Greek.] 

orrery (or'e-ri), n. an apparatus to 
illustrate by balls mounted on rods 
the motions, magnitudes, and posi- 
tions of the planets of the solar sys- 
tem. Named from Lord Orrery 
(1715). 

orris (or'is), n. gold or silver lace; the 
iris. [Old French.] 

ortho, a Greek prefix meaning straight, 
right, true. 

orthodox (or'tho-doks) , adj. holding, 
or in accordance with, the received 
or established belief or doctrine, es- 
pecially as taught in the formularies 
of a particular church. 

orthoepy (6r-tho'e-pi), n. correct pro- 
nunciation. 

orthography (or-thog'ra-fi) , n. the 
art' of spelling and writing words 
correctly. 

orthopaedia (6r-tho-pe'di-a) , n._ the 
prevention and cure of deformities, 
especially in _children. 

oscillate (os'i-lat). v.i. & v.t. to swing 
backwards and forwards; vibrate. 

oscillation (os-i-la'shun) , n. a swing- 
ing backwards and forwards; vi- 
bration. [Latin.] 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


OSCULATE 


35* 


OUTDO 


osculate (os'ku-lat), v.t. & v.i. to kiss; 
touch. [Latin.] 

osier (o'zher), n. a willow, the twigs 
of which are used in basket-making; 
matter in muscular fiber containing 
those constituents to which its taste 
when cooked is due. 

Oslerize (os'ler-iz), v.t. to remove by 
compulsory death persons who have 
reached the age when their useful- 
ness is on the decline. 

osmium (os'mi-um), n. a metallic 
element in platinum ore. It is of 
a clear blue color and has a meteoric 
origin. [Greek.] 

osprey (os'pra), n. the fish-hawk. 
Also ossifrage. 

osseous (os'e-us), adj. pertaining to, 
consisting of, or like, bone. [Latin.] 

ossification (os-i-fi-ka/shun) , n. con- 
version of soft animal tissue into 
bone. 

ossify (os'i-fi), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. ossified, 
p.pr. ossifying], to convert into 
bone or into a bone-like substance; 
harden: v.i. to become bone. 

ostensible (os-ten'si-bl), adj. appar- 
ent; held forth to view; plausible. 

ostentation (os-ten-ta/shun) , n._ out- 
ward show or appearance ; ambitious 
or vain display. 

ostentatious (os-ten-ta'shus), adj. 
fond of show; intended for vain dis- 
play; gaudy. _ 

osteology (os-te-ol'o-ji), n. that part 
of anatomy treating of bones, their 
"structure, &c. 

osteopathy (os-te-op'a-thi), n. a sys- 
tem of therapeutics in which the 
treatment is by manipulation of the 
bones, muscles and nerve centers, 
with regard to the chemical and 
physical properties of the osseous 
tissues. [Grseco-Latin.] 

ostler (os'ler), n. a man who attends 
to horses at an inn. Also hostler. 
[Old French.] 

ostracism (os'tra-sizm) , n. banish- 
ment by ostracizing. 

ostracize (os'tra-slz), v.t. to banish by 
popular vote: from the ancient cus- 
tom in Athens of banishing a citizen 
by throwing a shell, inscribed with 
the name of the person to be ban- 
ished, into an urn; exclude from 
public or private favor. [Greek.] 


ostrich (os'trich), n. a swift running 
African bird, valued for its feathers. 

other (uth'cv), adj. noting something 
besides; different; contrary. 

otherwise (uth'er-wlz), adv. in another 
manner; in other respects: conj. 
else. 

otherworldly (uf/i-er-werld'li), adj. 
unearthly; strange in appearance; 
acting in things remote from the rest 
of mankind. 

otter (ot'er), n. an amphibious mam- 
mal of the weasel family, which 
feeds on fish. 

ottoman (ot'o-man), n. a cushioned 
seat; a movable cushioned foot- 
rest. 

oubliette (oo-bli-et'), n. a small, dark 
cell in an old French castle, where 
the intense blackness and stillness 
were used to destroy the reason of 
prisoners immured there. [French.] 

ought (awt), v.i. to be under obliga- 
tion; be fit, necessary, or proper: n. 
anything. 

ounce (ouns), n. a weight l-16th of 
a pound avoirdupois; l-12th of a 
pound troy; a carnivorous animal 
resembling the leopard. 

our (our), pron. pertaining to, or be- 
longing to, us. 

ourang-outang. See orang-outang. 

ourselves (our-selvz'), pron.pl. we 
or us, not others. 

oust (oust), v.t. to eject. 

out (out), adv. without; not within 
or at home; abroad; gone forth; 
not in office or employment; in a 
state of extinction ; to the end ; at a 
loss; without restraint; not actively 
engaged in a game; in an error; 
loudly: inter j. begone!: n. one who 
is not in office. 

out-and-out, adj. thorough: adv. com- 
pletely; thoroughly. 

outbreak (out'brak), n. a breaking 
out; an eruption. 

outcast (out'kast), adj. cast out; re- 
jected: n. one who is an exile. 

outcome (out'kum), n. issue; conse- 
quence; result. 

outcrop (out'krop), n. the exposure of 
strata at the earth's surface: v.i. to 
crop out at the surface. 

outcry (out'kri), n. clamor; tumult. 

outdo (out-doo'), v.t. to excel: to sur- 
pass. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
23 hue, hut ; think, then. 


OUTER 


356 


OVERCHARGE 


outer (out'er), adj. further out; more; 
external. 

outfall (out'fawl), n. the lower end of 
a water-course; point of discharge. 

outgo (out'go), n. one's expenses or 
what one gives out in a definite 
time. Opposed, therefore, to income. 

outfit (out/fit), n. equipment. 

outlander (out'lan-der) , n. a foreigner; 
one who comes from a land without. 
This word is German, Dutch, and 
English, but more used in the late 
Boer States of South Africa. (Aus- 
lander, Uitlander, Outlander.) 

outlandish (out-land'ish) , adj. for- 
eign; extraordinary; vulgar. 

outlaw (out 'law), n. one who is de- 
prived of legal benefits and protec- 
tion: v.t. to deprive of legal benefits 
and protection. 

outlay (out 'la), n. expenditure. 

outline (out'lin), n. a line bounding or 
defining a figure; first sketch: v.t. 
to sketch out. 

outlook (out 'look), n. vigilant watch; 
prospect. 

outport (out'port), n. sl port or harbor 
at some distance from the chief port. 

output _ (out 'put), n. the amount of 
material sold in any field of labor or 
commerce. Thus "the literary out- 
put," "the output of corn," "the iron 
output." [Vulgar.] 

outrage (out 'raj), n. open and exces- 
sive violence; wanton abuse or mis- 
chief: v.t. to commit an outrage 
upon; insult indecently: v.i. to act 
in an outrageous manner. [French.] 

outrageous (out-raj 'us), adj. violent; 
excessive; exceeding all bounds. 

outrider (out'ri-der), # n. a servant 
on horseback who rides in advance 
of a carriage. 

outrigger (out'rig-er) , n. a projecting 
spar or beam for extending sails or 
ropes; a boat with projecting row- 
locks. 

outright (out'rit), adv. completely; 
at once. 

outset (out 'set), n. a setting out ; be- 
ginning. 

outside (out'sid), n. the external part 
of anything; superficies; utmost; a 
passenger on the top of a bus, &c: 
pi. the exterior sheets of a ream of 
paper: adj. pertaining to, or situ- 
ated upon, the outside; exterior. 


outspan (out-span'), v.i. to loose sad- 
dle; dismount, and then unyoke the 
cattle; spreading out the camp in a 
fan-like way for protection and easy 
recall. [Dutch.] 

outspoken (out'spo-kn), adj. candid. 

outstanding (qut-stand'ing), adj. pro- 
jecting; unpaid. 

outward (out'werd), adj. external; to 
or from the exterior; visible; ex- 
trinsic. 

outwards (out'werdz), adv. towards 
the outside; to foreign parts. Also 
outward. 

outwit (out-wit'), v.t. to overreach, or 
defeat, by superior skill or cun- 
ning. 

outwork (out'werk), n. a defense con- 
structed beyond the main body of a 
fort, &c. 

oval (5'val), adj. shaped like an egg; 
elliptical: n. anything egg-shaped. 

ovary (o'va-ri), n. [pi. ovaries (o'va- 
riz)], the organ in a female animal in 
which the ova or first germs of fu- 
ture life are formed; the hollow 
seed-case_of a plant. 

ovate, (o'vat), adj. egg-shaped. 

ovation (o-va'shun), n._ among the 
ancient Romans, a minor triumph 
of a general for an inferior victory 
at which sheep (oves) were sacrificed; 
an enthusiastic demonstration of 
public esteem. [Latin.] 

oven (uv'n), n. a place or apparatus 
for baking or heating. Dutch oven 
means a sort of baking-pot which 
when surrounded by hot coals is 
used for baking. 

over (o'ver), prep, superior in posi- 
tion, authority, dignity, excellence, 
or value; above; upon; across; cov- 
ering; more than: adv. from begin- 
ning to end; from one to another; 
from side to side; in excess; on the 
surface; throughout: adj. beyond; 
superior: n ; in cricket, the number 
of balls delivered by one bowler. 

overbearing (o'ver-bar'ing), adj. dom- 
ineering ;_haughty. 

overcast (o-ver-kasf), v.t. to cloud, to 
cover with gloom ; to sew over the 
edges (of a fabric): v.i. to grow dull. 

overcharge (o-ver-charj'), v.t. to load 
with too great a charge ; to ask too 
great a price: n. (o'ver-charj), an ex- 
cessive load or charge. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit : note, north, not ; boon, book 
hup, hut : think, then. 


OVERCOAT 


357 


OZONE 


overcoat (o'ver-kot), n. an outdoor 
coat worn over all the other dress. 

overflow (o-ver-flo'), v.t. to flood; to 
overwhelm: n. (o'ver-flo), a flowing 
over. 

overhang (o-ver-hang'), v.t. to hang 
over; to project over; to impend. 

overhaul (o-ver-hawl'), v.t. to exam- 
ine thoroughly; overtake; gain upon: 
said of a ship. 

overhear (6-ver-her'), v.t. to hear what 
was not intended to be heard. 

overjoy (o-ver-joi'), v.t. to fill with 
delight. 

overlander (o-ver-lan'der), ft. a trav- 
eler; one who makes his way as an 
emigrant by land in wagons, as did 
the pioneers who after the Revolu- 
tion moved westward to Ohio, 
Kentucky, Illinois, Kansas, Michi- 
gan and finally to the Pacific slope. 

overload (o-ver-lod), v.t. to load or fill 
too much. 

overlook (o-ver-look'),ri._to look over; 
to see from a higher position; to view 
carefully; to slight. 

overplus (o'ver-plus), n. excess. 

overpower (o-ver-pou'er), v.t. to bear 
down or crush by superior force; 
vanquish. 

overseer (o-ver-ser'), ft. the superin- 
tendent of some department of a busi- 
ness: one who superintends the poor. 

overshoe (o'ver-shoo), ft. a waterproof 
shoe worn over another shoe. 

overt Co- vert'), adj. open; public. 

overtake (o-ver-tak') , v.t. [p.t. & p.p. 
overtook, p.pr. overtaking], to catch 
by pursuit; come upon as a punish- 
ment; take by surprise. 

overthrow (o-ver-thro'). v.t. to turn 
upside down; demolish; vanquish; 
destroy: n. (o'ver-thro), ruin; defeat; 
in cricket, a ball missed by the 
wicket-keeper when returned to him. 

overtones (o'ver-tonz), n.pl. har- 
monics. 

overture (5'ver-tur), n. an offer or 
proposal; opening: an introductory 
symphony before the commencement 
of an opera. [French.] 

overweening (o-ver-wen'ing), adj. 
conceited. 

overwhelm (o-ver-hwelm'), v.t. to 
crush or destroy utterly. 

overwork (o-ver-werk'), v.t. to tire: 
v.i. to work beyond one's strength. 


oviparous (o-vip'a-rus), adj. produc- 
ing young by eggs. 

ovum (o'vum), n. [pi. ova (o'va)], the 
germ or body in the ovary which, 
when impregnated, develops in the 
foetus; an egg-shaped ornament. 

owe (o), v.t. to be indebted, or under 
obligation to; be obliged to pay: v.i. 
to be in debt. 

owl (oul), n. a, raptorial nocturnal 
bird characterized by its hoot. 

owlet (oul'et), ft. a young owl. 

own Con), adj. belonging to; peculiar 
or proper to: v.t. to possess or hold 
by right; concede or acknowl- 
edge. 

owner (on'er) i ft. lawful proprietor. 

ownership (on'er-ship), n. rightful 
possession. 

ox (oks), n. [pi. oxen (oks'n)], an ani- 
mal of the oovine genus, especially 
a castrated bull. 

oxidation (oks-i-da'shun), n. the 
operation of converting into an 
oxide. 

oxide (oks'Id), ft. a compound of 
oxygen and a base. See ozone. 

oxidize (oks'i-diz), v.t. to convert into 
an oxide: v.i. to be converted into 
an oxide. Also oxidate. 

oxy, a Greek prefix occurring in various 
scientific worcls, meaning the pres- 
ence of oxygen. 

oxygen* (oks'i-jen), n. a colorless in- 
odorous gas, which with nitrogen 
and argon constitutes 1-oth by vol- 
ume of the atmosphere, and in com- 
bination with hydrogen forms^ water. 

oxytone (oks'i-ton), adj. having an 
acute sound; having the last sylla- 
ble accented: n. an acute sound. 

oyer (o'yer), n. a hearing or trial of 
legal _causes. [Old French.] 

oyez (o'yes), inter j. the introductory 
cry of an official or public crier de- 
manding silence. It literally means 
"hear ye." 

oyster (bis'ter), n. a bivalve mollusk 
of the genus Ostrea, much esteemed 
as a delicacy. 

ozone (o'zon), n. an allotropic form 
of oxygen present in the atmosphere, 
especially after electrical disturb- 
ance, with a characteristic odor. 
It is a remarkably strong oxidizing 
agent, and is also used in bleaching 
and disinfecting. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit : note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


p 


P, the sixteenth letter of the English 
alphabet, traced through the Greek 
and Latin alphabets to the Hebrew 
pe, meaning a mouth, of which it 
was probably a picture. Our present 
form of the letter is essentially that of 
the Roman. As a "surd labial stop" 
it corresponds to the vocalic b; with 
which it often interchanges. Thus 
Greek, episcopos; Eng. bishop; Span- 
ish, obispo; Sanskrit, pad, Eng., 
foot, again English keeps the p as in 
sap while Sanskrit has sabar (nectar), 
and Latin, lubricus. In chemistry, 
P is the symbol for phosphorus. 

pa (pa), n. abbreviation of papa. 

pabulum (pab'u-lum), n. food; nour- 
ishment. [Latin.] 

pace (pas), n. a step; manner of 
walking; length of one's movement 
of the foot in walking; a linear 
measure, varying from 30 in. to 60 
in.; rate of progress; an amble: v.t. to 
measure by steps or paces: v.i. to 
walk deliberately; amble. [Latin.] 

paced (past), p.adj. having a par- 
ticular manner of walking. 

pachydermatous (pak-i-der'ma-tus) , 
adj. thick-skinned. 

pacific (pa-sif'ik), adj. peace-mak- 
ing; mild; peaceful; tranquil: n. the 
Pacific Ocean. [Latin.] 

pacification (pa-sif-i-ka'shun) , n. the 
act of peace-making; conciliation. 

pacify (pas'i-fi), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. paci- 
fied, p.pr. pacifying], to calm or ap- 
pease; reconcile. 

pack (pak), n. a large bundle tied 
up for carriage; dogs in Alaska; set 
of playing-cards; great number or 
quantity; gang; weight of wool = 
240 lbs.; number of dogs kept for 
hunting: v.t. to bind and press to- 
gether, as goods for carriage ; load ; 
dismiss summarily or unceremoni- 
ously; select and put together for 
an unjust object: v.t. to become 


firmly pressed; depart or remove in 
haste. [Danish.] 

package (pak'aj), n. a bundle or bale of 
goods. [French.] 

packet (pak'et), n. a small pack, or 
parcel; a vessel sailing between two 
or more ports for the conveyance 
of passengers, mails, and merchan- 
dise at regular intervals. 

pact (pakt), n. an agreement. [Latin.] 

pad (pad), n. a soft cushion; a thick 
mass of sheets of blotting paper for* 
writing upon; a slow-paced horse: 
v.i. [p.t. & p.p. padded, p.pr. pad- 
ding], to travel slowly: v.t. stuff 
with padding. 

padding (pad'ing), n. material used 
for stuffing; the act of impregnating 
cloth with a mordant; inserted mat- 
ter for filling out a newspaper or 
magazine article, &c. 

paddle (pad'l), v.i. to row slowly; play 
in the water: v.t. to propel by pad- 
dle or oar; to spank: n. a short 
broad car; an oar blade; one of the 
floats for propelling -a steam- 
ship. 

paddock (pad'uk), n. a small field or 
enclosure adjacent to a stable for 
horses. 

padlock (pad'lok), n. a lock with a 
link to pass through a staple or eye: 
v.t. to fasten with a padlock. 

paean (pe'an), n. a triumphal song. 
[Greek.] 

psedobaptism (pe-do-bap'tizm), n. 
infant baptism. Also pedobaptism. 
[Greek.] 

pagan (pa'gan), n. a heathen; idola- 
ter : adj. heathen ; idolatrous. 
[Latin.] 

paganism (pa'gan-izm), n. heathen- 
ism; idolatry. 

page (paj), n. a boy attending on a 
person of distinction; a boy in liv- 
ery; a male attendant on a legisla- 
tive body; one side of the leaf of a 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut : think, then. 


PAGEANT 


359 


PALL 


book; episode: v.t. to mark or num- 
ber in pages. [Latin.] 

pageant (paj'ent), n. a theatrical 
show or spectacle; anything merely 
showy, [Old French.] 

pageantry (paj'ent-ri), n. ostenta- 
tious display. 

paid (pad), p.t. & p.p. of pay. 

pail (pal), n. an open vessel of wood 
or metal furnished with a handle 
for carrying water, &c. 

pain (pan), n. physical or mental 
suffering; penalty: pi. diligent ef- 
fort; throes of parturition: v.£. to 
cause physical or mental suffering; 
render uneasy. [French.] 

painful (pan'fool), adj. full of, or 
causing, pain. 

painless (pan'les), adj. without pain. 

paint (pant), v.t. to represent by 
delineation and colors; depict; be- 
smear or cover with color; dye: v.i. 
to practice painting; rouge: n. a 
coloring substance or pigment; 
rouge. [Old French.] 

painter (pant'er), n. one whose oc- 
cupation is to paint; an artist who 
is skilled in depicting subjects in 
colors; a rope for fastening a boat. 

painting (pant'ing), n. the act, art, or 
occupation of laying on colors; the 
representation of objects by delinea- 
tion and colors; a picture; vivid 
verbal description. 

pair (par), n. two things of a kind, 
similar in form, suited to each other, 
and used together; couple; married 
couple: v.t. to join in couples: v.i. 
to be joined in couples; to suit or to be 
adapted to each other; in a legisla- 
tive body, to offset votes, or agree to 
a pair-off. [French.] 

pajamas (pa-ja'maz), n.pl. loose 
trousers of silk' also a kind of sleep- 
ing costume. [Hindu.] 

pal (pal), n. an intimate friend; ac- 
complice. [Slang.] 

palace (pal'as), n. the residence of 
a sovereign or bishop; a magnifi- 
cent house or building. [Latin.] 

paladin (pal'a-din), n. a knight-errant, 
especially one of the twelve knights 
of Charlem agne or Arthur . [French . ] 

palseo, a Greek prefix meaning ancient, 
as pateolithic : adj. noting the earli- 
est division of the Stone Age. 

palaeography (pal-e-og'ra-fi), n. the 


science which leads one to study 
parchments, and ancient writings 
of all kinds, and to detect imposture 
in such writings. 

palaeontology (pal-e-on-tol'o-ji), n. 
the study of remote antiquity in all 
its forms, especially in its arts, its 
language, and its customs. [Greek.] 

palanquin (pal-an-ken') , n. in India 
and China, a covered conveyance for 
one passenger borne on the shoulders 
of men. [French, from Sanskrit.] 

palatable (pal'a-ta-bl) , adj. agreeable 
to the taste; savory. [Latin.] 

palate (pal'at), n. the roof of the 
mouth; taste or relish. [Latin.] 

palatial (pa-la/shal) , adj. pertaining 
to, or suitable to, a palace; royal. 

palatine (pal'a-tin), adj. invested 
with royal privileges and rights, as 
certain counties: n. one who is thus 
invested. [French.] 

palaver (pa-la'ver), n. a public con- 
ference; superfluous or idle talk; 
chatter: v.t. to talk over; deceive 
by words: v.i. to confer; chatter. 
[Spanish, palabra, "word."] 

pale (pal), adj. not of a fresh or 
ruddy complexion; wan; wanting in 
color; of a faint luster [French]: n. a 
narrow board used in fencing; a 
pointed stake; space inclosed by- 
rails; limit* district or territory: v.i. 
to turn pale: v.t. to inclose with, or 
as with, pales. [Latin.] 

palette (pal'et), n. a thin oval wood 
or porcelain plate for mixing and 
holding colors. [French.] 

palfrey (pawl'fri), n. a small saddle- 
horse for a lady's use. 

palimpsest (pal'imp-sest or pa-limp'- 
sest), n. a parchment manuscript 
which, after the writing upon it has 
been partially erased, is used again, 
the former writing being more or 
less discernible. [Greek.] 

paling (pal'ing), n. a fence constructed 
of pales; materials for a fence of 
pales. See pale J 

palisade (pal-i-sad'), n. a fence or 
fortification formed of stakes driven 
into the ground and pointed at the 
top: v.t. to inclose or fortify with 
stakes. [French.] 

pall (pawl), n. a cloak or mantle; a 
kind of scarf of lamb's wool sent by 
the Pope to an archbishop on his 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


PALLADIUM 


360 


PANOPLY 


consecration (also pallium) ; a cof- 
fin covering: v.i. to become insipid; 
lose strength. 

palladium (pal-a'di-um) , n. any safe- 
guard of a liberty, or privilege: 
from the statue of Pallas at Troy, 
said to have fallen from heaven, and 
on the preservation of which de- 
pended the safety of the city [Latin]; 
a rare grayish metal found with plat- 
inum. 

pallet (pal'et), n. a pallette; a name 
for various tools used in gilding, 
pottery, horology, &c; a small piece 
of the mechanism of a watch; a 
small rough bed. [French.] 

palliate (pal'i-at) , v.t. to excuse or cover 
over; extenuate; lessen or abate. 

palliation (pal-i-a'shun), n. the act of 
palliating ; extenuation ; mitiga- 
tion. 

palliative (pal'i-a-tiv), adj. tending to 
lessen or mitigate. 

pallid (pal'id), adj. pale; wan. 

pallor (pal'er), n. paleness. [Latin.] 

palm (pam), n. the inner part of the 
hand; a linear measure of varying 
length (from 3 to 4 in.); a tree of 
various species of the order Palmse; 
a palm branch symbolical of victory 
or rejoicing: v.t. to conceal in the 
palm of the hand; impose upon by 
fraud (with off). [Latin.] 

palmer (pam'er), n. a pilgrim to the 
Holy Land who carried a palm 
branch as a token of his pilgrimage. 

palmetto (pal-met'o), n. a species of 
palm-tree, the cabbage-tree palm. 

palmistry (pa'mis-tri), n. the pre- 
tended art of foretelling the future 
by examination of the lines and 
marks of a person's hand. 

palmy (pam'i), adj. abounding in 
palms; flourishing; prosperous. 

palpable (pal'pa-bl), adj. easily per- 
ceived; obvious. [Low Latin.] 

palpitate (pal'pi-tat), v.i. to beat or 
throb. [Latin.] 

palpitation (pal-pi-ta'shun) , n. ab- 
normal beating or throbbing of the 
heart. 

palsy (pawl'zi),n. paralysis: v.t. [p.t. & 
p.p. palsied, p.pr. palsying], to par- 
alyze. [Contracted from paralysis, 
Greek.] 

palter (pawl'ter), v.i. to trifle; act 
insincerely. 


paltry (pawl'tri), adj. worthless; con- 
temptible. 

pamper (pam'per), v.t. to feed luxuri- 
ously; satiate. [French.] 

pamphlet (pam'flet), n. a small un- 
bound book, usually on some current 
topic, of one or more sheets stitched 
together. [Old French.] 

pan, a Greek prejix meaning all, univer- 
sal, as pan- Anglican, Pan-Slavic, 
Pan- American : n. a broad shallow 
vessel; that part of an old flint- 
lock which held the priming. 

panacea (pan-a-se'a) , n. a universal 
remedy or medicine. [Greek.] 

pancake (pan'kak), n. a thin fried 
butter cake. 

pancreas (pan'kre-as) , r?. a large 
fleshy gland (the sweetbread) situ- 
ated under and behind the stomach 
secreting a fluid that assists in the 
process of digestion. [Greek.] 

pancreatic (pan-kre-at'ik), adj. per- 
taining to, or secreted by, the pan- 
creas. 

pandemonium (pan-de-mo'ni-um) , n. 
a place or abode of general disorder. 
[Greek.] 

pander (pan'der), v.i. to be an agent 
for the gratification of another's 
passions. [Latin.] 

pane (pan), n. .a square of glass; a 
piece in variegated work. [French.] 

panegyric (pan-e-jir'ik), n. an ovation 
or eulogy in praise of some person 
or event; encomium. [Greek.] 

panel (pan'el), n. a piece of board, the 
edges of which are inserted in a 
frame; a thin board on which a pic- 
ture is painted; a schedule contain- 
ing the names of persons summoned 
to serve as jurors; the jury; in 
Scots law, the prisoner at the bar: 
v.t. to form with panels. [Low 
Latin.] 

pang (pang), n. a violent sudden 
pain; agony, mental or physical. 

panic (pan'ik), n. a sudden fright; a 
kind of millet: adj. suddenly and 
violently alarming: said of fear. 
From the Greek god, Pan. 

pannier (pan'ni-er), n. one of two bas- 
kets suspended across the back of a 
horse, for carrying market pro- 
duce. 

panoply (pan'o-pli), n. a complete 
suit of armor. [Graeco-French.] 


ate, arm, at, awl; me, merge, met; mite, mit ; note, north, not; boon, book: 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


PANORAMA 


361 


PARAFFIN 


panorama (pan-o-ra'ma) , n. a picture, 
viewed from a central standpoint, of 
several scenes unrolled and made to 
pass before the spectator. [Greek.] 

pansy (pan'zi), n. the heart's-ease; 
also called Johnny-jump-up; a spe- 
cies of violet developed by care into 
a splendid blossom of purple and 
golcf. [French.] 

pant (pant), v.i. to breathe rapidly: 
desire ardently (with for or after): 
n. rapid breathing: pi. abbreviation 
for trousers. 

pantaloon (pan-ta-lo5n'),n. a buffoon 
in a pantomime: pi. trousers. 

pantheism (pan'the-izm), n. the doc- 
trine that the universe in its totality 
is God. 

panther (pan'ther), n. a fierce feline 
carnivorous animal. Fern, pan- 
theress. [Latin.] 

pantomime (pan'to-mim), n. a repre- 
sentation in dumb show; a popular 
Christmastide theatrical entertain- 
ment with music, dancing, &c. 

pantry (pan'tri), n. a provision closet. 

pap (pap), n. soft food for infants; 
a nipple, teat, or breast; pulp of 
fruit. [Swedish.] 

papa (pa-pa', or pa'pa), n. a word of 
endearment for father. In Latin it 
means the Pope. [Found in many 
languages, as a reduplicated form of 
pa.] 

papacy (pa'pa-si), n. the office, dig- 
nity, or authority, of the Pope; 
popes collectively; Roman Catholic 
religion. 

papal (pa/pal), adj. pertaining to the 
Pope, or the Church of Rome. 

paper (pa/per), n. a thin flexible 
substance made of various materials, 
as linen, straw, &c, used for writing 
or printing upon; a newspaper; an 
essay or literary contribution; writ- 
ten instrument; bank-notes or bills 
of exchange: adj. made of paper; 
thin: v.t. to cover with paper. 
[French.] See papyrus. 

papeterie (pap'e-tre), n. a case con- 
taining paper and writing materials. 

papier-mache (pap-ya'ma-sha/), n. 
paper pulp molded and made into 
trays, &c, and japanned. [French.] 

papoose (pa-poos'), n. a young child. 
[North American Indian.] 

paprika (pa-pre'ka), n. a condiment 


resembling cayenne pepper though 
less hot; much liked by the Hunga- 
rians, who use it almost excessively. 
See goulash. 

papyrus (pa-pi'rus), n. [pi. papyri 
(pa-pi'ri)], a species of Egyptian 
reed, from the rind of which the 
ancients made paper; a manuscript 
on papyrus. [Greek.] 

par (par), n. state of equality; nomi- 
nal and market value. [Latin.] 

para, a Greek prefix meaning beyond? 
beside, divergence as paracentric. 

parable (par'a-bl), n. an allegorical 
method of conveying instruction by 
means of a fable or short fictitious 
narrative; a comparison or simili- 
tude. [Latin.] 

parabola (par-ab'o-la), n. one of the 
conic sections formed by the inter- 
section of the cone by a plane par- 
allel to one of its sides. [Greek.] 

parabolic (par-a-bol'ik) , adj. pertain- 
ing to, or formed like, a parabola; 
allegorical. Also parabolical. 

parachute (par'a-shoot), n. an um- 
brella-shaped apparatus for descend- 
ing from a balloon. [Franco-Latin.] 

parade (pa-rad') : n. ostentatious dis- 
play; show; military display; place 
of assembly for exercising troops: 
v.t. to marshal in military order; 
make a display of: v.i. to exhibit, 
or walk about ostentatiously. 
[French.] 

paradigm (par'a-dim), n. an exam- 
ple or model; example of the gram- 
matical inflection of a word. [Greek.] 

paradise (par'a-dis), n. the garden of 
Eden; a park; any place of happiness; 
heaven ; the top gallery in the theater 
where those who occupy the cheap 
seats are in slang called "the gods. 
[French, from Old Persian.] 

paradox (par'a-doks), n. something 
apparently absurd or incredible, yet 
true; a tenet contrary to received 
opinions. [Greek.] 

paradoxical (par-a-doks'i-kal), adj. 
of the nature of a paradox. 

paraffin (par'a-fin), n. a white crys- 
talline substance obtained by dis- 
tillation from wood and shale, is of 
a waxy nature so that it is used for 
waterproofing, and for preserving, 
objects from the action of the atmos- 


Ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


PARAGOGE 


362 


PAREGORIC 


phere. The obelisk in Central Park 
is coated with paraffin. 

paragoge (par-a-go'je), n. the addi- 
tion of a letter or syllable to the end 
of aword, as "got," 'gotten." [Greek.] 

paragon (par'a-gon), n. something of 
extraordinary excellence; model or 
pattern of perfection: v.t. to equal 
or compare. 

paragraph (par'a-graf), n. a small sub- 
division of a connected discourse; a 
short passage; a reference mark 
(If); an item of newspaper intelli- 
gence. 

parallax (par'al-laks), n. the apparent 
angular shifting of an object caused 
by change in the position of the ob- 
server, especially the difference in 
the apparent position of a heavenly 
body and its true place. 

parallel (par'al-lel), adj. lying side by 
side; extended in the same direction 
and equidistant at all points; hav- 
ing the same direction or tendency; 
corresponding: n. a line equidistant 
to all points from another line; re- 
semblance or likeness: pi. trenches 
in front of a fortified place parallel 
to the defenses: v.t. to place so as 
to be parallel; correspond to. 

parallelism (par'al-lel-izm), n. the 
state or quality of being parallel; 
correspondence. 

parallelogram (par-al-lel'o-gram), n. 
a plane 4-sided figure whose opposite 
sides are parallel and equal. 

parallelopipedon (par-al-lel-o-pip'e- 
don) , n. a regular solid figure bounded 
by six parallelograms, of which the 
opposite pairs are equal and parallel. 

paralysis (pa-ral'i-sis) , n. loss of the 
power of sensation of one or more 
parts of the body; palsy. [Greek.]^ 

paralytic (par-a-lit ik), adj. pertain- 
ing to, affected by, or inclined to, 
paralysis: n. one who is affected 
with paralysis. 

paralyze (par'a-llz), v.t. [p.J. & p.p. 
paralyzed, p.pr. paralyzing], to af- 
fect with paralysis; unnerve; ren- 
der useless or ineffective. 

paramount (par'a-mount) , adj. su- 
perior to all others; eminent or 
chief: n. the highest in rank or 
authority. [Old French.] 

paranoia (par-a-noi'a), n. a form of 
monomania. [Greek.] 


parapet (par'a-pet), n. a wall breast- 
high; a rampart to protect troops 
from the fire of an enemy. [French.] 

paraphernalia (par-a-fer-na'li-a), n.pl. 
the apparel, jewels, &c, of a wife 
which she possesses over and above 
her dowry ; ornaments of dress gen- 
erally; equipment. [Greek.] 

paraphrase (par'a-fraz), n. a free 
translation or explanation; a hymn 
based on some Scriptural passage: 
v.t. make a free translation of; ex- 
plain in many words: v.i. to make 
a paraphrase. 

parasite (par'a-sit), n. one who fre- 
quents the table of a rich man and 
gains his favor by flattery; a hang- 
er-on; an animal or plant nour- 
ished by another to which it at- 
taches itself. [Greek.] 

parasol (par'a-sol), n. a lady's sun- 
shade. [French.] 

parboil (par'boil), v.t. to boil par- 
tially. 

parbuckle (par'buk-1), n. a rope 
formed into a double sling for 
hoisting casks, &c: v.t. to hoist by 
means of a parbuckle. 

parcel (par'sel), n. a small bundle or 
package; little part: v.t. [p.t. & p.p. 
parceled, p.pr. parceling], to divide 
into parts. [French.] 

parcel post (par'sel post), n. that 
branch of the postal service which 
forwards parcels, the charges in the 
United States being regulated < ac- 
cording to distance as well as weight 
by means of a zone system. Also 
parcels post. 

parch (parch), v.t. to scorch; burn 
slightly; dry to excess. 

parchment (parch'ment) , n. the skin 
of a sheep, goat, &c, dressed and 
prepared for writing upon; a deed: 
adj. made of, or like, parch- 
ment. • 

pard (pard), n. a leopard; any spotted 
beast. 

pardon (par'don), v.t. to forgive; ab- 
solve: n. forgiveness; absolution; 
official remission of a penalty. 

pardoner (par'dn-er), n. one who 
pardons; formerly, a cleric who was 
licensed to sell papal indulgences. 

pare (par), v.t. to cut < away little 
by little; reduce or diminish. 

paregoric (par-e-gor'ik), n. a tine- 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut; think, then. 


PARENT 


363 


PARSNIP 


ture of opium to assuage pain: adj. 
mitigating pain. [Greek.] 

parent (pa'rent), n. a father or 
mother; origin. [French.] 

parentage (pa'rent-aj), n. extraction; 
birth. 

parental (pa-ren'tal), adj. pertaining 
to, or becoming, parents; fond. 

parenthesis (pa-ren'the-sis), n. [pi. 
parentheses (pa-ren'the-sez)], an 
explanatory word or clause inserted 
in a sentence, which is grammati- 
cally complete without it: indicated 
by the marks ( ). [Greek.] 

parenthetical (par-en-thet'i-kal) , adj. 
expressed in a parenthesis; using 
parentheses. 

paresis (par'e-sis), n. insanity with 
general motor paralysis; softening 
of the brain. [Greek.] 

pari, a Greek prefix meaning equal; 
the corresponding Latin prefix is 
par. 

pariah (pa'ri-a), n. one of the low- 
est class of Hindus, having, in fact, 
no caste at all, and therefore living 
apart from others and serving for- 
eigners. [Tamil.] 

parietal (pa-ri'e-tal), adj. pertaining 
to a wall or side; forming the wall 
or side; said of the large lateral 
bones of the head; growing from 
the side of another organ. [Latin.] 

parish (par'ish), n. an ecclesiastical 
district under the particular charge 
of priest, clergyman, or minister; a 
district having its own officers for 
the care of the poor of such a dis- 
trict; a congregation: adj. pertain- 
ing to, or maintained by, a parish. 

parishioner (par-ish'on-er) , n. one 
who belongs to a parish. 

parity (par'i-ti), n. equality; likeness. 

park (park), n. a large enclosed piece 
of ground surrounding a mansion, 
or used as a public place for recre- 
ation; the train of artillery be- 
longing to an army division; an 
artillery encampment: v.t. to in- 
close, or collect, in a park. [French.] 

parlance (par'lans), n. conversation; 
idiom of conversation. 

parley (par'li), n. a conference, es- 
pecially with an enemy: v.i. [p.t. & 
p.p. parleyed, p.pr. parleying], to 
hold a conference, especially with 
an enemy. [Old French.] 


Parliament (par'li-ment), n. the 
supreme legislative assembly of 
Great Britain and Ireland, consist- 
ing of the Sovereign, the House of 
Lords, and the House of Com- 
mons. 

parliamentary (par-li-men'ta-ri), adj. 
pertaining to, enacted by, or in ac- 
cordance with the usages of, Par- 
liament. 

parlor (par'ler), n. reception room; 
drawing room. 

parochial (pa-r5'ki-al), adj. pertain- 
ing to a parish; narrow-minded. 

parody (par'o-di),n. [pi. _ parodies (par'- 
o-diz)], a burlesque imitation of a 
serious poem: v.t. [p.t. & p.p. par- 
odied, p.pr. parodying], to convert 
into a parody. [Greek.] 

parole (pa-rol'), n. a word of honor, 
especially one given by a prisoner 
of war that in return for conditional 
freedom he will return to custody 
on a specified day; the daily pass- 
word in a camp or garrison. [French.] 

paroxysm (par'oks-izm), n. a sudden 
spasm, or fit of acute pain; sudden 
action or convulsion. [Greek.] 

parquet, parquette (par-ket), n. 
the floor space of a theater between 
the orchestra-rail and dress-circle. 

parquetry (par'ket-ri), n. mosaic 
wood- work for floors. [French.] 

parrakeet (par'a-ket), n. a small 
long-tailed parrot. Also paraquet, 
paroquet. [French.] 

parricide (par'i-sid), n. the murderer 
of a father or mother. [Latin.] 

parrot (par'ot), n. a tropical bird with 
a hooked bill, characterized by its 
brilliant plumage and its power of 
imitating the human voice. [French.] 

parry (par'i), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. parried, 
p.pr. parrying], to ward off, as a 
blow. 

parse (pars), v.t. to resolve by gram- 
matical rules a sentence into its 
component parts, and show the re- 
lation of the various parts of speech. 

parsimonious (par-si-mo'ni-us), adj. 
frugal to excess; miserly; penurious. 

parsimony (par'si-mo-ni), n. closeness 
in expenditure; niggardliness. [Latin.] 

parsley (pars'li), n. a culinary herb. 
[French.] 

parsnip (pars'nip), n. an edible plant 
with a carrot-like root. [French.] 


ate. arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


PARSON 


364 


PASS 


parson (par'sn), n. the incumbent of 
a parish; a clergyman. [Latin.] 

parsonage (par^n-aj), n. an eccle- 
siastical benefice ; the residence of an 
incumbent. 

part (part), n. something less than 
the whole; piece; portion; propor- 
tional quantity; ingredient; share; 
member or organ; side or party; 
concern; business; portion of a work 
issued in numbers at stated inter- 
vals; any one of the characters of a 
play; one of the melodies in a har- 
mony: pi. faculties, qualities, or ac- 
complishments ; _ regions ; quarters : 
v.t. to divide into two or more 
pieces: v.i. to be separated; take 
leave. [French.] 

partake (par-tak'), v.i. [p.t. par- 
took, p.p. partaken, p.pr. partak- 
ing], to take a part or share in 
common with others. 

parterre (par-tar 7 ), n. a series of 
flower beds arranged ornamentally, 
with intervening spaces of gravel or 
turf. [French.] 

partial (par'shal), adj. inclined to 
favor one side or party; biased. 
[French.] 

partiality (par-shi-al'i-ti), n. the state 
or quality of being partial. 

participant (par-tis'i-pant), adj. shar- 
ing: n. one who shares or par- 
takes. 

participate (par-tis'i-pat), v.i. to par- 
take: v.t. to have part of; share. 

participation (par-tis-i-pa'shun) , n. 
the act of sharing something with 
others; division into shares; com- 
panionship. 

participial (par-ti-sip'i-al), adj. having 
the nature of a participle. 

participle (par'ti-si-pl) , n. a word 
which partakes of the nature of a 
verb and of an adjective. 

particle (par'ti-kl), n. an atom; the 
smallest part into which a body can 
be divided; a word non-inflected, or 
not used alone; a crumb of conse- 
crated bread. 

particular (par-tik'u-lar)^ adj. dis- 
tinct from others; individual; pe- 
culiar or special ; characteristic; ex- 
clusive; exact; minute. 

particularity (par-tik-u-lar'i-ti) , n. 
circumstantiality. 

particularize (par-tik'u-lar-iz), v.t. 


to give the particulars of: v.i. be 
attentive to single things or details. 

parting (part'ing), p. adj. separating; 
given when separating: n. division; 
separating; a taking leave; a divi- 
sion in strata. _ 

partisan (par'ti-zan), n. an adher- 
ent of a party or faction; a kind of 
halberd: adj. pertaining to, or 
biased in favor of, a party, &c. 

partisanship (par'ti-zan-ship), n. the 
state of being a partisan. 

partition (par-tish'un) , n. the act or 
state of being divided; separation; 
distribution; a dividing wall; part 
where separation is made: v.t. di- 
vide into shares; divide by walls. 

partitive (par'ti-tiv), adj. noting a 
part: n. a word that denotes a part 
or expresses partition. 

partly (part'li), adv. in part. 

partner (part'ner), n. one who is as- 
sociated with another, especially in 
a business, &c; an associate; one 
who dances with another; a hus- 
band or wife. 

partnership (part'ner-ship), n. the 
state of being a partner; union of 
two or more persons in the same 
business or profession. 

partook (par-took'), P-t. of partake. 

partridge (par'trij), n. a well-known 
gallinaceous bird of the genus 
Perdix, preserved as game. 

parturition (par-tu-rish'un), n. the 
act of bringing forth young. [Latin.] 

party (par'ti), n. [pi. parties (par'tiz)], 
a number of persons united together 
for a particular purpose; faction; 
one concerned in an affair; cause or 
side; a select company; single indi- 
vidual spoken of. 

parvenu (par've-nu), n. an upstart; 
one newly come to wealth or power. 

pasha (pa-shaw'), n. a Turkish title 
given to high officials. Also pacha. 

pasquinade (pas-kwin-ad'), n. a lam- 
poon or rude satire: v.t. to lampoon 
or satirize. [French, from Italian.] 

pass (pas), v.i. to move from one 
place or state to another; be pro- 
gressive; change by degrees; be 
enacted; be current: v.t. to go be- 
yond, or through, or by; cause to 
move onward; omit; give authority 
to ; transfer ; void ; utter or pronounce : 
n. a narrow passage, or entrance; 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut : think, then. 


PASSABLE 


365 


PATENT 


defile; license, state of extremity; a 
thrust. 

passable (pas'a-bl), adj. that may be 
passed, traveled, or navigated; ca- 
pable of bearing inspection; toler- 
able. 

passage (pas'aj), n. the act of passing; 
course or journey; entrance or exit; 
right of passing; legal enactment; 
single clause or portion of a book; 
migratory habits. 

pass-book (pas'book), n. a book which 
passes between a merchant and his 
customer and contains the entries 
of goods sold on credit ; a bank-book 
held by the depositor. 

passe (pas-a'), adj. past; worn out or 
faded. [French.] 

passementerie (pas-men'te-re) , n. 
dress-trimmings usually of beaded 
lace. [French.] 

passenger (pas'en-jer), n. one who 
travels in or on a conveyance; one 
who passes. 

passing (pas'ing), p.adj. departing: 
adv. exceedingly: n. the act of going 
by; transit. 

passion (pash'un), n. violent agita- 
tion of mind in anger; strong deep 
feeling or excitement; love; ardor; 
intense desire. [Latin.] 

Passion, n. the sufferings of Christ 
in his last agonies. 

passionate (pash'un-at), adj. moved 
by passion; angry; excitable. 

passionless (pash'un-les), adj. void of 
passion; calm. 

passive (pas'iv), adj. suffering with- 
out resisting ; not acting ; submissive ; 
quiescent. 

passport (pas'port), n. a license to 
travel in a foreign country. [French.] 

password (pas'werd), n. a word by 
means of which friends are distin- 
guished from strangers or enemies. 

past (past), p.adj. having formerly 
been; gone by; completed: n. the 
time gone by; adv. along: prep, be- 
yond. 

paste (past), n. a mixture of flour, 
&c, with water, used as a cement; 
dough prepared for pies, &c; a com- 
position for making artificial gems: 
v.t. to fasten with paste. 

pastel (pas-tel'), n. a colored crayon. 

paster (pas'ter), n. strip of gummed 
paper with printed matter on it, 


for covering over other printed mat- 
ter, &c. 

pastern (pas'tern), n. that part of a 
horse's hoof which lies between the 
fetlock and the coffin point, occupying 
the length between the two pastern 
bones. 

pasteurize (pas'tur-Iz) , v.t. to inocu- 
late with the bacilli which produce 
a specific disease so as to prevent or 
cure it. Named from the French 
chemist, Louis Pasteur. 

pastil (pas'til), n. a small cone of aro- 
matic paste used for fumigating a 
room: a medicated lozenge. Also 
pastille (pas-tel). 

pastime (pas'tim), n. diversion. 

pastor (pas'ter), n. a clergyman or 
minister having spiritual charge 
of a church and congregation. 

pastoral (pas'ter-al), adj. pertaining 
to shepherds, or to the care of a 
church; rural; addressed to the 
clergy of a diocese by its bishop: n. 
a kind of dramatic poem, delineating 
incidents in rural life; a bishop's 
pastoral letter. 

pastry (pas'tri), n. articles of food, as 
pies, &c, made of light puffy dough. 

pasturage (pas'tur-aj), n. the business 
of grazing cattle; pasture. 

pasture (pas'tur), n. land under grass 
for grazing cattle; grass for graz- 
ing: v.t. to supply with grass or 
pasture: v.i. to graze. 

pasty (past'i), adj. like paste; a 
small pie of crust raised without a 
dish. 

pat (pat), n. a light quick blow with 
the hand; a small lump of butter 
made up: adj. apt; exact: adv. fit- 
ly: v.t. [p.t. & p.p. patted, p.pr. pat- 
ting], to strike gently and quickly 
with the fingers or hand. 

pat (pat), adv. neatly; at the moment. 

patch (pach), n. a piece applied to 
cover a hole or rent; a piece in- 
serted in variegated work; a plot of 
ground: v.t. to put a patch on; 
mend clumsily. 

pate (pat), n. the head; crown of the 
head. 

patent (pat'ent), adj. apparent; open 
to the perusal of all; secured by let- 
ters patent; spreading widely: n. 
a privilege granted by letters patent, 
as a title of nobility, or the sole 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book 
hiie, hut ; think, then. 


PATERNAL 


366 


PAWN 


right in an invention: v.t. to grant 
or secure by letters patent. 

paternal (pa-ter'nal), adj. pertaining 
to, or exhibiting the characteristics 
of, a father; hereditary. 

paternity (pa-ter'ni-ti) , n. paternal 
relation; authorship. 

paternoster (pa-ter-nos'ter) , n. the 
Lord's Prayer; a rosary; every elev- 
enth bead in a rosary. 

path (path), n. a road; footway; 
track; course of conduct or action. 

pathetic (pa-thet'ik), adj. affecting 
the emotions or passions; touching. 

pathogeny (pa-thoj 'e-ni), n. the science 
of the origin of diseases. 

pathology (pa-thol'o-ji), n. the science 
of diseases. 

pathos (pa'thos), n. expression of 
deep feeling ; intense half-melancholy 
emotion. 

patience (pa'shens), n. the quality of 
being patient or calmly enduring. 

patient (pa'shent), adj. suffering pain, 
hardship, affliction, insult, &c, with 
calmness and equanimity; continu- 
ance of labor; persevering; waiting 
with calmness: n. a person under 
medical treatment. 

patois (pat'wa), n. provincial dialect, 
as Yorkshire Wessexand Lancashire 
in England. [Latin.] 

patriarch (pa/tri-ark) , n. the foun- 
der or head of a family; an aged 
man; in the Greek Church, a metro- 
politan dignitary of the highest rank. 

patrician (pa-trish'an), n. one of 
the senators of ancient Rome; a 
lobleman: adj. senatorial; noble. 

patricide (pat'ri-sid), n. the murder or 
murderer of one's father. 

patrimonial (pat-ri-mo'ni-al), adj. 
inherited from ancestors. 

patrimony (pat'ri-mo-ni), n. an estate 
or right inherited from a father or 
one's ancestors; an ecclesiastical 
endowment or estate. 

patriot (pat'ri- or pa'tri-ot), n. one 
who loves, and is devoted to, his na- 
tive country and its welfare. 

patriotic (pa-tri-ot'ik), adj. character- 
ized by patriotism. 

patriotism (pa/tri-ot-izm), n. love of 
one's country. 

patrol (pa-trol'), n. a corporal's guard 
that marches round at night to 
preserve order; a mounted police- 


man: v.t. [p.t. & p.p. patrolled, p.pr. 
patrolling], to go round as a patrol. 

patron (pa'tron), n. a guardian or 
protector; one who has the gift of a 
benefice. Fern, patroness: adj. giv- 
ing aid or exercising guardianship; 
tutelary. [French.] 

patronage (pa/tron-aj), n. special 
support; guardianship or protection; 
right of conferring a benefice. 

patronize (pa'tro-niz), v .t. to act as a 
patron towards; support or protect; 
frequent as a customer. 

patronymic (pat-ro-nim'ik), adj. de- 
rived from the name of an ancestor: 
n. a name derived from an ancestor. 

patter (pat'er), v.i. to strike with a 
quick succession of light sounds, as 
hail: n. the dialect of a class. 

pattern (pat'ern), n. a model, sample, 
or specimen; anything cut out or 
formed into shape to be copied. 

paucity (paw'si-ti), n. smallness of 
number or quantity. 

paunch (panch or pawnch), n. the 
belly; the first and largest stomach 
of a ruminant. 

pauper (paw'per), n. a poor person; 
one who is supported by the poor 
rates. 

pauperize (paw'per-iz), v.t. to reduce 
to pauperism. 

pause (pawz), n. cessation; tempo- 
rary stop; a break in writing indi- 
cated by the mark [ — ]; a mark of 
cessation in speaking; a mark [^] 
in music, indicating the continuance 
of a note or rest: v.i. to make a 
short stop; wait; hesitate. 

pave (pav), v.t. to cover or lay with 
stones, bricks, &c: as, to pave a 
street. 

pavement (pav'ment), n. a paved 
roadway or floor. 

pavilion (pa-vil'yun), n. an orna- 
mental domed-shaped building; a 
large tent; a temporary movable 
habitation ; summer-house. 

paving (pa'ving), n. pavement. 

paw (paw), n. the foot of an animal 
with claws: v.t. to scrape with the 
forefoot; handle, as with paws; 
caress, as a dog. 

pawn (pawn), n. something given as 
security for the redemption of a 
pledge; a common piece at chess: 
v.t. to give in pledge. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, //ten. 


PAY 


367 


PEDESTRIAN 


pay (pa), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. paid, p.pr. 
paying], to discharge a debt to; 
give an equivalent for; compensate; 
reward; fulfil; smear with tar, 
pitch, &c: n. money given for serv- 
ice rendered. [French.] 

pea (pe), n. [pi. peas or pease (pez)], 
a leguminous plant of the genus 
Pisum and its edible seed. 

peace (pes), n. a state of rest or 
tranquillity; calm; freedom from 
war or disturbance. 

peaceable (pes'a-bl), adj. disposed to 
peace; calm; quiet. 

peaceful (pes fool), adj. full of peace; 
pacific; quiet. [French.] 

peach (pecn), n. a tree with its downy 
edible fruit; v.i. to betray one's ac- 
complices. 

peacock (pe'kok), n. a gallinaceous 
bird with handsome plumage; adj. 
iridescent like the feathers of the 
peacock. 

peak (pek), n. the sharp-pointed sum- 
mit or jutting part of a mountain 
or hill; pointed end; the leather pro- 
jection in front of a cap; the upper 
outer corner of an extended sail: v.i. 
to look pale and wan: v.t. to raise 
(a sail) obliquely to the mast. 

peal (pel), n. a loud sound, as of 
thunder, bells, &c; a set of musical 
bells, or the changes rung by them: 
v.i. to give forth loud or solemn 
sounds. 

peanut (pe'nut), n. the ground-nut; 
in some parts of the country called 
goober. 

pear (par), n. the juicy edible fruit 
of the pear-tree (Pyrus communis). 

pearl (perl), n. a hard, smooth, grey- 
ish-white iridescent gem found in 
the mother-of-pearl oyster ; anything 
resembling a pearl or very precious; 
a white speck in the eye; a small 
size of type (see type) : adj. pertain- 
ing to, or formed of, pearls: v.t. 
to set or adorn with pearls. 

peasant (pez'ant), n. a countryman; 
rustic laborer: adj. rural; rustic. 

peasantry (pez'ant-ri), n. peasants 
collectively. 

pease (pez), n.pl. peas collectively. 

peat (pet), n. decayed vegetable 
matter resembling turf cut out of 
bogs: used as fuel. 

pebble (peb'l), n. a roundish stone; 


transparent rock crystal used for 
spectacles, &c. 

pecan (pe'can), n. a species of North 
American hickory and its fruit. 

peccable (pek'a-bl), adj. liable to 
sin. 

peccadillo (pek-a-dil'o), n. a trifling 
fault. 

peck (pek), n. one-fourth of a bushel; 
quick sharp stroke with the beak: 
v.t. to strike with the beak; pick up 
with the beak; eat. 

pecker (pek'er), n. one who pecks; a 
woodpecker. 

pectoral (pek'to-ral) , adj. pertaining 
to, good for, or worn on, the chest: 
n. the breastplate of the Jewish 
high-priest; a medicine for chest 
complaints; a pectoral fin. [Latin.] 

peculate (pek'ii-lat), v.i. to appro- 
priate public money to one's own use; 
embezzle. [Latin.] 

peculiar (pe-ku'lyar) , adj. one's own; 
appropriate; individual; strange: n. 
a church or parish exempted from 
the jurisdiction of the diocese to 
which it belongs. [Latin.] 

peculiarity (pe-ku-li-ar'i-ti), n. [pi. 
peculiarities (pe-ku-li-ar'i-tiz)], some- 
thing peculiar or characteristic. 

pecuniary (pe-kii'ni-ar-i) , adj. per- 
taining to, or consisting of, money; 
monetary. 

pedagogy (ped'a-go-ji), n. the science 
of teaching. 

pedal (ped'al), adj. pertaining to a 
foot: n. a key or lever attached to a 
musical instrument and moved by 
the foot, to modify the swell or tone: 
v.t. to work the pedal of a bicycle. 

pedant (ped'ant), n. one who makes 
an ostentatious display of his learn- 
ing. 

pedantic (pe-dan'tik), adj. pertain- 
ing to, or characterised by, ped- 
antry. 

pedantry (ped'an-tri) , n. ostentatious 
display of learning. 

peddle (ped'l), v.i. to travel about sell- 
ing small wares; be busy about 
trifles: v.t. to retail in small quan- 
tities. 

peddler, pedler, pedlar (ped'ler), n. 
one who peddles. 

pedestal (ped'es-tal), n. the base of a 
column, statue, &c. 

pedestrian (pe-des'tri-an) , adj. go- 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


PEDIGREE 


368 


PENDING 


ing on foot; walking: n. one who 
journeys on foot; professional walk- 
er. 

pedigree (ped'i-gre), n. lineage; gene- 
alogy. 

pediment (ped'i-ment), n. the trian- 
gular or circular ornament over the 
entablature, &c, of a building. 

pedobaptism, same as paedobaptism. 

pedometer (pe-dom'e-ter), n. a watch- 
shaped instrument for recording 
paces and distances in walking. 

peduncle (ped-ung'kl), n. a flower- 
stalk. 

peel (pel), v.t. to strip the skin, bark, 
or rind from: v.i. to undress: n. 
skin or rind; a baker's long flat 
wooden shovel; a contrivance for 
hanging up printed sheets to dry. 

peep (pep), v.i. to chirp or cry, as young 
birds; to look through a crevice or 
hiding place; look slyly; begin to 
appear: n. the cry of a chicken; a 
sly look; a beginning to appear. 

peer (per), n. one of the same rank; 
an equal; associate; a nobleman who 
is a member of the House of Lords: 
v.i. to appear; look narrowly. 

peerage (per'aj), n. the rank or dig- 
nity of a peer ; peers collectively ; a 
book giving information respecting 
the nobility. 

peeress (per'es), n. a peer's wife; a 
lady of noble rank. 

peerless (per'les), adj. without an 
equal. 

peevish (pev'ish), adj. fretful; diffi- 
cult to please. 

peg (peg), n. a small pointed wooden 
pin; a piece of wood serving as a 
nail: v.i. [p.t. & p.p. pegged, p.pr. 
pegging], to fasten or mark out 
with # pegs, especially soldiers who 
are insubordinate and are ordered 
to be " pegged out " (Kipling). 

pelerine (pel'er-in), n. & lady's long 
cape with tapering ends. 

pelf (pelf), n. money; wealth: used 
in a bad sense. 

pelican (pel'i-kan), n. a large aquat- 
ic bird with a huge axe-shaped bill; 
a dentist's instrument. 

pelisse (pe-les'), n. a lady's silk habit; 
a hussar's jacket. [French.] 

pell (pel), n. a skin or hide; a roll 
of parchment. [Latin.] 

pellet (pel'et), n. a little ball. 


pell-mell (pel'mel), adv. with confused 
violence. [French.] 

pellucid (pel-ii'sid), adj. perfectly 
clear; transparent. [Latin.] 

pelt (pelt), n. a raw hide; a blow from 
something thrown: v.t. to strike by 
throwing something: v.i. to fall 
heavily, as rain. 

peltry (pel'tri), n. skins of furred 
animals collectively. 

pelvic (pel'vik), adj. pertaining to the 
pelvis. [Latin.] 

pelvis (pel'vis), n. the bony cavity in 
the lower part of the abdomen. 

pen (pen), n. a small inclosure; coop; 
an instrument for writing: v.t. [p.t. & 
p.p. penned, p.pr. penning], to shut up 
or confine in a small inclosure; write. 

penal (pe'nal), adj. enacting, inflict- 
ing, or incurring punishment for 
crime; punitive. 

penalize (pe'nal-iz), v.t. to subject to 
penalty; to punish. 

penalty (pen'al-ti), n. legal punish- 
ment either on the person or by a 
fine; fine or forfeit; an extra weight 
carried by a racehorse. 

penance (pen'ans), n. self -imposed 
suffering, as an expression of con- 
trition for sin; repentance; in the 
Roman Catholic Church one of the 
sacraments by which sins are par- 
doned after confession and satisfac- 
tion. 

Penates (pe-na'tez), n.pl. the house- 
hold gods of the ancient Romans. 

pence (pens), pi. of penny. [Latin.] 

penchant (pang-shang') , n. a strong 
inclination or taste. [French.] 

pencil (pen'sil), n. a small fine brush 
used by artists; a pointed instru- 
ment of black lead, colored chalk, 
&c; a collection of rays of light 
converging to a point: v.t. to write, 
sketch, paint, or mark with a pencil. 

penciled (pen'sild), p. adj. written, 
drawn, or painted, with a pencil; 
radiating. 

pendant (pen'dant), n. anything 
hanging for ornamentation; an ear- 
ring or locket ; a pennant. 

pendency (pen'den-si), n. suspense; 
indecision. Also pendence. 

pendent (pen'dent), adj. hanging; pro- 
jecting; swinging. 

pending (pen'ding), adj. undecided; 
hanging in suspense. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, mergre, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


PENDULUM 


369 


PEONY 


pendulum (pen'du-lum), n. a heavy 
body suspended so that it may vi- 
brate backwards and forwards about 
a fixed point by the force of gravity, 
as in a clock. 

penetrable (pen'e-tra-bl), adj. that 
may be penetrated; susceptive of 
impression. 

penetralia (pen-e-tra'li-a), n.pl. the 
inner part of a temple, house, &c; 
mysteries. 

penetrate (pen'e-trat), v.t. to pierce 
into; enter; bore or perforate; reach 
the mind; affect deeply; reach the 
interior. 

penetrating (pen'e-tra-ting), p.adj. 
piercing; sharp; discerning. Also 
penetrative. 

penetration (pen-e-tra/shun), n. the 
act of penetrating; mental acute- 
ness. 

penguin (pen'gwin), n. a large sea- 
fowl with rudimentary wings. 

peninsula (pe-nin'su-la), n. a por- 
tion of jutting land nearly sur- 
rounded by water, and connected 
with the mainland by an isthmus. 
When the English speak of the 
Peninsula, they always mean the 
Spanish Peninsula (Spain and Portu- 
gal) where the great Peninsular War 
was fought by them against Napo- 
leon. . 

penis (pe'nis), n. the male organ of 
generation. [Latin.] 

penitence (pen'i-tens), n. sorrow for 
sin; state of being penitent. 

penitent (pen'i-tent), adj. repentant: 
n. one who is penitent ; one under ec- 
clesiastical censure, but admitted to 
penance; one who is under the di- 
rection of a confessor. 

penitentiary (pen-i-ten'sha-ri) , adj. 
pertaining to penance: n. a penitent; 
a house of correction; a state pris- 
on; a home for fallen women; an 
office at the papal court, that grants 
dispensations, absolutions, &c; the 
official w T ho presides over such a 
court. 

penman (pen'man), n. an author; one 
who writes a good hand. 

penmanship (pen'man-ship), n. the 
art, or style, of writing. 

pennant (pen'ant), n. a long narrow 
strip of bunting at the mast-heads 
of men-of-war. 


penniless (pen'i-les), adj. without 
money; destitute. 

pennon (pen'on), n. a small swallow- 
tailed flag or streamer. 

penny (pen'i), n. [pi. pennies (pen'iz) 
(denoting number), pence (pens), 
(denoting amount or value)], a bronze 
coin = 1-12 of a shilling, or 2 cents. 
[English.] 

pennyweight (pen'i-wat), n. a weight 
= 24 grains troy. 

penology (pe-nol'o-ji), n. the scientific 
study of punishments, prison man- 
agement, &c. 

pensile (pen'sil), adj. hanging. 

pension (pen'shun), n. a stated allow- 
ance paid for past services, as to the 
state, &c; money paid instead of 
tithes; a continental boarding house 
or school (pang-si-ang') : v.t. to 
grant a pension to. 

pensive (pen'siv), adj. thoughtful; 
sad. 

pent, p.t. & p.p. of pen (to shut up). 

penta, a Greek prefix meaning five, as 
pentachord, an instrument with five 
strings; musical scale of five sounds. 
Also pente. 

pentad (pen'tad), n. an element which 
combines with or replaces a monad. 

pentagon (pen'ta-gon), n. a figure 
of five sides and five angles. 

pentameter (pen-tam'e-ter), n. a 
verse consisting of five feet. 

Pentateuch (pen'ta-tuk), n. the first 
five books of the Old Testament. _ 

Pentecost (pen'te-kost), n. a Jewish 
festival kept the fiftieth day after the 
second day of the Passover; Whit- 
suntide, commemorative of the de- 
scent of the Holy Ghost. 

penult (pe'nult), n. the last syllable 
of a word but one. Also penultima. 

penumbra (pe-num'bra) , n. a partial 
shadow on the exterior of the perfect 
shadow of an eclipse; the boundary 
of light and shade in a picture. 

penurious (pe-nu'ri-us) , adj. miserly; 
sordid. 

penury (pen'ii-ri), n. want of the ne- 
cessities of life; poverty. [Latin.] 

peon (pe'on), n. a Mexican laborer; 
an Indian native scldier or consta- 
ble; a pawn at chess. [Spanish.] 

peony (pe'o-ni), n. a perennial plant 
with handsome flowers of the genus 
Paeonia. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book : 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


PEOPLE 


370 


PERI 


people (pe'pl), n. [pi. people, peoples 
(pe'plz)], persons generally; commu- 
nity; inhabitants; race, kindred, or 
family; the commonalty: v.t. to 
stock with people or inhabitants. 

pepper (pep'er), n. a hot pungent 
spice made of the ground seeds of 
Piper nigrum; the name is also given 
to ground capsicum, but distin- 
guished from black pepper by the 
prefixed adjective "red/' 

peppermint (pep'er-mint), n. an 
aromatic herb; the cordial prepared 
from it. 

peppery (pep'er-i), adj. like pepper; 
fiery; pungent; choleric. _ 

per, a Latin prefix meaning through, 
over the whole extent, by, very, as per- 
ambulate, to walk over; per diem, 
by the day, &c. 

peradventure (per-ad-ven'tur) , adv. 
by chance. 

perambulation (per-am-bu-la/shun) , 
n. the act of passing through; a 
survey made by traveling; the annual 
survey of a parish boundary. 

perceive (per-sev'), v-t. to obtain 
knowledge of by the senses; under- 
stand; discern. 

percentage (per-sent'aj), n. propor- 
tional allowance per cent. 

percept (per'sept), n. the knowledge 
(mental image) acquired through 
the medium of the senses, concerning 
various objects. See^ concept. 

perceptible (per-sep'ti-bl), adj. that 
may be perceived. 

perception (per-sep'shun), n. the act, 
state, or faculty of receiving knowl- 
edge of external things by the me- 
dium of the senses; idea, notion, or 
conception. 

perch (perch), n. a fresh- water fish 
[French]; a measure of length = 53^ 
yards, l-40th of a rood; anything on 
which birds sit or roost: v.i. to sit or 
roost: v.t. to place on a perch. 

perchance (per-chans'), adv. per- 
haps. 

percipient (per-sip'i-ent), adj. per- 
ceiving: n. one who perceives. 

percolate (per'ko-lat), v.i. to pass 
through small spaces. 

percolator (per'ko-la-ter), n. a fil- 
tering machine or vessel; a coffee- 
pot fitted with a filter. 

percussion (per-kush'un) , n. violent 


collision; shock produced by the 
collision of bodies; impression of 
sound on the ear; the medical ex- 
amination of a part of the body by 
tapping it gently so as to determine 
its condition by the sound pro- 
duced. 

perdition (per-dish'un), n. total de- 
struction; ruin; utter loss of the 
soul or of happiness in a future 
state. 

peregrination (per-e-gri-na'shun), n. 
the act of traveling about. 

peremptory (per-emp'tor-i), adj. posi- 
tive; final; decisive; precluding dis- 
cussion or hesitation. [Latin.] 

perennial (per-en'i-al) , adj. lasting 
through the year; perpetual; noting 
plants that continue more than two 
years. [Latin.] 

perfect (per'f ekt) , adj. complete ; with- 
out defect or blemish; blameless; 
pure; fully skilled or accomplished; 
in grammar, the tense that expresses 
completed action: v.t. to make per- 
fect; complete or finish. [Latin.] 

perfection (per-fek'shun), n. the state 
of being perfect; supreme excellence. 

perfidious (per-fid'i-us), adj. false to 
trust; treacherous; faithless. 

perfidy (per'fi-di), n. violation of a 
trust reposed. _ [Latin.] 

perforate (per'f o-rat), v.t. to pierce or 
bore through; make a hole through. 

perforation (per-fo-ra'shun), n. the 
act of piercing or boring through; a 
hole bored through. [Latin.] 

perforce (per-fors'), adv. by force; 
violently. 

perform (per-form'), v.t. to do or 
carry out; execute; achieve; fulfil: 
v.i. to act a part. 

performance (per-form'ans), n. the 
act of performing; execution; com- 
pletion; deed or feat; an enter- 
tainment. 

perfume (per-fum'), v.t. to impreg- 
nate with a pleasant odor ; scent : n . 
(per'f um), a sweet-smelling scent. 

perfumery (per-fum'er-i), n. perfumes 
in general. [French.] 

perfunctory (per-fungk'to-ri), adj. 
done carelessly or negligently with 
the purpose of getting rid of the 
duty; negligent. [Latin.] 

perhaps (per-haps'), adv. possibly. 

peri, a Greek prefix, meaning around, 


«te, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


PERICARDIUM 


371 


PERPENDICULAR 


as peribolos, a wall or court sur- 
rounding a temple. 

pericardium (per-i-kar'di-um), n. the 
membrane that surrounds the heart. 

pericranium (per-i-kra'ni-um), n. the 
membrane that surrounds the cra- 
nium. 

perihelion (per-i-he'li-on), n. [pi. 
perihelia (per-i-he'li-a)], that point 
in the orbit of a planet, or a comet, 
nearest the sun. 

peril (per'il), n. exposure to injury; 
danger; jeopardy; risk: v.t. to ex- 
pose to danger or risk. [French.] 

perilous (per'il-us), adj. full of peril; 
hazardous; dangerous. 

perimeter (pe-rim'e-ter) , n. the out- 
er boundary of a plane surface. 

period (pe'ri-od), n. a circuit or cy- 
cle; interval of time; the time taken 
by a planet to revolve round the 
sun; length of duration; conclusion; 
a dot [.] to mark the end of a sen- 
tence; in rhetoric, a complete sen- 
tence. 

periodical (pe-ri-od'i-kal), adj. per- 
taining to a period, or to periodicals; 
occurring at regular intervals. Also 
periodic: n. a publication issued at 
stated intervals, as a magazine. 

peripatetic (per-i-pa-tet'ik), adj. walk- 
ing about: n. one who is accustomed 
or compelled to walk. 

periphery (pe-rif 'er-i) , n. [pi. periph- 
eries (pe-rif'er-iz)], the circumfer- 
ence of a circle, ellipse, or similar 
figure. 

periphrasis (pe-rif 'ra-sis) , n. circum- 
locution. 

periscope (per'i-skop) , n. an instru- 
ment for seeing over intervening ob- 
jects; used in guiding submarine 
boats. 

perish (per'ish), v.i. to lose life or vi- 
tality; decay or die; be destroyed or 
come to nothing. 

perishable (per'ish-a-bl) , adj. liable 
to perish; mortal. 

peristaltic (per-i-stal'tik), adj. per- 
taining to the peculiar worm-like 
movement of the intestines by which 
their contents are forced onward. 
[Greek.] 

peristyle (per'i-stil) , n. an open court 
in the interior of a house surrounded 
by a row of columns. 

peritoneum (per-i-to-ne'um) , n. a 


thin serous membrane which covers 
the abdominal viscera. 

peritonitis (per-i-to-ni'tis), n. im- 
flammation of the peritoneum. 

perityphlitis (per-i-ti-fll'tis), n. same 
as appendicitis, [Eng. Med.] 

periwig (per'i-wig), n. a small wig. 

periwinkle (per'i-wing-kl), n. a peren- 
nial creeping plant; a small uni- 
valve mollusk. 

perjure (per'jur), v.i. to swear false- 
ly. [Latin.) 

perjury (per'jur-i), n. the act of swear- 
ing falsely when on oath. 

perk (perk), v.t. to make trim or smart: 
v.i. to hold up the head in a smart 
or saucy manner; peer. 

permanence (per'ma-nens), n. the 
state or quality of being permanent; 
duration. Also permanency. 

permanent (per'ma-nent), adj. last- 
ing; durable; continuing in the same 
state. [Latin.] 

permeable (per'me-a-bl), adj. that 
may be passed through. 

permeate (per'me-at), v.t. to penetrate 
and pass through the pores or in- 
terstices of. [Latin.] 

permissible (per-mis'i-bl), adj. that 
may be permitted. 

permission (per-mish'un), n. the act 
of permitting; leave; license. 

permit (per-mif), v.t.^ [p.t. & p.p. per- 
mitted, p.pr. permitting], to allow 
without command ; consent to ; toler- 
ate: n. (per'mit), a written license 
from an officer of customs to re- 
move dutiable goods; permission. 
[French.] 

permutation (per-mu-ta'shun), n. 
the exchange of one thing for an- 
other; the arrangement of any de- 
terminate number of things or let- 
ters, in all possible orders, one after 
the other. [Latin.] 

pernicious (per-nish'us), adj. highly 
injurious or hurtful; destructive. 

peroration (per-o-ra'shun), # n. the 
concluding part of an oration. 

peroxide (per-oks'id), n. the oxide of a 
base which contains the largest pro- 
portion of oxygen. 

perpend (per-pend'), v.t. to weigh in 
the mind; to consider carefully. 
[Latin.] 

perpendicular (per-pen-dik'u-lar) , adj. 
standing at right angles to a given 


at<\ arm, at. 
?4 


LWl 


me. merge, met : mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


PERPETRATE 


372 


PERTAIN 


line or surface; perfectly upright: n. 
a perpendicular line. 

perpetrate (per'pe-trat), v.t. to com- 
mit; perform (in a bad sense). 

perpetual (per-pet'ii-al), adj. never 
ceasing; not temporary. 

perpetuate (per-pet'u-at), v.t. to make 
perpetual; preserve from extinction 
or oblivion. [Latin.] 

perpetuity (per-pe-tu'i-ti) , n. the 
state of being perpetual; endless 
duration. 

perplex (per-pleks'), v.t. to make diffi- 
cult to be understood; make anx- 
ious; puzzle; embarrass or confuse. 

perplexity (per-pleks'i-ti), n. em- 
barrassment ; doubt ; intricacy. 

perquisite (per'kwi-zit), n. a gift or 
allowance in addition to regular 
wages or salary; that which is gained, 
as distinct from that which is in- 
herited. [Latin.] 

persecute (per'se-kut), v.t. to harass 
or ill-treat, especially for religious 
opinions; annoy with importunity. 

persecution (per-se-ku'shun), n. the 
act of persecuting ; the state of being 
persecuted. [Latin.] 

perseverance (per-se-ve'rans) , n. the 
act or state of persevering; continu- 
ance in grace. 

persevere (per-se-ver') , v.i. to persist 
in any enterprise or business under- 
taken; continue steadfastly. 

persiflage (per'si-flazh), n. a light, 
flippant manner of talking; banter. 

persimmon (per-sim'un), n. an Ameri- 
can plum-like fruit ; the tree yielding 
it. [Amer. Indian.] 

persist (per-sisf). v.i. to continue 
steadily in any course commenced; 
persevere. [Latin.] 

persistent (per-sis'tent), adj. continu- 
ing; constant; persevering; not fall- 
ing off. 

person (per'sn), n. a human being or 
individual; consisting of body and 
soul; one's self; one of the three 
states of a subject or object of a 
verb, as speaking, spoken to, or 
spoken of. [French.] 

personage (per'sn-aj), n. a man or 
woman, especially one of distinction. 

personal (per'sn-al), adj. pertaining to 
men or women ; relating, or peculiar, 
to a person and his private affairs; 
pertaining to the external appear- 


ance; done in person; denoting the 
person; movable; opposed to real: 
n. movable property or goods; op- 
posed tu lands and tenements (real 
estate). 

personality (per-sn-al'i-ti) , n. that 
which constitutes distinction of per- 
son; application of remarks (usually 
offensive) to some individual. 

personate (per'sn-at), v.t. to repre- 
sent by an assumed character; 
counterfeit; assume the character 
of, for fraudulent purposes, as in 
voting. Also impersonate. 

personification (per-son-i-n-ka/shun) , 
n. the act of personifying. 

personify (per-son'i-fi), v.t.hp.t. & p.p. 
personified, p.pr. personifying], to 
represent as endowed with personal 
qualities. 

personnel (per-son-el'), n. the per- 
sons employed in any public service, 
especially the army and navy, as dis- 
tinguished from the materiel, arms, 
stores, &c. 

perspective (per-spek'tiv) , adj. per- 
taining to, or in accordance with, 
the art of perspective: n. a vista or 
view; the art of representing objects 
on a plane surface as they appear to 
the eye. [Latin.] 

perspicacious (per-spi-ka'shus) , adj. 
mentally acute; quick-sighted. 

perspicacity .(per-spi-kas'i-ti), n. the 
quality of being perspicacious; acute- 
ness of sight or discernment. 

perspicuity (per-spi-kfi'i-ti) , n. free- 
dom from obscurity ; mental clear- 
ness; lucidity. 

perspiration (per-spi-ra'shun) , n. ex- 
cretion by the pores of the skin; 
sweat. 

perspire (per-splr'), v.i. to excrete by 
the pores of the skin ; sweat . 

persuade (per-swad'). v.t. to influence 
by argument, advice, entreaty, &c; 
draw or incline the will of; exhort, 
induce; prevail upon. 

persuasion (per-swa/zhun) , n. the act 
or art of persuading ; the state of be- 
ing persuaded. 

persuasive (per-swa'siv) , adj. having 
the power to persuade; influencing 
the will or passions: n. an incitement. 

pert (pert), adj. saucy; forward. 

pertain (per-tan'), v.i. to belong, or 
have relation. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


PERTINACIOUS 


373 


PHANTOM 


pertinacious (per-ti-na'shus), adj. un- 
yielding; obstinate; resolute; tena- 
cious. 

pertinent (per'ti-nent), adj. fitting or 
appropriate; relevant. 

perturb (per-terb'). v.t. to agitate; 
disturb; disquiet. [Latin.] 

perturbation (per-ter : ba'shun), n. 
mental agitation or disquietude; an 
irregularity or deviation in the move- 
ment of a heavenly body in ita 
orbit. 

peruke (per-ook'), n. a kind of wig. 

peruse (pe-rooz'), v.t. to read with care 
and attention; examine. 

pervade (per-vad'), v.t. to penetrate; 
extend or be diffused all over; per- 
meate. [Latin.] 

perverse (per-vers'), adj. obstinate; 
untractable; petulant. 

perversion (per-ver' shun) , n. the act 
of perverting; the state of being per- 
verted ; a turning from truth or pro- 
priety ; misapplication. 

perversity (per-ver'si-ti) , same as per- 
verseness. 

pervert (per-vert'), v.t. to turn from 
the true end or proper purpose ; mis- 
apply: n. (per'vert), one who has 
been perverted, especially from truth 
to error. 

pervious (per'vi-us), adj. admitting 
passage; permeable. 

pessimism (pes'i-mizm), n. the doc- 
trine that the present state of exist- 
ence is essentially evil ; the tendency 
to exaggerate in thought the evils of 
life: opposed to optimism. [Latin.] 

pest (pest), n. a fatal epidemic dis- 
ease; plague; anything very mis- 
chievous or injurious. [Latin.] 

pestilence (pes'ti-lens), n. an infec- 
tious or contagious disease. 

pestilent (pes'ti-lent), adj. noxious to 
health, morals, or society. 

pestle (pes'l), n. an instrument for 
pounding substances in a mortar. 

pet (pet), n. any person or animal that 
is fondled; a sudden fit of peevish- 
ness or slight passion: adj. favorite: 
v.t. [p.t. & p.p. petted, p.pr. petting], 
to fondle or indulge. 

petal (pet'al), n. one of the separate 
parts of the corolla of a flower; a 
flower-leaf. [Greek.] 

petard (pe-tard'), n. a bell-shaped ex- 


plosive machine used for bursting 
open gates, &c. [French.] 

peter (pe'ter), v.i. in mining, to become 
exhausted; to lose power or value 
(with out). 

petit (pet'i), adj. small; inconsiderable 
[French]. Feminine, petite (pe-tef). 

petition (pe-tish'un), n. an earnest 
supplication or prayer ; a formal sup- 
plication from an inferior to a su- 
perior; a paper or document contain- 
ing a written request: v.t. to solicit 
earnestly; present a petition to. 

petrify (pet'ri-fi), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. pet- 
rified, p.pr. petrifying], to change 
into stone; fix in silent amazement 
or fear; render callous, obdurate, or 
hard: v.i. to become stone or of a 
stony hardness. [Latin.] 

petroleum (pe-tro'le-um), n. an in- 
flammable dark yellowish-brown bi- 
tuminous liquid issuing from certain 
rocks; mineral oil. [Grseco-Latin.] 

petticoat (pet'i-kot), n. a woman's 
loose underskirt. 

pettifogger(pet'i-fog-er), n. a lawyer 
who practices in petty cases. 

petty (pet'i), ad;', trifling; small; in- 
considerable; unimportant ; contemp- 
tible. 

petulance (pet'u-lans), n. peevishness; 
caprice. Also petulancy. 

petulant (pet'u-lant), adj. peevish; ca- 
pricious. [Latin.] 

pew (pu), n. an inclosed seat in a 
church: v.t. to furnish with pews. 
[Old French, from Latin.] 

pewter (pu'ter), n. an alloy of tin, 
lead, antimony, &c: adj. made of 
pewter. 

pfennig (fen'ig), n. a small copper 
coin of Germany = M cent. 

phaeton (fa'e-ton), n. an open four- 
wheeled carriage. 

phalanx (fa'langks), n. [pi. phalanges 
(fa-lan'jez)], among the ancient 
Greeks, a square battalion of heavy- 
armed infantry drawn up in close 
rank: hence any close compact 
body: pi. the small bones of the fin- 
gers and toes. 

phantasm (fan'tazm), n. a vision or 
specter. 

phantasmagoria (f a n-t a z-m a-g o'- 
ri-a), n. a magic lantern. [Greek.] 

phantom (fan'tom), n. an apparition; 
spirit; fancied vision. 


ate, arm, at awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit : note, north, not ; boon, book : 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


PHARISAIC 


374 


PHONOGRAPH 


Pharisaic (far-i-sa/ik), adj. pertaining 
to, or characteristic of, the Phari- 
sees; formally religious; hypocritical. 
Also pharisaical. 

Pharisee (far'i-se), n. one of a religious 
sect among the Jews characterized 
by their strict observance of the let- 
ter of the law, and rites and cere- 
monies; one who observes the letter 
rather than the spirit of the law; a 
mere formalist. [Latin, from He- 
brew.] 

pharmaceutic (far-ma-su'tik) , adj. 
pertaining to pharmaceutics. Also 
pharmaceutical: n.pl. pharmacy. 

pharmacopoeia (far-ma-ko-pe'ya), n. 
an official publication containing the 
list of drugs of the Materia Medica, 
and directions for the preparation of 
medical appliances. [Greek.] 

pharmacy (far'ma-si), n. the art of 
preparing and compounding medi- 
cines ; a drug-store. 

pharynx (far'ingks), n. the muscu- 
lar or membranous sac at the upper 
part of the esophagus. [Greek.] 

phase (faz), n. [pi. phases (fa'sez)], the 
illuminated surface shown by a 
planet, or the moon; aspect; appear- 
ance; transparent green quartz. 
Also phasis. [Greek.] 

pheasant (fez'ant), n. & gallinaceous 
bird with brilliant plumage, and pre- 
served for sport. [French.] 

phenix (fe'niks), n. a fabulous bird, 
said to live 500 years in the Arabian 
desert, and to rise rejuvenescent 
from its ashes after immolating it- 
self on a funeral pyre; hence the 
emblem of immortality. Also phoe- 
nix. [Greek.] 

phenol (fe'nol), n. carbolic acid.^ 

phenomenal (f e-nom'en-al) , adj. per- 
taining to, or consisting of, phenom- 
ena. 

phenomenon (fe-nom'e-non) , n. [pi. 
phenomena (fe-nom'e-na)], an ap- 
pearance, especially one of unusual 
occurrence; something as it is per- 
ceived by experiment or observation. 

phenyl (fe'nil), n. the hydro-carbon 
radical of phenol. 

phial (fl'al), n. a small glass bottle 
or vessel: v.t. to put or keep in a 
phial. Also vial. [Greek.] 

philanthropic (fil-an-throp'ik), adj. 


loving mankind; benevolent. Also 
philanthropical. , 

philanthropist (fil-an'thro-pist) , n. 
one who loves and seeks to benefit 
mankind. 

philanthropy (fil-an'thro-pi) , n. love 
of mankind; benevolence. [Greek.] 

philately (fil-at'e-li), n. the system- 
atic collection of postage stamps. 

Philippic (fi-lip'ik), n. a speech of 
vehement invective: from one of the 
three orations of Demosthenes 
against Philip of Macedon. The 
name is also given to the orations of 
Cicero against M. Antonius. (Mark 
Antony.) 

Philistine (fil-is'tin or fiTis-tln), n. an 
ancient inhabitant of the southwest- 
ern coast of Palestine; in Germany, 
. a non-academical person; an uncul- 
tured person or one of narrow views: 
adj. characteristic of the Philistines ; 
narrow-minded; prosaic. 

philology (fil-ol'o-ji), n. the scientific 
study of languages and their struc- 
ture and mutual relation. [Greek.] 

philomel (fil'd-mel), n. the nightin- 
gale. [Greek.] 

philoprogenitiveness (fil-o-pro-jen'- 
i-tiv-nes), n. the instinctive love of 
offspring. 

philosopher (fil-os'o-fer), n. a student 
of philosophy; one noted for calm 
judgment and practical wisdom. 

philosophic (fil-o-sof'ik), adj. per- 
taining to, or in accordance with, 
philosophy; rational; wise; calm. 
Also philosophicaj. 

philosophy (fil-os'o-fi), n. the knowl- 
edge of the causes of all phenomena 
both of mind and matter ; a particular 
philosophic system; calmness of 
temper. [Greek.] 

phlegm (flem), n. mucus secreted in 
the air-passages of the throat; cold- 
ness; sluggishness. [Greek.] 

phlegmatic (fleg-mat'ik), adj. abound- 
ing in phlegm; sluggish; dull. 

phonetic (fo-net'ik), adj. pertaining 
to the voice or sounds; representing 
the simple elementary sounds. Also 
phonetical: n.pl. the science of 
sounds, especially of the human 
voice. [Greek.] 

phonics (fon'iks), n.pl. the science of 
sounds; acoustics. 

phonograph (f o'no-graf ) , n. a letter 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book 
hue, hut; think, then. 


PHOSPHATE 


375 


PICKET 


or character indicating a distinct 
spoken sound; an instrument to re- 
cord or reproduce articulate speech 
or sounds. [Modern Greek.] 

phosphate (fos'fat), n. a salt of 
phosphoric acid. 

phosphorescence (f os-f o-res'ens) , n. 
emission of light under certain con- 
ditions by substances at common 
temperatures ; faint light. 

phosphorescent (fos-fo-res'ent), adj. 
luminous. 

phosphorus (fos'for-us), n. a yellow- 
ish, wax-like, inflammable, # non- 
metallic element, luminous in the 
dark. 

photo, a Greek prefix meaning light. 

photograph (fo'to-graf), n. a photo- 
graphic picture: v.t. to take a pic- 
ture of by means of photography. 

photography (f o-tog'ra-fi) , n. the art 
or process of producing pictures by 
the action of light on certain sub- 
stances sensitized by various chem- 
ical processes. 

photoplay (fo'to-pla), n. a play pre- 
sented on a screen by moving pic- 
tures. 

phrase (fraz), n. a part of a sen- 
tence; brief pithy expression; idiom; 
style or manner: v.t. to style; ex- 
press in peculiar words. [Greek.] 

phrenology (fren-ol'o-ji), n. the 
science of the human mind or brain, 
as connected with the moral, < in- 
tellectual, and sensual dispositions 
of the individual, which are sup- 
posed to be indicated by the un- 
dulations on the cranium. 

phthisis (ti'sis), n. pulmonary con- 
sumption. [Greek.] 

phylactery (fi-lak'ter-i) , n. [pi. phy- 
lacteries (fi-lak'ter-iz)], a small 
square box containing a thin strip 
of parchment upon which certain 
texts from the law are inscribed, 
worn by pious Jews upon the fore- 
head and left wrist. [Graeco-Latin.] 

physic (fiz'ik), n. the science of med- 
icine, or the art of healing; medi- 
cine; a cathartic: v.t. [p.t. & p.p. 
physicked, p.jpr. physicking], to ad- 
minister medicine to; cure. 

physical (fiz'i-kal), adj. pertaining to 
nature, or to material things; per- 
ceptible to the senses; pertaining to 
physics; medicinal. 


physician (fi-zish'an), n. one legally 
qualified to prescribe remedies for 
diseases. 

physics (fiz'iks), n.pl. physical science 
or natural philosophy. 

physiognomy (fiz-i-og'no-mi), n. the 
science of discerning the character 
of the mind from the features of the 
countenance; the face; outward 
appearance. 

physiology (fiz-i-ol'o-ji),n. the science 
that treats of €he vital functions 
performed by the organs of animals 
and plants. 

physique (fi-zek'), n. physical organ- 
ization. [French.] 

pi, pie (pi), n. disarranged or jum- 
bled type: v.t. to jumble or throw 
into disorder 5> as printing type. 

pianist (pi'an-ist), n. a performer on 
the piano. 

piano (pi-an'o), n. a pianoforte. p 

pianoforte (pi-an'o-fort), n. a stringed 
musical instrument, the notes of 
which are produced by hammers 
acted upon by keys. 

piazza (pi-az'a), n. an open square sur- 
rounded by buildings or colonnades; 
a walk under a roof supported by 
pillars. [Italian.] 

pica (pi'ka), n. a size of type, used 
as^ a # standard of measurement in 
printing (see type) ; a vitiated ap- 
petite for unnatural kinds of sub- 
stances, as coal, sand, chalk, &c. 

picayune (pik-a-yoon'), n. a small 
silver coin = 634 cents, or now 5 
cents. A name used in New Or- 
leans and adjacent parts of Loui- 
siana. [French.] 

piccaninny (pik'a-nin-i) , n. [pi. picca- 
ninnies (pik'a-nin-iz)], a negro baby 
or child. [Cuban dialect.] 

pick (pik), n. a sharp pointed iron 
tool; choice or selection: v.t. to 
strike with a sharp instrument, or 
with the beak; pierce; open by an 
instrument; pluck or gather; sep- 
arate with the fingers; choose or 
select^ clean; rob: v.i. to eat, or do 
anything, leisurely and fastidiously; 
pilfer. 

pickelhauhe (pik'el-how'be) , n. the 
spiked helmet worn by German sol- 
diers. [German. 1 

pickerel (pik'er-el), n.a small pike. 

picket (pik'et), n. a pointed stake used 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, n6rth, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut; think, then. 


PICKLE 


376 


PILLAGE 


in fortification; pale of a fence; a 
stake to which a horse is fastened; 
a military guard to give notice of the 
approach of an enemy, or to bring 
in deserters; one or more appointed 
by a trades-union to watch a fac- 
tory, &c, where non-unionist men 
are employed during a strike: v.t. 
to place as a picket; fasten to a 
picket. [French.] 

pickle (pik'l), n. a mixture of brine 
and water, &c, for preserving food; 
vegetables, &c, preserved in pickle; 
embarrassment or difficulty; a mis- 
chievous or troublesome child: v.t. 
to preserve in, or as in, pickle. 

picnic (pik'nik), n. a short excursion 
into the country, &c, by a pleasure 
party carrying their own provisions; 
a kind of biscuit. 

pictograph (pik'to-graf), n. a picture 
representing an idea; the earliest 
form of record. 

pictorial (pik-to'ri-al), adj. pertain- 
ing to, or illustrated by, pictures. 

picture (pik'tur), n. a painting or 
drawing < representing a _ person or 
thing; vivid representation or de- 
scription. [Latin.J 

picturesque _ (pik-tiir-esk') , adj. giv- 
ing vivid impression of nature or 
reality; graphic; wild and beautiful; 
romantic: n. that which is pictur- 
esque. 

pie (pi), n. the magpie; printer's type 
confusedly mixed; meat or fruit cov- 
ered with crust and baked. _ 

piebald (pi'bawld), adj. having spots 
or patches of different colors. 

piece (pes), n. a part of anything; 
certain quantity; literary or artistic 
composition; separate performance; 
coin; gun; person (used contemptu- 
ously): v.t. to enlarge by adding a 
piece; patch: v.i. to join; unite by 
coalescence of parts. [French.] 

piecemeal (pesmel), adj. made of 
pieces or parts; single: adv. in pieces 
or parts. 

pied (pid), adj. variegated or spotted. 

pier (per), n. a mass of masonry 
supporting an arch, bridge, &c. ; tim- 
bers of a bridge or other building; 
mole or jetty; wharf; a landing 
place projecting into the sea. 

pierce (pers), v.t. to penetrate, espe- 
cially with a pointed instrument; 


affect deeply; explore; dive into: 
v.i. to enter. 

piercing (pers'ing), adj. penetrating; 
keen. 

piety (pi'e-ti), n. the quality of be- 
ing pious; reverence for, and duty 
towards, God; reverence to parents. 

pig (pig), fi. the young of swine; a 
swine; pork; an oblong mass of un- 
forged metal: v.i. [p.t. & p.p. pigged, 
v.pr. pigging], to bring forth pigs; 
be huddled together. 

pigeon (pij'un), ri. a bird of the ge- 
nus Columba; a simpleton; one who 
is easily imposed upon or swindled. 

pigeon-hole (pij'un-hol), n. a compart- 
ment for papers, &c. 

pigment (pig'ment), n. paint; color- 
ing matter. 

pigmy, same as pygmy. 

pigwidgeon (pig-wij'un), n. a fairy; 
anything very diminutive. 

pike (pik), n. a weapon with a shaft 
and spearhead; a voracious fresh- 
water fish with a narrow, elongated, 
pointed head. 

pike (pik), n. a turnpike road. Fig- 
uratively, the worldat large, or at 
least, the busy, bustling part of it. 

piker (pik'er), n. a swindler; one who 
seeks to take advantage of another. 
[Slang.] 

pilaster (pWas'ter), n. a square col- 
umn or pillar, inserted partly in a 
wall. [French.] 

pile (pil), n. a large beam driven into 
the ground to make a firm founda- 
tion; mass or heap; accumulation; 
large building; a series of plates ar- 
ranged to produce an electric cur- 
rent; nap of cloth; a fortune: pi. 
hemorrhoids: v.t. to heap up; collect 
in a mass ; accumulate ; lay on ; drive 
piles into. 

pilfer (pil'fer), v.t. to steal in small 
quantities. 

pilgrim (pirgrim), n. a traveler; one 
who travels from a distance to visit 
some sacred place. [French.] 

pilgrimage (pil'grim-aj), n. a journey, 
especially to some sacred place. # 

pill (pil), n. a pellet of some medicinal 
substance to be swallowed entire; 
something disagreeable that must 
be accepted: v.t. to reject by black 
balls in a club ballot. [Latin.] 

pillage (pil'aj), n. the act of plunder- 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book : 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


PILLAR 


377 


PIPPIN 


ing; spoil: v.t. to plunder or spoil; 
lay waste. 

pillar (pil'ar), n. a column to support a 
structure; monument; something re- 
sembling a pillar, or affording sup- 
port. 

pillion (pil'yun), n. a cushion for a 
woman to ride on horseback behind 
a horseman; a soft low saddle. 

pillorv (pil'or-i), n. [pi. pillories 
(pil or-iz)], a wooden frame sup- 
ported by an upright post, having 
holes through which the head and 
hands of a person exposed to dis- 
grace were passed and secured: v.t. 
to place in a pillory; expose to pub- 
lic disgrace or abuse. 

pillow (pil'o), n. a case filled with 
feathers, &c, to support the head of 
a person reposing; the block on 
which the inner end of a bowsprit 
is supported: adj. noting a kind of 
lace: v.t. to place on a pillow. 

pilot (pi'lot), n. one who conducts a 
vessel in or out of a harbor or where 
navigation is difficult or dangerous; 
a guide: v.t. to guide or direct as a 
pilot. 

pimento (pi-men'to), n. allspice. 

pimple (pim'pl), n. a small pustule. 

pin (pin), n. a short piece of wire 
sharpened at one end and having a 
head at the other, used for fasten- 
ing articles together; anything driv- 
en to hold parts together; bolt or 
peg; linchpin; hatpin; hairpin. 

pinafore (pin'a-for), n. a loose apron 
or covering to protect children's 
dresses. 

pinch (pinch), v.t. to squeeze or nip; 
oppress or distress: v.i. to bear 
hard; be straitened; be mean or 
niggardly: n. a squeeze or nip, as 
with the fingers and thumb; dis- 
tress, or difficulty. 

pinchbeck (pinch'bek), n. a yellow 
alloy of 5 parts of copper and 1 of 
zinc: adj. noting jewelry of inferior 
make. 

pinchers (pinch'erz), n. an instru- 
ment for drawing out nails, &c; 
nippers. Also pincers. 

pine (pin), n. a cone-bearing tree of 
the genus Pinus; timber of the pine: 
v.i. to waste away from distress, 
anxiety, &c. 


ping (ping), n. the whistling sound of 

a bullet. 
pinion (pin'yun), n. the last joint of a 
bird's wing; a wing; the smaller of 
two geared wheels: v.t. to bind or 
secure, as by binding the arms; 
confine or fetter. 
pink (pingk), n. a shade of light-red 
color; a flower with sharp-pointed 
leaves of the genus Dianthus; a 
narrow-sterned vessel; anything of 
supreme excellence: adj. of the color 
of a pink: v.t. to stab; pierce or 
punch with small round holes or 
small scallops; work in eyelet 
holes. 
pinking (pingk'ing), n. a method of 
ornamenting dress materials or lea- 
ther by scalloping the edges. 
pinnace (pin'as), n. a small light 
schooner-rigged vessel with oars; an 
eight-oared man-of-war's boat. 
pinnacle (pin'a-kl), n. a small polyg- 
onal turret or elevation above the 
rest of the building; a high point like 
a spire: v.t. furnish with pinnacles. 
pint (pint), n. one-eighth of a gallon. ' 
pioneer (pi-o-ner'), n. a soldier or per- 
son whose business it is to clear and 
repair roads, &c, before an army, 
sink mines, and throw up fortifica- 
tions; one who goes before to pre- 
pare the way for another: v.i. act as 
a pioneer. [French.] 
pious (pi'us), adj. dutiful to God, or to 
parents; religious; devout; proceed- 
ing from, or actuated by, religious 
feeling. [Latin.] 
pip (pip), n. the seed of certain fruit, 
as lemons, oranges, and grape-fruit; 
a disease in fowls ; a spot on a play- 
ing card: v.i. [p.t. & p.p. pipped, 
p.pr. pipping], to cry like a chicken 
or small bird. 
pipe (pip) n. any long hollow tube; 
a tube of clay, wood, &c., with a 
bowl at one end for smoking tobac- 
co; a wine measure = 2 hogsheads, 
or 105 imperial gallons, or 126 wine- 
gallons: v.t. to play on, or call by, 
a pipe: v.i. to whistle; emit a shrill 
sound. [Latin.] 
piping (pip'ing), adj. feeble; weak; 
shrill; playing upon a pipe; hot like 
boiling water: n. corded trimming 
for dresses. 
pippin (pip'in), n. a variety of apple. 


ate. arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, i/ien. 


PIQUANCY 


378 


PLACARD 


piquancy (pe'kan-si), n. the state or 
quality of being piquant. 

piquant (pe'kant), adj. pungent; se- 
vere. [French.] 

pique (pek), n. slight anger or re- 
sentment; wounded pride; punc- 
tilio: v.t. to wound the pride of; 
irritate; displease; pride or value 
(one's se_lf) 1 

pique (pe-ka'), n. a heavy cotton 
fabric. JFrench.] 

piquet (pe-ket'), n. a card game. 

piracy (pi'ra-si), n. the act or crime of 
a pirate ; infringement of copyright. 

pirate (pi'rat), n. a robber on the high 
seas; one who infringes the law of 
literary or artistic copyright: v.t. 
to take without permission or com- 
pensation: v.i. to practice piracy. 

pirouette (pir-56-ef), n. a whirling 
or turning about on one toe; turn- 
ing of a horse on the same ground : 
v.i. to execute a pirouette. 

piscatorial (pis-ka-to'ri-al), adj. per- 
taining to fishing. Also piscatory. 

pisciculture (pis'ki-kul-tur), n. the ar- 
tificial breeding and rearing of fishes. 

pish (pish), inter j. a contemptuous 
exclamation: v.i. to express con- 
tempt. 

pismire (pis'mir), n. an ant. 

pistil (pis 'til), n. the seed-bearing or- 
gan in the center of a flower. 

pistol (pis'tol), n. a small hand-gun: 
v.t. to shoot with a pistol. [French.] 

piston (pis'tun), n. a small solid cylin- 
der of metal or wood, fitting exactly 
and moving up and down the barrel 
of a pump, or the cylinder of a 
steam-engine. 

pit (pit), n. a deep hole in the earth; 
an abyss; shaft of a mine; a hole 
used for trapping wild animals; 
area for cock-fighting; ground floor 
of a theater; a hollow part of the 
body, as the stomach; indentation 
left by small-pox; Hades (with 
the): v.t. [p.t. & p.p. pitted, p.pr. 
pitting]. to # mark with small hollows 
or depressions; set in competition; 
place in a pit. 

pit-a-pat (pit-a-pat'), adv. with quick 
beating: n. a palpitation; a light 
quick step. 

pitch (pich), n. the solid black res- 
inous substance obtained from boiled 
tar [Latin]; a casting forward or 


down; degree or rate; dope; the de- 
gree of acuteness or graveness of a 
musical note; distance between the 
center of two" gearing teeth; at 
cricket, the distance between the 
wickets: v.t. to smear with pitch; 
throw; cast headlong; set to a key- 
note; order regularly; fix in, or on, 
the ground: v.i. to settle; fall head- 
long; encamp; rise and fall; fix the 
choice (with upon). 

pitchblende (pich 'blend), n. a black 
oxide of uranium: used in coloring 
glass a pale sea-green; it is the chief 
source of radium. See radium. 

pitcher (pich'er), n. one who pitches; 
an earthen vessel for holding water; 
an instrument for piercing the 
ground. 

pitchfork (pich 'fork), n. a pronged 
"fork for pitching hay, straw, &c: 
v.t. to lift or throw with a pitchfork. 

piteous (pit'e-us), adj. exciting pity; 
sorrowful; sad. 

pitfall (pit 'f awl), n. a pit lightly cov- 
ered so that wild beasts may fall 
into it; a trap. 

pith (pith), n. the soft spongy sub- 
stance in the center of plants; mar- 
row; quintessence; energy or force. 

pithy (pith'i), adj. of the nature of or 
full of pith; forcible. 

pitiable (pit'i-a-bl), adj. deserving 
pity. 

pitiful (pit'i-fool) , adj. moving com- 
passion; insignificant. 

pitiless (pit'i-les), adj. without pity 
or compassion; merciless. 

pittance (pit'ans), n. a small allow- 
ance, especially of money. 

pity (pit'i), n. sympathy with distress; 
compassion; a subject of pity or 
grief: v.t. [p.t. & p.p. pitied, p.pr. 
pitying], to sympathize with: v.i. 
to be compassionate, or affected 
with pity. [French.] 

pivot (piv'ot), n. the short shaft on 
which anything turns; the soldier 
who is stationary at the flank while 
the company drilling wheels round: 
v.t. to place on a pivot. 

pixy (piks'i), n. [pi. pixies (piks'iz)], 
a fairy. Also pixie. [Celtic] 

placable (pla'ka-bl), adj. that may be 
appeased or pacified; forgiving. 

placard (plak'ard), n. a bill placed 
on a wall, &c, as an advertisement: 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


PLACE 


379 


PLAT 


v.t. (pla-kardO. to advertise by a 
placard. _ [French.] 

place (plas), n. a special spot or 
locality; broadway or square; sit- 
uation; site; residence; office; city 
or town ; room ; duty ; passage in 
writing or a book; fortified post; 
precedence: v.t. to put in any place, 
office, &c; ascribe; settle; establish; 
put out at interest. [French.] 

placer (plas'er), n. a mineral deposit 
which is not a vein. [German.] 

placid (plas'id), adj. calm; peaceful; 
mild. 

placidity (pla-sid'i-ti), n. the state or 
quality of being placid. 

placket (plak'et), n. the slit in a skirt 
or petticoat. 

plagiarist (pla'ji-a-rist), n. one who 
steals from the writings of another 
and passes them off as his own pro- 
duction; literary theft. Also pla- 
giary. [Latin.] 

plagiarize (pla'ji-a-rlz), v.t. to steal 
from the writings of another. 

plague (plag), n. a malignant epi- 
demic; anything very troublesome 
or annoying: v.t: to infest with dis- 
ease; annoy greatly. [Latin.] 

plaid (plad), n. a checkered woolen 
cloth, originally worn by the High- 
landers of Scotland. [Gaelic] 

plain (plan), adj. flat; clear; evident; 
easily understood; not luxurious; 
homely: n. level ground; any flat 
expanse. [French.] 

plaint (plant), n. lamentation; a 
mournful song; the exhibiting of an 
action in writing by a plaintiff. 

plaintiff (plan'tif), n. one who com- 
mences a suit in a court of law. 
[French.] 

plaintive (plan'tiv), adj. expressing 
grief or sorrow; sad. 

plait (plat), n. a flat fold; braid: v.t. 
to fold or braid; interweave. Also 
pleat. 

plan (plan), n. a drawing on a flat 
surface, as of a building, &c; 
scheme or project: v.t. [p.t. & p.p. 
planned, p. or. panning], to make a 
plan or sketch of, on a flat surface; 
form in design; outline. 

planchet (plan'chet), n. a flat piece 
of metal prepared for coining. 

planchette (plang-shef), n. a heart- 
shaped board fitted with wheels and 


a pencil which marks as it moves 
the pencil-hand by some supposed 
mysterious agency. [French.] 

plane (plan), adj. flat; level; even; 
without elevations or depressions: 
n. a flat or even surface; in geom- 
etry, an even superficies ; a level sur- 
face parallel to the horizon; a car- 
penter's tool for smoothing wood: 
v.t. to make level; make smooth 
with a plane. [Latin.] 

planet (plan'et), n. a heavenly body 
revolving round the sun. [Greek.] 

plank (plangk), n. a long broad piece 
of sawn timber thicker than a board ; 
an item in a political programme or 
policy: v.t. to cover with planks; 
to pay (with down). 

plant (plant), n. any vegetable or- 
ganism; sprout or sapling; the tools, 
machinery, or fixtures of any trade 
or business; a swindle: v.t. to put 
into the ground for growth, as seed; 
fix in the mind; establish. [Latin.] 

plantain (plan 'tan), n. a tropical 
broad-leaved tree yielding an edible 
fruit similar to the banana. [French.] 

plantation (plan-ta'shun), n. a place 
planted with trees; a large culti- 
vated estate for cotton, sugar, &c; 
a new settlement or colony. 

plaque (plak), n. a metal or terra- 
cotta plate upon which flowers, fig- 
ures, &c, are enameled or painted. 

plash (plash), n. a puddle; pond: 
v.t. to splash or dash with water; 
interweave the branches or twigs 
of: as, to plash a hedge. 

plasm (plazm), n. a mold or matrix. 

plasma (plaz'ma), n. the colorless 
fluid of the blood in which the red 
corpuscles float; protoplasm; a grass- 
green variety of chalcedony. 

plaster (plas'ter), n. calcined gypsum 
used for castings^ &c. (plaster of 
paris) ; a composition of lime, sand, 
and water, for coating walls; a me- 
dicinal application for external use: 
adj. made of plaster: v.t. to cover 
with, or as with, plaster. [French.] 

plastic (plas'tik), adj. capable of being 
formed or molded; giving form. 

plasticity (plas-tis'i-ti), n. the state 
or quality of being plastic. 

plat (plat), n. a piece of ground: v.t. 
to make a map or plan of; to divide 
into lots. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, ^ot ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


PLATE 


380 


PLEVIN 


plate (plat), n. a thin piece of metal; 
a small shallow vessel used at table 
for eating from; an engraved piece 
of metal; household articles of gold 
or silver; a prize given at a race: 
v.t. to coat with a more valuable 
metal; to beat into laminse or thin 
plates. 

plateau (pla-to'), n. [pi. plateaux 
(pla-toz')L elevated broad flat land; 
tableland; a large ornamental cen- 
ter-dish. [French.] 

platform (plat'form), n. aflat floor of 
wood, stone, &c, raised above the 
level of the ground; the place where 
guns are mounted on a fortress or 
battery; political program or policy, 
of which each item is called a plank. 

plating (pla'ting), n. the art of over- 
laying or covering anything with a 
metallic plate. 

platinum (plat'i-num), n. a greyish- 
white metal very hard and ductile, 
the heaviest of all known metals. 
Also the earlier form, platina. [Span- 
ish.] 

platitude (plat'i-tud) , n. insipidity; 
dulness; a weak, empty, trite re- 
mark. [French.] 

platoon (pla-toon'), n. two files of sol- 
diers forming a subdivision. [French.] 

platter (plat'er), n. a large flat dish. 

plaudit (plaw'dit), n. applause. 

plausible (plaw'zi-bl), adj. specious; 
superficially pleasing. 

play (pla), n. any exercise or occupa- 
tion for amusement; exertion of 
powers; diversion; pastime; drama, 
tragedy, or comedy; gaming: v.i. 
[p.t. & p.p. played]. 

playful (pla'fool), adj. sportive; lively. 

plaza (pla'za), n. an open square or 
market place. [Spanish.] 

plea (pie), n. an excuse or apology; 
the defendant's answer to the plain- 
tiff's declaration in a lawsuit; ur- 
gent entreaty. 

plead (pled), v.i. to argue or rea- 
son in support of a cause against 
another; argue before a court of 
law; supplicate earnestly: v.t. dis- 
cuss or defend by arguments; offer 
as an excuse. [French.] 

pleadings (pled'ingz), n.pl. the writ- 
ten statements of the two parties in a 
lawsuit. 

pleasant (plez'ant), n. grateful to 


the mind or senses; delightful; 
agreeable; cheerful; facetious. 

pleasantry (plez'ant-ri), n. merri- 
ment; lively talk; gaiety; a laugh- 
able trick or joke. 

please (plez), v.t. to gratify; give 
pleasure to; gain approbation from: 
v.i. to afford pleasure or gratifica- 
tion; like or choose. [French.] 

pleasing (plez'ing), p. adj. affording 
pleasure; agreeable. 

pleasurable (plezh'u-ra-bl), adj. grat- 
ifying; delightful. 

pleasure (plezh'tir), n. gratification; 
agreeable emotions, mental or phys- 
ical; transient enjoyment; sensual 
gratification. 

plebeian (ple-be'an), adj. pertaining 
to the Plebs or Roman commonalty ; 
pertaining to the common people: 
opposed to patrician: n. one of the 
common people. 

plebiscite (plab'i-set), n. a vote taken 
of the entire male community by 
universal suffrage on some special 
matter submitted; the decree 
founded on such a vote. [French.] 

pledge (plej), n. anything placed as 
a security or guarantee; pawn; host- 
age; a health in drinking: v.t. to give 
as security or guarantee; deposit in 
pawn; drink to the health of. 

plenary (ple'na-ri), adj. full; com- 
plete. 

plenipotentiary (plen-i-po-ten'shi-a- 
ri), adj. having full power: n. a min- 
ister to a foreign court invested with 
full powers. His rank is still below 
that of an ambassador. [Late Latin.] 

plenitude (plen'i : tud), n. fulness. 

plentiful (plen'ti-fool), adj. yielding 
abundance; copious. 

plenty (plen'ti), n. abundance. 

pleonasm (ple'o-nazm), n. use of 
more words than necessary in speak- 
ing or writing. [Greek.] 

plethora (pleth'o-ra) , n. excessive 
fulness of blood; overabundance. 

plethoric (pleth'o-rik), adj. having 
excess of blood. [Greek.] 

pleura (ploo'ra), n. [pi. pleurae (ploo'- 
re)], a delicate serous membrane 
covering the interior of the thorax 
and each lung. [Greek.] 

pleurisy (ploo'ri-si) , n. inflammation 
of the pleura. 

plevin (plev'in), n. a warrant. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book 
hue, but ; think, then. 


PLEXUS 


381 


PLUTOCRAT 


plexus (plek'sus), n. a network of 
veins, nerves, &c. [Latin.] 

pliable (pll'a-bl), adj. easily bent; 
flexible; easy to be persuaded. 

pliancy (pll'an-si), n. pliant quality.* 

pliant (pli'ant), adj. flexible; easily 
bent; yielding to moral suasion. 

pliers (pli'erz), n. a kind of small 
pinchers for seizing and bending, 
especially small articles. 

plight (pllt), n. a dangerous or dis- 
tressed condition; predicament; 
pledge; promise; v.t. to pledge, as 
one's faith. 

plinth (plinth), n. the lowest square- 
shaped part of the base of a column, 
pedestal, &c; the projecting face at 
the bottom of a wall. [Greek.] 

plod (plod), v.i. [p.t. & p.p. plodded, 
p.pr. plodding], to travel laborious- 
ly; drudge or toil; study closely. 

plot (plot), n. a complicated scheme, 
conspiracy, or plan; intrigue; chain 
of incidents in a play, novel, &c, 
gradually developed: v.t. [p.t. & p. p. 
plotted, p.pr. plotting], to devise; 
make a plan of; v.i. to conspire; 
to plan against another. [French.] 

plover (pluv'er), n. a wading bird of 
various species. 

plow, plough (plou), n. an agricul- 
tural implement for turning up the 
soil; a grooving-plane : v.t. to turn 
up with a plow; furrow. 

pluck (pluk), v.t. to pull off, out, or 
up; snatch; pick or gather; reject 
as a candidate in an examination: 
n. a pull; the heart, liver and lungs 
of an animal; courage. 

plug (plug), n. a piece of wood, &c, 
used for stopping a hole: v.t. [p.t. 
& p.p. plugged, p.pr. plugging], to 
stop with a plug. 

plum (plum), n. a tree, Prunus do- 
mestica, or its well-known fruit; a 
raisin; a large fortune. [English.] 

plumage (plum'aj), n. a bird's feath- 
ers. 

plumb (plum), n. a heavy body, usu- 
ally of lead, suspended at the ex- 
tremity of a line to indicate the per- 
pendicularity of work done, as a 
wall, &c: adj. prependicular : adv. 
perpendicularly: v.t. to adjust by 
a plumb-line; make perpendicular; 
sound (the depth of water) by a 
plummet. [Latin.] 


plumbago (plum-ba'go), n. a mineral 
of carbon and iron, used for lead 
pencils; a form of carbon. 

plumbing (plum'ing), n. the art or 
occupation of putting into buildings 
the pipes, traps, &c, for the con- 
veyance of water, gas, and sewage. 

plume (ploom), n. a feather; a feath- 
er worn as an ornament. 

plummet (plum'et), n. a leaden 
weight attached to a string used for 
sounding depths, &c. 

plump (plump), adj. round and sleek 
with fulness of flesh; in good condi- 
tion; downright; unqualified: adv. 
with a sudden or heavy fall: v.i. to 
grow plump; fall or sink down; to 
vote for a single candidate when one 
has the right to vote for two or 
more: v.t. to make plump: fatten. 

plunder (plun'der), n. booty; pil- 
lage: v.t. to take by open force; 
spoil; rob. 

plunge (plunj), v.t. to put suddenly 
into any liquid; immerse; baptize 
by immersion: v.i. to fall, or rush, as 
into water; dive; throw the body 
forward and the legs up, as a horse; 
bet heavily and thoughtlessly: n. 
the act of plunging; sudden fall. 

plunger (plunj'er),n.one who plunges; 
a diver ; the long solid cylinder or pis- 
ton of a pump ; one who bets heavily 
and thoughtlessly. 

pluperfect (ploo'per-fekt), adj. not- 
ing an event or action occurring 
prior to some other event or action. 

plural (ploo'ral), adj. consisting of 
more than one: n. that form of a word 
that expresses more than one. 

plurality (ploo-ral'i-ti), n. the ma- 
jority; the greatest of three or more 
numbers; the excess of votes cast 
for any one candidate over the can- 
didate who receives the next largest 
number of votes at an election where 
there are three or more candidates 
for the same office. 

plus (plus), n. the sign ( + ) used to 
denote addition: adj. more (by a 
certain amount) ; increased (by a 
specified addition) ; above zero. 

plush (plush), n. a kind of shaggy 
cloth with a pile; woolen velvet. 

plutocracy (ploo-tok'ra-si), n. rule 
or government by the rich. [Greek.] 

plutocrat (ploo'to-krat) , n. one who 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, nCrth, not ; boon, book 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


PLY 


3S2 


POLARITY 


exercises political power or influence 
by virtue of his wealth. 

ply (pli), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. plied, p.pr. 
plying], to work on closely; prac- 
tice diligently or earnestly; urge or 
solicit: v.i. to run regularly between 
two ports; work against the wind. 

pneumatic (mi-mat 'ik), adj. _ per- 
taining to, consisting of, containing, 
like, or moved by, air. Also pneu- 
matical. [Greek.] 

pneumatics (nu-mat'iks), n.pl. the 
science that treats of the mechanical 
properties of air and similar elastic 

pneumo, a Greek prefix meaning lung. 

pneumonia (nu-mo'ni-a), n. acute in- 
flammation of the lungs. 

poach (poch), v.i. to trespass upon 
preserves to shoot or steal game: 
v.t. to steal game from; plunder by 
stealth; cook .(eggs) by breaking 
them into boiling water. 

poacher (poch'er). n. one who poaches. 

pock (pok), n. a pustule on the skin 
containing eruptive matter. 

pocket (pok'et), n. a small bag in- 
serted in. a garment for carrying 
small articles; a small netted bag 
in a billiard table for the reception 
of the balls; a small quantity. 

pod (pod), n. the pericarp or the cov- 
ering of the seed of certain plants, 
as the pea, &c: v.i. [p.t. & p.p. 
podded, p.pr. podding], to swell or 
fill, as a pod; produce pods. 

podgy (p_oj'i), adj. short and fat. 

poem (pq'em), n. a metrical or poetical 
composition; a poetic conception. 

poesy (po'e-si), n. the art of compos- 
ing poems. 

poet (pq'et), n. the author of a poem; 
one gifted in writing poetry; one 
who is strongly imaginative. Fem- 
inine, poetess. [Latin.] 

poetaster (po'et-as-ter), n. an inferior 
poet; a writer of jingles or doggerel. 

poetic (po-et'ik), adj. pertaining to, 
suitable to, or expressed in, poetry; 
sublime L Also poetical. 

poetry (po'et-ri), n. a metrical compo- 
sition produced or embellished by 
creative imagination; utterance in 
song; poems collectively. 

pogrom (po'grom), n. a Russian word 
signifying riotous devastation, de- 
struction. 


poignant (poin'yant), adj. stimulating 
to the palate; irritating; very pain- 
ful. [French.] 

po|nt (point), n. the sharp end of 
any instrument; mark or dot; indi- 
visible part; mark in punctuation; 
that which has position but no mag- 
nitude; a spot; exact place; critical 
moment; expression or force; sting 
of an epigram; aim; act of aiming; 
small cape or promontory: lace 
wrought with the needle; railway 
switch; unit of measurement for 
type-bodies = .0138 inch, or one- 
twelfth of a pica: v.t. to sharpen; 
give a point to: direct or aim; mark 
with points; fill the joints of (ma- 
sonry) with mortar and smooth 
them with a trowel: v.i. to indicate; 
show clearly. 

point-blank (point 'blangk), adj. hor- 
izontal; aimed directly at the 
mark; direct; plain. 

pointer (point 'er), n. one. who, or that 
which, points; a variety of dog 
trained to point game. 

pointless ( point 'les), adj. having no 
point; inane; stupid. 

poise (poiz), n. weight; balance; equi- 
librium: v.t. to balance; weigh; ascer- 
tain or examine: v.i. to be in a state 
of equilibrium. 

poison (poi'zn), n.. anything noxious 
or destructive to life, health, or mor- 
ality; venom: v.t. to infect with, 
or kill by, poison; administer poison 
to; corrupt. 

poisonous (poi'zn-us), adj. having, the 
qualities of poison; deadly; injurious 
to health. 

poke (pok), n. a thrust or push; a 
bag or sack: v.t. to thrust or push 
against, especially with something 
pointed: v.i. to grope or feel about 
in the dark; search. 

poker (pok'er), n. a metal bar for stir- 
ring fires; a card game. 

poky (po'ki), adj. lacking spirit or 
interest: slow; stupid. 

polar (po'lar), adj. pertaining to^ or 
situated near, either of the poles, 
especially the North Pole; pertaining 
to the magnetic poles. 

polarity (po-lar'i-ti), n. the property 
possessed by certain bodies, as in 
electrified or magnetized bodies, by 
which they arrange themselves in 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit : note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


POLARIZE 


383 


POLYGLOT 


certain directions or tend to given 
poles. 

polarize (po'lar-Iz), v.t. to communi- 
cate polarity to. 

pole (pol), n. a long staff; a measure 
= 5M> yards; a square measure = 
30M yards; a measuring instru- 
ment; one of the extremities of the 
imaginary axis of the earth; one of 
the two points in a magnet in which 
the attractive or repellent force is 
concentrated; that on which any- 
thing revolves; the extreme oppo- 
site. 

polemic (po-lem'ik), n. a controver- 
sialist: pi. the art of controversy; 
controversial writings, especially 
those on religious subjects. [Greek.] 

polemical (po-lem'i-kal), adj. con- 
troversial. 

police (po-les'), n. in a city, town, or 
district, an organized force of civil 
officers for preserving order. 

policeman (po-les'man), n. a member 
of a police force. 

policy (pql'i-si), n. [pi. policies (pol'i- 
siz)], the art or method of govern- 
ment ; management of public affairs ; 
system of regulative measures; sa- 
gacity in management; course of 
conduct ; prudence ; cunning; a doc- 
ument given to insurers containing 
a contract of insurance; a warrant 
for money in the public funds; a 
gambling game. [Old French.] 

polish (pol'ish), v.t. to make smooth or 
glossy by friction; make polite or 
refined: v.i. to become polished: n. a 
smooth, glossy surface; a prepara- 
tion for imparting a polish; refine- 
ment or elegance of manners. 

polite (po-lit')» adj. well-bred; refined 
in manner; courteous or obliging. 

politeness (pd-lit'nes) , n. good-breed- 
ing; courtesy. 

politic (pol'i-tik), adj. shrewd; spe- 
cious; sagacious: especially in pol- 
icy; adapted to promote the welfare 
of the state: n.pl. the art of govern- 
ment or the administration of public 
affairs; political opinions; party 
management or control. 

political (po-lit'i-kal), adj. pertaining 
to politics, or to a nation or state; 
derived from government. 

politician (pol'i-tish-un), n. one who 
is skilled in politics; a statesman. 


polity (pol'i-ti), n. the form or consti- 
tution of the civil government of a 
state: constitution. 

polka (pol'ka), n. an old-time dance of 
Bohemian origin, performed by two 
persons; the music suitable for such 
a dance. 

poll (pol), n. the head, especially the 
back part of it; a register of per- 
sons, especially those entitled to vote 
at elections : an election ; number of 
votes recorded at an election; place 
where votes are cast; v.t. to lop; 
clip or shear; enroll in a register; 
bring to the poll, as a voter; to cast 
or deposit in a ballot box; to poll a 
jury is to examine each member in- 
dividually as to his concurrence in 
the verdict. 

pollen^pol'en), n. the fertilizing pow- 
der in the cells of the antlers of 
flowers. 

poll-tax (pol'taks), n. sl capitation 
tax. 

pollute (pol-luf), v.t. to defile; ren- 
der unclean; corrupt; violate. 

pollution (pol-lu'shun) , n. the act of 
polluting; defilement; legal or cere- 
monial uncleanness. 

polo (po'lo), n. a game similar to 
hockey, played on horseback. 

polonaise (po-lo-naz'), n. a dress, 
body and skirt made in one; a Po- 
lish air or dance. 

polonium (po-lo'nium), a radio-active 
element. 

poltroon (pol-troon'), n. a coward. 

poly, a prefix meaning many, much. 

polyandrous (pol-i-an'drus) , adj. hav- 
ing more than one husband at the 
same time. Opposed to monan- 
drous. 

polychrome (pol'i-krom), adj. having 
many colors: n. a work executed in 
many colors. 

polygamist (po-lig'a-mist), n. one 
who practices or upholds polyg- 
amy. 

polygamy (po-lig'a-mi) , n. the prac- 
tice of having more than one wife at 
the same time. Opposed to monog- 
amy. 

polyglot (pol'i-glot), adj. contain- 
ing many languages: n. a book, es- 
pecially an edition of the Bible, in 
several languages. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


POLYGON 


384 


POP 


polygon (pol'i-gon), n. a figure having 
many angles. 

polyhedron (pol-i-he'dron), n. a solid 
having many sides or faces; a poly- 
scope. 

polyp (pol'ip), n. an extensive group of 
radiated animals including the hydra 
sea-anemone, &c. Also polype, poly- 
pus. 

polyscope (pol'i-skop), n. a multi- 
plying lens. 

polysyllable (pol-i-sil'a-bl) , n. a word 
consisting of three or more syl- 
lables. [Greek.] 

polytechnic (pol-i-tek'nik), adj. not- 
ing, including, or giving instruction 
in, the arts and sciences: n. a school 
for imparting instruction in the arts 
and sciences. [Greek.] 

polytheism (pol'i-the-izm) , n. the 
doctrine of a plurality of gods, each 
taking a part in the government of 
the world. [Greek.] 

pomace (pum'as), n. the juicy pulp 
which remains after squeezing out 
the cider from the press. 

pomade (po-mad'),. n. a perfumed 
ointment for dressing the hair. Also 
pomatum. [French.] 

pomegranate (pom'gran-at), n. a 
tree yielding an orange-like, edible 
fruit with a thick rind and numerous 
seeds. 

pommel (pum'el), n. the knob on a 
sword-hilt ; the high part of a saddle- 
bow: v.t. to beat with anything 
thick or bulky ; bruise. Also pummel. 

pomology (po-mol'o-ji), n. the sci- 
ence of cultivating fruit and fruit- 
trees, especially apples; a treatise 
on fruits. 

pomp (pomp), n. ostentatious dis- 
play; grandeur; parade. 

pompon (pom'pon), n. a tufted orna- 
ment; a variety of chrysanthemum. 

pompous (pom'pus), adj. stately; 
grand; self-important; ostentatious. 

pond (pond), n. a pool of standing 
water. 

ponder (pon'der), v.t. to weigh men- 
tally: v.i. to deliberate. 

ponderable (pon'der-a-bl) , adj. cap- 
able of being weighed. 

ponderosity (p o n-d e r-o s'i-t i) , n. 
weight. 

ponderous (pon'der-us), adj. very 
heavy; weighty; important; dull. 


pone (pon), n. bread made of maize- 
meal, milk, &c. (Southern U.S.) 

pongee (pon-je').n. a kind of light wash 
silk made in China. It is spun by a 
wild silkworm that feeds on oak- 
leaves. 

poniard (pon'yard), n. a small dag- 
ger: v.t. to stab with a poniard. 

pontiff (pon'tif), n. a high priest; the 
Pope. 

pontifical (pon-tif [i-kal) , adj. per- 
taining to a pontiff, high priest, or 
pope; papal: n. a book containing 
ecclesiastical rites and ceremonies: 
pi. the full dress worn by an officiat- 
ing priest or bishop. 

pontificate (pon-tif 'i-kat) , n. the of- 
fice or dignity of a high priest or 
pope; the reign of a pope. 

pontoon (pon-toon'), n. a buoyant 
structure supporting a floating mili- 
tary bridge ; a bridge of boats. 

pony (po'ni), n. [pi. ponies (po'niz)], 
a small horse; a very small glass of 
beer or liquor; student's key to 
translation of Latin or Greek les- 
sons; often used adjectively to de- 
note something small of its kind, as 
a pony engine. 

pooh-pooh (poo-poo') , # inter j. a con- 
temptuous ejaculation like bah, 
pah, shoo! v.t. to express contempt for. 

pool (pool), n. a small body of water; 
a variety of play at billiards; the 
stakes in certain games or the re- 
ceptacle for them: v.t. to unite, as 
in mercantile risks, railway traffic, 
&c. 

poop (poop), n. the stern of a ship; 
the raised deck in the stern of a ves- 
sel: v.t. to strike the stern of; break 
heavily over the stern of: said of 
waves. 

poor (poor), adj. necessitous; having 
little or no means: without strength, 
beauty, or dignity; dejected; spirit- 
less; insignificant; without fertility; 
an expression of tenderness, com- 
passion, or disdain. 

pop (pop), n. a short, smart, quick 
sound: v.t. [p.t. & p.p. popped, p.pr. 
popping], to thrust suddenly; pawn: 
v.i. to make a short, smart sound; 
move quickly; dart; come suddenly 
into view: adv. suddenly. In Eng- 
land "pop" means "ginger-pop," 
a sort of ginger ale. 


Ste, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, nOrth, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut; think, then. 


POPE 


385 


PORTRAY 


Pope (pop), n. the bishop of Rome 
and nead of the Roman Catholic 
Church; a title of priests of the 
Greek Church. 

popinjay (pop'in-ja), n. a parrot; 
lop. 

poplar (poplar), n. a tree of rapid 
growth, with a white soft wood. 

poplin (pop'lin), n. a fabric of 6ilk and 
worsted. 

populace (pop'u-las), n. the common 
people. 

popular (pop'u-lar), adj. pertaining 
to, suitable for, or pleasing to, the 
common people; easily understood; 
plebeian. 

popularity (pop-u-lar'i-ti), n. the 
state or quality of being popular; 
general esteem. 

populate (pop'u-lat), v.t. to furnish 
with inhabitants. 

population (pop-ii-la'shun), n. the 
inhabitants of a country , place, 
town, &c, collectively. 

Populist (pop'u-list), n. a member of a 
political party in the United States 
known as the Populist or People's 
party. 

populous (pop'u-lus), adj. thickly 
peopled. 

porcelain (porslan), n. a fine white, 
thin, semi-transparent kind of earth- 
enware: adj. pertaining to, or made 
of, porcelain. [French.] 

porch (porch), n. a vestibule sup- 
ported by pillars; portico. 

porcupine (p6r'ku-;.in), n. a rodent 
covered with spines, of the genus 
Hystrix. 

pore (por), n. a minute hole in the 
skin through which perspiration 
passes to the surface; an opening 
between the molecules of a body: v.i. 
to look with close and steady atten- 
tion, as on a book. 

pork (pork), n. the flesh of swine, 
either fresh or salted. 

pork-barrel (pork'bar'el) , n. facetious 
term for a Congressional appropria- 
tion bill which popularizes Con- 
gressmen by providing benefits in 
the Congressman's district, chiefly 
applied to Rivers and Harbors and 
Public Buildings bills. 

porker (pork'er), n. a pig. 

porous (por'us), adj. having pores. 

porpoise (por pus), n. a cetaceous 


mammal of the genus Phocaena; the 
sea-hog. [French.] 

porridge (por'ij), n. oatmeal boiled 
slowly in water until it thickens. 

porringer (por'in-jer), n. a small dish 
for porridge, &c. 

port (port), n. a harbor; harem; de- 
portment or carriage; the left side 
of a ship; porthole; gate; a dark 
colored Portuguese wine from Opor- 
to: v.t. to turn to the port or left side 
of a ship: as, to port the helm. 

portable (port'a-bl), adj. that may be 
easily carried by hand or about the 
person. 

portal (port'al), n. a gate or entrance; 
an arch over a gateway or door. 

portcullis (port-kul'is), n. a strong 
harrow-shaped grating hung over 
the doorway of a fortified place and 
capable of being let down to defend 
the gate. 

portend (por-tend'), v.t. to indicate 
in advance; presage; forbode. 

portent (por'tent), n. an omen, es- 
pecially of ill. 

portentous (por-ten'tus), adj. omi- 
nous; foreshadowing evil; wondrous. 

porter (por'ter), n. a door- or gate- 
keeper; a dark-colored malt beer; 
one who carries parcels, &c, for 
hire. Feminine, porteress. [Latin.] 

portfolio (port-fo li-o), n. a portable 
case for loose papers, drawings, &c; 
the office and functions of a minister 
of state. 

porthole (porfhol), n. a window- 
shaped hole in the side of a ship, 
especially of a man-of-war. 

portico (por'ti-ko), n. [pi. porticos 
(por'ti-koz)], a walk covered by 
a roof supported on columns; a- 
columned porch. 

portiere (por-tiar'), n. a door-curtain. 
[French.] 

portion (por'shun), n. a piece or part; 
allotment; dividend; final state; 
dowry; part of an estate descending 
to an heir: v.t. to divide; allot; en- 
dow with a fortune. 

portly (port'li), adj. stately of mien; 
corpulent. 

portrait (por'trat), n. a picture or 
representation of an individual or 
face drawn from life; a vivid graphic 
description in words. 

portray (por-tra/), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. por- 


Ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, rait ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut; think, then. 


PORTRAYAL 


386 


POT 


trayed, p.pr. portraying], to paint 
or draw the likeness of; describe in 
words. 

portrayal (por-tra'al), n. description. 

pose (poz), n. attitude or position: v.i. 
to assume an attitude: v.t. to puzzle 
or perplex; cause to be at a loss. 

poser (poz'er), n. a puzzling ques- 
tion; one who, or that which, poses 
or puzzles. 

position (po-zish'un) , n. the state of 
being set or placed; situation; atti- 
tude; principle laid down; office; so- 
cial status. [Latin.] 

positive (poz'i-tiv), adj. clearly ex- 
pressed; actual; direct; explicit; 
overconfident; dogmatical; settled 
by arbitrary appointment; having 
power to act directly; noting the 
simple form of an adjective (posi- 
tive degree) ; affected by the sign_ + 
(positive quantity) : n. that which 
may be affirmed; reality^ a photo- 
graph with the natural lights and 
shades restored. [Latin.] 

posse (pos'e), n. an improvised force 
of men. 

possess (po-zes'), v.t. to have as an 
owner; be master of; occupy; seize. 

possessed (po-zest')» p. adj. owned; 
mad. [Latin.] 

possession (po-zesh'un), n. the 
having, holding, or detention of 
property; the thing possessed; prop- 
erty or estate. 

possessive (po-zes'iv), adj. noting 
possession. 

possessor (po-zes'er), n. owner; one 
who possesses. 

possibility (pos-i-bil'i-ti) , n. the state 
of being possible; contingency. 

possible (pos'i-bl), adj. that may hap- 
pen or exist. [Latin.] 

post (post), n. a piece of timber, &c, 
set erect, usually to support some- 
thing else; a messenger or postman; 
established system of conveying and 
delivering letters; a post-office; a 
relay of horses; situation or office: 
adj. a size of paper double that of 
common note-paper; military sta- 
tion: v.t. set or station; transmit 
by post; carry to the ledger; inform 
fully: v.i. to travel with speed: 
adv. speedily. 

post, a Latin prefix meaning after, as 
postdate. 


postage (post'aj), the fee for the con- 
veyance of letters by post. 

postal (post'al), adj. pertaining to the 
postoffice or mail service. 

postal-zone (post'al-zon'), n. one of 
the concentric zones used in the par- 
cels post system to adjust charges in 
accordance with distance. 

posterior (pos-te'ri-er), adj. subse- 
quent in time or place; hinder: n. 
pi. the hinder parts of an animal. 

posterity (pos-ter'i-ti), n. succeeding 
generations ; descendants. 

postern (pos'tern), n. a small gate 
or door; vaulted passage beneath 
the parapet and through the rampart 
of a castle: adj. private. 

post-graduate (post-grad 'ti-at), n. 
in the U. S., a person who has taken 
the first degree (usually the bach- 
elor's), usually passes on to advanced 
study, and, if successful, receives 
the degree of Ph.D. 

posthumous (post'u-mus), adj. born 
after the death of the father; pub- 
lished after_the death of an author. 

postilion (pos-til'yun), n. the rider 
on the near leader in a carriage. 

postmaster (post'mas-ter) , n. the 
superintendent of a postoffice; one 
who supplies post-horses. 

post-meridian (post - me - rid'i - an) , 
adj. after noon. 

postpone (post-pon'), v.t. to delay; 
defer. 

postponement (post-pon'ment), n. 
the act of deferring to a future time; 
temporary delay. 

postscript (post'skript), n. a para- 
graph added to a letter after the 
writer's signature; appendix to a 
book. 

postulate (pos'tu-lat), v.t. to assume 
without proof; solicit: n. a self- 
evident problem ; a position assumed 
as self-evident. 

posture (pos'tur), n. attitude; placing 
or position of parts of the body ; 
state: v.i. to place the body in par- 
ticular postures. 

posy (po'zi), n. a bunch of flowers, 
originally a motto or verse sent with 
a bouquet. 

pot (pot), n. a metal vessel for hold- 
ing or boiling liquids, &c; a mug for 
liquor; a quart; a vessel of earthen- 
ware, &c, for holding plants; a size 


ate, arm, at, awl; me, merge, met: mite, mit; note, nOrth, not; boon, book; 
hue, hut; think, then. 


POTABLE 


387 


POX 


of paper 12H * 15 inches; a large 
amount: v.t. [p.t. & p.p. potted, p.pr. 
potting], to preserve; put into, or 
plant m, pots; shoot. 

potable (po'ta-bl), adj. drinkable. 

potash (pot'ash), ft. a powerful alka- 
li obtained from the ashes of certain 
plants. Also potass, potassa. 

potassium (po-tas'i-um), n. a monad 
element, the metallic base of potash. 

potation (po-ta'shun), n. a draught 
or drink. [Old French.] 

potato (po-ta'to), n. [pi. potatoes 
ipo-ta'toz)], the edible tuber of a 
South American plant, widely cul- 
tivated since the seventeenth cen- 
tury; the plant itself. White po- 
tatoes are most sought, but in 
southern countries the batata or 
sweet potato is a favorite. See yam. 

potency (po'ten-si), ft. power, physical 
or mental. 

potent (po'tent), adj. powerful; hav- 
ing great authority or influence. 

potentate (po'ten-tat), n. one who 
possesses great power; sovereign 
or monarcth 

potential (po-ten'shal), adj. existing 

• in possibility, not in reality; latent; 
in grammar, expressing power, possi- 
bility, liberty, or obligation. 

potion (po'shun), n. a draft; dose. 

pot-pourri (po-poo-re'), m n. a med- 
ley, especially of musical airs; a 
dish composed of various kinds of 
meats and vegetables. [French.] 

potsherd (pot'sherd), n. a fragment 
of a broken pot. 

pottage (pot'aj), n. a kind of soup. 

potter (pot'er), n. a maker of pottery. 

pottery (pot'er-i), n. [pi. potteries 
(pot'er-iz)], earthenware of all kinds; 
the place where it is manufactured. 

pouch (pouch), n. a small bag; 
pocket; bag or sack of an animal; 
cartridge-box; protuberant stomach. 

poult (polt), n. a pullet; a young 
chicken, turkey, partridge, &c. 

poulterer (pol'ter-er), n. a dealer in 
poultry. 

poultice (pol'tis), n. a soft preparation 
of bread, meal, &c, applied to a sore 
or inflamed part of the body; a cata- 
plasm: v.t. to apply a poultice to. 

poultry (pol'tri), n. domestic fowls. 

pounce (pouns), n. a fine powder for- 
merly used for drying ink on paper, 


now chiefly used for sprinkling into 
holes in paper in patternmaking: 
the talon or claw of a bird of prey: 
v.t. to sprinkle with pounce: v.i. to 
fall upon and seize with, or as with, 
the claws. 

pound (pound), n. a standard weight 
= 16 ounces avoirdupois, or 12 
ounces troy; a monetary unit = 20 
shillings, or about $4.86; an inclos- 
ure for confining stray cattle: v.t. to 
shut in or confine in a pound; beat; 
pulverize as in a mortar: v.i. to plod. 

pour (por), v.t. to empty, as a liquid 
out of a vessel; discharge in a con- 
tinuous stream; send forth; give 
vent to; utter: v.i. to stream; rush 
tumult uously. 

pout (pout), n. a poult; a thrusting 
out of the lips; fit of sullenness; a 
kind of codfish: v.i. to thrust out the 
lips in sullenness; displeasure. 

pouter (pout'er), n. one who pouts; a 
species of pigeon. 

poverty (pov'er-ti) , n. the state of 
being poor; indigence; necessity; 
penury; deficiency or defect, as of 
words, &c. 

powder (pou'der), n. any dry sub- 
stance in fine particles; gunpowder; 
face-powder; a medicinal prepara- 
tion: v.t. to reduce to, or sprinkle 
with, powder; salt. 

power (pou'er), n. the faculty of do- 
ing or performing something; abil- 
ity; energy; force; strength; rule or 
authority; dominion; government; 
influence; mental capacity; legal 
authority; ruler or sovereign; state 
or nation; supernatural being or 
agent; force tending to produce mo- 
tion; magnifying power of a lens; 
the product arising from the multi- 
plication of a number into itself. 

powerful (pou'er-fool), adj. haying 
great power; mighty; forcible; 
strong; efficacious. 

powerless (pou'er-les), adj. wanting in 
power; impotent; weak. 

pow-wow (pou'wou), ft. a North 
American Indian priest or conjurer; 
an incantation accompanied with 
noise and dancing; a noisy political 
meeting: v.i. frolic noisily. [N. Am. 
Indian and so colloq. U. S.] 

pox (poks), n. an eruptive disease 
characterized by pustules; syphilis. 


lite, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met : mite, mit : note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
25 hue, hut ; think, then. 


PRACTICABLE 


388 


PRECEPT 


practicable (prak'ti-ka-bl), adj. that 
may be done, used or passed over; 
feasible; possible. [Greek.] 

practical (prak'ti-kal), adj. pertaining 
to action or use; useful; capable of 
applying knowledge or theory to 
practice; derived from, or reduced 
to, practice. 

practice (prak'tis), n. frequent or 
customary action; dexterity ac- 
quired by habit ; use ; exercise of any 
profession; systematic exercise: v.t. 
to do habitually or repeatedly; per- 
form; exercise, as a profession :. v. i. 
to form a habit; exercise a profession. 

practitioner (prak-tish'un-er), n. one 
who is engaged in the exercise of 
any profession, especially medicine 
or law. 

prae, see pre. 

prsenomen (pre-no'men) , n. a name 
prefixed to the family name. [Latin.] 

praetor (pre'ter), n. a Roman magis- 
trate ranking next to the consul. 

pragmatic (prag-mat'ik), adj. med- 
dling; officious; assuming business 
airs. Also pragmatical. [Greek.] 

prairie (pra'ri), n. an extensive tree- 
less tract of level or slightly undu- 
lating land covered with tall coarse 
grass. [French.] 

praise (praz), n. approbation; com- 
mendation; tribute of gratitude for 
benefits; renown; applause; object 
or reason of praise: v.t. to bestow 
commendation upon; honor; wor- 
ship; glorify. [French.] 

prance (prans), n. a spring or bound: 
v.i. to spring or bound; ride osten- 
tatiously; strut about in a shadowy 
or bellicose manner. 

prandial (pran'di-al), adj. relating to a 
meal, chiefly dinner. [Latin.] 

prank (prangk), n. a freak or frolic; 
mischievous trick: v.t. to dress up in 
a showy style; decorate. 

prate (prat), v.i. to prattle; talk 
idly; be loquacious: v.t. to utter 
without sense or meaning: n. tri- 
fling talk. Also prating. 

prattle (prat'l), n. childish or empty 
talk: v.i. to talk much and lightly; 
chatter. 

prawn (prawn), n. a small marine 
crustacean, allied to the shrimp. 

pray (pra), v.t. & v.i. [p.t. & p.p. 
prayed, p.pr. praying], to ask earn- 


estly; address or petition; ask with 
humility and reverence; supplicate. 

prayer (prar), n. a solemn address 
to the Supreme Being; entreaty; a 
formula of worship; that part of a 
petition which specifies the request 
or desire. [French.] 

prayer-book (prar'book), n. a manual 
of public or private devotion, con- 
taining forms of prayer. 

prayerful (prar'f ool) , adj. using prayer ; 
devotional. 

pre, a Latin prefix meaning before, prior 
in time, space, or degree. 

preach (prech), v.i. to pronounce a 
public discourse on a sacred subject, 
especially from a text of Scripture; 
give advice in an offensive or obtru- 
sive manner on religious or moral 
grounds: v.t. to teach publicly; to 
give advice, sometimes obtrusively. 
[French.] 

preamble (pre'am-bl), n. an intro- 
duction or preface; the opening 
clauses of a statute setting forth 
the reasons and object of the 
act: commencing with the word 
whereas. 

prebend (preb'end), n. the stipend 
granted to a canon out of the es- 
tate of a cathedral or collegiate 
church. [Latin.] 

precarious (pre-ka'ri-us), adj. de- 
pending upon the will or pleasure of 
another; uncertain; held by a doubt- 
ful tenure. [Latin.] 

precaution (pre-kaw'shun), n. cau- 
tion taken beforehand; preventive 
measure. JLatin.] 

precede (pre-sed'). v.t. to go before 
in time, place, rank, or impor- 
tance. 

precedence (pre-se'dens), n. the act of 
going before in time, rank, &c; pri- 
ority; relative rank in social eti- 
quette. Also precedency. [Latin.] 

precedent (pres-e'dent), adj. going 
before; anterior: n. (pres'e-dent) 
something previously said or done, 
serving as an example to be fol- 
lowed; a parallel case in the past. 

precentor (pre-sen'ter) , n. the leader 
of a cathedral choir, &c; the leader 
of the psalmody in a Presbyterian 
church. [Latin.] 

precept (pre'sept), n. an authorita- 
tive command; rule of action or 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut; think, then. 


PRECEPTOR 


389 


PREEMPTION 


moral conduct; maxim; written 
mandate. 

preceptor (pre-sept'ter), n. an in- 
structor or teacher. Fern, precep- 
tress. 

precession (pre-sesh'un), n. a going 
forward, especially the slow but con- 
tinual shifting of the equinoctial 
points along the ecliptic from east 
to west {precession of the equi- 
noxes). [Latin.] 

precinct (pre'singkt), n. an outward 
limit or boundary ; minor territorial 
district. [Latin.] 

precious (presh'us), adj. of great 
price or value; costly; highly es- 
teemed; worthless (in irony). 
[French.] 

precipice (pres'i-pis), n. a steep de- 
scent, especially one nearly or quite 
perpendicular. [Latin.] 

precipitant (pre-sip'i-tant), adj. fall- 
ing headlong; hasty: n. any chemical 
substance that causes something 
held in solution by a liquid to fall 
down in a solid state. 

precipitate (pre-sip'i-tat), v.t. to throw 
headlong; urge on violently; hurry 
on rashly, thoughtlessly, or unex- 
pectedly; throw to the bottom of 
a vessel: v.i. to fall to the bottom of 
a vessel: adj. headlong; over hasty; 
rash: n. a substance precipitated. 

precipitation (pre-sip-i-ta'shun) , n. 
the act of precipitating; rash haste; 
that which is precipitated. 

precipitous (pre-sip'i-tus), adj. very 
steep ; headlong ; rash ; hasty. 

precise (pre-sis')., adj. exact; strict; 
accurate; definite; adhering rigidly 
to rule; punctilious. [Latin.] 

preclude (pre-klood') , v.t. to shut out; 
hinder from access; obviate; pre- 
vent. [Latin.] 

preclusion (pre-kloo'zhun), n. the act 
of precluding; the state of being 
precluded. 

precocious (pre-k5'shus) , adj. prema- 
turely ripe or developed; pertly for- 
ward. [French.] 

precognition (pre-kog-nish'un), n. 
previous knowledge or thought. 

preconceive (pre-kon-seV), v.t. to 
form a notion or opinion of in ad- 
vance of exact knowledge or full 
information; to conceive beforehand. 

precursor (pre-ker'ser) , n. one who, 


or that which, precedes; forerunner; 
omen. [Latin.] 

precursory (pre-ker'so-ri) , adj. indi- 
cating something that is to happen 
or follow. 

predatory (pred'a-to-ri), adj. rapa- 
cious; plundering; pillaging. 

predecessor (pre-de-ses'er), n. one 
who has preceded another in the 
same office, business, position, &c; 
an ancestor. [Latin.] 

predestinate (pre-des'ti-nat), v.t. to 
ordain beforehand by an unchange- 
able purpose. 

predicament (pre-dik'a-ment) , n. in 
logic, a category; a peculiar situa- 
tion; critical condition or state. 

predicate (pred'i-kat), v.t. to affirm 
one thing of another; found: n. in 
logic, that which is affirmed or 
denied of the subject. 

prediction (pre-dik'shun), n. the 
declaration of a future event; 
prophecy. 

predigestion (pre-di-jes'chun), n. the 
artificial peptonization of food before 
it is eaten, so a3 to avoid acid, gas 
and other gastric irritants. [Latin.] 

predilection (pre - di - lek'shun) , n. 
preference beforehand ; preposses- 
sion; partiality. [Latin.] 

predispose (pre-dis-poz'), v.t. to in- 
cline beforehand; adapt previously. 

predisposition (pre-dis-po-zish'un) , n. 
previous inclination or propensity; 
prejudice. [Latin.] 

predominance (pre-dom'i-nans), n. 
superiority over all in and on ques- 
tions; prevalence over others; su- 
periority in strength, power, au- 
thority, &c. [Latin.] 

predominant (pre-dom'i-nant), adj. 
having superior influence, &c; su- 
perior; controlling. 

predominate (pre-dom'i-nat), v.i. to 
be superior in strength, power, au- 
thority, &c; prevail; be ascend- 
ant. 

preeminence (pre-em'i-nens), n. su- 
periority; greatness universally con- 
ceded. 

preeminent (pre-em'i-nent), adj. su- 
perior; above all others. 

preempt (pre-empt'), v.t. to secure 
or occupy by preemption; establish 
a right or claim to before others. 

preemption (pre-emp'shun), n. the 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


PREEN 


390 


PREPONDERANCE 


act or right of purchasing before 
others. [Latin.] 

preen (pren), v.t. to cleanse, trim, and 
compose with the beak, as birds. 

preface (pref'as), n. the introduction 
to a book, &c; preamble: v.t. to in- 
troduce by preliminary remarks: 
v.i. to say or do something intro- 
ductory. [Latin.] 

prefatory (pref'a-to-ri), adj. pertain- 
ing to, or of the nature of, a preface; 
introductory. 

prefect (pre'fekt), n. a civil magis- 
trate or governor ; commander ; moni- 
tor [English]; the civil governor 
of a department in France. [Latin.] 

prefer (pre-fer'), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. pre- 
ferred, p.pr. preferring], to regard 
or esteem more than something 
else; present; place in advance. 

preference (pref'er-ens), n. the act 
of preferring; the thing preferred; 
choice of one thing more than anoth- 
er; predilection. [Latin.] 

preferment (pre-f er'ment) , n. pro- 
motion, especially in the church. 

prefix (pre'fiks), n. a letter, word, or 
syllable placed at the beginning of 
a "word: v.t. (pre-fiks') to place 
before or at the beginning of. [Latin.] 

pregnancy (preg'nan^si) , n % the state 
of being pregnant; inventive power. 

pregnant (preg'nant), adj. being with 
young; fruitful; teeming; fertile; 
full of importance or significance. 

prehensile (pre-hen'sil) , adj. adapted 
for holding or seizing. [Latin.] 

prejudge (pre-juj), v.t. to judge be- 
forehand. 

prejudice (prej'ti-dis), n. previous 
and unfavorable bias; prejudgment 
without due examination; detri- 
ment; injury: v.t. m to prepossess 
against; bias the mind of; create a 
prejudice against. [Latin.] 

prejudicial (prej-u-dish'al), adj. dis- 
advantageous; injurious. 

prelacy (prel'a-si) n. the office or 
status of a prelate; episcopacy; 
bishops collectively. [Latin. ] 

prelate (prel'at) n. m an ecclesiastical 
dignitary having episcopal authority. 

preliminary (pre-lim'i-na-ri), adj. pre- 
ceding the main discourse or busi- 
ness; introductory: n. an introduc- 
tion; something preceding. [Latin.] 

prelude (pre'ltid), n. a short piece of 


music played as an introduction 
to a larger piece; preface: v.t. to 
serve as a prelude to; precede. 
[Latin.] 

premature (pre-ma r tur') , adj. ripe 
before the proper time; arriving, oc- 
curring, or done, before the proper 
time. [Latin.] 

premeditate (pre-med'i-tat), v.t. to 
design, conceive or deliberate, be- 
forehand. [Latin.] 

premeditation (pre-med-i-ta/shun) , 
n. the act of premeditating. 

premier (prem'i-er or pre'mi-er), adj. 
first ) chief; principal: n. the prime 
minister. [French.] 

premise (pre-mlz'), v.t. to explain 
previous^; lay down as proposi- 
tions to reason from: v.i. to state 
antecedent prop sitions: n. (prem'- 
is), a proposition antecedently as- 
sumed and laid down: pi. the two 
propositions of a syllogism in logic, 
the major and minor, from which 
the conclusion is drawn. (Also 
premisses); a building and its ad- 
juncts; foregoing statements or 
facts of a deed of conveyance. 

premium (pre'mi-um), n. a recom- 
pense or reward; prize or bounty: 
bonus; payment for insurance; value 
above the original price or par of 
stock, &c. [Latin.] 

premonitory (pre-mon'i-to-ri) , adj. 
giving warning beforehand. [Latin.] 

preoccupy (pre-ok'u-pi), v.t. to seize 
or occupy beforehand; to preju- 
dice. 

preparation (prep-a-ra'shun) , n. the 
act of preparing or fitting for a par- 
ticular purpose; state of being pre- 
pared; readiness; a part of an ani- 
mal body prepared for anatomical 
use; that which is prepared or made 
ready, as a medicine, &c. [Latin.] 

prepare (pre-par'), v.t. to make ready- 
beforehand; to adapt; to form: v.i. 
to make one's self ready; to get 
everything ready. 

preparedness (pre-par'ed-nes) , n. the 
state of being prepared or in readi- 
ness; liberally used in the United 
States to set forth its armed readi- 
ness for war emergencies. 

preponderance (pre-pon'der-ans), 7U 
superiority of weight, power, force, 
or influence. [Latin.] 

ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, ndrth, not ; b5on, book ; 
hue, hut; think, then. 


PREPONDERANT 


391 


PRESIDENCY 


preponderant (pre-pon'der-ant), adj. 
outweighing. 

preponderate (pre-pon'der-at) , v.t. 
to outweigh; exceed in power or in- 
fluence: v.i. to incline to one side. 

preposition (prep-o-zish'un), n. a 
word placed before a noun or pro- 
noun to indicate its relation to some 
other word in the sentence. [Latin.] 

prepositional (prep-o-zish'un-al) , adj. 
pertaining to a preposition. 

prepositive (pre-pos'i-tiv), adj. placed 
before: n. a word or particle placed 
before another word. 

prepossess (pre-poz-es') , v.t. to occupy 
beforehand; bias. [Latin.] 

prepossessing (pre-poz-es'ing) , jp.adj. 
tending to win or secure favor; 
attractive. 

preposterous (pre-pos'ter-us), adj. 
contrary to nature or reason; ri- 
diculous; absurd. 

prerogative (pre-rog'a-tiv) , n. an 
exclusive or peculiar privilege, espe- 
cially of a sovereign. [Latin.] 

presage (pres'aj), n. a foreboding or 
presentiment: v.t. (pre-saj'), to fore- 
bode; predict. [French.] 

presbyopia (pres-bi-o'pi-a), n. long- 
sightedness while near objects are 
indistinctly seen, caused by a change 
in the refractive power of the eye, 
due to the flattening of the lens. 

presbyter (pres'bi-ter) , n. an elder, 
minister, or priest; an elder with 
authority to rule in the early Chris- 
tian church. [Greek.] 

presbytery (pres'bi-ter-i), n. in the 
early Christian church, a body of 
elders; in the Presbyterian Church, 
a court composed of the pastors and 
ruling elders of the churches in a 
given district; such district so 
•represented. 

prescience (pre'shiens), n. fore- 
knowledge. [Latin.] 

prescient (pre'shient), adj. foreknow- 
ing. 

prescribe (pre-skrib'), v.t. to set down 
authoritatively; direct medically; 
appoint: v.i. to write medical direc- 
tions; give law; claim by prescrip- 
tion. [Latin.] 

prescript (pre'skript), adj. prescribed; 
directed: n. a direction; prescrip- 
tion. 

prescription (pre-skrip'shun), n. the 


act of prescribing; the thing pre- 
scribed; a written direction for the 
preparation of a medicine; recipe; 
custom or title continued until it 
has acquired the force of law. 

presence (prez'ens), n. the state or 
quality of being present; quickness 
at expedients; society; mien. [Latin.] 

present (prez'ent), adj. being in a cer- 
tain place; at hand or in sight; at 
this time; not past or future; in- 
stant or immediate: n. the present 
time; a gift or donation: -pi. what 
is written in a document or con- 
veyance now present or referred to: 
v.t. (pre-zent'). to introduce to a 
superior; exhibit to view; offer; give 
formally; point or .aim, as a gun; 
appoint to an ecclesiastical benefice ; 
lay before for consideration. 

presentation (prez-en-ta'shun), n. 
the act of presenting; representa- 
tion ; the right _ or _ act of present- 
ing to an ecclesiastical benefice; po- 
sition of a child at parturition. 

presentient (pre-sen'shient), adj. hav- 
ing previous perception^ [Latin.] 

presentiment (pre-zen'ti-ment), n. 
previous apprehension of something 
about to come or happen (usually 
of impending evil). 

presently (prez'ent-li), adv. ere 
long. 

presentment (pre-zent 'ment), n. the 
act of presenting \ the thing pre- 
sented; representation; notice taken 
of an offense by a grand jury from 
their personal knowledge. 

preservation (prez-er-va/shun), n. the 
act of preserving; the state of 
being preserved from injury. 

preservative (pre-zer'va-tiv), adj. hav- 
ing the power of preserving 1 n. 
that which preserves. Also pieser- 
vatory. 

preserve (pre-zerv'), v.t. to keep from 
injury: defend; uphold; saye; keep 
in a sound state; season with sugar 
for preservation: n. fruit, &c, sea- 
soned and kept in sugar; a place set 
apart for preserving game. 

preside (pre-zid'), v.i. to direct or 
control, especially at a public meet- 
ing; superintend. [Latin.] 

presidency (prez'i-den-si), n. the of- 
fice, dignity, term, jurisdiction, or 
residence of a president; one of the 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit : note, north, not ; boon, book : 
hue, hut ; think, /Tien. 


PRESIDENT 


392 


PREY 


three principal divisions of British 
India. 

president (prez'i-dent), n. one who 
presides over a corporation or 
assembly ; the executive of a repub- 
lic; the chief officer of a college, 
university, or sect, as Monnonism. 

presidential (prez-i-den'shal) , adj. 
pertaining to a president. 

press (pres), *U. to urge; embrace; 
crowd upon; distress; hurry; make 
smooth, as cloth, &c; formerly, to 
force for service into the navy: v.i. 
to exert pressure; move forward 
forcibly: n. an instrument or ma- 
chine for compressing anything; 
a printing machine; newspaper and 
periodical literature; literature gen- 
erally; a crowd; act of urging 
forward; pressure; urgency; a closet 
with shelves; wine vat. [Latin.] 

pressing (pres'ing), p. adj. urgent; im- 
portunate. 

pressure (presh'ur), n. the act of pres- 
sing; the state of being pressed ; con- 
straining force or influence. 

prestidigitation (pres - ti - dij - i - ta' - 
shun), n. sleight of hand; legerde- 
main. Also pr estimation. [French.] 

prestige (pres-tezlr) , n. moral in- 
fluence due to past reputation, 
achievements, &c. [French.] 

presto (pres'to), adv. a musical direc- 
tion meaning " quickly." The su- 
perlative form prestissimo means 
" very quickly." [Italian.] 

presume (pre-zum'), v.t. to take for 
granted on probable grounds; sup- 
pose: v.i. to venture without actual 
leave; form confident or arrogant 
opinions; behave with overconfi- 
dence or presumption. [Latin.] 

presumption (pre-zump'shun) , n. the 
act of presuming; the thing pre- 
sumed; strong probability; ar- 
rogance _ or overconfidence ; the 
assumption of the credibility of 
certain facts from circumstantial 
evidence. 

presumptive (pre-zump'tiv), adj. 
taken by previous supposition ; prov- 
ing circumstantially; arrogant. 

presumptuous (pre-zump'tu-us), adj. 
bold and confident to excess; arro- 
gant; wilful; rash. 

presuppose (pre-sup-oz'), v.t. to take 
for granted; imply as antecedent. 


pretend (pre-tend'), v.t. to allege or 
put forward falsely; make a show 
of; simulate; counterfeit; assert: 
v.i. to put forward a claim, true or 
false. [Latin.] 

pretended (pre-ten'ded), p. adj. osten- 
sible ; feigned. 

pretense (pre-tens'), n. false or hypo- 
critical profession ; unfounded claim ; 
pretext. 

pretension (pre-ten'shun) , n. a claim, 
true or false; assumed right. 

pretentious (pre-ten'shus), adj. as- 
suming an an of superiority. 

preter, a Latin prefix meaning beyond, 
more, besides, as preternatural, &c. 

preterit (pret'er-it) , adj. past; not- 
ing the tense which expresses past 
or completed time or action. Also 
preterite: n. the past tense. 

pretext (pre'tekst), n. a pretense or 
excuse; ostensible motive put for- 
ward to conceal the real one. [Latin.] 

pretty (prit'i), adj. [comp. prettier, su- 
per I. prettiest], pleasing without be- 
ing absolutely beautiful; neatly ar- 
ranged or ornamented; trim; fine: 
adv. fairly; moderately. 

pretzel (pret'zel), n. a hard wheaten 
biscuit, made in the form of a knot 
and salted on the surface. [German.] 

prevail (pre-vaT). v.i. to overcome; 
gain the advantage; operate effec- 
tually; obtain influence or superior- 
ity; persuade (with on). [Latin.] 

prevalent (prevalent), adj. powerful; 
predominant; victorious; most gen- 
eral. 

prevaricate (pre-var'i-kat) , v.i. to 
evade the truth; quibble. [Latin.] 

prevent (pre-venf), v.t. to hinder, 
obstruct, or impede; obviate; pre- 
cede (as in prayer-book, " prevent 
us O Lord"). [Latin.] 

prevention (pre-ven'shun) , n. the act 
of preventing; hindrance or obstruc- 
tion. 

preventive (pre-ven'tiv) , adj. tending 
to prevent^ n. that which prevents. 

previous (pre'vi-us), adj. going before; 
anterior. 

prevision (pre-vizh'un), n. fore-knowl- 
edge. 

prey (pra), n. plunder; booty; that 
which may be, or is, seized by a 
wild beast for food: v.i. [p.t. & p.p. 
preyed, p.pr. preying], to take booty 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, nOrth, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut; think, then. 


PRICE 


393 


PRINCIPLE 


or plunder; seize and devour an 
animal as prey; weigh heavily 
(with on or upon). 

price (pris), n. the current value of 
a commodity; cost; value; recom- 
pense. [French. 1 

priceless (pris'les), adj. invaluable. 

prick (prik), n. a puncture; dot or 
point; slender pointed instrument; 
a sharp stinging pain; thorn; goad; 
remorse; small roll; footprint of a 
hare or deer: v.t. to pierce with, or 
as with, a prick; to puncture. 

pricking (prik'ing), n. the act of 
piercing with a sharp point; sensa- 
tion of a sharp, tingling pain. 

prickle (prik'l), n. a sharp point grow- 
ing from the bark of a plant. 

priest (prest), n. an ecclesiastic in 
full orders, below a bishop and 
above a deacon; one who officiates 
in sacred offices, especially by of- 
fering sacrifice. Fern, priestess. 

priesthood (prest 'hood), n. the priest- 
ly order; the office of a priest^ 

priestly (prest'li), adj. pertaining to, 
or befitting, a priest ; # sacerdotal. 

prig (prig), n. a conceited fellow who 
gives himself airs of wisdom: v.t. 
[p.t. & p.p. prigged, p.pr. prigging], 
to dress up; primp; prink; also to 
thieve, steal. 

priggish (prig'ish), adj. conceited. 

prim (prim), adj. precise; affectedly 
nice; formally neat: v.t. to deck 
with affected nicety. [Old French.] 

primacy (pri'ma-si), n. the office or 
dignity of a primate. 

primal (pri'mal), adj. first. 

primary (pri'ma-ri) , adj. in the first or- 
der of time, place, or rank; chief; 
original ; principal^ preparatory: n. 
that which is first in rank, place, or 
importance: pi. large quill feathers 
on the last joint of a bird's wing. 

primate (pri'mat), n. the highest dig- 
nitary in a national church; an arch- 
bishop. 

prime (prim), adj. first in order of 
rank, time, or importance; original: 
early; excellent: n. the spring of 
life; first or best part; beginning 
or dawn; height of perfection; the 
first canonical hour: v.t. to prepare 
for firing, as a gun; lay the first 
coat of paint on: v.i. to serve for the 
charge of a gun; convey water with 


the steam to the cylinder of an en- 
gine from the boiler. [Latin.] 

primer (prim'er), n. m a manual of 
elementary instruction; a small 
prayer book; one of two sizes of 
type, long primer and great primer. 
See type. 

primeval (pri-me'val) , adj. of the 
earliest age or time; ancient. 

priming (prim'ing), n. the first coat 
of paint; powder in the nipple of 
a firearm. 

primitive (prim'i-tiv) , adj. pertain- 
ing to the beginning; original; not 
derivative; old-fashioned: n. a word 
in its simplest form and not derived 
from another. 

primitiveness (prim'i-tiv-nes), n. 
the state or quality of being primi- 
tive. 

primogeniture (prf-mo-jen'i-tur) , n. 
seniority of birth; right of the eld- 
est son to succeed to real estate. 

primordial (pri-mor'di-al), adj. exist- 
ing from the beginning; first in or- 
der; original: n. first principle or 
element. [Latin.] 

primp (primp), v.t. to deck (one's 
self) in a prim or affected manner; 
prink. 

primrose (prim'roz), n. an early 
spring flower of a pale yellow color, 
of several species : adj. pale yellow. 

prince (prins), n. a ruler or sover- 
eign; the son of a king or sovereign. 

princely (prins'li), adj. resembling, or 
befitting, a prince; royal; high-born; 
dignified; magnificent. 

princess (prin'ses), n._ the daughter 
of a sovereign; the wife of a prince. 

principal (prin'si-pal), adj. occupy- 
ing the first place or rank; chief in 
character, degree, _ or importance; 
essential: n. a principal person or 
thing; one who takes the lead; the 
chief m authority; head of a firm; 
a capital sum lent at interest. 

principality (prin-si-pari-ti), n. the 
territory of a prince; the country 
from which he derives his title; royal 
state: supreme power. 

principle (prin'si-pl), n. source or ori- 
gin; element: fundamental truth or 
doctrine; settled rule or law of ac- 
tion or conduct; reason; foundation 
of morality or religion: uprightness: 
v.t. to establish firmly in the mind. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met : mite, mit : note, nOrth, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


PRINGLE 


394 


PROBLEM 


pringle (pring'gl), v.i. a verb meaning 
the feeling which one has in sharp 
cold — a combination of pricking and 
tingling. [Conan Doyle.] 

prink (pringk), v.t. to dress up, or 
deck out, in a showy or ostentatious 
fashion; to arrange with nicety. 

print (print), n. a mark or character 
made by impression; impression of 
type; anything that being impressed 
leaves its form on any substance; 
anything produced by printing, as a 
newspaper, engraving, &c: pi. en- 
gravings; printed cotton cloth: v.t. 
to impress; fix or stamp deeply: v. i. 
to practice the art of printing; pub- 
lish books. 

printing (print 'ing), n. the art or act 
of impressing figures or characters on 
paper, &c: typography; the busi- 
ness of a printer. 

prior (pri'er), adj. coming before, in 
time; former: adv. previously: n. 
the head of a priory or monastery, 
next in rank below an abbot. Fern. 
prioress. 

priority (prl-or'i-ti), n. the state of 
being first in rank, time, or place; 
first claim. 

priory (pri'er-i), n. {pi. priories (prl'- 
er-iz)], a religious house, in dignity 
below an abbey. 

prism (prizm), n. & solid whose bases 
are similar, equal, and parallel, and 
whose sides are parallelograms; a 
piece of solid glass with triangular 
ends. [Graeco-Latin; the original 
meaning was "something sawed."] 

prismatic (priz-mat'ik), adj. pertain- 
ing to, like, formed by, or separated 
by, a prism. Also prismatical. 

prison (priz'n), n. a public building 
for the c nfinement of criminals, 
&c; jail; any place of confinement 
or detention: v.t. to imprison. 

pristine (pris'tin), adj. pertaining to 
an early period; first; original; 
primitive. [Latin.] 

prithee (prith'e), corruption of "I 
pray thee." 

privacy (prl'va-si), n. a state of re- 
tirement: place of seclusion; secrecy. 

private (pri'vat), adj. peculiar to one's 
self ; personal ; alone ; secret ; not pub- 
lic; secluded; unofficial: n. a common 
soldier. 

privateer (pri-va-ter'), n. a private 


vessel licensed by the government 
to seize and plunder the ships of 
an enemy: v.i. to cruise in a pri- 
vateer. 

privation (pri-va/shun),n. the state of 
being deprived of something, espe- 
cially of the necessaries of life; des- 
titution; hardship; absence. 

privative (priv'a-tiv), adj. causing 
privation; taking away; negative: 
n. that which depends on the ab- 
sence of something else; a prefix or 
suffix, noting absence or negation, 
such as the so-called Alpha privative 
in Greek. 

privilege (priv'i-lej), n. a law, or 
exemption from the common provi- 
sions of a law, in favor of an 
individual or a body; peculiar ad- 
vantage, right, or immunity; pre- 
rogative: v.t. to invest with a priv- 
ilege; exempt. 

privy (priv'i), adj. private; secret; 
clandestine; admitted to the knowl- 
edge of something secret (with to): 
n. a person having an interest in a 
legal action ; a necessary house. 

prize (priz), n. a reward gained in a 
competition, lottery, &c; that which 
is taken from an enemy in war, es- 
pecially a captured vessel; a lever 
used for forcing or raising heavy 
bodies, &c: v.t. to value; esteem; 
to force with a lever. [Old French.] 

pro, a Latin prefix meaning before, in 
the place of, forth, forward, as pro and 
con, for and against, or both sides of 
an argument, &c. 

probable (prob'a-bl), adj. that can be 
proved; likely. 

probate (pro'bat), n. the official proof 
of wills; the official copy of a will 
with the certificate of probation. 

probation (prq-ba'shun) , n. the act of 
proving ; evidence ; proof ; moral 
trial; novitiate; trial of abilities 
prior to election, &c, to office or 
employment. 

probe (prob), n. a surgical instru- 
ment for examining a wound: v.t. 
to examine with a probe; scruti- 
nize. 

probity (pro'bi-ti), n. integrity; sin- 
cerity. 

problem (prob'lem), n. a question for 
solution; a proposition requiring 
something to be demonstrated. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met : mite, mit ; n5te, nOrth, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, Men. 


PROBLEMATICAL 


395 


PROFESSION" 


problematical (prob-lem-at'i-kal) , 
adj. questionable; doubtful. 

proboscis (pro-bos'is), n. the trunk 
of an elephant; the elongated snout 
of certain animals and insects. 

procedure (pro-sed'ur), n. manner of 
proceeding; conduct; process. 

proceed (pro-sed'). v.i. to pass from 
one step or place to another; ad- 
vance; issue; make progress; carry 
on a legal process: n.pl. money re- 
sulting from a commercial trans- 
action. 

proceeding (pro-sed'ing), n. advance- 
ment; course of conduct; transac- 
tion; operation: pi. legal process; 
transactions of a learned or scientific 
society. 

proceeds (pro'sedz), n. the material 
results of an action or course; that 
which accrues from possession. 

process (pros'es), n. progressive 
course ; series of measures or changes ; 
operation; projection on a bone; 
proceedings in a legal action. 

procession (pro-sesh'un), n. a train 
of persons in a formal march. 

proclaim (pro-klam'), v.t. to announce 
officially; publish; outlaw by public 
proclamation. 

proclamation (prok-la-ma'shun), n. 
an official announcement to the pub- 
lic; edict. 

proclivity (pro-kliv'i-ti), n. an in- 
clination; tendency. 

proconsul (pro-kon'sul) , n. a Roman 
official who governed a province; a 
magistrate invested with consular 
authority without the office. 

procrastinate (pro-kras'ti-nat), v.t. to 
put off to a future time; defer: v.i. 
to be dilatory. 

procrastination (pro - kras - ti - na ' - 
shun), n. delay. 

procreate (pro'kre-at) , v.t. to gener- 
ate and produce; beget. 

proctor (prok'ter), n. m one employed 
to manage the affairs of another; 
an attorney in an ecclesiastical, ad- 
miralty, or probate court; a univer- 
sity official charged with the main- 
tenance of university regulations. 

procumbent (pro-kum'bent), adj. 
lying down; prostrate; trailing. 

procurable (pro-ku'ra-bl), adj. ob- 
tainable. 

procurator (prok'u-ra-ter) , n. one 


who manages another's affairs, es- 
pecially legal interests. 

procure (pro-kur'), v.t. to get or ob- 
tain; cause. 

prod (prod), n. a goad; prick: v.t. 
[p.t. & p.p. prodded, p.pr. prodding], 
to goad. 

prodigal (prod'i-gal), adj. extravagant 
in expenditure; lavish; wasteful: n. 
a spendthrift; one who is lavish or 
wasteful. 

prodigality (prod-i-gal'i-ti), n. _ the 
state or quality of being prodigal; 
extravagance; lavishness. 

prodigious (pro-dij'us), adj. enor- 
mous; adapted to excite wonder. 

prodigy (prod'i-ji), n. anything won- 
derful or extraordinary; a miracle; 
portent. 

produce (pro-dus')- v.t. to exhibit or 
bring to view; yield or bring forth; 
manufacture^ extend: n. (prod'iis), 
that which is yielded or brought 
forth; result. 

product (prod'ukt), n. that which is 
produced by nature, or made by art; 
work; result; the result of multiply- 
ing two or more numbers together. 

production (pro-duk'shun), n. that 
which is produced; act of produc- 
ing; fruit; result. 

productive (pro-duk'tiv), adj. having 
the power of producing; generative; 
fertile. 

productiveness (pro-duk'tiy-nes), n. 
a quality of being productive. _ 

proem (pro'em)^ n. a preface or intro- 
duction. [Latin.] 

profanation (prof-a-na'shun), n. the 
act of treating sacred things with 
disrespect or irreverence; desecra- 
tion. 

profane (prS-fan'), adj. secular; ir- 
reverent ; irreligious ; blasphemous : 
v.t. to treat with irreverence; dese- 
crate; violate (holy things); put to 
an improper use. 

profanity (pro-fan'i-ti), n. irreverence 
towards holy things; blasphemy. 
Also profaneness. 

profess (pro-fes'), v.t. to make open 
declaration of; acknowledge or avow; 
declare publicly. 

profession (pro-f esh'un) , n. the act of 
professing; open declaration or 
avowal; calling or vocation, espe- 
cially one that requires a learned 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


PROFESSIONAL 


396 


PROLOGUE 


education; collective body of per- 
sons in a profession; the entrance of 
a novice into a religious order under 
a sacred vow. [Latin.] 

professional (pro-f jsh'un-al), adj. per- 
taining to a profession: n. one who 
makes his living by his art, as dis- 
tinguished from an amateur. 

professor (pro-f es'er) , n. one who 
makes an outward profession of 
religion; one who publicly teaches 
any branch of knowledge. 

proffer (prof-er), v.t. to offer for ac- 
ceptance; tender: n. an offer made. 

proficiency (pro-fish'en-si) , n. de- 
gree of advancement in any branch 
of knowledge, science, or art. 

proficient (pro-fish'ent) , _ adj. thor- 
oughly qualified, or skilled: n. an 
expert, or adept. 

profile (pro'fll), n. a head or portrait 
in a side view, outline or contour, 
especially of a building in vertical 
section : v.t. draw in profile. [French.] 

profit (profit), n. pecuniary gain; 
benefit or advantage; emolument: 
v.i. to benefit; improve: v.i. to be of 
advantage; make improvement; re- 
ceive profit. 

profitable (prof'it-a-bl), adj. yielding 
or bringing profit; lucrative; advan- 
tageous. 

profligate (prof 'li-gat) , adj. abandoned 
to vice; dissolute; openly vicious. 

profound (pro-found'), adj. deep in 
skill or knowledge; abstruse; deep; 
intense. 

profundity (pro-f un'di-ti\ n. depth 
of place, knowledge, skill, &c. 

profuse (pro-f us'), adj. liberal to ex- 
cess; exuberant. 

profusion (pro-f u'zhun) , n. lavishness; 
excess; abundance. Also profuse- 
ness. 

progenitor (pro-gen'i-ter) , n. an an- 
cestor; forefather. 

prog (prog), n. a common word in 
England for food; like f 'grub" among 
all English-speaking peoples. 

progeniture (pro-gen'i-tur), n. a 
birth or begetting. 

progeny (proj'en-i), n. offspring; 
descendants; lineage. 

prognosticate (prog^nos'ti-kat) , v.t. 
to foretell: v.i. indicate the future 
by present signs. 

program, programme (pro'gram), n. 


an outline of a public entertain- 
ment, ceremony, &c; a course of 
action prepared or announced be- 
forehand. 

progress (prog'res), n. a moving or 
going forward; advancement; pro- 
ficiency; journey of state: v.i. (pro- 
gres') to move forward; advance; 
increase in proficiency. 

progression (pro-gresh'un), n. mo- 
tion onwards; intellectual advance; 
regular and gradual advance; prog- 
ress; a series of numbers increas- 
ing or decreasing by proportional 
differences. 

progressive (pro-gres'iv), adj. moving 
forward; making progress; improv- 
ing- 

prohibit (pro-hib'it), v.t. to forbid; 
interdict by authority; hinder. 

prohibition (pro-hi-bish'un), n. the 
act of prohibiting; interdict. 

prohibitionist (pro-hirbish'un-ist), n. 
one who desires to prohibit the sale 
of intoxicating liquors. 

prohibitive (pro-hib'i-tiv) , adj. tend- 
ing to prohibit. 

project (proj'ekt), n. a design or 
scheme: v.t. (pr5-jekf), to throw or 
cast forward; plan or scheme: v.i. 
to jut out. 

projectile (pro-jek'til), n. a body 
thrown forward, especially through 
the air; a bullet, shot, shell, &c: adj. 
impelled or impelling forward. 

projection (pro-jek'shun), n. the act 
or state of projecting; that which 
juts out; a plan or delineation repre- 
sented on a plane. 

prolapse (pro-laps') , n. a falling down 
or out of some part of the body: v.i. 
to fall down or out; project too 
much. Also prolapsus. 

proletarian (pro-le-ta'ri-an) , adj. per- 
taining to the common people ; low ; 
vulgar: n. a workman; in ancient 
Rome, the lowest class of citizens. 
[Latin.] 

prolific (pro-lif'ik), adj. productive; 
fertile. 

prolix (pro-liks' or pro'liks),. adj. 
tedious and verbose; not concise. 

prolixity (prq-liks'i-ti), n. verbosity; 
minute detail. 

prologue (prS'log), n. an introduc- 
tion or preface, especially verses 
spoken before a dramatic perfor- 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


PROLONG 


397 


PROPELLER 


mance by way of introduction: v.t. 
to introduce by a preface. 

prolong (pro-long'), v.t. to lengthen; 
extend. 

prolongation (pro-long-ga'shun), n. 
extension in time or space; delay or 
postponement. 

promenade (prom-e-nad'), n. a walk 
for pleasure, show or exercise; a 
public place for walking: v.i. walk 
for pleasure, &c. 

prominence (prom'i-nens), n. the 
state or quality of being prominent; 
a projection. Also prominency. 

prominent (prom'i-nent), adj. pro- 
jecting; conspicuous; chief; protu- 
berant. 

promiscuous (pro-mis'ku-us), adj. 
confused; mingled; indiscriminate; 
not restricted to any particular per- 
son. 

promise (prom'is), n. an engagement 
to do or not to do something; basis 
for expectation; the thing promised: 
v.i. to assure one by a promise: v.t. 
to make a promise of; afford reason; 
to expect. 

promiser (prom'is-er), n. one who 
promises. 

promisor (prom-is-or'), n. one who 
makes a legal promise or covenant. 

promissory (prom'is-o-ri), adj. con- 
taining a promise or covenant to do, 
or not to do, something. 

promontory (prom'on-to-ri), n. a 
high cape; a point of land jutting 
into the sea. 

promote (pro-mot'), v.t. to advance, 
forward, or elevate; excite or stir 
up; raise to higher rank. 

promoter (pro-mo'ter) , n. one who 
promotes, especially one who makes 
it his business to float new com- 
panies, &c. 

promotion (pro-mo'shun) , n. the 
act of promoting; state of being 
promoted ; advancement ; prefer- 
ment. 

prompt (prompt), adj. ready and 
quick to act as occasion demands; 
immediate; done without delay: v.t. 
incite to action; assist (a speaker) 
when at a loss for words. 

promulgate (pro-mul'gat), v.t. to 
publish. 

promulgation (pro-mul-ga/shun), n. 
publication. 


prone (pron), adj. lying with the face 
downwards; not erect; inclined; dis- 
posed. 

prong (prong), n. a sharp-pointed in- 
strument; the spike of a fork. 

pronominal (pro-nom'i-nal), adj. per- 
taining to, or of the nature of, a 
pronoun. 

pronoun (pro-noun), n. a word which 
refers to, or is used in the place of, 
a noun. 

pronounce (pro-nouns'), v .t. to speak 
or utter distinctly ; articulate ; utter 
formally, authoritatively, or rhetori- 
cally; affirm: v.i. to speak with con- 
fidence or authority. 

pronounced (pr5-nounst'), p.adj. 
strongly marked or decided. 

pronouncement (pro-nouns 'ment), 
n. an emphatic declaration. 

pronunciation (pro-nun-si-a'shun) , 
n. the act or manner of articulating 
words or syllables; graceful and 
proper public speaking. 

proof (proof), n. testimony or con- 
vincing evidence; test or experi- 
ment; reason; argument; demon- 
stration; impenetrability; capability 
of resistance; a standard strength of 
spirit; an impression taken from 
type for correction; an early im- 
pression of an engraving: adj. 
strong to resist impression or pen- 
etration; capable of moral or physi- 
cal resistance, as "sneer-proof" 
" bullet-proof.'' [Old French.] 

prop (prop), n. a support or stay: 
v.t. [p.t. & p.p. propped, p.pr. prop- 
ping], to support by something un- 
der or against; sustain. 

propaganda (prop-a-gan'da) , n.pl. 
any methods for the propagation of 
doctrines, principles, &c, religious 
or secular. 

propagate (prop'a-gat), v.t. to con- 
tinue or spread by generation or suc- 
cessive production ; extend ; impel for- 
ward in space: v.i. to be produced 
by generation, or by new shoots or 
plants. 

propagation (prop-a-ga'shuii) , n. the 
act of propagating; spreading or ex- 
tension. 

propel (pro-pel'), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. pro- 
pelled, p.pr. propelling], to drive 
forward; urge onward by force. 

propeller (pro-pel'er), n. one who, or 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


PROPENSITY 


398 


PROSECUTION 


that which, propels; a screw-pro- 
peller; vessel so propelled. 

propensity (pro-pen'si-ti) , n. natural 
tendency. 

proper (prop'er), adj. noting a par- 
ticular person or thing; peculiar; 
fit or suitable; correct; appropri- 
ate. 

property (prop'er-ti), n. [pi. properties 
(prop'er-tiz)], a peculiar attribute, 
quality, or disposition; exclusive 
right of possession; the thing owned; 
estate; goods; attribute common to a 
class: pi. articles, including dresses, 
required by actors on the stage. 

prophecy (prof'e-si), n. a prediction 
of something to take place in the 
future, especially a prediction by 
Divine inspiration. 

prophesy (profe-sl), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. 
prophesied, p.pr. prophesying], to 
foretell future events, especially by 
Divine inspiration: v.i. to utter 
prophecies; preach. 

prophet (prof'et), n. one who foretells 
future events, especially one inspired 
by God. Feminine, prophetess^ 

prophetic (pro-fet'ik), adj. pertaining 
to prophecy ; predictive. Prophetical. 

prophylactic (pro-fi-lak'tik) , adj. 
guarding, or preserving, against dis- 
ease: n. a preventive of disease. 

propinquity (pro-ping'kwi-ti) , n. 
nearness of place, time, or relation- 
ship. 

propitiate (pro-pish 'i-at), v.t. to con- 
ciliate; make propitious; v.i. to atone. 

propitiation (pro-pish-i-a'shun), n. 
the act of propitiating; atonement. 

propitious (pro-pish'us), adj. favor- 
able; disposed to be merciful. 

proportion (pro-por'shun) , n. com- 
parative relation of one thing to an- 
other; ratio; rate; symmetrical re- 
lation; rule of three; equal or just 
share: v.t. to form symmetrically; 
apportion. 

proportional (pro-por'shun-al) , adj. 
having due proportion; having the 
same ratio: n. a quantity or number 
in proportion. 

proportionate (pro-por'shun-at) , adj. 
adjusted to something else accord- 
ing to a certain rate: v.t. to adjust 
according to a settled rate. 

proposal (pro-poz'al), n. that which is 
offered for consideration or accept- 


ance; offer of marriage; terms 01 
conditions proposed. 

propose (pro-poz'), v.t. to bring for* 
ward or offer for consideration; 
nominate for election: v.i. to make 
an offer of marriage. 

proposition (prop-o-zish'un) , n. an 
oner of terms; proposal; a complete 
sentence, or one that affirms or de- 
nies something; a theorem or prob- 
lem for solution. 

propound (pro-pound'), v.t. to offer 
for consideration; put or set as a 
question. 

proprietary (pro-pri'e-ta-ri), adj. be- 
longing to a proprietor or proprie- 
tary: n. a possessor in his own right; 
proprietors collectively. 

proprietor (pro-pri'e-ter), n. one who 
has a legal right to anything; owner. 
Fern, proprietress; proprietrix. 

propriety (pro-prl'e-ti), n. conformity 
to established rules or custom; deco- 
rum; fitness. 

propulsion (pro-pul'shun), n. the act 
of propelling. 

prorogation (pro-ro-ga'shun), n. the 
act of proroguing. 

prorogue (pro-rog'), v.t. to terminate 
a session of; to postpone. 

prosaic (pro-za'ik) , adj. like prose; 
commonplace ; uninteresting. Also 
prosaical. 

proscenium (pro-se'ni-um), n. that 
part of the stage from the curtain to 
the orchestra. 

proscribe (pro-skrib') , v.t. to punish 
with civil death; outlaw; inter- 
dict. 

proscription (pro-skrip'shun), n. the 
act of proscribing; outlawry; inter- 
diction. _ 

prose (proz), n. ordinary spoken or 
written language; unmetrical com- 
position: v.i. & v.t. to write or 
speak tediously: adj. unloosed from 
the rules of prosody, yet not 
necessarily; dull; tedious; common- 
place. See lyric prose. [Latin.] 

prosecute (pros'e-kut), v.t. to fol- 
low or pursue with the view to reach 
or accomplish; accuse of a crime be- 
fore a legal tribunal: v.i. to carry 
on a legal prosecution. [Latin.] 

prosecution (pros-e-ku'shun), n. the 
act of prosecuting; pursuit; the in- 
stitution and carrying on of a legal 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


PROSELYTE 


399 


PROTOTYPE 


suit; prosecutor or prosecutors col- 
lectively. 

proselyte (pros'e-lit), n. a convert to 
some religion or belief, or party; a 
Gentile convert to the Jewish law 
and belief: v.t. to proselytize. 

prosing (proz'ing), n. tedious minute- 
ness; dull talk. 

prosody (pros'o-di), n. that part of 
grammar which treats of quantity, 
accent, and the laws of versification. 

prospect (pros'pekt), n. a view of 
something distant; scene; object of 
view; expectation; v.t. (pro-spekf), 
to search or explore, especially for 
gold or valuable minerals. 

prospective (pros-pek'tiv) , adj. look- 
ing forward ; acting with, or charac- 
terized by, foresight; in prospect. 

prospectus (pro-spek'tus), n. an out- 
line of a proposed undertaking; 
sketch, or plan. 

prosper (pros'per), v.t. to render 
successful; favor: v.i. to thrive; 
succeed. 

prosperity (pros-per'i-ti), n. success- 
ful progress in any business or enter- 
prise; good fortune. 

prosperous (pros'per-us) , adj. success- 
ful; thriving. 

prostitute (pros'ti-tut) , v.t. to offer or 
hire for lewd use; devote to im- 
proper purposes: adj. prostituted: 
n. a lewd woman; a base mercenary 
or hireling. [Latin. 1 

prostitution (pros-ti-tu'shun), n. the 
act of a prostitute. 

prostrate (pros'trat), adj. lying at 
full length; extended on the ground; 
lying at mercy as a suppliant: v.t. 
to lay flat; throw down; bow in 
humble reverence. [Latin.] 

prostration (pros-tra'shun), n. the 
act of prostrating; great depression; 
exhaustion of the vital powers under 
disease. 

protect (pro-tekf), v.t. to cover over; 
defend; shield; shelter; support. 

protection (pro-tek'shun), n. the act 
of protecting; the state of being pro- 
tected; defense; shelter; security; 
passport; encouragement of home in- 
dustry by duties on imports, boun- 
ties, &c. 

Protectionism (pro-tek'shun-izm), n. 
the doctrine that certain home in- 
dustries and produce should be en- 


couraged by the imposition of duties 
on foreign imports of the same kind. 

protectorate (pro-tek'ter-at), n. gov- 
ernment or defense by a protector. 

protege (pro-ta-zha/), n. one who is 
under the protection, guardianship, 
or care of another. Fern, protegee. 
[French.] 

protein (pro'te-in), n. the gelatinous, 
semi-transparent substance obtained 
from albumen, fibrin or casein, the 
essential principle of food. 

protest (pro-test'), v.i. to affirm with 
solemnity; make a solemn declara- 
tion against some public act or meas- 
ure; remonstrate: v.t. to make a 
solemn declaration or affirmation of; 
to declare formally to be insufficient- 
ly provided for by deposit or pay- 
ment; said of a note or bill of 
exchange: n. (pro'test), a solemn 
declaration of opinion against some- 
thing; a document containing rea- 
sons for dissent ; a formal declaration 
by the holder of a bill of exchange 
of its non-payment or non-accept- 
ance by the drawer. [Latin.] 

Protestant (prot'es-tant), n. a mem- 
ber of any of those bodies of Chris- 
tians that protest against the spirit- 
ual supremacy of the Church of 
Rome: originally one of the party 
who adhered to Luther after the sec- 
ond Diet of Speyers, 1529: adj. per- 
taining to Protestants or Protestant- 
ism. 

protestation (prot-es-ta'shun), n. a 
formal declaration of dissent ; solemn 
affirmation. 

proto, a Greek prefix meaning first, as 
profomartyr, &c. 

protocol (pro'to-kol), n. the rough 
draft of a treaty, diplomatic des- 
patch, &c. 

protomartyr (pro-to-mar'ter), n. the 
first of the Christian martyrs, St. 
Stephen. 

protoplasm (pr5'to-plazm), n. a semi- 
fluid albuminous substance, regard- 
ed as the ultimate basis of physical 
life, from which all living organisms 
are formed and developed. This 
is true of animals and vegetables 
alike. The substance is viscid, 
gummy, and often granular. 

prototype (pro'to-tip) , n. the original, 
from which others are copied 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit : note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


PROTOZOA 


400 


PRUDENT 


Protozoa (pro-to-zo'a), n.pl. the first 
or lowest division of the animal king- 
dom containing animals of the sim- 
plest type of organization, in cells 
or groups of cells that are difficult to 
divide. 

protract (pro-trakf), v.t. to draw out 
or lengthen in time; prolong; defer. 

protraction (pro-trak'shun) , n. the 
act of protracting; delay; the act of 
laying down on paper the dimensions 
of a plot of land, &c. 

protrude (pro-trud'), v.t. to thrust out 
or push forward: v.i. to shoot for- 
ward; project. [Latin.] 

protrusive (pro-trii'siv) , adj. thrust- 
ing or impelling forward. 

protuberance (pr5-tu'ber-ans) , n. a 
swelling; a prominence; tumor. 

proud (proud), adj. having exces- 
sive self-esteem; arrogant; ostenta- 
tious; haughty; spirited; of lofty 
mien; pleased; grand; gratified. 

prove (proov), v.t. to ascertain or try 
by an experiment or test; establish 
or ascertain by argument or other 
evidence; ascertain the genuineness 
of; experience; endure; try by suffer- 
ing; show or demonstrate the accu- 
racy of (a calculation). [Old French.] 

proven (proov'en), adj. proved. 

provender (prov'en-der) , n. dry food 
for beasts, as hay, &c. 

proverb (prov'erb), n. a short familiar 
pithy saying, expressing some well- 
known truth or common fact of ex- 
perience; adage. [Latin.] 

proverbial (pro-ver'bi-al) , adj. per- 
taining to proverbs; mentioned in, 
or like, a proverb; widely spoken of 
or well-known. 

provide (pro-vid'), v.t. to make ready 
beforehand; furnish; stipulate as a 
preliminary condition: v.i. to pro- 
cure supplies; make preparations 
(with for or against) . 

provided (pro-vid'ed) , conj. on condi- 
tion. 

providence (prov'i-dens) , n. timely 
care or preparation; economy; pru- 
dence; in theology, foresight and 
care of God for his creatures. 

provident (prov'i-dent) , adj. careful 
for the future; prudent; economical. 

providential (prov-i-den'shal) , adj. 
effected by, or proceeding from, Di- 
vine providence. 


province (prov'ins), n. a division of an 
empire or state; a dependent coun- 
try; region, jurisdiction of an arch- 
bishop; proper office or business; 
department of knowledge: pi. the 
country districts. 

provincial (pro-vin'shal), adj. per- 
taining to, or characteristic of, a 
province; rustic: n. one who belongs 
to a province; countryman. 

provision (pro-vizh'un), n. the act of 
providing; the things provided; 
measures taken beforehand; accu- 
mulation of stores: pi. food: v.t. to 
supply with food. 

provisional (pro-vizh'un-al) , adj. pro- 
vided for present use; temporary. 

proviso (pro-vi'zo), n. a conditional 
clause or stipulation in a deed. 

provisory (pro-vi'zo-ri), adj. condi- 
tional. 

provocation (prov'o-ka/shun) , n. that 
which excites to anger or resentment ; 
act of provoking. 

provocative (pro-vok'a-tiv) , adj. 
tending to provoke; inciting: n. any- 
thing that tends to provoke; incite- 
ment. 

provoke (pro-vok'), v.t. to excite or 
stir to action; enrage or irritate; ex- 
asperate. 

provost (prov'ust or pro-vo'), n. the 
head of a college; superintendent or 
president ; chief dignitary of a cathe- 
dral; chief magistrate of a city or 
town. [Scotch.] 

prow (prou), n. the bow of a ship. 

prowess (prou'es), n. bravery; valor. 

prowl (proul), v.i. to wander stealth- 
ily as for prey or plunder: n. a rov- 
ing for prey or plunder. 

proximate (proks'i-mat), adj. imme- 
diate. 

proximity (prqks-im'i-ti) , n. immedi-| 
ate nearness in place, blood, or alli- 
ance. 

proxy (proks'i), n. [pi. proxies (proks'- 
iz)J, the agency of a substitute; the 
document by which one person is 
authorized to act or vote for another. 

prude (prood), n. a woman who af- 
fects great reserve, coyness, and ex- 
cessive virtue. [French.] 

prudence (pr5o'dens), n. the quality 
of being prudent ; wisdom applied to 
practice. 

prudent (proo'dent), adj. practically 


ate. arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut; think, then. 


PRUDERY 


401 


PUFF 


wise; careful of the consequences of 
measures or actions; judicious; cau- 
tious; circumspect. 

prudery (proo'der-i), n. affected nice- 
ness or scrupulousness in conduct; 
manners of a prude. Also prudish- 
ness. 

prudish (proo'dish), adj. like a prude; 
affectedly precise, nice, or scrupu- 
lous. 

prune (proon), n. a dried plum: v.t. 
to cut superfluous twigs or branches 
from (a vine, bush or tree); trim. 
[French.] 

prunella (proo-nel'a) , n. a smooth 
woolen stuff used for shoes and 
gaiters; a kind of dried plum. 

prurience (proo'ri-ens) , n. the state or 
quality of being prurient. Also 
pruriency. [Latin.] 

prurient (proo'ri-ent) , adj. having an 
eager desire for, or characterized 
by, lewdness; itching. 

pry (pri), v.i. [p.t. & p.p. pried, p.pr. 
prying], to inspect closely or with 
keen scrutiny: n. close inspection; 
impertinent peeping. 

psalm (salm), n. a sacred song. [Greek.] 

psalmist (salm'ist), n. a composer of 
psalms, especially of any of the 
Scriptural psalms. 

psalmody (salm'o-di), n. the art or 
practice of singing psalms. 

pseudo, a Greek prefix meaning false, 
spurious, as pseudob] epsis, false or 
deceptive vision. 

pseudonym (su'do-nim), n. a ficti- 
tious name. 

pshaw (shaw), inter j. an expression 
of contempt. 

psychical (si'ki-kal), adj. pertaining 
to, or connected with, the human 
soul, spirit, or mind; spiritualistic; 
psychological. Also psychic. 

psychics (slk'iks), n. the science of 
the mind; the study of obscure men- 
tal phenomena. Also psychism. 

psychology (si-kol'o-ji), n. the science 
of mental phenomena and their 
classification and analysis; mental 
philosophy; metaphysics. 

ptomaines (to'manz), n.pl. a class 
of alkaloids of a highly poisonous 
nature, originating in decaying or 
dead matter. 

puberty (pu'ber-ti), n. the age at 


which the generative powers begin 
to be developed. 

pubescent (pu-bes'ent), adj. arriving 
at the age of puberty; covered with 
soft, downy hairs. 

public (pub'lik), adj. pertaining to a 
nation, state, or community; be- 
longing to the people; circulating 
among all classes; open; generally 
known ; common to all : n. the people 
in general. [Latin.] 

publican (pub'li-kan), n. one who 
keeps a public-house; among the 
ancient Romans, a farmer of the 
public revenues ; a collector of tolls, 
tribute, or customs. [Latin.] 

publication (pub-li-ka'shun), n. the 
act of publishing or making public; 
the act of publishing a book, &c. 

publicist (pub 'li-sist), n. a writer on 
international law, or on current 
events of political or social interest. 

publicity (pub-lis'i-ti), n. the state of 
being public; notoriety. 

publish (pub'lish), v.t. to make known; 
announce or proclaim; divulge; 
print and offer for sale; put into cir- 
culation. 

Puck (puck), n. a mischievous sprite 
or elf. [Irish.] 

pucker (puck'er), v.t.& v.i. to gather 
into small folds; wrinkle: n. a small 
fold or wrinkle. 

pudding (pood'ing), n. a soft kind of 
food made of flour and various in- 
gredients; an intestine stuffed with 
meat, &c; quantity of yarns, mat- 
ting, or oakum. 

puddle (pud'l), n. a small pool of 
dirty water; clay worked together 
with sand: v.t. to make muddy; ren- 
der watertight with puddle; convert 
(pig-iron) into wrought-iron. 

puerile (pu'er-il), adj. pertaining to 
children; juvenile; boyish; trifling. 

puff (puf), n. a short quick blast; 
sudden forcible breath ; a fungous 
ball filled with dust; anything light 
and porous or swollen; a light kind 
of tart; exaggerated praise or adver- 
tisement: v.i. to expel air from the 
mouth with a sudden forcible blast; 
breathe quick and hard; swell with 
air; blow in contempt; move with 
hurry: v.t. to drive with a puff; 
swell, as with wind; praise in exag- 
gerated terms. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


PUFFER 


402 


PUNCTUAL 


Eli 


puffer (puf'er), n. one who puffs; one 
who praises in exaggerated terms; 
one who is hired to force up bids at 
sales. 

puffing (puf'ing), n. exaggerated praise, 
especially with the view to advertise- 
ment; quick and hard breathing: 
p. adj. praising in exaggerated 
terms. 

pug (pug), n. a small dog with face 
and nose like a bull-dog's; imp or 
elf; plastic clay: v.t. [p.t. & p.p. 
Rigged, p.pr. pugging], to line or 
11 up with plastic clay or any other 
material. 

pugging (pug'ing) , n. the act or opera- 
tion of working up clay for bricks; 
any substance to deaden sound be- 
tween spaces. 

pugilism (pu'jil-izm), ft. the art or 
practice of boxing or fighting with 
the fists; prize-fighting. [Latin.] 

pugilist (pti'jil-ist), ft. a prize-fighter; 
boxer. 

pugnacious (pug-na'shus) , adj. dis- 
posed to fight; quarrelsome. 

pugnacity (pug-nas'i-ti) , n. inclination 
to fight; quarrelsomeness. 

puissance (pu'is-ans), ft. power; 
strength. [French.] 

puissant (pu-is'ant), adj. powerful; 
strong. 

puke (puk), v.i. & v.t. to vomit. 

pule (pul), v.t. to whine. 

pull (pool), v.t. to draw towards one; 
pluck; rend or tear; drag or haul: 
v.i. to tug: ft. the act of pulling; 
struggle; contest; private influence 
exerted to secure political or other 
favor. 

pullet (pool'et), ft. a young hen. 

pulley (pool'li), n. a small wheel turn- 
ing about an axis, and having a 
groove in which a rope works. 

pulmonary (pul'mon-er-i), adj. per- 
taining to, or affecting, the lungs. 

pulmotor (pul'mo-tor), n. a device 
for artificially restoring respiration in 
cases of asphyxiation. 

pulp (pulp), ft. the soft fleshy part of 
bodies, as of fruit; any soft uniform 
mass: v.t. to reduce to a soft mass; 
extract or separate the pulp from. 

pulpit (pool'pit), n. an elevated or 
inclosed desk in a church from which 
the sermon is delivered; preachers 
or preaching. [Greek.] 


pulsate (pul'sat), v.i. to throb or 
beat. [Latin.] 

pulsation (pul-sa'shun), n. a throb or 
beat, especially of the heart. 

pulse (puis), n. the rhythmic beating 
of the heart or arteries; vibration; 
leguminous plants or their seeds, as 
peas, beans, &c: v.i. to beat or 
throb, as the pulse. 

pulverize (pul'ver-iz), v.t. to reduce to 
powder. 

puma (pii'ma), n. a large cat-like 
carnivorous animal of America; 
mountain lion. 

pumice (pum'is), ft. a hard, light, 
spongy, volcanic lava or rock. Also 
pumice-stone. See pomace. 

pump (pump), ft. a machine for rais- 
ing water or other liquid; a light 
low shoe or slipper: v.t. to raise 
(water or a liquid) by means of a 
pump; free from water by a pump; 
extract (information) by artful 
questions. [French; also Danish.] 

pumpkin (pump'kin, colloq. pung'kin). 
n. a plant of the gourd family and 
its fruit. As an edible it is much 
esteemed in the northern part of the 
United States. [Old French.] 

pun (pun), ft. a play upon words: v.i. 
[p.t. & p.p. punned, p.pr. punning], 
to play upon words similar in sound 
but having a different meaning. 

punch (punch), ft. a tool for stamp- 
ing or perforating; a beverage of 
rum, whiskey, &c, water, lemon- 
juice, and sugar, the name coming 
from the Sanskrit pancha l "five," be- 
cause of the five ingredients which 
compose it: tea, arrack, lemons, 
sugar and water; a blow or thrust; 
the buffoon of a puppet-show; Pun- 
chinello; a short fat person; v.t. to 
perforate with a punch; to strike 
with the fist. 

puncheon (pun'chun), ft. a liquid 
measure of 84 wine-gallons. 

punctate (pungk'tat), adj. dotted 
with small spots; pointed. 

punctilio (pungk-til'i-o) , n. a nice 
point in conduct or ceremony; 
formal exactness. 

punctilious (pungk-til'i-us) , adj. very 
nice or precise in conduct or cere- 
mony; exact to excess. 

punctual (pungk'tu-al), adj. observing, 
or done at, the exact time. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


PUNCTUALITY 


403 


PURITY 


punctuality (pungk-tu-al'i-ti), n. the 
quality of being punctual; the 
characteristic of keeping the exact 
time of an appointment or engage- 
ment. 

punctuate (pungk'tu-at), v.t. to mark 
with points; divide into sentences 
by points. 

punctuation (pungk-tu-a/shun), n. 
the act or art of dividing sentences 
by points or stops. 

puncture (pungk'tur), n. a small hole 
or wound made by a pointed instru- 
ment: v.t. to make a hole in, or 
pierce, with a pointed instrument. 

pundit (pun'dit), n. a learned Brah- 
man; one versed in the Sanskrit lan- 
guage, laws, and Hindu religion; 
or a solemn pretender to learning. 
Also pandit. 

pungent (pun'jent), adj. stinging or 
pricking; piercing; keen; biting; 
sarcastic; caustic. 

Punic (pu'nik), adj. pertaining to the 
Carthaginians, or to their language; 
treacherous; perfidious. [Phoenician.] 

punish (pun'ish), v.t. to cause loss 
or pain to as a penalty for a crime 
or fault; chastise; correct. 

punishment (pun'ish-ment), n. pain, 
loss, or penalty, inflicted for a crime 
or fault. 

punitive (pu'ni-tiv), adj. pertaining 
to, or inflicting, punishment. 

punk (pungk), n. wood decayed by the 
fungus that covers it; a composition 
made into sticks and intended to 
burn for a long time and ignite fire- 
works, fire-crackers, and other ex- 
plosives; a worthless argument; non- 
sense. 

punt (punt), n. a flat-bottomed boat 
for fishing: v.i. to play basset, om- 
ber, or faro against the banker or 
dealer. 

puny (pii'ni), adj. [comp. punier, sw- 
perl. puniest], inferior in strength or 
size; weak; feeble; petty. 

pupil (pu'pil), n. a young person who 
is under the care of a tutor; scholar; 
ward; in law, a boy or girl under 
the age of puberty (14 and 12 years 
respectively) ; the opening in the 
iris through which rays of light pass 
to the retina. [Latin.] 

puppet (pup'et), n. a small doll or 
image, especially one moved by 


wires in a mock drama; one who is 
under the influence and control of 
another. [French.] 

puppy (pup'i), n. a whelp; young dog; 
a conceited young man. [French.] 

purblind (per'blind), adj. seeing ob- 
scurely. 

purchase (per'chas), v.t. to obtain 
by paying an equivalent; acquire; 
buy; expiate or recompense by a 
fine or forfeit ; obtain at the expense 
of some sacrifice, labor, &c; move 
or raise by the application of some 
mechanical power: n. the act of pur- 
chasing; thing purchased or bought; 
mechanical advantage. 

pure (pur), adj. [comp. purer, superl. 
purest], free from moral or physical 
defilement; chaste; unpolluted, una- 
dulterated; clean; holy; real; mere; 
absolute. [Latin.] 

purgation (per-ga'shun) , n. the act of 
purging; the act of clearing from 
imputed guilt. [Latin.] 

purgative (per'ga-tiv) , adj. serving to 
purge. 

purgatorial (per-ga-to'ri-al), adj. per- 
taining to purgatory. _ 

purgatory (per'ga-to-ri), n. in the 
doctrine of the Catholic Church, the 
state after death in which the souls 
of the faithful departed are purified 
from venial sins by suffering: adj. 
cleansing; expiatory. 

purge (perj), v.t. to cleanse or free 
from impurities or guilt; make clear 
or pure; clear from accusation; def- 
ecate: v.i. to have frequent evacua- 
tions: n. a cathartic medicine. 

purification (pu-ri-fi-ka'shun), n. the 
act of purifying; state of being puri- 
fied ; ceremonial cleansing from guilt 
or uncleanness. 

purify (pu'ri-fi), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. puri- 
fied, p.pr. purifying], to render pure; 
free from guilt or ceremonial un- 
cleanness; free from impurities, cor- 
ruptions, or barbarisms. 

purism (pu'rizm), n. affectation in the 
precise use of words in literary style. 

purist (pur'ist), n. onf who is scru- 
pulously precise in matters of lit- 
erary style or the choice of correct 
words. 

purity (pur'i-ti), n. the state or qual- 
ity of being pure ; chastity ; cleanness ; 
freedom from adulteration; free- 


fite, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met : mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
26 hue, hut ; think, then. 


PURL 


404 


PUTTER 


dom from sinister motives, foreign 
idioms, or barbarisms. 

purl (perl), n. & warm spiced ale, or 
gin; an embroidered or puckered 
border; a stitch in knitting; the con- 
tinued murmuring sound of a shal- 
low stream: v.t. to fringe or embroi- 
der with a waved edging; invert 
(stitches) in knitting: v.i. to ripple 
or flow with a gentle manner. 

purlieus (per'luz), n.pl. adjacent dis- 
tricts. 

purloin (per-loin'), v.t. to steal. 

purple (per'pl), adj. of the color of 
blended blue and red; regal; livid; 
dyed with blood: n. purple color; 
purple robe, originally worn only by 
royalty; imperial government; car- 
dinalate: v.t. to render, or dye, pur- 
ple. 

purport (per 'port), n. meaning; de- 
sign; signification: v.t. to mean or sig- 
nify. 

purpose (per'pus), n. design; end or 
aim desired: v.t. to intend or re- 
solve; design: v.i. to have an inten- 
tion. 

purposeful (per'pus-f ool) , adj. ex- 
pressly intended. 

purr (per), n. the low murmuring of 
a cat when pleased: v.t. to signify 
by purring: v.i. utter a low murmur- 
ing sound. 

purse (pers), n. a small bag or recep- 
tacle for money; sum of money; 
treasury : v.t. to pucker or wrinkle. 

purser (pers'er), n. a commissioned 
officer having charge of the provi- 
sions, clothing, and money of a ship; 
a paymaster. 

pursuant (per-sii'ant) , adj. done in 
consequence or in prosecution of 
anything; agreeable: adv. in conse- 
quence of. 

pursue (per-sii'). v.t. to follow for some 
end; take and proceed in; prose- 
cute; chase; seek: v.i. to go on or 
continue. [Old French.] 

pursuit (per-suf), n. the act of pur- 
suing; prosecution; chase; occupa- 
tion; attainment. 

purulence (pu'rti-lens), n. generation 
of pus. 

purulent (pu'ru-lent), adj. consisting 
of. or containing, pus. 

purvey (per-va/). v.t. to provide; pro- 
cure: v.i. to purchase provisions. 


purveyance (per-va'ans), n. the pro- 
curing of provisions; provisions pro- 
vided; the right formerly accorded 
to royalty of buying up provisions 
without the owner's consent. 

purview (per'vii), n. extent; proviso; 
body of a statute. 

pus (pus), n. the white or yellowish- 
white matter secreted in sores, &c. 

push (poosh), v.t. to press against 
with force; urge forward; drive by 
pressure: v.i. to make a thrust or 
effort; press hard: n. a thrust; force 
applied; effort; assault; exigence; 
extremity; persistent endeavor; pus- 
tule or pimple. 

pushing (poosh'ing), adj. enterprising; 
energetic. 

pusillanimous (pu-sil-an'i-mus) , adj. 
cowardly ; mean-spirited ; faint-heart- 
ed. 

puss (poos), n. a cat: hare. Diminu- 
tive, pussy. 

pustular (pus'tu-lar) , adj. covered 
with glandular pustule-like excres- 
cence. Pustulate. 

pustule (pus'tul), n. a small elevation 
of the skin, or pimple containing 
pus. 

put (poot), v.t. to place in, or bring 
into, any state or condition; cause; 
drive into action; incite; propose; 
apply; lay or deposit; throw in; 
state in language; shoot put or send 
forth; in golf, to drive into a hole 
with a short, careful stroke (put) 
[p.t. & p.p. putting]: n. (put), in 
golf, a short, careful stroke. 

putative (pu'ta-tiv), adj. reputed. 

putrefaction (pu-tre-f ak'shun) , n. 
the act or process of putrefying; 
decomposition; rottenness. 

putrefy (pu'tre-fi), v.t. _ [p.t. & p.p. 
putrefied, p.pr. putrefying], to cause 
to rot or decay by the decomposition 
of organic bodies; rot; corrupt: v.i. 
to become putrid. 

putrescent (pu-tres'ent), adj. per- 
taining to putrefaction; becoming 
rotten. 

putrid (pu'trid), adj. in a state of 
decay; rotten; corrupt. 

putter (poot'er), n. a long straight 
stick used in golf to send the ball 
into one of the holes on the green; 
and taken when a short, careful 
stroke is needed. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut; think, Men. 


PUTTY 


405 


PYX 


putty (put'i), n. an oxide of tin, or of 
lead and tin, used for polishing; a 
compound of whiting and linseed- 
oil used in glazing: v.t. [p.t. & p.p. 
puttied, p.pr. puttying], to cement 
with putty. 

puzzle (puz'l), n. something that tries 
the ingenuity, perplexes, or causes 
embarrassment: v.i. to be puzzled: 
v.t. to perplex; entangle. 

pygmy (pig'mi), n. one of the fabled 
dwarfish races near the ocean who 
waged war with the cranes ; one of a 
small race mentioned by Herodotus, 
and found in Central Africa by H. M. 
Stanley, the explorer. Also pigmy. 

pylorus (pl-lo'rus), n. the lower and 
right opening of the stomach leading 
to the small intestines. 

pyramid (pir'a-mid), n. a solid body 
standing on a triangular, square, or 
polygonal base, having its triangu- 


lar sides terminating in a point at 
the apex: pi. sepulchral monuments 
of such shape, as in Egypt; a game 
at billiards. 

pyre (pir), n. a funeral pile. [Greek.] 

pyrotechnics (pi-ro-tek'niks) , n. fire- 
works or the art of making them. 
Also pyrotechny. 

python (pl'thon), n. a large non- ven- 
omous rock-serpent nearly allied to 
the boa. 

pythonism (pi'thon-izm), n. the art 
of predicting future events by divina- 
tion, after the manner of the ancient 
oracle at Delphi. 

pyx (piks), n. in the Roman Catholic 
Church, the box or receptacle in 
which the consecrated wafer or host 
is placed; the box in which selected 
coins are placed at the mint to be 
tested prior to their issue. [Graeco- 
Latin.] 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, rTien. 





Q (kti) , at present the seventeenth let- 
ter of the English alphabet. The 
character is Phoenician, Greek, and 
Latin, but in Germanic gu, Anglo- 
Saxon cw. Q was forced into use by 
the Normans when they invaded 
England in the eleventh century. 
Hence it is that most English words 
with Q are from Latin or French and 
are not of native origin. 
quack (kwak), n. the cry of the duck; 
a pretender to medical skill; charla- 
tan: v.i. to cry like a duck; to act 
like a quack: adj. pertaining to 
quacks or quackery. [Danish.] 
quackery (kwak'er-i), n. boastful pre- 
tension to skill in medicine; false 
pretensions to any art; imposture; 
empiricism. 
quad (kwod), n. the quadrangle or 
court of a college, prison, &c; a bi- 
cycle for four riders; a quadrat. 
quadragesimal (kwod-ra-jes'i-mal) , 
adj. pertaining to, or used in, Lent. 
Since Lent, exclusive of Sundays, 
has forty (Latin quadraginta) days 
of fasting. 
quadrangle (kwod'rang-gl), n. an 
open square surrounded by build- 
ings ; a plane figure with 4 angles and 
4 sides. 
quadrangular (kwod-rang'gu-lar) , adj. 

having the form of a quadrangle. 
quadrant (kwod'rant), n. the 4th part 
of a circle, an arc of 90° ; an instru- 
ment for taking elevations; an in- 
strument for elevating cannon. 
quadrat (kwod'rat), n. a piece of type- 
metal lower than the type, used to 
fill void spaces in a line, pages, &c. 
quadrate (kwod'rat), adj. having 4 
equal sides and 4 right angles ; raised 
to the second power; noting an as- 
pect of the heavenly bodies in which 
they are distant 90° from each 
other: v.t. & v.i. to square; fit or 
correspond. 


quadratic (kwod-rat'ik), adj. pertain- 
ing to, or involving, a square. 

quadrennial (kwod-ren'i-al) , adj. com- 
prising, or occurring, every 4 years. 

quadrilateral (kwod-ri r lat'er-al), n. a 
plane figure with 4 sides and 4 an- 
gles; the area inclosed and defended 
by four fortresses. Such is the great 
Quadrilateral in Italy. 

quadrille (kwa-dril'), n. a dance 
by four sets of couples; a game 
at cards played by four persons. 
[French.] 

quadrillion (kwod-ril'yun) , n . in the 
French system of numeration, fol- 
lowed in the United States, a thou- 
sand trillions: in the English sys- 
tem, the fourth power of a million, 
or 1 followed by 24 ciphers. 

quadroon (kwod-roon') , n. the off- 
spring of a mulatto and a white. 
[Spanish.] 

quadruped (kwod'r5o-ped), n. a four- 
footed animal-: adj. four-footed. 

quadruple (kwod-roo'pl), adj. four- 
fold: n. a sum or quantity four times 
as great as that taken as the stand- 
ard: v.t. to multiply by four: v.i. to 
increase four-fold. 

quaestor (kwes'ter), n. in ancient 
Rome, the public treasurer; in cer- 
tain legislative assemblies, an officer 
in charge. 

quaff (kwaf), v.t. to drink or swal- 
low in large quantities: v.i. to drink 
luxuriously. [Gaelic] 

quagga (kwag'a), n. a South Afri- 
can quadruped allied to the ass and 
zebra. [Hottentot.] 

quagmire (kwag'mir), n. wet, boggy 
ground yielding under the feet. 
[Danish.] 

quail (kwal), v.i. to sink in spirit or 
by dejection; lose heart; cower: n. a 
gallinaceous bird, allied to the par- 
tridge. [Old French.] 

quaint (kwant), adj. singular and 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


QUAKE 


407 


QUASH 


antique; not expressed or shown in 
the usual way; odd; neat. [French.] 

quake (kwak), v.i. to tremble or 
shake; be agitated: n. a tremble or 
shudder. 

Quaker (kwak'er), n. one of a religious 
sect, the Society of Friends, founded 
by George Fox. Feminine, Quakeress. 

quaking (kwak'ing), adj. trembling; 
shaking: n. a shaking or tremor. 

qualification (kwol-i-fi-ka/shun) , n. 
any quality, endowment, or acquire- 
ment which fits a person for any 
office or occupation; legal power or 
ability; limitation; restriction. 

qualify (kwori-fl), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. 
qualified, p.vr. qualifying], to render 
fit or capable for any office, occupa- 
tion, &c; render legally capable; 
make fit; moderate; limit: v.i. to be- 
come qualified. 

quality (kwori-ti), n. [pi. qualities 
(kwol'i-tiz)], peculiar power or prop- 
erty; attribute; disposition; rank; 
superior birth. [French.] 

qualm (kwam), n. a sudden fit of 
sickness; nausea; scruple. 

quandary (kwon'da-ri) , n. a state of 
difficulty or perplexity. 

quandel (kwon'del), n. a stake which 
charcoal burners drive into the 
ground and about which they pack 
the billets of wood to be charred. 
[Amer. Indian.] 

quantity (kwon'ti-ti) , n. that prop- 
erty of anything that may be in- 
creased or diminished; any indeter- 
minate bulk, weight, or number; 
large portion, sum, or mass; the 
measure of time in pronouncing a 
syllable; anything that can be in- 
creased, divided, or measured; in 
logic, a general conception. [French.] 

quarantine (kwor'an-ten) , n. the 
time (usually 40 days) during which 
a vessel from foreign parts suspected 
of infectious disease is prohibited 
from intercourse with the shore: v.t. 
to place under quarantine. [French.] 

quarrel (kwor'el), n. an angry dispute; 
petty fight; altercation; ground of 
dispute; a square-headed arrow: v.i. 
to dispute violently; be at variance; 
disagree. [French.] 

quarrelsome (kwor'el-sum) , adj. in- 
clined to quarrel; contentious; easily 
provoked; irascible. 


quarry (kwor'i), n. a place where 
stone is dug out for building pur- 
poses, &c; game pursued by hawks 
or hounds: v.t. [p.t. & p.p. quarried, 
p.pr. quarrying], to dig or take from 
a quarry. [French.] 

quart (kwort), n. 2 pints, or l-4th 
of a gallon: (kart), a sequence of 
4 cards in the game of piquet; a 
quarter of the horizon. [French.] 

quartan (kwar'tan), adj. occurring 
every fourth day, as ague, &c. 

quarter (kwor'ter), n. the 4th part; 
28 lbs. avoirdupois; 8 bushels; the 
4th part of the moon's monthly 
revolution; part of the globe; par- 
ticular county, region, or district; 
fife granted to an enemy; mercy; 
after-part of a ship's side ; one of the 
4 points of the compass ; in heraldry, 
one of the divisions of a shield when 
divided crosswise: pi. lodgings, espe- 
cially for soldiers: v.t. to divide into 
four equal parts; furnish with lodg- 
ings, as soldiers; bear as an appen- 
dage to hereditary arms. [French.] 

quartered (kwor'terd), p. adj. divided 
into quarters; stationed or lodged. 

quartering (kwor'ter-ing) K n. assign- 
ment of quarters; the division of a 
shield containing many coats. 

quarterly (kwor'ter-li), adj. consist- 
ing of, or containing, a quarter: adv. 
once each quarter of the year: n. a 
publication issued every quarter. 

quartermaster (kw6r'ter-mas-ter) f< n. 
an officer whose duty it is to assign 
quarters and provide food, clothing, 
forage, ammunition, &c, for a regi- 
ment; in the navy, a petty officer 
who attends to the steerage, sig- 
nals, stowage, &c, of ships. [A com- 
pound word of which the parts are 
French but the word as a whole is 
English.] 

quartet (kwor-tef). n. anything in 
fours; musical composition in four 
parts for four voices or instruments. 
Also quartette. _ [French.] 

quarto (kwor'to), n. [pi. quartos 
(kwor'toz)], a book having the sheet 
folded into four leaves. Abbreviated 
4to: adj. having 4 leaves in a sheet. 
[Latin.] 

quartz (k worts), n. a mineral com- 
pound of pure silica. [German.] 

quash (kwosh), v.t. to crush; subdue 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, Men. 


QUASI 


408 


QUILTING 


suddenly or completely; annul. [Old 
French.] 

quasi, a Latin prefix meaning as it 
were, apparently, nearly. 

quatrain (kwot ran), n. a stanza of 
four lines rhyming alternately. 

quaver (kwa'ver), v.t. to shake or 
tremble; vibrate; sing or play with 
tremulous modulations: n. a vibra- 
tion of the voice; a musical note, 
one-half a crotchet. 

quay (ke), n. a wharf for loading or 
unloading vessels. [French.] 

queen (kwen), n. a female sovereign; 
consort of a king; sovereign of a 
swarm of bees (queen-bee); a court 
card with the figure of a queen; a 
piece in chess; the best or chief of 
her kind: v.i. to play the queen: v.t. 
in chess, to make a queen of. 

queen- consort (kwen-kon'sort), n. 
the wife of a reigning king. 

queen-dowager (kwen-dou'a-jer), n. 
the widow of a king. 

queenly (kwen'li), adj. like, or be- 
fitting, a queen. 

queen-regnant (kwen-reg'nant), n. a 
queen in her own right. 

queer (kwer), adj. odd; singular; 
droll; strange; out of health: v.t. to 
put wrong; to throw out of the proper 
status, as, to "queer" a thing: n. in 
thieves' slang, counterfeit money, as, 
"to shove the queer." [Of unknown 
origin.] 

quell (kwel), v.t. to crush or sub- 
due; put an end to; calm; allay. 

quench (kwench), v.t. to put out or 
extinguish; check; allay. 

querimonious (kwer-i-mo'ni-us), adj. 
complaining ; querulous ; discon- 
tented. [Latin.] 

querist (kwe'rist), n. one who asks 
questions. 

querulous (kwer'u-lus), adj. com- 
plaining; discontented. [Latin.] 

query (kwe'ri), n. a question; an in- 
quiry to be resolved; a mark of in- 
terrogation: v.t. [p.t. & p.p. queried, 
p.pr. querying], to examine by ques- 
tions; doubt; mark with a query: 
v.i. to ask questions. 

quest (kwest), n. search; inquiry; 
jury of inquest: v.t. to search for. 

question (kwes'chun), n. an inquiry; 
act of asking; interrogation; doubt; 
subject of discussion; examination 


by torture: v.t. to ask or interro- 
gate; examine by questions; treat 
as doubtful: v.i. to ask a ques- 
tion. 

questionable (kwes'chun-a-bl), adj. 
that may be questioned; doubtful; 
suspicious. 

questionary (kwes'chun-a-ri), n. a 
list of questions dealing with such 
topics as are easily accessible to ob- 
servation. 

queue (ku), n. the tail of a wig; a line 
of people waiting each his or her 
turn for entrance to a building. 
[French.] 

quibble (kwib'l), n. a petty evasion 
or cavil; play on words: v.i. to evade 
the truth by artifice or evasion; 
play on words. 

quick (kwik), adj. rapid; hasty; 
active; nimble; ready; elastic; sharp 
in discernment; sprightly; precipi- 
tate; living; pregnant: adv. quickly: 
n. tne living flesh; sensitive parts; a 
hedge of growing shrubs. 

quicken (kwik'en), v.i. to impart life; 
vivify; show signs of life in the 
womb: v.t. increase the speed of; 
to resuscitate; stimulate; cheer. 

quid (kwid), n. a "cud" of tobacco for 
chewing; in English slang, a sover- 
eign. 

quiescent (kwi-es'ent), adj. reposing 
or resting; calm; silent. 

quiet (kwi'et), adj. free from mo- 
tion, disturbance, or alarm; still; 
calm; peaceable; gentle; secluded; 
subdued and modest; not showy: 
v.t. to calm or pacify; reduce to a 
state of rest: v.i. to become quiet. 
[Latin.] 

quietude (kwi'et-ud), n. repose; tran- 
quillity. 

quietus (kwi-e'tus), n. rest; death; 
final settlement or discharge; heavy 
blow. 

quill (kwil), n. the large strong 
feather of a bird's wing; such feath- 
er used as a pen; a porcupine's 
spine; a weaver's spindle: v.t. to 
plait or form with small quill-like 
ridges. [French.] 

quilt (kwilt), n. a kind of coverlet 
or counterpane: v.i. to stitch to- 
gether, as two pieces of cloth, with 
a soft material between. [French.] 

quilting (kwilt'ing), n. the act or pro- 


fite, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, n6rth, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


QUININE 


409 


QUOTIENT 


cess of making a quilt; material for 
quilting; quilted work. 

quinine (kwin-en' or kwi'nin), n. an 
alkaline substance obtained from the 
bark of the Cinchona tree: used as 
8 febrifuge and tonic. [French.] 

quinquagesima (kwin-kwa-jes'i-ma) , 
adj. fiftieth. [Latin.} 

quinsy (kwin'zi), n. inflammation of 
the tonsils of the throat. 

quint (kwint), n. a set or sequence 
of five. 

quintal (kwin'tal), n. a weight of 100 
or 112 lbs. 

quintan (kwin'tan), adj. recurring 
every fifth day: n. an intermittent 
fever which recurs thus. 

quintessence (kwin-tes'ens), n. the 
pure concentrated essence of any- 
thing; vital or essential part. 

quintet (kwin-tef), n. a musical com- 
position in five obligato parts. Also 
quintette, quintetto. 

quintillion (kwin-til'yun) , n. in the 
French system of enumeration, fol- 
lowed in the United States, a thou- 
sand quadrillions; in the English 
system, a million raised to the fifth 
power, expressed by a unit followed 
by thirty ciphers. 

quintuple (kwin'tu-pl) , v.t. to make 
fivefold: adj. fivefold. 

quip (kwip), n. a short sarcastic turn 
or retort; jeer: v.i. [p.t. & p.p. 
quipped, p.pr. quipping], to scoff; 
jeer. 

quire (kwir), n. 24 sheets; an obso- 
lete form of choir. 

quirk (kwerk), n. an artful evasion; 
subterfuge; quibble; smart retort; 
a light irregular air or melody 


quit (kwit), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. quit or 
quitted, p.pr. quitting], to depart 
from; discharge (an obligation); 


give up; forsake: adj. set free. 

quite (kwit), adj. wholly; completely. 

quittance (kwit'ans), n. discharge 
from a debt, service, or obliga- 
tion. 

quitter (kwit'er), n. one who yields 


in the face of difficulties. [Colloq. 
Amer.] 

quiver (kwiv'er), n. a case for ar- 
rows; a trembling or shivering: v.i. 
to tremble, shake, or shiver. 

quixotic (kwiks-ot'ik), adj. chival- 
rous or romantic to extravagance: 
from Don Quixote, the hero of Cer- 
vantes' romance. [Spanish.] 

quiz (kwiz), n. an enigma or obscure 
question designed to puzzle anyone; 
one who quizzes others: v.t. [p.t. & 
p.p. quizzed, p.pr. quizzing], to puz- 
zle; make fun of; banter; hoax; 
examine narrowly with an air of 
mockery; peer at. 

quizzical (kwiz'i-kal), adj. given to, or 
of the nature of, quizzing; comical. 

quoin (koin), n. a wedge used to sup- 
port and steady a stone; external 
angle of a building ; a wedge of wood 
or metal to elevate a gun; wedge- 
shaped wooden block o tighten the 
f)ages of type within the chase. 
French.] 

quoit (kwoit), n. a circular ring of 
iron to be pitched so as to circle a 
fixed upright piece of wood or metal: 
pi. the game thus played. 

quondam (kwon'dam), adj. former. 
[Latin.] 

quorum (kwo'rum), n. the number 
of members of a body or corporation 
competent to transact business by 
law or constitution. [Latin.] 

quota (kwo'ta), n. the part or share 
assigned to each._ 

quotation (kwo-ta'shun), n. the act 
of quoting; that which is quoted; 
current price. 

quote (kwot), v.t. to adduce (a pas- 
sage) from some author or speaker, 
for authority or illustration; give 
the current price of. > 

quoth (kwoth), v.t. said. 

quotidian (kw5-tid'i-an), adj. recur- 
ring daily. [Latin.] 

quotient (kwo'shent), n. the number 
resulting from the division of one 
number by another. [Latin.] 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, n6rth, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, Jften. 


R 


R, the eighteenth letter of the alpha- 
bet, was derived directly from the 
old Indo-European group of sounds 
through the Greek rho. Its form is 
differentiated from Roman P and 
also from rho (P) by the little tag at 
the place where the curve meets the 
stem. Phonetically it is a liquid and 
before a consonant changes to a 
semi-vowel. In Latin, between two 
vowels, it often represents an orig- 
inal S. This is called rhotacism 
(r-ing) and is illustrated; also, in the 
Germanic group of languages^ as, 
for instance, German, eisen, Eng- 
lish, iron. Pronounced carelessly it 
often glides into L. 

raad (rad), n. a legislative assembly. 
[Dutch.] 

rabbet (rab'et), n. a groove cut longi- 
tudinally in the edge of a plank, 
&c, so that another may fit into 
it: v.t. to groove and unite by a rab- 
bet. 

rabbi (rab'i or 'I), n. [pi. rabbis (rab'- 
iz)], a Jewish doctor or interpreter 
of the law; but not a priest. In 
Western countries a rabbi may have 
semi-priestly relations to a congrega- 
tion but his rights are limited very 
carefully. The word comes from 
the Hebrew verb "to be great" and 
its simplest form is rab, "teacher." 
Rabbi means "my teacher" (or 
master). Also rabbin. 

rabbit (rab 'it), n. a burrowing rodent 
animal, esteemed for food and its 
fur. [Old Dutch.] 

rabble (rab'l), n. a noisy crowd or 
mob, especially of the lower or- 
ders. 

rabid (rab 'id), adj. mad; enthusiastic 
to excess. [Latin.] 

rabies (ra'bi-ez), n. canine madness; 
madness caused by the bite of a dog ; 
hydrophobia. [Latin.] 

raca (ra'ka), adj. worthless: a term 


of great contempt among the ancient 
Jews. [Hebrew.] 

raccoon (ra-koon'), n. a badger-like 
animal of North America with a 
valuable fur. Also racoon. 

race (ras), n. a rapid course, as of 
an animal or river; contest of 
speed [Anglo-Saxon]; career; de- 
scent or lineage; breed or variety 
[German]; root [Latin]: pi. horse- 
races: v.i. to run swiftly; contend in 
running: v.t. to cause to contend in 
a.race_. [Anglo-Saxon.] 

racer (ra'ser) , n. a race horse, bred for 
speed. 

racial (ra'sial), adj. pertaining to race 
or lineage. 

rack (rak), n. an instrument for 
stretching or straining; an engine 
for stretching the limbs to extort a 
confession; a frame in which arti- 
cles are arranged; a grating above a 
manger for holding hay; a straight 
toothed bar working in the pinions 
of a wheel; an inclined plane on 
which ore is washed and separated; 
thin, broken, vapory clouds; entire 
ruin: v.t. to stretch or strain forci- 
bly on, or as on, the rack; torture; 
wrest; perplex; exhaust; decant or 
strain off. [Anglo-Saxon and Dan- 
ish.] 

racket (rak'et), n. a clattering noise; 
a network bat used in tennis ; a snow- 
shoe: pi. tennis: v.i. to make a clat- 
tering noise; frolic; play tennis: v.t. 
to strike, as with a racket. [French.] 

racketing (rak'et-ing) , n. noisy, con- 
fused mirth. 

raconteur (ra-kong-ter'), n. a very in- 
teresting talker and teller of anec- 
dotes. [French.] 

racoon, same as raccoon. 

racquet, another form of racket. 

racy (ra'si), adj. having a strong fla- 
vor; mentally exciting; piquant. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


RADDLE 


411 


RAIL 


raddle (rad'l), n. a hedge of branches 
interwoven: v.t. to interweave. 

radial (ra'di-al), adj. pertaining to, 
or like, or using as, a ray; pertain- 
ing to the radius of the forearm. 

radiance (ra'di-ans), n. brightness 
shooting in rays; brilliant bright- 
ness; splendor. Also radiancy. 

radiant (ra'di-ant), adj. emitting rays 
of light or heat; shining; brilliant: 
n. the point from which a shower 
of meteors proceeds; a straight line 
proceeding from a given point about 
which it revolves; the luminous 
point from which light emanates. 

radiate (ra'di-at), v.t. to send out as 
rays: v.i. to emit, or issue forth in, 
rays: adj. having rays. [Latin.] 

radiation (ra-di-a'shun), n. the emis- 
sion or diffusion of rays of light or 
heat from one luminous or heated 
body to another. 

radiator (ra'di-a-ter), n. the body 
from which rays radiate ; a chamber, 
coil, drum, &c, in an apartment, 
heated by steam, hot air, or hot 
water, &c, for radiating warmth 
into the apartment. 

radical (rad'i-kal), adj. pertaining to 
the root or origin ; fundamental ; 
original; underived; extreme: n. a 
simple underived word; letter be- 
longing to the root ; one of the ultra- 
liberal party; the base of a chemi- 
cal compound (also radicle). 

radicate (rad'i-kat), v.t. to plant deep- 
ly and firmly: v.i. to take root: adj. 
deeply planted or rooted. 

radicle (rad'i-kl), n. that part in the 
embryo in the seed of a plant which 
becomes the root; in chemistry, the 
same as radical.. [Latin.] 

radish (rad'ish), n. a root of the 
Raphenus cativus. Its flesh is 
pungent and "bites." 

radium (ra'di-um), n. a radio-active 
element recently discovered in pitch- 
blende by Madame Curie, possessing 
the property of giving off luminous 
and actinic rays, accompanied by 
heat, without loss of weight. 

radius (ra'di-us), n. [pi. radii (ra'di-I)], 
a straight line from the center to 
the circumference of a circle; ex- 
terior bone of the forearm; ray of a 
flower; anything like a radius, as 
the spoke of a wheel. [Latin.] 


raffish (raf'ish), adj. vulgar, unscru- 
pulous, sly. [English expression.] 

raffle (raf'lj, n. alcind of lottery in 
which each participant deposits a 
part of the value of a thing in con- 
sideration of the chance of gaining. 

raft (raft), n. pieces of timber fas- 
tened together for transport by 
floating; a floating wooden frame- 
work: v.t. to carry on a raft. [Ice- 
landic] 

rafter (rafter), n. an inclined beam 
supporting the roof of a house: v.t. 
to form into, or furnish with, rafters. 

rag (rag), n. a fragment of cloth; a 
low-class newspaper: pi. worn-out 
or tattered garments; mean 
dress. 

ragamuffin (rag'a-muf-in), n. a low, 
disreputable fellow. 

rage (raj), n. excessive and uncon- 
trolled anger; vehemence; extreme 
violence; enthusiasm; extreme de- 
sire or eagerness: v.i. to be furious 
with anger ; prevail fatally, as a dis- 
ease; be violently agitated, as the 
sea; ravage. [French.] 

ragged (rag'ed), adj. rent or worn 
into rags; clothed in tattered gar- 
ments; destitute; rough; jagged. 

raging (raj'ing), p. adj. acting with 
fury; violent; vehement; frantic: n. 
fury ; violence. 

raglan (rag'lan), n. a loose cloak, 
with or without sleeves, named after 
Lord Raglan in the Crimean War. 

ragout (ra-goo'), n. a dish of stewed 
and very savory meat. 

rag-tag (rag'tag), n. a miscellaneous 
collection of tramps and beggars. 
There is also the expression rag- tag 
and bobtail. 

rag-time (rag'tim), n. syncopated 
time, characteristic of negro melo- 
dies. 

'rah (ra), exclam. n. & corruption of 
hurrah, and much used by college 
students in their parades or meet- 
ings. 

raid (rad), n. a hostile or predatory 
incursion: v.t. to make a raid upon. 
[Icelandic] 

rail (ral), n. a bar of timber or metal 
extending from one support to an- 
other; wooden or iron fence; a rail- 
way; a wading bird with a harsh 
cry: v.i. to bawl; use opprobrious 


fite, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


RAILING 


412 


RANGE 


language; scoff: v.t. to inclose with 
rails ; despatch by rail. 

railing (ral'ing), n. material for rails; 
fence made of posts and rails: adj. 
insulting or reproaching. 

raillery (ral'er-i), n. good-humored 
irony or _ satire; banter. 

railway (ral'wa), n. a way or road laid 
.with two parallel iron or steel rails 
along which cars are drawn by 
steam power, electricity, &c. Also 
railroad. 

raiment (ra'ment), n. clothing. 

rain (ran) ; n. water in drops dis- 
charged from the clouds: v.i. to fall 
in drops from the clouds; drop like 
rain: v.t. to pour down like rain. 

raise (raz), v.t. to cause to rise; 
lift up; elevate; originate or pro- 
duce; promote; rouse; increase; 
construct; levy; collect; cause to 
appear; cause to swell. [Icelandic! 

raisin (ra'zn), n. a dried grape. 
[French.] 

rajah (ra'ja), t n. a Hindu king, 
prince, or chief. 

rake (rak), n. a toothed implement 
for smoothing the soil [Anglo-Saxon] ; 
a loose liver [Icelandic]: inclination 
or slope; that part of the bow or stern 
of a ship that projects beyond the 
keel [A. S.]: v.t. to gather or smooth 
with a rake; collect together; scour; 
fire upon, so as to sweep the deck of 
a vessel in a longitudinal direction: 
v.i. to slope from the perpendicular. 
[A. S.] 

rally (ral'i), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. rallied, 
p.pr. rallying], to # collect and ar- 
range, as troops in confusion; re- 
unite; attack with raillery; banter 
or satirize humorously: v.i. to re- 
turn to order; recover strength; ex- 
ercise raillery: n. the act of recover- 
ing order, or of regaining strength; 
good humored satire; horseplay, as 
in a pantomime. [French.] 

ram (ram), n. the male of a sheep; 
one of the signs (Aries) of the 
zodiac; a military engine for batter- 
ing; a hydraulic engine; an iron- 
clad with a steel beak: v.t % [p.t. & 
p.p. rammed, p.pr. ramming], to 
push or press with force. 

ramble (ram'bl), v.i. to wander or rove 
about; visit many places; be desul- 


tory: n. a roving or wandering from 
place to place. [Icelandic] 

ramie (ram'e), n. grass-cloth plant, 
or its fiber. Also ramee (ra-me'). 

ramification (ram-i-fi-ka/shun), n. a 
division or separation into branches; 
sub-division; manner of producing 
branches. 

ramify (ram'i-fi), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. rami- 
fied, p.pr. ramifying], to divide into 
branches, or divisions: v.i. to shoot 
into branches; become divided or 
sub-divided. [Latin.] 

rammer (ram'er) , n. one who, or that 
which, rams; an instrument for for- 
cibly driving anything; a rod for 
forcing down the charge of a gun. 

ramose (ra'mos), adj. branched; pro- 
ducing branches. [Latin.] 

ramp (ramp), v.i. to climb like a 
plant; spring; leap violently: n. a 
leap or bound. 

rampage (ram'paj), v.i. to prance 
about with unrestrained spirits; be 
furious: n. a state of excitement. 

rampant (ram'pant), adj. overleaping 
restraint or natural bounds; in her- 
aldry, standing upright on the hind 
legs. [French.] 

rampart (ram 'part), n. a mound or 
wall surrounding a fortified place; 
protection from assault or danger: 
v.t. to fortify with a rampart. 
[French.] 

ramrod (ram 'rod), n. a rod used for 
ramming down the charge of a gun. 

ramshackle (ram'shak-1), adj. loose; 
out of repair. 

ran, p.t. of run. 

ranch (ranch), n. a cattle-farm. 
Also ranche^ rancho. [Spanish.] 

rancid (ran'sid), adj. having a rank, 
unpleasant, sour smell or taste. 
[Latin.] 

rancor (rang'ker), n. implacable en- 
mity; deep spite or malice. 

rancorous (rang'ker-us) , adj. malig- 
nant; spiteful. 

rand (rand), n. an edge, margin, or 
border; a part of the Transvaal. 
[Dutch.] 

random (ran'dum), n. want of direc- 
tion or method; chance: adj. done 
haphazard; left to chance, or with- 
out method. 

rang, p.t. of ring. 

range (ranj), v.t. to set or arrange 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
"■'tie, hut ; tbink, then. 


RANGER 


413 


RAT 


in a row; place in proper order; 
rove over; sail along in a parallel 
direction: n. a rank or row; order 
or class; space or room for excur- 
sion; extent of discourse or roam- 
ing; power; an extended kitchen 
grate; distance to which a shot, &c, 
can be projected. [French.] 

ranger (ranj'er), n. a rover; the chief 
official or keeper of a park or for- 
est; a variety of dog. [English.] 

rank (rangk), n. a row or line, espe- 
cially of soldiers placed abreast; 
station or position; grade; dignity; 
eminence; v.t. to draw up in line; 
include in a particular class, or 
order, or division: v.i. to hold a 
certain position [French]: adj. luxu- 
riant in growth; excessive; coarse; 
rancid. 

rankle (rangk'l) , v.i. to grow more rank 
or strong; faster; become mentally 
disquieted or irritated. 

ransack (ran'sak), v.t. to search mi- 
nutely; rummage; plunder. 

ransom (ran'sum), v.t. to free from 
captivity, slavery, or punishment, 
by a payment; atone for; redeem 
from the bondage of sin: n. price 
paid for release from captivity, &c, 
or for goods captured by an enemy; 
price paid for procuring the pardon 
of sin and the redemption of the 
sinner. 

rant (rant), v.i. to bluster or be 
noisily wordy; to rave in extravagant 
or violent language: n. noisy; empty 
declamation. [Old Dutch.] 

ranter (rant'er), n. one who rants; a 
boisterous preacher; a member of a 
sect known as the Ranters. 

rap (rap), v.i. to strike a quick, sharp 
blow; knock: v.t. to strike sharply: 
n. a quick, sharp blow; something 
of no value. 

rapacious (ra-pa'shus) , adj. given to 
plunder; seizing forcibly; greedy; 
avaricious. [Latin.] 

rapacity (ra-pas'i-ti) , n. the quality 
of being rapacious. Also rapa- 
ciousness. 

rape (rap), n. a seizing and carrying 
away by force; the seizure and car- 
nal knowledge of a woman against 
her will; a plant of the cabbage 
family, from the seeds of which an 
oil (colza oil) is expressed. [Latin.] 


rapid (rap 'id), adj. very quick or 
swift; expeditious: n.pl. a swift cur- 
rent in a river where the channel is 
descending. [Latin.] 

rapier (rlrpi-er), n. a long thin 
sword, used for thrusting. [French.] 

rapine (rap 'in or 'in), n. the act of 
plundering or seizing forcibly; pil- 
lage; violence. [Latin.] 

rapport (rap-por'), n. harmonious rela- 
tion; affinity. The French phrase is 
en rapport (an-rap-por') . 

rapt (rapt), p. adj. transported; rav- 
ished. 

rapture (rap'tur), n. extreme pleasure 
or delight; ecstasy; enthusiasm. 

raptured (rap'turd), same as rapt. 

rare (rar), adj. [comp. rarer, superl. 
rarest], scarce; uncommon; unusu- 
al; thinly scattered; not dense; ex- 
cellent; incomparable; of loose tex- 
ture; almost raw. [Latin.] 

rare-bit (rar 'bit), n. cheese toasted 
until it begins to melt, then served 
with cayenne pepper and other con- 
diments; often with a dash of ale. 
See Welsh rabbit. 

rarefaction (rar-e-f ak'shun) , n. the 
act of rarefying or rendering less 
dense. 

rarefy (rar'e-fi), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. 
rarefied, p.pr. rarefying], to make 
rare, thin, or less dense; expand: 
v.i. to become less dense. 

rarity (rar'i-ti), n. a rare article; ex- 
ceptional excellence; rareness. 

rascal (ras'kal), n. a mean fellow; a 
scoundrel; one who is guilty of 
mean offenses. 

rascality (ras-kal'i-ti) , n. the state of 
being a rascal; petty villainy or 
dishonesty. 

rash (rash), adj. hasty; incautious; 
precipitate; acting without caution 
or reflection: n. a slight cutaneous 
eruption. 

rasher (rash'er), n. a thin slice of ba- 
con. 

rasp (rasp), v.t. to rub with, or as 
with, a rough instrument; file with 
a rasp : n. a kind of rough file. 

raspberry (raz'ber-i), n. [pi. rasp- 
berries (raz'ber-iz)], a shrub and 
its well-known fruit. 

rat (rat), n. an animal of the mouse 
family but larger and more vora- 
cious; one who deserts his party; a 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, nCrth, not ; boon, book 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


RATABLE 


414 


RAVENOUS 


workman who works during a strike, 
or for less than the usual wages: v.i. 
[p.t. <fe p.p. ratted, p.pr. ratting], to 
desert one's party; to act the rat, 
said of a workman; to catch rats. 

ratable (rat'a-bl), adj. assessed at a 
certain value; liable to be assessed. 

ratch (rach), n. a toothed bar into 
which a click drops; the wheel of a 
clock which causes it to strike. 

rate (rat), n. ratio or proportion; 
price fixed or stated; comparative 
value; degree; a tax or assessment; 
speed at which anything is done or 
performed; class of warship: v.t. to 
estimate; settle or fix the value, 
rank, or degree of; scold vehemently 
and hastily: v.i. to make an esti- 
mate; be placed in a certain class or 
rank. [Latin.] 

rather (r&th'er), adv. sooner; more 
willingly; on the contrary; prefer- 
ably to the other. 

rathskeller (raths'kel-er) , n. a restau- 
rant and beer-cellar. [German.] 

ratification (rat-i-fi-ka/shun) , n. the 
act of ratifying; confirmation. 

ratify (rat'i-fi), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. ratified, 
p.pr. ratifying], to approve and sanc- 
tion; settleor confirm; establish. 

ratio (ra'shi-o), n. [pi. ratios (ra'shi- 
oz)], the relation or proportion of 
one thing or quantity to another. 

ratiocinate (rash-i-os'i-nat), v.i. to 
reason deductively; argue. 

ration (ra'shun), n. an allowance: 
pi. allowance of provisions given per 
man for daily subsistence: v.t. to 
furnish with rations. 

rational (rash'un-al), adj. agreeable 
to, or consistent with, reason; nei- 
ther extravagant nor foolish; wise; 
judicious. 

rationalism (rash'un-al-izm), n. a 
system or doctrine which, rejecting 
revelation, makes reason the sole 
guide in the interpretation of Scrip- 
ture and dogma. 

rationalistic (rash-un-al-is'tik) , adj. 
pertaining to, characteristic of, or 
like, rationalism. 

rationalize (rash'un-al-Iz), v.t. to 
interpret as a rationalist ; convert to 
rationalism: v.i. to rely solely on 
reason or as a rationalist. 

ratlins (rat'linz), n.pl. small horizon- 
tal ropes, extending over the shrouds 


forming ladder-like steps. Also rat- 
lines. 

rattan (ra-tan'), n. one of the long, 
smooth, reed-like stems of several 
species of palms; a rattan walking 
stick. [Malay.] 

ratting (rat'ing), n. the act of de- 
serting one's party; the act of catch- 
ing rats; working for less than cur- 
rent prices. [English slang.] 

rattle (rat'l), v.i. to produce rapidly 
sharp noises; speak rapidly or nois- 
ily; ride rapidly: v.t. to cause to 
make a rapid, sharp noise; stun 
with noise; drive rapidly; scold: n. 
a succession of rapid, sharp noises; 
noisy, rapid, empty talk; a child's 
toy for rattling. 

rattle, v.t. to confuse, to confound, to 
draw into a state of bewilderment. 
[Slang.] 

rattlesnake (rat'1-snak), n. a venom- 
ous snake with hard bony rings on 
the tail producing a rattling sound 
when in motion. 

rattling (rat 'ling), adj. making a 
rapid succession of sharp, noisy 
sounds; quick: adv. very: n. noise 
produced by a rattle. 

raucous (raw'kus), adj. hoarse. [Latin.] 

ravage (rav'aj), v.t. to lay waste; 
pillage; plunder or sack: n. destruc- 
tion by violence or decay; devasta- 
tion; ruin. [French.] 

rave (rav), v.i. to wander in the mind 
or be delirious; rage as a madman. 

ravel (rav'l), v.t. to unweave or un- 
twist; involve or entangle: v.i. to be 
unwoven or untwisted; busy one's 
self with perplexities. 

ravelin (rav'lin), n. a detached work 
with two embankments making a 
salient angle. 

ravelings (rav'el-ingz) , n.pl. threads 
detached by untwisting. 

raven (ra'vn), n. a large bird of the 
crow family noted for its deep black 
color: adj. raven-colored. 

raven (rav'n), v.t. to obtain, or seize, 
by violence; devour with greediness 
or voracity: n. violence; plunder; 
prey. [Old French.] 

ravening (rav'n-ing), n. eagerness for 
plunder. 

ravenous (rav'n-us), adj. devouring 
with rapacity; eagerly voracious; 
eager for gratification. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit : note, ndrth, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


RAVINE 


415 


REAM 


ravine (ra-ven'), n. a long, deep hol- 
low, worn by the action of a stream 
or torrent; mountain gorge. [French.] 

ravish (rav'ish), v.t. to seize and to 
carry away by force; have sexual 
intercourse with (a woman) without 
her consent; transport with delight 
or rapture. [French.] 

raw (raw), adj. uncooked; crude; 
without skin; sore; not spun or 
twisted; in the natural state; un- 
tanned; undiluted; unripe; inexperi- 
enced; cold and damp: n. a sore. 

rawboned (raw'bond), adj. with little 
flesh on the bones. 

rawhide (raw'hid), n. a cowhide 
whip. 

ray (ra), n. a line or pencil of light 
proceeding from a radiant point; 
light; beam of intellectual light; 
perception or apprehension ; the out- 
er whorl of a floret; a radius; a 
cartilaginous fish of the genus Raia, 
as the skate, &c: v.t. to shoot forth, 
" as a ray: v.i. shine forth. [French.] 

raze (raz), v.t. to level to the ground; 
blot out; efface; graze or shave. 

razor (ra'zer), n. a sharp-edged cutting 
instrument used for shaving. See 
safety-razor. 

re, a Latin -prefix noting repetition or 
retrograde action. 

reach (rech), v.t. to touch with the 
extended hand; stretch forth; arrive 
at; gain; penetrate to; include: v.i. 
to be extended so as to touch; en- 
deavor to obtain something; the 
power of reaching or attaining; dis- 
tance that can be reached; limit of 
power or ability; stretch of water 
or stream. 

reaction (re-ak'shun), n. reverse or 
return action. 

read (red), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. read 
(red), p.pr. reading], to observe and 
apprehend the meaning of (some- 
thing written, printed or inscribed) ; 
peruse; discover by observation; 
study: v.i. to perform the act of 
reading; peruse written or printed 
matter. 

readable (red'a-bl), adj. fit to be 
read; worth reading; legible. 

reader (red'er), n. one who reads; one 
who reads prayers in church; a cor- 
rector of the press; a university 
lecturer; a reading-book. 


readily (red'i-li), adv. in a ready 
manner; quickly; easily; willingly. 

readiness (red'i-nes), n. the state of 
being ready; promptness; cheerful- 
ness. 

reading (red'ing), adj. addicted to 
reading: n. perusal of books; lec- 
ture; public recital; variation; ver- 
sion or interpretation of a particu- 
lar passage in a book or MS.; ob- 
servation made by examining a 
scientific instrument; formal recital 
of a bill by the proper officer before 
a legislative assembly. 

readjust (re-ad-jusf), v.t. to adjust or 
put in order again. 

ready (red'i), adj. [comp. readier, 
superl. readiest], prepared at the 
moment; quick; prompt; fit for a 
purpose; willing; near; about to do 
or be; dexterous. 

real (re'al), adj. actually existing; 
not fictitious; genuine; true; per- 
taining to things fixed, as lands or 
tenements; not personal [Latin]: n. 
(ra/al), a Spanish coin = 5 cents 
(about). 

realism (re'al-izm), n. the representa- 
tion of nature or social life as it 
actually appears; the doctrine that 
the objects immediately known are 
real existences ; a phrase of the same 
doctrine which teaches that whatever 
is taught us by our senses is unreal, 
but that God alone is real. [Latin.] 

realist (re'al-ist), n. one who holds 
the doctrine of, or practices, realism. 

realistic (re-al-is'tik), adj. pertaining 
to realism and realists. 

reality # (re-al'i-ti), n. [pi. realities 
(re-al'i-tiz)], actual existence; fact; 
truth. 

realization (re-al-i-za'shun), n. the 
act of realizing, or of making and 
believing real; conversion of money 
into real property, or the contrary. 

realize (re'al-iz), v.t. to bring intoact 
or being; make real; convert into 
real property or money; bring home 
to one's self; achieve; complete. 

really (re'a-li), adv. with actual exist- 
ence; in truth. 

realm (relm), n. royal jurisdiction or 
territory; kingdom; empire; state. 
[Old French,] 

realty (re'al-ti), n. real estate. 

ream (rem), n. 20 quires, or 480 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, n6rth, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


REAP 


416 


RECEIVER 


sheets of paper; 500 sheets (long 
ream). [French.] 

reap (rep), v.t. to cut with a scythe, 
sickle, or corn-cutting machine; per- 
form the operation of reaping; gather 
in; receive as a reward. 

rear (rer), n. the part behind the rest; 
last in order; background; that 
part of a fleet or army behind the 
other: v.t. raise or lift up; exalt; 
build; educate; bring to matur- 
ity: v.i. to assume an erect posture: 
adj. pertaining to the rear. 

reason (re'zn), n. that mental faculty 
in man which enables him to deduce 
inferences from facts, and to distin- 
guish between right and wrong; 
right judgment; efficient or final 
cause; cause for opinion or act; 
premise of an argument, especially 
the minor: v.i. to infer conclusions 
from premises; v.t. to persuade by 
reasoning. [French.] 

reasonable (re'zn-a-bl), adj. endowed 
with reason; rational; equitable; 
moderate; fair. 

reasoning (re'zn-ing), n. the exercise 
of the faculty of reason; argumen- 
tation; reasons adduced or employed. 

reassure (re-a-shur'), v.t. to restore 
confidence; to make certain. 

rebate (re-bat'), n. a return to ship- 
pers by transportation companies 
of part of charges paid: v.t. to make 
blunt; make obtuse; abate or dimin- 
ish. [French.] 

rebel (reb'el), n. one who revolts 
from his allegiance or defies consti- 
tuted authority: adj. rebellious: v.i. 
(re-bel') [p.t. & p.p. rebelled, p.pr. 
rebelling], to take up arms and re- 
sist lawful or constituted authority; 
rise against authority. [Latin.] 

rebellion (re-bel 'yun), n. insurrection 
against, or open resistance to, law- 
ful or constituted authority; revolt. 

rebellious (re-bel'yus), adj. opposing 
lawful or constituted authority. 

rebind (re-bind'), v.t. to recover, bind 
again, as a book. 

rebound (re-bound'), v.i. to start or 
leap back; re-echo; to reverberate: 
n. the act of rebounding; a leaping 
or flying back. 

rebuff (re-buf), n. a beating back; 
sudden check or resistance; defeat; 
refusal: v.t. repel; refuse. [O. French.] 


rebuke (re-buk'), n. reprimand or re- 
proof; chastisement: v.t. to repri- 
mand or chide; chastise. [French.] 

rebus (re'bus), n. [pi. rebuses (re'bus- 
ez)], an enigmatical representation 
of a word or phrase by pictures or 
figures instead of words ; in heraldry, 
a coat of arms bearing an allusion 
to the name of the wearer. [Latin.] 

rebut (re-but'), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. re- 
butted, p.pr. rebutting], to beat 
back; oppose by argument or proof; 
repel: v.i. in law, to put in or re- 
turn an answer. [Old French.] 

rebuttal (re-but'al), n. the act of re- 
butting. 

recalcitrant (re-kal'si-trant), adj. re- 
fractory. 

recall (re-kawl'), v.t. to call back; re- 
member; revoke; withdraw: n. revo- 
cation: political, the power of re- 
calling from office an elected official 
of whom the people disapprove. 
This principle has been in operation 
in certain American States for only 
a few years. 

recant (re-kanf), v.t. to withdraw or 
retract; abjure. [Latin.] 

recantation (re-kan-ta'shun) , n. the 
act of recanting; a declaration re- 
calling and contradicting a former 
one. 

recapitulate (re-ka-pit'u-lat), v.t. to 
go over, or summarize (the chief 
points of a discourse, argument, 
&c.) [Latin.] 

recaption (re-kap'shun), n. reprisal. 

recast (re-kasf), v.t. to cast once 
more, or to cast after the first firing. 
Used in metallurgy and iron- 
work. 

recede (re-sed'), v.i. to fall back or re- 
trograde; retreat: v.t. to cede back 
to a former possessor. [Latin.] 

receipt (re-ser), n. the act of receiv- 
ing; reception; a recipe; written 
acknowledgment of anything re- 
ceived: v.t. to give a receipt for; 
sign in acknowledgment of. 

receive (re-sev'), v.t. to take or obtain 
from another in any manner; ac- 
cept; obtain; entertain; gain knowl- 
edge of; suffer; take in, as stolen 
goods. 

receiver (re-sev'er), n. one who, or 
that which, receives; one who buys 
stolen goods* a person appointed by 


ate, arm. at. awl ; m§, merge, met ; mite, mit ; n5te, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


RECENSION 


417 


RECOMMEND 


a court to manage property in con- 
troversy. 

recension (re-sen'shun), n. review or 
revision, especially critical revision 
of the text of an author; the text 
thus revised. [Latin.] 

recent (re 'sent), adj. of late origin or 
occurrence; new; modern; fresh; 
newly arrived; subsequent to man's 
existence. [Latin.] 

receptacle (re-sep'ta-kl), n. a vessel 
or place into which anything is re- 
ceived; basis of a flower. [Latin.] 

reception (re-sep'shun), n. the act of 
receiving; the state of being re- 
ceived; welcome; entertainment; ad- 
mission; formal or official receiving 
of a person. 

receptive (re-sep'tiv) , adj. having the 
quality of receiving or containing; 
capable of receiving mental im- 
pressions. 

recess (re-ses'), n. withdrawal; ttate 
of being in retirement; seclusion; 
remission of business; cavity in a 
room or alcove; niche. 

recession (re-sesh'un) , n. the act of 
receding or withdrawal. 

recherche (re-sher-sha/) , adj. un- 
common; rare; exquisite. [French.] 

recipe (res'i-pe), n. a medical pre- 
scription; formula for compounding 
anything. [Latin, "take."] 

recipient (re-sip 'i-ent), n. one who 
receives; adj. receiving. 

reciprocal (re-sip 'ro-kal), adj. mutual; 
alternating; mutually interchange- 
able. 

reciprocate (re-sip 'ro-kat), v.t. to 
give and receive mutually: v.i. to 
alternate ; interchange. 

reciprocation (re-sip-ro-ka/shun) , n. 
interchange of acts; reciprocal mo- 
tion. 

reciprocity (res-i-pros'i-ti) , n. recip- 
rocal obligation or right; equal mu- 
tual rights or benefits to be yielded 
or enjoyed between individuals, or 
(in international law) between na- 
tions. 

recital (re-si'tal), n. the act of recit- 
ing; rehearsal; narrative; a musical 
entertainment by one performer. 

recitation (res-i-ta'shun) , n. a public 
reading; delivery of a composition 
committed to memory; the composi- 
tion so delivered. 


recitative (res-i-ta-tev'), adj. per- 
taining to recitation; words spoken 
in the sounds of the musical scale; 
chant. Also recitativo [Italian] : adj. 
uttered musically; chanted. 

recite (re-sif), v.t. to repeat aloud 
from memory; enumerate; rehearse; 
recapitulate. [Latin.] 

reck (rek), v.t. & v.i. to care for; heed. 

reckless (rek'les), adj. heedless of con- 
sequences; careless; thoughtless. 

reckon (rek'n), v.t. to count or com- 
pute; number; estimate by rank: 
v.i. to calculate; charge to account; 
pay a penalty; reason with one's 
self and conclude from argument; 
think or suppose. 

reckoning (rek'ning), n. computation; 
calculation; statement of accounts 
between debtor and creditor; money 
charged by a host; estimated posi- 
tion of a ship by its progress and 
course. 

reclaim (re-klam'), v.t. to call back; 
demand the return of; reform; bring 
under cultivation. [Latin.] 

recline (re-klln'), v.t. to cause to lean 
or lie back; lean to one side: v.i. to 
rest or repose. 

recluse (re-kloos'), n. one who lives 
in retirement; hermit; anchorite: 
adj. retired from the world; soli- 
tary; secluded L [Latin.] 

reclusive (re-kloo'siv), adj. affording 
retirement from the world or society. 

recognition (rek-og-nish'un), n. the 
act of recognizing; the state of be- 
ing recognized ; remembrance ; recol- 
lection; formal avowal. 

recognizance (re - kon'i - zans) , n. 
avowal; acknowledgment; badge or 
token; a legal obligation entered 
into before a magistrate or court to 
do, or abstain from doing, some par- 
ticular act. [French.] 

recognize (rek'og-niz), v.t. to know 
again; acknowledge; avow; admit 
with a formal acknowledgment: v.i. 
to enter into recognizance. 

recoil (re-kqil'), v.i. to start back in 
dread or disgust; to rebound. 

recollect (rek-ol-ekf), v.t. to call to 
memory; (re-kol-ekf), to gather 
together again. 

recollection (rek-ol-ek'shun), n. mem- 
ory; that which is remembered. 

recommend (rek-om-end'). v.t. to 


ate, arm, at, awl; me, merge, met; mite, mit; note, north, not; boon, book 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


RECOMMENDATION 


418 


RECTORY 


commend to another; introduce 
favorably; advise. [Latin.] 

recommendation (rek - om - en - da'- 
shun), n. the act of recommending; 
favorable introduction. 

recommit (re : kom-it'), v.t. [p.t. & 
p.p. recommitted, p.pr. recommit- 
ting], to commit anew; refer back 
to a committee. [Latin.] 

recompense (rek'om-pens) , n. an 
equivalent given in return; reward; 
compensation: v.t. to give back as 
an equivalent; make amends for; 
repay or requite. 

reconcile (rek'on-sil) , v.t. to restore 
to friendship or favor after estrange- 
ment; adjust; harmonize. [Latin.] 

reconciliation (rek-on-sil-i-a/shun) , n. 
the act of reconciling; the state of 
being reconciled; renewal of friend- 
ship; expiation or atonement. Also 
reconcilement. 

recondite (rek'on-dit), adj. deep; ab- 
struse; hidden from view; secret. 

reconnoiter, reconnoitre (rek-o-noi'- 
ter), v.t. to make a survey of, es- 
pecially for military purposes. 
[French.] 

reconsider (re-kon-sid[er), v.t. to con- 
sider again; to review with care, 
especially with a view of reversing 
a previous action. 

reconstruct (re-kon-strukf), v.t. to 
build anew. 

record (re-kord'), v.t. to remember, 
or cause to be remembered; register 
or enroll; celebrate: n. (rek'erd) an 
authentic memorial; register; for- 
mal writing or copy of an official 
document; in sports, the best per- 
formance; a disk or cylinder # to 
record airs for mechanical musical 
instruments: pi. public documents. 

recorder (re-kord'er) , n. one who, or 
that which, records; one whose 
official duty is to register writings 
or transactions. 

recount (re-kounf), v.t. to go over 
or narrate in detail. [French.] 

recoup (re-koop'), v.t. to indemnify 
or make good. 

recourse (re-kors'), n. a going to for 
aid or protection; application of ef- 
fort for a particular purpose or 
end. 

recover (re-kuv'er), v.t. to regain; re- 
trieve; cure; obtain as compensa- 


tion; obtain by judgment in a court 
of law; cover again: v.i. to regain 
health, strength, or any former 
state; be successful in a lawsuit. 

recovery (re-kuv'er-i) , n. the act of 
recovering; restoration to health; 
legal right to something after judg- 
ment of a court. [French.] 

recreant (rek're-ant) , adj. cowardly; 
mean-spirited; apostate; false: n. a 
mean-spirited creature; a coward; 
an apostate. [French.] 

recreate (rek're-at),vJ. to reanimate, 
especially after toil; gratify: v.i. to 
take recreation; to create anew. 

recreation (rek-re-a'shun) , n. refresh- 
ment after toil, &c; amusement: n. 
(re-kre-a/shun), the act of creating 
anew; a new creation. 

recriminate (re-krim'i-nat) , v.i. to 
return one accusation with another : 
v.t. to accuse in return. # 

recrimination (re-krim-i-na'shun), n. 
the act of recriminating. 

recrudescent (re-kroo-des'ent) , adj. 
becoming sore or raw again. 

recruit (re-kroof), v.t. to supply with 
new soldiers; restore to health; re- 
pair by fresh supplies: v.i. to obtain 
fresh supplies; recover health: n. 
a soldier newly enlisted; supply of 
any want. [French.] 

rectangle (rek'tang-gl) , n. a 4-sided 
figure with 4 right angles, or angles 
of 90°. [Latin.] m 

rectification (rek-ti-fi-ka'shun) , n. the 
act of setting right; repeated dis- 
tillation of a spirit to concentrate it 
or render it purer; reduction of a 
curve to a right line. 

rectify (rek'ti-fi), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. recti- 
fied, p.pr. rectifying], to set right; 
adjust; refine by distillation. 

rectilineal (rek-ti-lin'e-al) , adj. bound- 
ed by straight lines; right- or 
straight-lined; straight. Also recti- 
linear. 

rectitude (rek'ti-tud) , n. Tightness of 
principles and practice; honesty; 
moral integrity. [Latin.] 

rector (rek'ter), n. a clergyman who 
(in the Anglican church) has the 
great and small tithes of a living; 
or the head of a university [Scotch]; 
the superior of a convent or religious 
house. [Latin.] 

rectory (rek'ter-i), n. the house of a 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


RECTUM 


419 


REEF 


rector; the benefice of a rector, with 
the rights appertaining to it. 

rectum (rek'tum), n. the lowest part 
of the great intestine. [Latin.] 

recumbency (re-kum 'ben-si), n. the 
state of leaning or reclining. Also 
recumbence. [Latin.] 

recumbent (re-kum'bent), adj. re- 
clining; idle. 

recuperate (re-ku'per-at), v.t. & v.i. to 
recover. [Latin.] 

recuperation (re-kti-per-a'shun) , n. 
recovery. 

recuperative (re-kii'per-a-tiv), adj. 
pertaining to, or tending to, re- 
covery. Also recuperatory. 

recur (re-ker'), v.i. [p.t. & p.p. re- 
curred, p.pr. recurring], return to 
the mind; return; happen at a 
stated interval; have recourse. 

recurrence (re-kur'ens) , n. return; re- 
sort. [Latin.] 

recurrent (re-kur'ent) , adj. returning 
repeatedly. 

recusant (rek'ii-zant), adj. refusing 
to acknowledge the royal supremacy 
in religion; non-conforming: n. a 
non-conformist. 

red (red), n. one of the true primary 
colors varying from scarlet to pink: 
adj. red-colored. 

redden (red'n), v.t. to make red: v.i. 
to become red; blush. 

reddish (red'ish), adj. somewhat red. 

rede (red), n. advice; counsel. [Scotch.] 

redeem (re-dem'), v.t. to ransom 
from bondage; rescue; make atone- 
ment for; perform; recover; make 
good use of; ransom from sin and 
its consequences. [Latin.] 

redeemer (re-dem'er), n. one who 
redeems. 

Redeemer, n. Jesus Christ, the Sa- 
vior. [Latin, Redemptor.) 

redemption (re-demp'shun), n. re- 
purchase; release; ransom; freeing of 
an estate from a mortgage; salva- 
tion of mankind by Jesus Christ. 

redemptive (re-demp'tiv), adj. per- 
taining to redemption, or serving 
to redeem. 

red-handed (red-hand'ed), adj. fresh 
from the commission of a crime. 

red-hot (red-hot'), adj. heated to red- 
ness; very enthusiastic. 

redingote (red'ing-got), n. a long 
coat. [French.] 


redolence (red'o-lens), n. perfume; 
fragrance. 

redolent (red'o-lent), adj. emitting 
a sweet smell; fragrant. 

redouble (re-dub '1), v.t. to repeat again 
and aga ; a; to increase greatly. 

redoubt re-dout'), n. a field-work 
for strengthening or fortifying a 
military position without flanks. 

redoubtable (re-dout'a-bl), adj. for- 
midable; valiant; terrible to enemies. 

redound (re-dound'), v.i. to tend or 
contribute; be in excess. 

redress (re-dres'), v.t. to amend or 
set right ; compensate ; relieve from ; 
to dress again: n. the reparation of 
wrong; relief. 

red-tape (red-tap'), n. red-colored 
tape used for tying official docu- 
ments; excessive official formality. 

reduce (re-dus'), v.t. to bring into a 
lower state; degrade; diminish; con- 
quer; shorten; reclaim to order; 
bring or change (numbers or quan- 
tities) from one denomination into 
another; bring into classes. 

reducible (re-dus'i-bl), adj. capable 
of being reduced. 

reduction (re-duk'shun) , n. the act 
of reducing; the state of being re- 
duced; diminution; conquest or sub- 
jugation; the changing of quantities 
from one denomination to another; 
the process of converting a metallic 
oxide into metal by the expulsion of 
the oxygen contained in it. 

redundance (re-dun'dans), n. super- 
fluity; excess. Also redundancy. 

redundant (re-dun'dant) , adj. super- 
fluous. 

reduplicate < (re-dup'li-kat), # v.t. to 
double again; repeat; multiply. 

reduplication (re-dup-li-ka'shun), n. 
the act of reduplicating. 

re-echo (re-ek'o), v.t. to echo back:vi. 
to resound. 

reed (red), n. a large, coarse grass, 
of the genus Arundo, with jointed 
hollow stems; a pastoral > pipe; 
mouth tube of a musical instru- 
ment; the comb-shaped part of a 
loom which beats the weft up to the 
web; an arrow- 

reef (ref), n. that part of a sail which 
can be reduced by being drawn in 
by small ropes running in eyelet 
holes; a chain of rock lying at or 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
27 hue, hut ; think, then. 


HORIZONTALLY 


420 


HORSE-PISTOL 


horizontally (hor-i-zon'ta-li), adv. in 
a horizontal direction. 

born (horn), n. a hard projecting, 
usually curved, protuberance on the 
head of certain mammals, especially 
hoofed animals; a thickened form of 
tissue; anything made of horn, or 
like horn; a wind instrument; one 
of the extremities of the moon when 
in crescent form. 

hornbeak (horn'bek), n. the garfish. 

hornbeam (horn'bem), n. a small tree 
yielding a tough wood: used for 
cogwheels, &c. 

hornbill (horn'bil), n. a bird with a 
large horn-crested bill, allied to the 
kingfishers. 

hornblende (horn 'blend), n. a dark- 
green or black-colored mineral with 
a horn-like cleavage. 

horn-book (horn'book), n. a primer 
consisting of a printed sheet con- 
taining the first nine numerals, the 
alphabet, and the Lord's Prayer. 
It was framed like a slate and faced 
over with a thin, transparent sheet 
of horn, to preserve the printing. 
The horn-book ceased to be used not 
long after the time of Queen Eliza- 
beth, but the name was long ap- 
plied to any primer. 

horned (hornd), adj. having horns; 
horn-shaped. 

hornet (hor'net), n. a small wasp 
which inflicts a severe sting; hence 
a waspish, disagreeable person. 

horning (horn'ing), n. the appear- 
ance of the moon at her first and 
last quarter. 

hornpipe (horn'plp), n. a lively 
dance, especially by sailors; an ob- 
solete wind instrument. 

horn wrack (horn'rak), n. sea-mat. 

horny (h6rn'i) L adj. like horn. 

horologe (hor'o-loj), n. a mechanism, 
as a clock, &c, for marking the 
hours. 

horology (ho-rol'o-ji), n. the art of 
measuring time, or of constructing 
timepieces. 

horometer (ho-rom'e-ter)^ n. an in- 
strument for measuring time. 

horoscope (hor'o-skop), n. a repre- 
sentation of the heavens at any 
time, especially at one's birth. 

fluoroscopy (hd-ros'ko-pi), n. the art 
of casting horoscopes and determin- 


ing the destiny of persons from 
them; a horoscope. [Greek.] 

horrent (hor'ent), adj. erect; bristling. 

horrible (hor'i-bl), adj. terrible; dread- 
ful. [Latin.] 

horribleness (hor'i-bl-nes) , n. the 
state of being horrible. 

horribly (hor'i-bli), adv. terribly* 
dreadfully. 

horrid (hor 'id), adj. dreadful; terrible; 
hideous; most obnoxious; gloomy. 

horrific (hor-if 'ik) , adj. causing horror. 

horrify (hor'i-fi), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. horri- 
fied], to fill or strike with horror. 

horripilation (hor-ip-i-la'shun), n. a 
shuddering sensation as of the hair 
standing on end, or goose-flesh. 

horror (hor'er), n. excessive fear ac- 
companied with shuddering; ex- 
treme dread; great disgust: pi. ex- 
treme depression; delirium tremens 
(with the). 

hors de combat (or de congHba), 

ftrep. phr. out of the fight; disabled. 
French.] 
hors-d'oeuvre (6r-doovr') f n. a side 

dish. [French.] 
horse (hors), n. a solid-hoofed ani- 
mal, used for riding or drawing 
burdens; a male of the species; cav- 
alry; a framework or machine for 
the support of anything; a foot- 
rope to support the foot of a sailor 
under a yard or the bowsprit; work 
charged for before it is executed: 
v.t. to mount on, or furnish with, 
a horse; carry on horseback; place 
astride: v.i. to get on horseback: 
adj. noting something coarse or 
large. 
horse- billiards (hors'bil-yerdz), n. a 
name given to the game of shuffle- 
board when played at sea, on ships. 
horse-chestnut (hors'ches-nut), n. a 
very tall chestnut tree bearing a 
non-edible fruit resembling chest- 
nuts — first imported from the Old 
World but now indigenous to Amer- 
ica. 
horse-fly (hors'fli), n. a large fly that 

stings horses. 
horse-laugh (hors'laf), n. a coarse, 

noisy laugh. 
horsemanship (hors'man-ship), n. the 
act of riding, and of training and 
managing horses. 
horse-pistol (hors'pis-tol) , n. an old- 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit : note, north, not ; boon, book 
hue, hut : think, then. 


REFORMATION 


421 


REGENERATION 


Reformation, n. the great religious 
movement (sixteenth century) under 
Martin Luther (with the). 

reformatory (re-form'a-to-ri), adj. 
tending to reform: n. an institution 
for the detention and reformation 
of juvenile offenders. 

reformed (re-formd'), p.adj. restored 
to a previous good state; amended; 
improved. 

reformer (re-form'er), n. one who 
effects a reformation, religious, 
moral, or political. 

refract (re-frakt'), v.t. to break the 
natural course of, or bend from, a 
straight line. [Latin.] 

refraction (re-frak'shun), > n. the 
change from a straight line which 
a ray of light or heat assumes when 
passing through a smooth surface 
into a medium of greater density at 
any angle other than 90°. 

refractory (re-f rak'to-ri) , adj. sullenly 
or perversely obstinate; difficult of 
fusion, &c. 

refrain (re-fran'), v.t. to restrain: 
v.i. to forbear; abstain from action: 
n. burden of a song repeated at the 
end of each stanza. _ [Latin.] 

refrangible (re-fran'ji-bl) , adj. capable 
of being refracted. [Latin.] 

refresh (re-fresh'), v.t. to revive after 
fatigue or exhaustion; reinvigorate ; 
restore. [French.] 

refreshing (re-fresh'ing), adj. reani- 
mating; rein vigor ating ; cooling. 

refreshment (re-fresh'ment) , n. the 
act of refreshing; state of being 
refreshed; that which refreshes, as 
food or rest. 

refrigerate (re-frij'er-at), v.t. to cool, 
or keep cool, as by a refrigerator. 

refrigeration (re-frij-er-a'shun), n. 
act of cooling. 

refrigerator (re-frij'er-a-ter), n. an 
apparatus or vessel for preserving or 
cooling things by means of ice, &c. 

refuge (ref'uj), n. protection from 
danger or distress; shelter or asy- 
lum; stronghold; expedient or re- 
source. [Latin.] 

refugee (ref-u-je'), n. one who flees 
for protection, especially from politi- 
cal or religious persecution. 

refulgence (re-f ul'j ens), n. bright- 
ness; flood of light; splendor. Also 
refulgency. [Latin.] 


refulgent (re-ful'jent), adj. casting a 
bright light; brilliant; splendid. 

refund (re-fund'), v.t. to pay back 
again. [Latin.] 

ref usable (re-fuz'a-bl), adj. capable 
of being refused. 

refusal (re-fuz'al), n. the act of refus- 
ing; rejection; right to take the 
preference; option. 

refuse (re-fuz'), v.t. to deny or reject, 
as a demand or request: v.i. to de- 
cline to accept; not to comply: n. 
(ref 'us), waste or worthless mat- 
ter; rubbish: adj. rejected; worth- 
less. 

refutable (re-f ut'a-bl) , adj. capable 
of being refuted. 

refutation (ref-u-ta'shun), n. the 
act of refuting; that which is re- 
futed. 

refute (re-fuf), v.t. to prove to be 
false or erroneous; repel; disprove. 

regain (re-gan'), v.t. to recover pos- 
session of; get back; reach again. 

regal (re'gal), adj. pertaining to, or 
characteristic of, a king; kingly; 
royal. 

regale (re-gal'), v.t. to entertain with 
something to delight the senses; 
feast sumptuously: v.i. to feast. 

regalia (re-ga'lia), n.pl. the ensigns 
of sovereignty, as the crown, &c; 
royal rights or prerogatives; decora- 
tions of an order or office. 

regard (re-gard'), v.t. to observe par- 
ticularly; heed; esteem; consider; 
respect; value: n. attention; respect; 
. consideration; reference: pi. good 
wishes. 

regarding (re-gard'ing) , prep, con- 
cerning. 

regardless (re-gard'les) , adj. having 
no regard or care; indifferent. 

regatta (re-gat'a), n. a sailing or row- 
ing match for prizes. 

regency (re'jen-si), n. the office or 
jurisdiction of a regent; a body in- 
structed with the duties of a regent. 

regenerate (re-jen'er-at), v.t. to renew 
the heart of and cause to turn to 
the love of God ; produce anew : adj. 
renewed; reformed. 

regeneration (re-jen-er-a'shun), n. 
the act of regenerating ; the state of 
being regenerated; formation of new 
tissue to supply that which has been 
lost. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


REGENT 


422 


REJOICE 


regent (re'jent), adj. exercising vi- 
carious authority: n. one who gov- 
erns in the interim during the mi- 
nority, absence, or disability of the 
sovereign; a university teacher; a 
member of a board of superintend- 
ence of colleges and schools in the 
state of New York. [Latin.] 

regicide (rej'i-sid), n. the murder, or 
murderer, of a king. 

regiment (rej'i-ment), n. a number 
of companies of soldiers united into 
one body under the command of a 
colonel. [French.] 

region (re'jun), n. a tract of land; 
country. 

register (rej'is-ter), n. an official writ- 
ten record; the book containing such 
record; a list of persons entitled to 
vote; an organ stop; musical com- 
pass or range. 

registration (rej : is-tra/shun), n. the 
act of inserting in a register. 

registry (rej'is-tri), n. the place where 
a register is kept. 

regnant (reg'nant), adj. reigning; ex- 
ercising royal authority; prevalent. 

regression (re-gresh'un) , n. retro- 
gression. 

regret (re-gref), n. mental sorrow or 
concern for anything, as for past 
conduct or negligence; remorse: v.t. 
[p.t. & p.p. regretted, p.w. regret- 
ting], to remember with sorrow; 
bewail the loss or want of. 

regretful (re-gret'fool), adj. full of re- 
gret. 

regrettable (re-gret'a-bl) , adj. admit- 
ting of, or causing, regret. 

regular (reg'u-lar), adj. according to 
rule, # order, or established usage; 
consistent; governed by rule; uni- 
form; methodical; exact; fully qual- 
ified; having sides or surfaces com- 
posed of equal figures or lines: n. a 
soldier belonging to a standing army ; 
one who is under monastic rule. 

regularity (reg-ii-lar'i-ti) , n. the state 
or quality of being regular; con- 
formity to rule; uniformity; method 
or certain order. 

regulate (reg'u-lat), v.t. to make regu- 
lar; adjust by rule. 

regulation (reg-u-la'shun), n. the act 
of regulating: order; method; rule. 

regulator Crpg'u-la-ter) , n. one who, 
or that which, regulates; a lever for 


regulating motion; lever of a watch; 
an accurate timepiece. 

regurgitate (re-ger'ji-tat), v.i. to be 
thrown or poured back. 

rehabilitate (re-ha-bil'i-tat), v.t. to 
reinstate; to restore to a former place 
or rank. 

rehash (re-hash'), n. literally to hash 
over, rechopping the meat and vege- 
tables ; but oftener used figuratively 
of repeating something not very at- 
tractive, until every one is weary of 
it. 

rehearsal (re-her'sal) , n. a recital in 
private prior to a public perform- 
ance. 

rehearse (re-hers'), v.t. to repeat, as 
what has already been said or writ- 
ten; tell or narrate; recite before 
public performance. 

Reichstag (rikhs'takh), n. the Ger- 
man parliament. 

reign (ran), v.i. to exercise sovereign 
authority; rule; be predominant: n. 
supreme power or influence; time 
during which a sovereign rules. 

reimburse (re-im-bers') , v.t. to re- 
fund^ 

rein (ran), n. the strap of a bridle; 
an instrument for curbing, restrain- 
ing, or governing; power: pi. the 
kidneys, or parts about them; loins; 
the heart [Old Testament]^ v.t. to 
govern with a bridle; restrain; con- 
trol: v.i. to check a horse with the 
reins. [French.] 

reincarnate (re-in-kar'nat), v.t. to em- 
body anew. [Latin.] 

reindeer (ran'der), n. a large Arctic 
deer. 

reinforce (re-in-fors'), v.t. to sup- 
ply with new strength, support, or 
assistance. 

reinforcement (re-in-fors'ment), n. 
additional support. 

reinstate (re-in-staf) , v.t. to restore 
to a former state. 

reiteration (re-it-er-a'shun) , n. repe- 
tition. 

reject (re-jekf), v.t. to throw away 
as useless or vile; refuse; renounce; 
discard. 

rejection (re- jek'shun) , n. the act of 
rejecting. 

rejoice (re-jois'), v.i. to feel or express 
joy or gladness; exult: v.t. to make 
joyful. 


fitse, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


REJOICING 


423 


RELISH 


rejoicing (re-jois'ing), n. expression, 
subject, or experience, of joy or 
gladness. 

rejoin (re-join'), v.t. to unite again 
after separation: v.i. to answer a 
reply; answer as the defendant to 
the plaintiff's replication. 

rejoinder (re-join'der) , n. an answer 
to a reply; in law, the defendant's an- 
swer to the plaintiff's replication. 

rejuvenate (re-jii've-nat), v.t. to make 
young again. 

relapse (re-laps'), v.i. to fall back from 
a state of convalescence; return to 
a former bad state or habit: n. a 
falling into a former bad state; re- 
turn of a disease after convalescence 
or partial recovery. 

relate (re-laf), v.t. to tell; describe; 
recite; narrate: v.i. to refer. 

related (re-la'ted), p.adj. told or de- 
scribed; allied by kindred or blood 
relationship^ 

relation (re-la 'shun) , n. the act of re- 
lating; the thing related; mutual 
connection between two or more 
things; proportion or ratio; connec- 
tion by birth or marriage; kinsman 
or kinswoman. 

relative (rel'a-tiv), adj. having, or 
expressing, relation; pertinent; be- 
longing to or connected with; re- 
lating to a word, sentence, or clause: 
n. that which has relation to some- 
thing else; a person connected by 
kinship or consanguinity; a word 
which relates to its antecedent. 

relax (re-laks'), v.t. to slacken; make 
less close; render less tense, rigor- 
ous, or severe; divert, as the mind; 
loosen, as the bowels ; make lan- 
guid: v.i. to take relaxation; become 
less severe or close. 

relaxation (re-laks-a'shun) , n. the act 
of relaxing; state of being relaxed; 
diminution of tension; diversion or 
recreation. 

relay (re-la'), v.t. [v.t. & p.p. relaid, 
p.pr. relaying], to lay a second time: 
n. fresh post-horses or hunting dogs 
to relieve others ; < new supply ; a 
subsidiary electric circuit. 

release (re-les'), v.t. to set free; dis- 
charge; free from obligation or pen- 
alty: n. liberation from restraint, 
penalty, pain, &c; disoharge from 
an obligation. 


relegate (rel'e-gat), v.t. to banish; 
consign. 

relegation (rel-e-ga'shun) , n. the act 
of relegating. 

relent (re-lent'), v.i. to grow less hard 
or severe; become more tender; yield. 

relenting (re-lent 'ing) , n. the act of 
becoming less hard or more tender or 
compassionate. 

relentless (re-lent 'les), adj. pitiless; 
having no regard for another; with- 
out mercy. 

relevancy (rel'e-van-si), n. applica- 
bility; pertinence. Also relevance. 

relevant (rel'e-vant), adj. applicable; 
related; pertinent. 

reliable (re-li'a-bl) , adj. trustworthy. 

reliance (re-li'ans), n. confidence; 
trust. 

reliant (re-ll'ant), adj. having reliance. 

relic (rel'ik), n. that which is left 
after the loss or decay of the rest; 
memorial or souvenir; remains of a 
person deceased; body or other me- 
morial of a saint held in religious 
reverence. 

relict (rel'ikt), n. a widow. [Latin.] 

relief (re-lef), n. that which mitigates 
pain, grief, &c; release from some 
post of duty; assistance given to the 
poor; aid; redress; the projection of 
a sculptured design from the plane 
surface. 

relieve (re-lev'), v.t. to free from pain, 
suffering, grief, &c; mitigate; alle- 
viate; help; release from a post of 
duty. 

religion (re-lij'un), n. any system of 
faith or worship ; love and obedience 
towards God; piety; monastic vow 
or state. [Latin.] 

religious (re-lij'us), adj. pertaining to, 
characteristic of, or set apart for, 
religion; godly; pious; devotional; 
conscientiously exact or strict; bound 
by monastic vows: n. one who is 
bound by monastic vows. 

relinquish (re-ling'kwish), v.t. to for- 
sake or abandon; quit; leave with 
reluctance; desist from; renounce a 
rlaim to. 

reliquary (rel'i-kwa-ri) , n. [pi. reli- 
quaries (rel'i-kwa-riz)], a depository 
for relics; a casket or small chest for 
holding relics. 

relish (rel'ish), v.t. to like the taste 
of; use with pleasure; enjoy: v.i. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, nCrth, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


RELUCTANCE 


424 


REMUNERATE 


to have a pleasing taste: n. sensa- 
tion of flavor; taste; savor; zest; 
a savory dish; enjoyment given by 
anything; pleasure; inclination. 

reluctance (re-luk'tans), n. unwil- 
lingness. Also reluctancy. 

reluctant (re-luk'tant), adj. unwilling; 
disinclined. 

rely (re-li'), v.i. [p.t. & p.p. relied, p.pr. 
relying], to lean upon with confi- 
dence; trust or have confidence in. 

remain (re-man'), v.i. to continue; 
stay; last; endure; be left in a par- 
ticular state or place; be left after 
or out of a greater number: n.pl. a 
deadibody ; the literary works of an au- 
thor published after his death; ruins. 

remand (re-mand'). v.t. to recommit 
or send back; remit in custody to a 
future time: n. the act of remand- 
ing; state of being remanded. 

remark (re-mark'), v.t. to note or ob- 
serve; express; say: n. notice or ob- 
servation; comment. 

remarkable (re-mark'a-bl) , adj. 
worthy of notice or remark; ex- 
traordinary; strange; famous; un- 
common. 

remediable (re-me'di-a-bl), adj. ad- 
mitting remedy. m 

remedial (re-me'di-al), adj. affording, 
or intended for, a remedy. 

remedy (rem'e-di), n. [pi. remedies 
(rem'e-diz)], that which cures a dis- 
ease, or counteracts an evil; a re- 
storative; an efficacious medicine: 
v.t. [p.t. & p.p. remedied, p.pr. 
remedying], to repair or remove 
something evil from. 

remember (re-mem'ber) , v.t. to re- 
call to mind; attend to; keep in 
mind with gratitude, regard, or rev- 
erence. 

remembrance (re-mem'brans) , n. 
power of remembering; memory; 
length of time during which anything 
can be remembered; recollection. 

remind (re-mind'), v.t. to bring to the 
remembrance of; put in mind. 

reminiscence (rem-i-nis'ens), n. re- 
covery of ideas; memory; that 
which is remembered. 

reminiscent (rem-i-nis'ent), adj. hav- 
ing recollection. 

remise (re-mlz'), v.t. to resign or 
surrender by deed: n. the surrender 
of a claim by deed. 


remiss (re-mis'), adj. careless in the 
performance of duty or business; 
heedless; dilatory. 

remission (re-mish'un), n. the act of 
remitting; pardon; abatement; re- 
laxation. 

remit (re-mif), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. remit- 
ted, p.pr. remitting], to pardon; 
transmit, as money, bills, &c; send 
back: v.i. moderate or abate in vio- 
lence or force. 

remittance (re-mit'ans), n. that which 
is remitted; the sending of money, 
bills, &c, in payment; the sum so 
transmitted. 

remittent (re-mit'ent) , adj. increasing 
and abating alternately. 

remnant (rem'nant), n. that which 
is left after a part has been re- 
moved; remainder. 

remonstrance (re^mon'strans) , n. 
strong representation against some- 
thing complained of; expostulation 
(historically), the Great Remon- 
strance made by the English Parlia- 
ment to King Charles I (1641), 
reminding him of his arbitrary and 
illegal acts. 

remonstrant (re-mon'strant), adj. 
expostulatory ; n. one who takes part 
in a remonstrance. 

remonstrate (re-mon'strat) , v.i. to 
urge or put forward strong reasons 
against some act or course com- 
plained of; expostulate. 

remorse (re-mors'), n. anguish of 
mind caused by the sense of guilt; 
sympathetic sorrow; compunction. 

remorseful (re-mors'fool), adj. full 
of remorse. 

remorseless (re-mors'les) , adj. cruel; 
merciless. 

remote (re-mot'), adj. distant in time 
or space; far; primary; alien; for- 
eign; inconsiderable. 

removable (re-moov'a-bl) , adj. cap- 
able of being removed. 

removal (re-moov'al) , n. the act of 
removing or displacing; change of 
place; dismissal; act of putting an 
end to. 

remove (re-mo5v'), v.t. to put from 
its place; withdraw; cut off, or kill: 
v.i. to change place; change resi- 
dence: n. change of place: removal; 
promotion; class._ 

remunerate (re-mu'ner-at) , v.t. to re- 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


REMUNERATION 


425 


REPENT 


ward as an equivalent for service; 
recompense. 

remuneration (re-mu-ner-a'shun), n. 
payment for service; recompense; 
reward. 

remunerative (re-mu'ner-a-tiv) , adj. 
yielding an equivalent return for 
outlay; lucrative; profitable. 

renascent (re^nas'ent) , adj. coming 
again into Deing. 

rencontre (rang-kong'tr), n. a casual 
meeting in opposition or contest; 
collision: v.i. to meet an enemy un- 
expectedly; to come in collision. Also 
recounter. 

rend (rend), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. rent, 
p.pr. rending], to tear apart with 
violence; split; lacerate: v.i. to be- 
come rent. 

render (ren'der), v.t. to return; pay 
back; make up; deliver; afford; 
yield; furnish; reproduce; translate; 
cause to be boiled down; exhibit: n. 
payment of rent. 

rendering (ren'der-ing) , n. a transla- 
tion; version; execution; first coat of 
plaster. 

rendezvous (ran'da-voo or ren'de-voo) , 
n. appointed place of meeting, espe- 
cially for warships or troops: v.i. to 
assemble. [French.] 

rendition (ren-dish'un) , n. surrender; 
translation. 

renegade (ren'e-jgad) , n. one who re- 
nounces his faith; apostate; traitor; 
deserter. [French.] 

renew (re-nti'), v.t. to make new again; 
restore; renovate; reinvigorate: v.i. 
to be made new; begin afresh; grow 
again. 

renewal (re-nii'al), n. the act of re- 
newing ; state of being renewed ; reno- 
vation; revival. 

rennet (ren'et), n. the inner mem- 
brane of a calf's stomach: used for 
coagulating milk. 

renounce (re-nouns'), v.t. to disown; 
reject publicly and finally; repudi- 
ate; reject: v.i. in card playing, not 
to follow suit: n. failure to follow 
suit. 

renovate (ren'5-vat), v.t. to make new 
again; restore to a previous condi- 
tion, or to a good state; repair. 

renovation (ren-6-va'shun) , n. re- 
newal; state of being renovated. 


renown (re-noun'), n. celebrity; fame; 
distinction: v.t. to make famous. 

renowned (re-nound'), p.adj. cele- 
brated; famous; illustrious; distin- 
guished. 

rent (rent), n. a tear; fissure; schism; 
periodical payment for the use of 

f)roperty: p.t. & p.p. of rend. 
French.] 

rental (rent'al), n. amount of rent; 
schedule of rents of an estate; rent- 
roll. 

renunciation (re-nun-si-a/shun), n. 
disavowal; rejection. 

rep (rep), adj. having a fine corded 
surface: n. a dress fabric with a 
fine corded surface. 

repair (re-par'), v.i. to go to a (speci- 
fied) place; betake one's self: v.t. 
to restore after injury; mend; reno- 
vate; make amends: n. restoration 
after injury; state of a building. 

reparation (rep-a-ra'shun) , n. restora- 
tion to a good condition; amends or 
compensation; restitution. 

repartee (rep-ar-te') , n. a ready, witty 
reply. 

repast (re-past'), n. a meal; victuals. 

repay (re-pa'), v.t. to give back that 
which is due. 

repeal (re-pel'), v.t. to revoke or abro- 
gate; annul: n. revocation; abro- 
gation. 

repeat (re-pet'), v.t. to do or speak 
a second time; iterate; recite; quote 
from memory: n. repetition; a sign 
in music directing a part to be re- 
peated. 

repeater (re-pet'er), n. one who, or 
that which, repeats; revolver; a. 
watch that strikes the hours, when 
a spring is pressed; a decimal in 
which the same figure or figures are 
repeated; one who illegally votes 
more than once at the same election. 

repel (re-pel'), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. re- 
pelled, p.pr. repelling], to drive back; 
resist; check the advance of: v.i. to 
act in opposition to force impressed; 
check or drive inwards. 

repellent (re-pel'ent), adj. driving: 
back; tending or able to repel; re- 
pulsive. 

repent (re-penf), v.i. to feel pain or 
sorrow on account of something 
done or left undone, especially for 
sin committed leading to repent- 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, nOrth, not ; boon, book 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


REPENTANCE 


426 


REPROACH 


ance; change from past evil: v.t. to 
regret. [Old Testament.] 

repentance (re-pen'tans) , n. contri- 
tion. 

repentant (re-pen'tant) , adj. peni- 
tent. 

repertoire (rep-er-twar') , n. a repos- 
itory; stock of dramas, songs, &c, 
ready for use. [French.] 

repertory (rep'er-to-ri), n. a store- 
house; treasury. 

repetition (rep-e-tish'un), n. the act 
of repeating; recital from memory. 

repine (re-pin'), v.i. to fret one's self; 
murmur; complain; feel discontent. 

replace (re-plas'), v.t. to put back in 
its place; to supersede. 

replenish (re-plen'ish), v.t. to fill up 
again; fill or stock in abundance. 

replete (re-plef), adj. completely 
filled; full. 

repletion (re-ple'shun) , n. the state of 
being too full; plethora. 

replevin (re-plev'in), n. an action to 
recover goods wrongfully seized, on 
security being given to try the case; 
writ for replevying. 

replevy (re-plev'i), v.t. \p.t. & p.p. re- 
plevied, p.pr. replevying], to recover 
by writ goods wrongfully seized, on 
giving security to try the right to 
them at law. 

replica (rep'li-ka), n. a copy of an 
original picture or statue executed 
by the same artist or sculptor. 

replicate (rep'li-kat), adj. folded back. 

replication (rep-li-ka/shun) , n.^ a re- 
ply; echo; repetition; the plaintiff's 
answer to the plea of the defendant. 

reply (re-pll'), v.i. [p.t. & p.p. replied, 
p.pr. replying], to answer; respond: 
n. an answer; response; rejoinder. 

report (re-port'), v.t. to give an ac- 
count of; relate; tell from one to 
another; circulate publicly; take 
down (spoken words) : v.i. to make 
a statement: n. an official statement 
of facts; description, an account of 
a meeting, &c; rumor; hearsay; 
noise. 

repose (re-poz'), v.t. to lay to rest; re- 
fresh by rest; compose; lay, place, 
or rest, as confidence or trust (with 
in or on): v.i. to sleep; recline: n. 
sleep ; quiet ; mental rest ; certain 
parts in a picture which tranquilize 
its aspect. 


repository (re-poz 'i-to-ri), n. [pi. re- 
positories (re-poz 'i-to-fiz)], a ware- 
house for the storing and safe keep- 
ing of goods; shop or warehouse. 

repousse (re-poos'a), n. ornamental 
metal work formed in relief and 
chased. 

reprehend (rep-re-hend') , v.t. to cen- 
sure. 

reprehensible (rep-re-hen'si-bl) , adj. 
deserving censure; culpable. 

reprehension (rep-re-hen'shun) , n. 
censure; reproof. 

reprehensive (rep-re-hen'siv) , adj. 
given to, or containing, reproof. 
Also reprehensory. 

represent <rep-re-zent') , v.t. to ex- 
hibit the image of; show; describe; 
give an account of; personate or act 
the part of ; reproduce ; to present 
again (re-pre-zent'). 

representation (rep-re-zen-ta'shun) , 
n. the act of representing; that which 
represents; portrayal; description; 
likeness; image or picture; dramat- 
ic performance; body of representa- 
tives; statement of arguments or 
reasons. 

representative (rep-re-zen'ta-tiv) , adj. 
having the power or character of an- 
other; exhibiting a similitude; typi- 
cal: n. one who is authorized to act 
for another or others ; deputy or dele- 
gate, especially one chosen by a body 
of electors ; a member of the popular 
branch of Congress or of a State 
Legislature; he who, or that which, 
represents or exhibits a likeness. 

repress (re-pres'), v.t. to check or re- 
strain; crush; quell. 

repression (re-presh'un), n. the act of 
repressing. 

reprieve (re-prev'), v.t. to grant a re- 
spite to; delay the execution of: n. 
temporary suspension of a criminal 
sentence. 

reprimand (rep'ri-mand), v.t. to re- 
prove severely; reprove publicly and 
officially: n. a severe reproof. 

reprint (re-print'), v.t. to print a new 
edition or copy of: n. (re'print), a 
new edition or copy. 

reprisal (re-priz'al), n. an act of war 
ostensibly by way of retaliation for 
an injury suffered. See marque. 

reproach (re-proch'), v.t. to censure 
severely; upbraid: n. severe blame 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, n6rth, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


REPROACHFUL 


427 


RESEMBLANCE 


mingled with contempt; object of 
scorn; shame or disgrace. 

reproachful (re-proch'f ool) , adj. con- 
taining, or expressing, reproach. 

reprobate (rep'ro-bat), v.t. to con- 
demn strongly or with detestation; 
disown: adj. abandoned; depraved: 
n. a profligate person. 

reprobation (rep-ro-ba/shun) , n. the 
act of reprobating; abandonment to 
eternal destruction; condemna- 
tion. 

reproduction (re-pro-duk'shun), n. 
the act of producing again, either an 
organism, a mental image, or a work 
of art. 

reproof (re-proof), n. censure; re- 
buke. 

reprove (re-proov'), v.t. to censure or 
blame; reprimand; rebuke. 

reptile (rep 'til), n. an animal of the 
class Reptilia that creeps or crawls 
on the ground; a mean, groveling 
person: adj. creeping; crawling; 
groveling. 

republic (re-pub 'Kk), n. a state or 
country in which the supreme power 
is vested in representatives elected 
by popular vote; commonwealth. 

republican (re-pub'li-kan), adj. per- 
taining to, characteristic of, or con- 
sisting of, a republic: n. one who 
favors republican government. 

republish (re-pub'lish), v.t. to pub- 
lish anew; print anew edition of. 

repudiate (re-pu'di-at), v.t. to dis- 
own or disclaim; refuse to pay or 
acknowledge; disavow. 

repudiation (re-pQ-di-a'shun), n. the 
act of repudiating; disavowal; re- 
jection. 

repugnance (re-pug'nans), n. aver- 
sion; reluctance; dislike. Also re- 
pugnancy. 

repugnant (re-pug'nant), adj. highly 
distasteful or offensive; contrary; 
hostile. 

repulse (re-puls'), v.t. to drive back; 
beat off; repel: n. the state of being 
driven back or repelled; refusal; 
denial. 

repulsion (re-pul'shun) , n. the act of 
driving back; state of being re- 
pelled; the power by which certain 
bodies recede from each other. 

repulsive (re-pul'siv), adj. tending to 
repel; forbidding; disgusting. 


repulsiveness (re-pul'siv-nes), n. the 
state or quality of being repulsive. 

reputable (rep'ii-ta-bl), adj. es- 
teemed; honorable; respectable. 

reputation (rep-u-ta'shun), n. good 
name or character; honor; credit. 

repute (re-puf), v.t. to estimate; 
aeem: n. estimation; character; rep- 
utation. 

request (re-kwesf), n. desire ex- 
pressed; petition; prayer; demand; 
entreaty: v.t. to ask for. 

requiem (re'kwi-em), n. a mass, or 
musical setting of a mass, for the 
repose of the soul of a person de- 
ceased. 

require (re-kwir'), v.t. to ask for or 
claim as by right or authority; de- 
mand; exact; need. [Latin.] 

requirement (re-kwfr'ment), n. the 
act of requiring; that which is re- 
quired; demand; necessity. 

requisite (rek'wi-zit), adj. needful; 
indispensable: n. anything requisite. 

requisition (rek-wi-zish'un), n. the 
act of requiring; that which is re- 
quired; demand, especially a written 
one: v.t. to demand; make a req- 
uisition upon. 

requital (re-kwlt'al), n. retaliation. 

requite (re-kwit'), v.t. to make re- 
turn for treatment, good or evil; 
recompense; retaliate; revenge. 

reredos (rer'dos), n. a decorated screen 
behind the altar of a church. 

rescind (re-sind'), v.t. to annul; re- 
voke. 

rescission (re-sizh'un), n. the act of 
annulling. 

rescript (re'skript), n. an edict or de- 
cree, especially of an emperor or 
pope in answer to some question of 
jurisprudence officially submitted 
to him, and having the force of a 
law. 

rescue (res'ku),_i>.£. to set free from 
danger, restraint, or violence; lib- 
erate; deliver: n. deliverance from 
danger, restraint, or violence; forci- 
ble retaking of persons or goods de- 
tained by legal authority : 

research (re-serch/), n. laborious, care- 
ful inquiry or investigation: v.t. to 
search again; investigate carefully 
and diligently. 

resemblance (re-zem'blans), n. like- 
ness. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, rTien. 


RESEMBLE 


428 


RESOURCE 


resemble (re-zem'bl), v.t. to have a 
likeness to; have similarity to. 

resent (re-zenf), v.t. to consider as an 
injury or affront; take ill; be angry 
in consequence of. 

resentful (re-zent'f ool) , adj. easily 
provoked to anger; full of resent- 
ment. 

resentment (re-zent'ment) , n. strong 
anger or displeasure; deep sense of 
injury. 

reservation (rez-er-va'shun) , n. any- 
thing kept back or reserved; clause, 
proviso, or limitation, by _ which 
something is reserved; public land 
reserved for some particular use, as 
schools, &c. 

reserve (re-zerv'), v.t. to keep in 
store; hold back for future use; re- 
tain: n. closeness or caution in 
speaking or acting; taciturnity: 
pi. troops kept for the support 
of an army or to meet any con- 
tingency. 

reservoir (rez'er-vwar), n. a place 
where anything (usually fluids and 
liquids) is collected and stored up 
for use. [French.] 

reset (re-set'), v.t. to set again. 

reside (re-zid'), v.i. to dwell or in- 
habit; live. 

residence (rez'i-dens), n. place of 
abode; domicile; act of residing. 

resident (rez'i-dent), adj. pertaining 
to one who resides; thus, Minister 
Resident in diplomacy differs from 
a Minister Plenipotentiary, by hav- 
ing a lower rank. 

residuary (re-zid'ii-a-ri), adj. pertain- 
ing to, or constituting, the residue; 
relating or entitled to the remainder 
of an estate, &c, after deducting 
legal expenses. 

residue (rez'i-du), n. remainder. 

residuum (re-zid'u-um), n. that which 
is left after a chemical process. 

resign (re-zin'), v.t. to yield to an- 
other ; surrender formally ; withdraw 
from; submit calmly; sign again 
(re-sin'). 

resignation (rez-ig-na'shun) , n. the 
act of resigning; state of being re- 
signed; calm submission or acqui- 
escence; patience. 

resilient (re-sil'i-ent), adj. springing 
back. 

resin (rez'in), n. a. solid inflammable 


substance obtained from various 
trees which exude it in the form of 
gum. 

resinous (rez'in-us), adj. containing, 
consisting of, or like, resin. 

resist (re-zisf), v.t. to oppose; with- 
stand; thwart; strive against: v.i. 
to make opposition or resistance. 

resistance (re-zis'tans), n. the act of 
resisting; opposition; power of a 
body that acts in opposition to an- 
other; in photography, contrast of 
light and shade. 

resistant (re-zis'tant), adj. offering re- 
sistance: n. one who, or that which, 
resists. 

resistless (re-zist'les), n. irresistible. 

resoluble (rez'o-lu-bl), adj. capable 
of being melted or resolved. 

resolute (rez'o-lut), adj. determined; 
having a fixed purpose; decided; 
firm; steady. 

resolution (rez-o-lu'shun), n. the act 
of resolving; state of being resolved; 
analysis; fixed determination; con- 
stancy of purpose; formal proposal 
in a legislative assembly or public 
meeting; solution. 

resolvable (re-zol'va-bl) , adj. capable 
of being resolved. 

resolve (re-zolv'), v.t. to reduce to 
constituent parts ; analyze ; clear or 
separate; solve; settle in an opin- 
ion; decide; determine by vote; dis- 
perse, as a tumor, &c; carry a dis- 
cord into a concord [Music]: v.i. to 
determine; pass a formal resolution. 

resolved (re-zolvd'), p. adj. determined; 
firm. 

resolvent (re-zol'vent), adj. having 
the power of resolving ; causing solu- 
tion: n. a medicine to disperse a 
tumor, &c. 

resonance (rez'o-nans), n. the qual- 
ity of being resonant. Also resonancy . 

resonant (rez'o-nant), adj. returning 
sound. 

resort (re-zort'), v.i. to betake one's 
self; go often; have recourse; ap- 
ply: n. place much frequented; con- 
course; resource. 

resound (re-zound'), v.i. & v.t. to re- 
verberate; be re-echoed; spread the 
fame or renown of ; send back sound ; 
echo; sound again (re-sound'). 

resource (re-sors'), n. source of help 
or supply; an expedient to which 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


RESPECT 


429 


RESURRECTION 


one resorts: pi. money; means of 
any kind. 

respect (re-spekf), n. regard; ex- 
pression of esteem; deference; man- 
ner of treating others; respectful de- 
meanor; point, reference, or particu- 
lar: pi. expression of good-will or 
regard: v.t. to honor or esteem; have 
relation to. [Latin.] 

respectable (re-spek'ta-bl) , adj. cap- 
able or worthy of respect; held in 
good repute; moderate in excellence 
or number. 

respectful (re-spekt'fool), adj. char- 
acterized by respect^ 

respecting (re-spek'ting) , prep, con- 
cerning. 

respective (re-spek'tiv) , adj. relating 
to a particular person or thing*, not 
absolute; relative. 

respectively (re-spek'tiv-li) , adv. as 
each belongs to each; not abso- 
lutely. 

respirable (re-splr'a-bl) , adj. that 
may be, or is fit to be, breathed. 

respiration (res-pi-ra'shun) , n. the 
act or process of breathing; relief 
from toil. 

respire (re-spir'), v.t. to draw air into 
the lungs and expel it again ; breathe ; 
inhale: v.t. to breathe in and out, as 
air. 

respite (res 'pit), n. pause or tempo- 
rary cessation of anything; delay; 
interval of rest; reprieve: v.t. to 
grant a respite to; suspend the exe- 
cution of. 

resplendent (re-splen'dent) , adj. shin- 
ing with brilliant luster; intensely 
bright. 

respond (re-spond'), v.i. to answer or 
reply; be liable for payment: v.t. 
to pay: n. a short anthem sung be- 
tween the reading of the les- 
sons. 

respondent (re-spon'dent) , adj. giving 
response: n. one who answers or re- 
plies; one who maintains a thesis in 
reply; one who answers to a suit at 
law. 

response (re-spons'), n. the act of an- 
swering; reply; in a liturgical ser- 
vice, the answer of the congregation 
to the priest. 

responsible (re-spon'si-bl) , adj. in- 
volving responsibility; answerable; 
liable. 


responsive (re-spon'siv), adj. answer- 
ing; correspondent. 

rest (rest), n. cessation from motion 
or disturbance; quiet; peace; re- 
pose; sleep; death; place of quiet 
or repose; trust; interval of silence 
and its sign [Music]; remainder: 
v.i. to cease from motion or action; 
repose; be quiet; sleep; die; stand: 
v.t. to lay to rest; place. 

restaurant (res'to-rant), n. a house 
for refreshment; an eating-house. 

restful (rest'fool), adj. full of rest; 
quiet. 

restitution (res-ti-tu'shun) , n. the act 
of making good any loss, injury, or 
damage; compensation; amends. 

restive (res'tiv), adj. unwilling to go 
forward; stubborn; uneasy. 

restless (rest'les), adj. constantly act- 
ive or moving. 

restorative (re-stor'a-tiv), adj. ca- 
pable of restoring: n. a re-invigorat- 
ing medicine. 

restore (re-stor'), v.t. to bring back to 
its former strength; repair; rebuild; 
heal or cure; re-invigorate; renew; 
amend; reclaim; store again. 

restrain (re-stran'), v.t. to check; re- 
press. 

restraint (re-stranf), n. the act of 
restraining: state of being restrained ; 
limitation. 

restrict (re-strikt'), v.t. to confine or 
limit. 

restriction (re-strik'shun) , n. the act 
of restricting; limitation; confine- 
ment. 

restrictive (re-strik'tiv) , adj. imposing 
restraint. 

result (re-zulf), v.i. to follow as a 
consequence ; to come to a decision ; 
ensue; decree: n. conclusion or con- 
sequence. 

resultant (re-zult'ant), adj. following 
as a result: n. a single force com- 
pounded of two or more forces and 
representing their combined effects. 

resume (ra-zu-ma/), n. a summary. _ 

resume (re-zum'), v.t. to take up again 
after interruption; begin again; take 
back. 

resumption (re-zump'shun), n. the 
act of resuming. 

resurrection (rez-er-ek'shun) , n. a 
rising again from the dead; moral 
revival. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


RESUSCITATE 


430 


RETRIEVE 


resuscitate (re-sus'i-tat), v.t. to re- 
vive from apparent death; reviv- 
ify. 

resuscitation (re-sus-i-ta/shun) ,n. the 
act of resuscitating ; state of being re- 
suscitated. 

ret (ret), v.t. [p.t. &^p.p. retted, p.pr. 
retting], to steep in water to sepa- 
rate the fibers of a substance, as flax, 
by incipient rotting. [Old Dutch.] 

retail (re-tal'), v.t. to sell in small 
quantities; sell second-hand: n. (re'- 
tal), sale of goods in small quanti- 
ties: adj. dealing in small quantities 
or second-hand. 

retain (re-tan'), v.t. to hold or keep 
in possession; detain; engage by a 
fee prepaid. _ 

retainer (re-tan'er), n. one who, or 
that which, retains; a dependent; at- 
tendant; preliminary retaining fee 
paid to counsel. _ 

retaliate (re-tal'i-at) , v.t. to return by 
giving like for like (usually in an 
ill sense). 

retaliation (re : tal-i-a'shun), n. the 
act of retaliating. 

retard (re-tard'), v.t. to hinder or ob- 
struct ; delay ; keep back. 

retch (rech), v.i. to try to vomit; 
strain in vomiting. 

retention (re-ten'shun) , n. the act 
of holding back; power of retaining, 
especially ideas. # 

retentive (re-ten'tiv) , adj. having the 
power to retain. 

reticence (ret'i-sens), n. silence; re- 
serve. 

reticent (ret'i-sent), adj. silent; re- 
served. 

reticulate (re-tik'u-lat) , adj. formed 
of, or resembling, network. 

reticule (ret'i-kul), n. a lady's hand- 
bag or workbag; made of network. 

retina (ret'i-na), n. one of the coats 
of the eye, containing the ends of 
the sensory nerves which receive the 
impressions which give rise to 
vision. 

retinue (ret'i-nu), n. the suite or at- 
tendants of a prince or person of 
distinction; train. 

retire (re-tir'), v.i. to go to a place of 
privacy; withdraw; retreat; recede; 
withdraw from business, official, or 
active life; to go to bed. 

retired (re-tird'), adj. secluded from 


society; having given up business, 
&c; private. 

retirement (re-tir'ment), n. the act 
of retiring; privacy; solitude. 

retiring (re- tir'ing), adj. reserved, not 
obtrusive; assigned, as a pension, to 
an official retiring from the public 
service, &c. 

retort (re-tort'), v-t. to return, as an 
argument, incivility, censure, accu- 
sation, &c: v.i. to make a retort: 
n. censure, incivility, &c, returned; 
sharp reply; a vessel used in distil- 
ling and decomposing substances. 

retouch (re-tuch'), v.t. to touch again; 
improve by going over a work of art 
to restore faded parts, &c. 

retrace (re-teas'), v.t. to trace back to 
the beginning. 

retract (re-trakf), v.t. to draw, or 
take back; recall; rescind; recant: 
v.i. to withdraw something pre- 
viously said or written: n. the prick 
of a horse's foot in nailing a horse- 
shoe. 

retractation (re-trak-ta'shun) , n. the 
act of retracting; recantation; dis- 
avowal. Also retraction. 

retreat (re-tret'), n. the act of with- 
drawing or retiring; retirement or 
seclusion; place of privacy; shelter; 
the retiring of an army or body of 
troops from the face of an enemy or 
an advanced position; signal for re- 
tiring from an engagement, or to 
quarters: v.i. to withdraw to seclu- 
sion or place of safety; retire before 
an enemy. 

retrench (re-trench'), v.i. cut down 
expenses. 

retrenchment (re-trench'ment) , n. 
curtailment; reduction of expenses; 
a military work constructed inside 
another to resist an enemy who has 
forced the outer one. 

retribution (ret-ri-bu'shun) , n. re- 
ward or punishment suitable to the 
action; distribution of rewards or 
punishments in future life at the 
final judgment. 

retributive (re-trib'u-tiv) , adj. re- 
warding for good deeds and punish- 
ing for offenses. Also retribu- 
tory. 

retrievable (re-trev'a-bl), adj. capable 
of being retrieved. 

retrieve (re-treV), v.t. to recover; re- 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


RETRIEVER 


431 


REVIEW 


store; regain: v.i. to act as a re- 
triever. 

retriever (re-trev'er) , n. a variety of 
dog trained to fetch game. 

retro, a Latin prefix meaning back, 
backwards, as retrospect, a review of 
the past. 

retroactive (ret-ro-ak'tiv), adj. hav- 
ing or intended to have a retrospect- 
ive effect. 

retrocede (ret-ro-sed') , v.t. to cede or 
grant back. 

retrograde (ret'ro-grad) , adj. going 
or moving backwards; apparently- 
moving from east to west as a planet ; 
becoming less highly organized: 
v.i. to go backwards. 

retrogressive (ret-ro-gres'iv), same 
as retrograde. 

retrospect (ret'ro-spekt), see under 
retro. 

retrospection (ret-ro-spek'shun), n. 
the act or faculty of looking back on 
the past. 

retrospective (ret-ro-spek'tiv), adj. 
looking back on things past; re- 
ferring to past things. 

retroversion (ret-ro-ver'shun), n. a 
turning or falling backward. 

return (re-tern'), v.i. to come back 
again to the same place or state; 
revisit; retort: v.t. to repay; re- 
store; requite; elect; reply or report 
officially: n. the act of going back 
or returning; retrogression; repay- 
ment; requital; restitution; remit- 
tance; advantage; profit; official re- 
port. 

reunion (re-un'yun), n. a festive 
gathering of familiar friends or as- 
sociates; act of reuniting. ^ 

reunite (re-u-nit'), v.t. to unite again; 
reconcile after variance: v.i. become 
united again. 

reveal (re-veT), v.t. to make known; 
disclose: n. the vertical side of a 
doorway, window, &c. 

revel (rev'el), n. a noisy or riotous 
feast: v.i. to feast with joyous or 
clamorous merriment. 

revelation (rev-e-la'shun), n. the act 
of revealing or making known, espe- 
cially Divine truth; that which is 
revealed, especially by God to man. 

revelry (rev'el-ri), n. boisterous fes- 
tivity. 

revenge (re-venj'), v.t. to inflict pain 


or punishment because of; exact ret- 
ribution for; avenge: n. the act of 
revenging; malicious injuring in re- 
turn for an injury or offense re- 
ceived; retaliation; malice. 

revengeful (re-venj 'fool), adj. vin- 
dictive. 

revenue (rev'e-nii), n. the general 
income of a State, derived from the 
annual taxes, excise, customs, &c; 
annual profits from lands, &c. 

reverberate (re-ver'ber-at) , v.t. to 
send back, as sound; re-echo: v.i. 
to be driven back, or reflected, as 
sound or light. 

reverberation (re-ver-ber-a'shun) , n. 
the act of reverberating. 

revere (re-ver'), v.t. to regard with 
fear mingled with respect and affec- 
tion; reverence. 

reverence (rev 'er- ens), n. venera- 
tion; honor; respect; act of obei- 
sance; a title given to the clergy 
(with his, your): v.t. to regard with 
reverence. 

reverend (rev'er-end), adj. worthy of 
reverence. 

reverent (rev'er-ent) , adj. showing, or 
expressive of, reverence; humble; 
submissive. 

reverie (rev'er-i), n. deep musing; 
wakeful dreaminess ; irregular train of 
thoughts or fancies in meditation. 

reversal (re-ver'sal), n. the act of 
reversing; overthrow or annulling; 
repeal. 

reverse (re- vers'), adj. turned back- 
ward; having an opposite direction; 
made or declared void: v.t. to turn 
upside down; change entirely: n. 
the contrary or opposite; back of a 
coin or medal; change; vicissitude; 
defeat. 

reversion (re-ver'shun) , n. right to 
future possession m or enjoyment; 
tendency of an animal or plant to 
revert to its original form, &c. 

revert (re- vert'), v.t. to turn back; 
change; reverse: v.i. to return or 
fall back; return to the original 
owner or his heirs. 

revest (re- vest'), v.i. to return to a 
former owner. 

review (re-vu'), v.t. to consider over 
again; re-examine; look back; re- 
vise; examine critically; inspect 
(troops, &c.); write a critical notice 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


REVILE 


432 


RHINOSCOPE 


of: n. the act of reviewing; re-ex- 
amination; survey of the past; criti- 
cism, especially of a new publica- 
tion; a periodical with criticisms on 
new books, essays, &c. ; inspection of 
troops, &c. [French.] 

revile (re-vil'), v.t. to address with op- 
probrious or contumelious language; 
reproach. 

revise (re- viz')., v.t. to review and 
amend; examine for correction: n. 
a revision; second proof-sheet. 

revision (re-vizh'un) , n. the act of ex- 
amining for correction; that which 
is revised. 

revival (re-vi'val), n. the act of re- 
viving; recovery; renewal of life; 
renewed performance of; reproduc- 
tion; spiritual awakening. 

revive (re-vlv'), v.i. to recover life; 
return to vigor or activity, espe- 
cially from a state of languor, neg- 
lect, &c: v.t. to restore to life again; 
renovate; reproduce. 

revivify (re-viv'i-fi) , v.t.^ [j).t. & p.p. 
revivified, p.pr. revivifying], to re- 
animate; quicken. 

revocable (rev'o-ka-bl) , adj. that may 
be revoked. 

revocation (rev-o-ka'shun) , n. the act 
of revoking; recall; repeal; reversal. 

revoke (re-vok'), v.t. to recall; repeal; 
annul: v.i. to fail to follow suit at 
cards (see renege) : n. the act of re- 
voking at cards. 

revolt (re-volf), n. rebellion against 
constituted authority; insurrection: 
v.i. to turn away in disgust; to rebel: 
v.t. overturn; shock. 

revolting (re-volt'ing), p. adj. disgust- 
ing; repellent. 

revolution (rev-o-lu'shun) , n. the act 
of revolving; rotation; change or al- 
teration of system ; motion of a point 
or line about a center; recurrence or 
succession; fundamental and sudden 
change in the government of a coun- 
try. In history there have been 
three great revolutions: the English 
Revolution when Charles I was de- 
throned (1642); the American Revo- 
lution (1775) ; and the French Revo- 
lution (1789). 

revolve (re-volv') , v.i. to turn round, 
as on an axis; roll in a circle; rotate: 
v.t. to cause to turn or roll round; 
meditate or reflect upon. 


revolver (re-vol'ver), n. one who, or 
that which, revolves; a pistol with 
revolving barrels, fired successively 
without reloading. 

revulsion (re-vuTshun) , n. sudden and 
violent change, especially of feeling; 
diversion of the cause of a disease 
from one part of the body to an- 
other. 

reward (re-ward'), n. something given 
as a return for good or ill received; 
recompense; retribution; punish- 
ment; gift in token of approved 
merit: v.t. to give in return for good 
or ill received; recompense; punish. 

reynard (ran'ard), n. the fox. 

rhapsodic (rap-sod'ik) , adj. pertain- 
ing to, or connected with, rhapsody; 
unconnected; confused. Also rhap- 
sodical. [Greek.] 

rhapsodist (rap'so-dist), n. one who 
makes or recites verses, especially 
one whose profession was to recite 
the Homeric or other epics. 

rhapsody (rap'so-di), n. [pi. rhapso- 
dies (rap'so-diz)], any unconnected 
or rambling composition, composed 
under the influence of excitement; 
part of an epic poem for recitation 
at one time. 

rheoscope (re'o-skop), n. an appara- 
tus for detecting an electric current. 

rheostat (re'5-stat), n. an apparatus 
for regulating an electric current. 

rhetoric (ret'o-rik), n. the art of 
speaking with elegance and force; 
declamation; oratory. [Greek.] 

rhetorical (re-tor'i-kal) , adj. pertain- 
ing to rhetoric; figurative; declama- 
tory. 

rheum (room), n. the increased ac- 
tion of the vessels of any organ, es- 
pecially the lungs or nostrils, pro- 
ducing an increased discharge of 
secretions. 

rheumatic (roo-mat'ik) , adj. pertain- 
ing to, or affected by, rheumatism. 
Also rheumatical. 

rheumatism (roo'ma-tizm), n. a pain- 
ful disease of the muscles and joints 
accompanied by swelling and stiff- 
ness. 

rhinoceros (ri-nos'er-os), n. a large 
pachydermatous animal allied to the 
elephant, with one or two horns on 
the snout. [Greek .J 

rhinoscope (ri'no-skop), n. an instru- 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


RHODIUM 


433 


RIDICULOUS 


ment furnished with a mirror for 
examining the passages of the nose. 

rhodium (ro'di-um), n. one of the 
metallic elements, rare and of ex- 
treme hardness. 

rhomboid (rom'boid), n. a four-sided 
figure having its opposite sides equal, 
and its angles not right angles: adj. 
lozenge-shaped. Also rhomboidal. 

rhombus (rom'bus), n. a four-sided 
figure whose sides are equal and the 
opposite sides parallel, but which has 
two of its angles obtuse and two 
acute; a genus of flat fishes, contain- 
ing the turbot, &c. 

rhubarb (roo'barb), n. a plant whose 
leaf-stalks are used for culinary- 
purposes, and its roots in medicine 
as a purgative. 

rhumb (rum), n. a circle making any- 
given angle with the meridian; a 
point of the compass. 

rhyme (rim), n. the correspondence 
of the sound of the last word or syl- 
lable of one verse or line to the sound 
of the last word or syllable of anoth- 
er; harmonical succession of sounds; 
poetry: v.i. to accord in sound; 
make verses or rhymes: v.t. put into 
rhyme. Rime (more correctly). 

rhythm (rithm), n. _ the^ correspon- 
dence measure, or time, in poetry or 
prose; cadence. 

rhythmic (vith'mik), adj. pertaining 
to rhythm; harmonical; periodical. 
Also rhythmical. 

rib (rib), n. one of the curved bones 
attached to the vertebral column and 
supporting the lateral walls of the 
thorax; anything resembling a rib; 
a piece of timber to shape and 
strengthen the side of a ship; the 
main vein of a leaf: v.t. [v.t. & p.p. 
ribbed, p.pr. ribbing], to furnish, or 
inclose, with ribs; form with 
^ grooves. 

ribald (rib'ald), adj. low; obscure; 
filthy: n. a vulgar, foul-mouthed, li- 
^ centious fellow. 

ribaldry (rib'ald-ri) , n. obscenity. 

ribbon (rib 'on), n. a fillet or strip of 
^silk, &c; narrow strip. 

rice (ris), n. a valuable food grain 
produced extensively in hot coun- 
tries. [Franco-Persian.] 

rich (rich), adj. abounding in money 
or possessions; wealthy; opulent; 


sumptuous; valuable; splendid; fer- 
tile; fruitful; high-flavored; mel- 
low; full of beauty; vivid; sweet or 
harmonious in sound: n. rich people 
collectively (with the): pi. wealth; 
affluence. 

rick (rik), n. a pile or heap, as of 
hay or corn, and usually thatched 
or sheltered: v.t. to pile or heap in 
a rick. 

rickets (rik'ets), n. a disease affecting 
children, characterized by softness 
and curvature of the bones, due to 
the absence of lime. Also rachitis. 

rickety (rik'et-i) , adj. t affected with 
rickets ; feeble in the joints : unsteady : 
shaky: said also of buildings and 
things without life. 

rid (rid), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. rid, p.pr. 
ridding], to set free; deliver; clear 
or destroy by violence: adj. clear; 
free. 

riddance (rld'ans), n. the act of rid- 
ding or clearing away; deliverance. 

ridden (rid'n), p.p. of ride. 

riddle (rid'l), n. an enigma; puzzling 
question; something ambiguous; a 
large sieve: v.t to solve, as a riddle; 
to sift by a riddle; perforate with, 
or as with, shot. 

ride (rid), v.i. & v.t. [p.t. rode, p.p. 
ridden, p.pr. riding], to be borne 
along, as on horseback or in a ve- 
hicle; practice horsemanship; man- 
age a horse well; sit, float or rest 
on; to sit on so as to be carried; 
manage insolently at will: n. excur- 
sion on horseback or in a vehicle; 
drive; road. 

rideau (re-do'), n. a small mound to 
cover a camp from the approach of 
the enemy. [French.] 

rider (rid'er), n. one who rides on, 
breaks, or manages, a horse; an ad- 
ditional clause to a document; sub- 
sidiary problem. 

ridge (rij), n. anything formed like 
an animal's back, as a continuous 
range of hills, &c.;^ crest of a roof: 
v.t. to form or furnish with a ridge; 
wrinkle. 

ridicule (rid'i-ktil), n. words or ac- 
tion designed to bring the subject of 
it into contempt; banter; mockery: 
v.t. to treat or address with ridicule; 
expose to contempt; laugh at. 

ridiculous (ri-dik'u-lus) , adj. de- 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


RIDING 


434 


RIOT 


serving or exciting ridicule; prepos- 
terous; absurd; ludicrous; droll. 

riding (rid'ing), p.adj. employed for 
traveling: n. a road cut through a 
wood or ground for riding upon. 

rife (rif), adj. prevalent, common. 

riff-raff (rif'raf), n. refuse; the rab- 
ble. 

rifle (rl'fl), n. a musket with the bar- 
rel spirally grooved: pi. troops 
armed with rifles: v.t. to groove spi- 
rally; pillage. [Danish.] 

rift (rift), n. an opening or split in 
anything; fissure: v.t. to cleave or 
split. 

rig (rig), n. a practical joke or frolic; 
dress; manner of fitting the masts 
and rigging to the hull of a vessel: 
v.t. [p.t. & p.p. rigged, p.pr. rig- 
ging], to furnish or fit with rigging; 
dress (with out). 

rigger (rig'er), n. one whose occupation 
is to fit the rigging of a vessel; a 
band-wheel with a flat or slightly 
curved rim. 

rigging (rig'ing), n. the cordage or 
ropes by which the masts of a ves- 
sel are supported, and the sails ex- 
^ tended or furled. 

right (rit), adj. according to truth, 
justice, or law; correct; fit; true; 
exact; most direct; noting the side 
opposed to the left; most conven- 
ient ; well performed ; rising perpen- 
dicularly: adv. in a right line; just- 
ly: n. uprightness; truth; justice; 
rectitude; propriety; virtue; legal 
claim; the right side: v.t. to set up- 
right; make right or straight; cor- 
rect; do justice to: v.i. to recover 
the vertical position: inter j. well 
done! 

righteous (rit'yus), adj. just; equita- 
ble; honest; holy; deserved. 

righteousness (rit'yus-nes), n. the 
quality of being righteous; holiness; 
justice; moral integrity. 

rightful (rit'fool), adj. having a just 
claim; accordant with justice. 

rigid (rij'id), adj. not pliant; stiff; 
inflexible; strict; stern; severely 
just. [Latin.] 

rigidity (ri-jid'i-ti), n. want of plia- 
bility; stiffness; resistance to change 
of form. 

rigmarole (rig'ma-r5l) , n. foolish, 
disconnected talk; long story. 


rigor (rig'er), n. stiffness or severity; 
exactitude; strictness; severity of 
climate. [Latin.] 

rigorous (rig'er-us), adj. character- 
ized by, or exercising, vigor; stern; 
inflexible; scrupulously accurate. 

Rigsdag (rigz'dag), n. the Danish 
parliament. 

rill (ril), n. a small stream or rivu- 
let: v.i. to run in a small stream. 

rim (rim), n. a border or margin; 
raised border; brim: v.t. [p.t. & p.p. 
rimmed, p.pr. rimming], to furnish 
with a rim. 

rime (rim), n. hoar-frost; another 
form of rhyme: v.i. to congeal into 
hoar-frost. 

rimple (rim 'pi), n. a wrinkle or fold: 
v.t. to become wrinkled. 

rind (rind), n. the outer covering of 
fruit, &c; bark: v.t. to strip the 
rind from. 

ring (ring), n. a circle; anything cir- 
cular in form; small hoop worn on 
the finger or used as a means of at- 
tachment; circular area or course; 
combination for private ends; pu- 
gilists or betting-men collectively 
(with the) : v.i. [p.t. rang, p.p. rung, 
p.pr. ringing], to sound as a bell 
when struck; practice the art of 
ringing bells; tingle: v.t. to cause to 
sound, as metal when struck; sound 
aloud or abroad. 

ringing (ring'ing), p.adj. sounding like 
a bell; resonant : n. the act of sound- 
ing as a bell ; sound as of a bell ring- 
ing. 

ringleader (ring'le-der), n. the head 
of a riotous body or faction. 

ringlet (ring'let), n. a little ring; 
curl. 

rink (ringk), n. a long clear space on 
the ice used for curling; a ground 
for skating upon: v.i. to skate on a 
rink. 

rinse (rins), v.t. to cleanse lightly with 
clean water; cleanse repeatedly; 
give a final cleansing to after wash- 
ing : n. a cleansing with a second 
application of clean water. 

riot (ri'ot), n. uproar; tumult; noisy 
revelry; luxurious excess; disturb- 
ance of the public peace by more 
than three persons: v.i. to raise an 
uproar; go to excess in sensual in- 
dulgence; be highly excited. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; ndte, north, not ; boon, book 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


RIOTOUS 


435 


ROAR 


riotous (ri'ot-us), adj. indulging in 
riot or excess; licentious; noisy; tur- 
bulent; seditious. 

rip (rip), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. ripped, p.pr. 
ripping], to divide by tearing or out- 
ting; cut asunder; disclose; undo the 
seam of: v.i. to swear (with out): 
n. a rent or tear; a rogue or loose 
woman. 

ripe (rip), adj. brought to maturity 
or perfection; ready for harvest; fit 
for use; complete; resembling ripe 
fruit. 

ripen (rip'en), v.t. to make ripe; bring 
to perfection: v.i. to grow ripe. 

ripeness (rip'nes), n. the state or qual- 
ity of being ripe ; maturity. 

ripper (rip'er), n. one who, or that 
which, rips; something or somebody 
super-excellent. 

ripping (rip'ing), p. adj. exciting; joy- 
ous; startlingly interesting. [Eng- 
lish.] 

ripple (rip'l), n. a small curling wave 
on the surface of water; the sound 
made by such waves; large comb for 
cleansing flax: v.t. to cover with 
small curling waves; cleanse with a 
ripple. 

rippling (rip 'ling), n. the breaking of, 
or sound made by, ripples; the act 
of cleansing flax by a ripple. 

rise (riz), v.i. [p.t. rose, p.p. risen, 
p.pr. rising], to ascend; get up from 
the ground or recumbent position; 
begin to stir; swell in quantity or 
extent; grow upward; spring; tower 
up; appear above the horizon; come 
in view or existence; be promoted; 
thrive; be hostile; close a session; 
ascend from the grave: n. the act of 
rising; ascent; elevated place; ap- 
pearance above; origin; source; in- 
crease of price or value, social ad- 
vancement or distinction; anger (in 
" take the rise out of"). # 

risible (riz'i-bl), adj. having the fac- 
ulty or power of laughing; inclined 
to laugh ; causing laughter. 

rising (riz'ing), n. insurrection; an as- 
cent; closing of a session: adj. in- 
creasing, as in wealth or influence; 
appearing above the horizon; reviv- 
ing from death. 

risk (risk), n. possibility of loss or in- 
jury; hazard; peril; clanger: v.t. to 
hazard; venture upon. 


rissole (ris'ol), n. a savory mince in- 
closed in a thin batter paste and 
fried. [French.] 

rite (rit), n. a solemn religious act; 
external religious observance. 

ritual (rit'u-al), adj. pertaining to, 
consisting of, or prescribing, rites: 
n. manner 01 performing divine serv- 
ice; a book of rites, or manner of 
service; body of rites used in the 
Church. [Latin.] m 

ritualism (rit'ti-al-izm), n. a system 
of ritual or prescribed forms of re- 
ligion ; excessive observance of forms 
in divine worship; Tractarianism ; 
Anglo-Catholicism, especially as em- 
phasized by the use of Eucharistic 
vestments. 

rival (ri'val) n. one who strives to 
equal or excel another in the same 
object or pursuit; competitor; an- 
tagonist : adj. having the # same 
claims; emulous: v.t. to strive to 
equal or excel: emulate. [Latin.] 

rivalry (ri'val-ri) , n. competition ; emu- 
lation. 

rive (rlv), v.t. [p.t. rived, p.p. riven, 
p.pr. riving], to be split or torn 
asunder: n. a rent, tear, or split. 

river (riv'er) , n. a large running stream 
of water flowing into the sea or an- 
other river; copious flow. [Latin.] 

rivet (riv'et), n. a short metal bolt 
clinched by hammering: v.t. to se- 
cure with, or as with, a rivet; 
clinch; make firm or secure. 

rivulet (riv'u-let), n. a little stream. 

roach (roch), n. a fresh-water fish; a 
cockroach. [Old French.] 

road (rod), n. a public way for trav- 
eling upon; path; way: pi. a place 
where ships may ride safely at an- 
chor. Roadstead. 

roadster (rod'ster), n. a horse suited 
for travelling; a bicycle for road- 
work; an automobile that makes 
steady speed; a vessel which works 
by tides. . 

roam (rom), v.i. to wander about 
without any definite object; ramble: 
v.t. to wander over. [Old French.] 

roan (ron), adj. of a bay or dark 
color with a shade of red: n. a roan 
color ;_ grained sheepskin leather. 

roar (ror), n. the deep full cry of a 
large animal; a cry as in distress; 
any loud noise; loudly expressed 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
88 hue, hut ; think, then. 


ROAST 


436 


ROMANTICISM 


mirth; sound of the wind or sea: v.i. 
to utter a roar: v.t. to utter in a 
roar. 

roast (rost), v.t. to cook before a 
fire; heat too violently or to excess; 
parch by exposure to heat ; burn 
(broken ore to free it from extrane- 
ous matter) ; to banter or ridicule ; 
criticise severely: v.i. to be roasted: 
adj. roasted: n. that which is roasted. 

rob (rob), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. robbed, p.pr. 
robbing], to steal; plunder. 

robbery (rob'er-i), n. theft; the felo- 
nious and forcible taking away the 
money and goods of another. 

robe (rob), n. a loose outer garment; 
state dress ; an elegant gown ; dressed 
skin of a buffalo : v.i. to put on robes : 
v.t. to invest with a robe ; dress ; array. 

robin (rob 'in), n. the redbreast. 

robust (ro-busf), adj. hardy; strong; 
vigorous; muscular. [Latin.] 

rochet (rocb/et), n. a linen vestment 
worn by a bishop resembling a sur- 
plice open at the sides. [Old French.] 

rock (rok), n. a large mass of stone 
or stony matter; any mineral de- 
posit; natural deposit of sand, earth, 
or clay; firm or immovable defense; 
a movement backwards and for- 
wards; distaff: v.t. to cause to move 
backwards and forwards; lull to 
sleep: v.i. to move backwards and 
forwards. 

rocket (rok'et), n. a firework made of a 
case filled with saltpeter, sulphur, 
and charcoal, fastened to a stick, 
and which, on being_ ignited, is pro- 
jected through the air. 

rod (rod), n. a long twig or shoot of 
any woody plant; a wand: instru- 
ment of punishment; cane; a fish- 
ing-rod; scepter; measure of length, 
I hYz yards. 
[rode (rod), p.t. of ride. 

rodent (ro'dent), adj. gnawing: n. 
any animal of the Rodentia, an order 
of_ Mammalia, containing the rats, 
mice, squirrels, &c. 

roe (ro), n. a species of deer, the roe- 
buck; the female of the hart; the 
spawn or sperm of fishes. 

Roentgen rays (rent'gen raz), n. a 
form of radiant energy emanating 
from the surface of an electrically 
excited vacuum tube opposite the 
cathode electrode, having power of 


penetrating objects impervious to 
light or heat rays, affecting sensi- 
tive photographic films, and excit- 
ing fluorescence in certain salts. 
Also called X-rays. 

rogation (ro-ga/shun), n. a litany; 
supplication. [Latin.] 

rogue (rog), n. a dishonest person; 
knave; a sly, mischievous person; 
wag; term of endearment. [Old 
French.] 

roguery (rog'er : i), n. knavish or dis- 
honest practices; cheating; mis- 
chievous or waggish conduct. 

roguish (rog'ish), adj. fraudulent; dis- 
honest ; somewhat mischievous or sly. 

roil (roil), v.t. to render turbid; vex 
^or irritate. [Old French.] 

role (rol), n. a part or character in a 
play, &c. ; function or part. [French.] 

roll (rol), v.i. to turn like a wheel or 
on an axis; move in a circular direc- 
tion; be moved with violence; rock; 
wallow; make a long deep sound: 
v.t. to revolve; in wrap; mov r e on 
wheels ; spread flat under a roller : n. 
the act of rolling; that which rolls; 
a writing or paper rolled upon it- 
self; an official document; list or 
register; kind of fancy bread; con- 
tinued deep sound, as of a drum 
beaten, thunder, &c; twist of to- 
bacco. 

roller (rol'er), n. one who, or that 
which, rolls; a cylinder used for 
grinding, smoothing, flattening, &c; 
long heavy wave; long broad band- 
age; a kind of crow. 

rollick (rol'ik), v.i. to move or act 
with a careless, swaggering air. 

rollicking (rol'ik-ing), adj. jovial; 
careless; swaggering. 

roly-poly (ro'li-po'li), n. & game in 
which by rolling a ball into a certain 
hole it wins; a kind of jam pudding. 

romance (ro-mans'), n. a work of fic- 
tion or adventure; novel; fable: v.i. 
to invent and tell fictitious stories; 
exaggerate; lie. 

romantic (ro-man'tik), adj. pertain- 
ing to, or of the nature of, romance; 
extravagant; fanciful; ideal; full of 
wild and fantastic scenery. 

romanticism (ro-man'ti-sizm), n. the 
state or quality of being romantic; 
the reactionary movement begun 
in Germany in the eighteenth century 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit : note, north, not ; boon, book : 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


ROMP 


437 


ROT 


in opposition to cold classical literary 
forms. 

romp (romp), n. an unrestrained,, 
boisterous girl; rough play or frolic: 
v.i. to play in a boisterous, unre- 
strained manner. 

ronde (rond), n. a kind of type. 

rondeau (ron'do). n. [pi. rondeaux 
(ron'doz)], a little poem of thirteen 
verses or lines; a light air or jig 
[Mus.]. Also rondo. 

rood (rood), n. forty square poles or 
perches: a cross or crucifix. 

roof (roof), n. the top covering of a 
house or other building; canopy; 
palate of the mouth: v.t. to cover 
with a roof. 

rook (rook), n. a bird of the crow 
family: a swindler or sharper ;_ the 
castle in chess: v.t. & v.i. to swindle 
or cheat. 

rookery (rook'er-i), n. a group of nests 
on trees where rooks resort; colony 
of rooks; place of low resort; low 
slum. 

room (room), n. unoccupied place or 
space; apartment of a house; free- 
dom to act; opportunity; place of 
another; a deep blue dye: v.i. to 
lodge. 

roost (roost), n. the pole, perch, &c, 
upon which a bird rests at night; 
number of fowls resting together: 
v.i. to sit or sleep upon a perch, &c; 
lodge. 

rooster (roos'ter), n. the domestic 
cock. 

root (root), n. that part of a plant 
that descends and fixes itself in the 
earth by which the plant is nour- 
ished; edible root; anything resem- 
bling a root; foundation; basis or 
origin; fundamental note of any 
chord [Music]; that quantity which 
multiplied by itself produces a given 
quantity; the part of a word which 
expresses its primary or essential 
meaning, as distinguished from a 
derivative: v.t. to fix by the root; 
plant in the earth; implant deeply; 
to dig or burrow with the snout; 
eradicate (with out): v.i. to take root. 

rope (rop), n. a thick cord, usually 
over one inch in circumference, of 
several strands twisted together; 
small cable; halter; series of things 
connected: v.t. to fasten or draw 


with a rope; curb (a horse) so as to 
prevent him winning a race: v.i. to 
draw into viscous threads. 

rosary (ro'za-ri), n. [pi. rosaries (ro'za- 
riz)l a garland or chaplet; a string 
of threaded beads by which prayers 
are counted ; the prayers repeated as 
thus counted. 

rose (roz), n. a plant of the genus 
Rosa or its well known flower; rose- 
color; knot of ribbons; rosette; a 
perforated nozzle: p.t. of rise. 
[Latin.] 

roseate (ro'ze-at), adj. rose-colored; 
rose-like; blooming. 

rosebud (roz 'bud), n. the flower of 
the rose just before it has opened. 
By analogy a young girl, still gentle 
and innocent. 

rose-diamond (roz'di-a-mund), n. a 
diamond cut into twenty-four tri- 
angular facets. 

rosemary (roz'ma-ri), n. a sweet- 
smelling evergreen shrub from which 
an aromatic water is distilled. In 
Southern Europe it bears a blue 
flower. [Old French.] 

rosette (ro-zet'). n. a cluster of rib- 
bons arranged like a rose. 

rosewood (roz'wood), n. a Brazilian 
wood used as a veneer. 

rosin (roz 'in), n. another form of 
resin; specifically, inspissated tur- 
pentine: v.t. to rub with rosin. 

ross (ros), n. the outer rough bark 
of trees; tan bark: v.t. to remove 
the outer bark or rough surface 
of. 

roster (ros'ter), n. list or muster-roll 
showing how the duties of military 
officers, regiments, &c, are regu- 
lated. 

rostrum (ros'trum), n. [pi. rostrums 
(ros'trumz) or rostra (ros'tra)], the 
beak of a bird; in ancient Rome, a 
pulpit or elevated platform in the 1 
Forum, adorned with the beaks or 
prows of ships taken from the ene- 
my, and from which orators ad- 
dressed the people: hence a pulpit 
or platform; the prow of an ancient 
war vessel. [Latin.] 

rosy (r5z'i), adj. like a rose; red; 
blooming; charming; very favorable. 

rot (rot), v.i. [p.t. & p.p. rotted, p.pr. 
rotting], to putrefy or become de- 
composed; decay: v.t. to make pu- 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue. hut ; think, then. 


ROTARY 


438 


ROYAL 


trid or corrupt: n. putrefaction; de- 
composition; nonsense. 

rotary (ro'ta-ri), adj. turning on an 
axis; pertaining to rotation. Also 
rotatory. [Latin.] 

rotate (ro'tat), v.t. to revolve on, or as 
on, an axis; cause to turn: v.i. to 
turn round like a wheel: adj. wheel- 
shaped. 

rotation (ro-ta'shun), n. the act of 
turning round on an axis, like a 
wheel ; regular succession. 

rotatory (ro'ta-to-ri), same as ro- 
tary. 

rote (rot), n. mechanical repetition, 
or learning without understanding. 

rotten (rot'n), adj. putrefied; decom- 
posed; unsound; a general term of 
reproach. [Slang.] 

rotund (ro-tund'). adj. spherical. 

rotunda (ro-tun'da), n. a circular 
domed building. Also rotundo. 

rotundity (ro-tun'di-ti), n. roundness. 

rouble (roo'bl), adj. a Russian silver 
coin of varying value, used as a 
monetary unit (about 77 cents). 

roue (roo-a'), n. a fashionable sensual- 
ist ; confirmed rake ; debauchee. 

rouge (r5ozh), n. a cosmetic of red 
color used for imparting a tint to 
the cheeks and lips; a kind of lake 
color: v.i. to color or paint with 
rouge. 

rough (ruf), adj. having inequalities 
on the surface; rugged; not smooth 
or plane; uneven; uncut; unpol- 
ished; harsh to the ear; uncivil; 
austere; cruel; unfeeling; violent; 
boisterous; hard-featured; shaggy; 
vague: adv. roughly: v.t. to shape 
out roughly; furnish (a horse) with 
roughened shoes; break in (a horse). 

roulette (roo-lef), n. a game of chance 
played with a revolving disc and 
ball; a wheeled instrument for mak- 
ing dotted lines. [French.] 

round (round), adj. circular; spheri- 
cal; globular; cylindrical^ plump; 
corpulent ; whole ; considerable ; 
large: adv. on all sides; circularly; 
from one side or party to another: 
n. a circle, sphere, or globe; cir- 
cuit or tour; routine; step of a 
ladder; constantly recurring series; 
cycle; round dance; accustomed 
walk; volley of firearms; a song in 
which all the company take part: 


prep, about; on every side of; 
around: v.t. to make round; travel 
or pass round: v.i. to go the rounds, 
as a patrol, &c; grow or become 
round. [Old French.] 
roundabout (round'a-bout), adj. in- 
direct ; encompassing : n. a merry-go- 
round; a short coat or jacket. 
roundel (roun'del), n. a circle; roun- 
delay; a small circular Norman 
shield; semi-circular bastion. 
roundelay (roun/de-la), n. an ancient 
song or dance in which the passages 
are repeated. 
round-robin (round-rob'in), n. a pe- 
tition having the signatures written 
in a circle so as not to show who 
signed it first. 
rouse (rouz), v.t. to awaken; stir to 
thought or action; drive (game) 
from a covert. 
rousing (rouz'ing), p. adj. stirring; ex- 
citing; startling; exceeding. 
rout (rout), n. total defeat and flight 
of an army; resulting disorder from 
such defeat; tumultuous crowd; up- 
roar; a large evening party; the at- 
tempt of three or more persons to 
avenge some common wrong by an 
illegal act: v.t. to defeat and put to 
disorderly flight. 
route (root), n. way or road trav- 
eled; course; journey; march. 
routine (roo-ten'), n. course of busi- 
ness or official duties regularly pur- 
sued; regular habit or practice. 
rove (rov), v.i. to wander or ramble: 

v.t. draw through an eye. 
rover (rov'er), n. a robber; wanderer; 

fickle person. 
roving (rov'ing), p. adj. rambling. 
row (ro), n. line, file, or rank; ex- 
cursion in a row-boat; noisy dis- 
turbance (rou): v.i. to labor with 
an oar; be impelled by oars: v.t. to 
impel by means of oars: as to row 
a boat. 
row (row), n. a rough, noisy dispute. 
rowan (ro'an), n. the mountain-ash. 

Also roan. 
rowdy (rou'di), n. a rough, riotous 

fellow: adj. rough and riotous. 
rowlock (ro'lok), n. the crutch or 
hollow in the gunwale of a boat in 
which the oar rests in rowing. 
royal (roi'al), adj. pertaining to a 
king or to the crown; befitting or 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


ROYALISM 


439 


RUG 


like a king; majestic; kingly; no- 
ble; magnificent; specially patron- 
ized or founded by a king, or in 
his service: n. a size of paper, 25 
x 20 in.; one of the shoots of a 
stag's head; the highest sail of a 
ship; a gold coin formerly current 
in England: pi. the first regiment 
of foot in the British army (with 
the). [French.] 

royalism (roi'al-izm), n. adherence to 
the principles or cause of royalty or 
government by a king. 

royalist (roi'al-ist), n. an adherent of 
a king or government by a king. 

royalty (roi'al-ti), n. [pi. royalties 
(roi'al-tiz)], the character, or status, 
of a king; person of a king or sover- 
eign; a certain sum paid to the 
crown or other proprietor on the 
produce of a mine, &c. ; a percentage 
for the use of a patent or copyright ; 
royal manor. 

rub (rub), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. rubbed, 
p.jpr. rubbing], to apply pressure 
with motion to the surface of; clean 
or scour; wipe; polish: v.i. to make 
a friction; get through difficulties; 
fret: n. the act of rubbing: that 
which is rubbed; friction; obstruc- 
tion; pinch; jibe. [Gaelic] 

rubber (rub'er), n. one who, or that 
which, rubs; india-rubber; coarse 
file or whetstone; in card-playing, 
two games out of three, or the win- 
ning game: y.i. to pry, or peer. 

rubbish (rub'ish), n. mixed or waste 
fragments; ruins of buildings; any 
mingled mass; anything of no 
value; nonsense. 

rubble (rub'l), n. rough undressed 
stone; builders' rubbish. 

rubicund (roo'bi-kund) , adj. inclined 
to red. [French.] 

rubigo (roo'bi-go), n. rust or mildew 
on plants. [Latin.] 

rubric (roo'brik), n. the directions for 
liturgical use in prayer-books, for- 
merly printed in red; title or direc- 
tion printed in red: v.t. to rubri- 
cate: adj. pertaining to, or marked 
in, rubrics; red. 

ruby (roo'bi), n. [pi. rubies (roo'biz)], 
a precious stone, varying in color 
from carmine-red to crimson; a size 
of type used in England, smaller 
than nonpareil and larger than pearl. 


ruche (roSsh), n. frilled, or plaited 
lace, silk, &c, for edging dresses, 
&c. Also niching: v.t. to make, or 
ornament with, a ruche. [French.] 

ruck (ruk), v.t. to wrinkle or crease: 
n. a wrinkle or crease; a heap; a 
fag-end; the crowd of horses that 
come in at the end of a race. 

ruction (ruk'shun), n. a row; disturb- 
ance. [Irish slang.] 

rudder (rud'er), n. the frame of wood 
or metal by which a vessel is steered; 
anything that directs or governs. 

ruddy (rud'i), adj. approaching to red- 
ness; florid; fresh-colored; flesh- 
colored: v.t. [p.t. & p.p. ruddied, 
p.pr. ruddying], to make ruddy. 

rude (rood), adj. [comp. ruder, su- 
perl. rudest], rough; barbarous; 
uncultivated; harsh; ignorant; un- 
polite; tempestuous ; robust ; strong; 
rugged; crude. [Latin.] 

rudeness (rood'nes), n. the state of 
being rude; rude conduct; incivility; 
unskilful ness. _ 

rudiment (rood'j-ment),, n. first 
principle; anything in its first or 
undeveloped state: v.t. to instruct in 
first principles. 

rudimentary (rood-i-men'ta-ri), adj. 
pertaining to, or containing, first 
principles; in an undeveloped state. 
Also rudimental. 

rue (roo), v.t. to lament or be sorry 
for; repent of: n. an herb of bitter 
taste and strong odor, used as a 
medicine. 

rueful (roo'fool), adj. mournful; sad. 

rufi (ruf), n. a large frilled collar; 
anything plaited; a small fresh- 
water fish (also ruffe); a kind of 
snipe {Fern, reeve) ; a kind of 
pigeon: v.t. to disorder or ruffle; 
trump at whist instead of following 
suit. 

ruffian (ruf'i-an), n. a brutal, boister- 
ous fellow; any base, low character, 
as a robber, &c. [Old French.] 

ruffle (ruf'l), v.t. to wrinkle, pucker, or 
disarrange; furnish or adorn with 
ruffles; annoy or vex: v.i. to grow 
rough or turbulent; flutter: n. a 
plaited article of dress; agitation; 
discomposure; low roll of a drum; 
usually a mark of honor. [Dutch.] 

rug (rug), n. an adjustable floor cov- 
ering, usually of a textile heavier 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


RUGATE 


440 


RUPTURE 


than carpeting; a coarse warm nap- 
py woolen cloth, used as a coverlet 
or wrap. 

rugate (roo'gat), adj. wrinkled; ridged. 
Also rugose, rugous. 

rugged (rug'ed), adj. having an un- 
even surface; rough; shaggy; bru- 
tal; uncouth; crabbed. 

ruin (roo'in), n. overthrow; destruc- 
tion; downfall; loss of happiness; 
cause of destruction or decay ; ruined 
building, &c: v.t. to pull down, de- 
stroy, subvert, overthrow, or impov- 
erish. [Latin?/] 

ruined (roo'ind), adj. demolished; de- 
stroyed; decayed. 

ruinous (roo'in-us), adj. fallen into 
ruin; decayed; consisting of ruins; 
destructive; hurtful. 

rule (rool), n. standard or guide; 
maxim or precept; government; law 
or regulation; canon; an instru- 
ment for drawing lines; method of 
performing any operation; order 
made between parties to a suit pn 
motion, or to regulate the practice 
of a court: v.t. to govern or control; 
settle as by a rule; manage or re- 
strain; establish by a decision; 
mark with lines: v.i. to decide; ex- 
ercise superior authority. [Old 
French.] 

ruler (rool'er) , n. one who rules or gov- 
erns; an instrument for ruling 
lines. 

ruling (rool'ing), p.adj. governing or 
having control; marking with lines; 
predominant: n. a rule laid down 
by a judge or court. 

rum (rum), n. spirit distilled from 
the fermented juice of the sugar- 
cane, or from molasses: adj. strange; 
odd. 

rumble (rum'bl), v.i. to make a low, 
heavy, continued sound: n. a rum- 
bling sound; seat for servants be- 
hind a carriage. 

rumbling (rum'bling), adj. making a 
rumble: n. same as rumble. 

ruminate (ro5'mi-nat) , v.i. to chew 
the cud; meditate or muse; ponder: 
v.t. to chew again. 

rummage (rum'aj), v.t. to search 
carefully for; ransack: v.i. to make 
a careful search : n. a careful search- 
ing. 

rumor (roo'mer), n. popular report; 


current story : v.t. to circulate by re- 
port. [Latin.] 

rump (rump), n. the end of the back- 
bone of an animal, with its adja- 
cent parts; buttocks; fag-end. 

rumple (rum 'pi), n. a fold or plait: 
v.t. to fold or plait; make uneven. 

rumpus (rum 'pus), n. great disturb- 
ance. 

run (run), v.i. [p.t. ran, p.p. run, p.pr. 
running], to pass quickly with the 
legs over the ground; extend; move 
swiftly; flee for escape; contend in a 
race; sail; flow; melt; pass; shoot; 
discharge matter ; make sudden pres- 
sing demands; continue in time: v.t. 
to cause to move swiftly; push; 
force; fuse or melt; smuggle; start 
as a candidate; pursue in thought: 
n. the act of running; course run; 
flow or discharge; free access; dis- 
tance sailed; sudden pressing de- 
mand; pair of mill-stones; preva- 
lence; large grazing ground; in 
cricket, distance run between the 
wickets. 

rundle (run'dl), n. the step of a 
ladder. 

rung (rung), v.t. of ring: n. step of a 
ladder; a floor-timber in a ship; 
spar. 

runic (roo'nik), adj. pertaining to, or 
consisting of, runes: n. the alphabet 
of the earliest Teutonic and Celtic 
nations the letters of which consisted 
principally of straight lines. 

runlet (run'let), n. a rivulet; a small 
barrel containing about eighteen 
gallons. 

runnel (run 'el), n. a little brook. 

runner (run'er), n. one who runs; 
racer; messenger; keel to support a 
sleigh; roller; slender, prostrate, 
shooting sprig; revolving millstone; 
rope to increase the mechanical 
power of a tackle. 

running (run'ing), adj. moving 
swiftly; kept for a race; being in 
motion ; continuous ; discharging pus : 
n. the act of moving swiftly; that 
which runs or flows; discharge of 
pus. 

runt (runt), n. a dwarf animal, usually 
a pig; stump. 

rupee (roo-pe'), n. an East Indian 
coin, worth about forty-eight cents. 

rupture (rup'tur), n. the act of 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book 
hue, hut ; think, then. 




RURAL 


441 


RYE 


bursting or breaking; state of being 
broken or violently burst asunder; 
breach or interruption of friendly- 
relations; hernia: v.t. to burst or 
break violently asunder; to affect 
with hernia: v.i. to suffer a breach 
or disruption. [Latin.] 

rural (roo'ral), adj. pertaining to, or 
characteristic of, the country or ag- 
riculture; rustic. [Latin.] 

ruse (rods), n. a trick; stratagem. 

rush (rush), v.i. to move or press 
forward with impetuosity; enter 
with undue eagerness: n. a driving 
forward with eagerness and haste; 
a plant of many species growing on 
wet ground; anything worthless or 
of little value. 

rusk (rusk), n. a kind of light bis- 
cuit. 

russet (rus'et), adj. reddish-brown; 
homespun; coarse: n. russet color; 
homespun cloth; a variety of apple. 

rust (rust), n. the reddish matter 
formed on iron and steel ; red oxide 
of iron; anything resembling rust; 
mildew on cereals; loss of power by 
inactivity: v.i. to contract rust; de- 
generate in idleness: v.t. to cause 


to contract rust; impair by time or 
inactivity. 

rustic (rus'tik), adj. pertaining to, or 
characteristic of, the country; ru- 
ral; artless; unpolished; unadorned: 
n. a countryman; peasant. [Latin.] 

rusticate (rus'ti-kat) , v.i. to reside in 
the country: v.t. to banish for a 
time from college. 

rusticity (rus-tis'i-ti), n. rural man- 
ners or simplicity; rudeness. 

rustle (rusl), v.i. to make a soft 
whispering sound, as the rubbing 
together of silk or dry leaves; to 
bestir one's self: n. a rustling. 

rusty (rus'ti), adj. covered with rust; 
impaired by inactivity; rust- 
covered. 

rut (rut), n. the sexual desire of deer 
and certain other animals; the track 
of a wheel ; groove or hollow : v.i. [p.t. 
& p.p. rutted, p.pr. rutting], to be 
moved with sexual desire, as deer, 
&c: v.t. to cut into ruts. 

ruth (rooth), n. pity; compassion; 
tenderness ; sorrow. 

ruthless (rooth 'les), adj. cruel; piti- 
less. 

rye (ri), n. a hardy cereal. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut; think, then. 


s 


S, the nineteenth letter of the English 
alphabet. The picture-letter from 
which it took its form was a Semitic 
character called " tooth" and roughly- 
resembling one. Phonetically s is 
called a vocal alveolar spirant, or 
more briefly, a sibilant or "hissing 
letter." This is its most frequent 
sound. When it represents an origi- 
nal Indo-European s, it remains s. 
In words of Latin origin, ti before a 
vowel is represented in English by 
the sound sh; as redemptio, redemp- 
tion (shun). As a symbol in chem- 
istry, S stands for sulphur. 

Sabbath (sab'ath), n. the seventh day 
of the week, observed by the Jews 
as a day of rest, commencing from 
sunset on Friday and ending at 
sunset on Saturday; the Christian 
Sunday. 

saber, sabre (sa'ber), n. a cavalry 
sword: v.t. to cut, wound, or kill 
with, or as with, a saber. 

sable (sa'bl), n. a kind of weasel or 
marten valued for its handsome, 
dark, glossy fur; it is found chiefly in 
Siberia, and the true sable (Russian 
sable) is very costly, when compared 
with the North American animal. 

sabot (sa-bo'), n. a wooden shoe worn 
by the peasantry of France, &c. 

sabotage (sa'bo : tazh') , n. injury to the 
work or establishment of an employer 
by workmen to reduce output and 
enforce demands. 

sac (sak), n. a bag or membranous 
receptacle; cyst; an ancient privi- 
lege of a lord of a manor to hold a 
court. 

saccharine (sak'a-rin) , adj. pertaining 
to, or having the qualities of, sugar: 
n. the uncrystallized sugar of malt- 
wort. Saccharine is a coal-tar prod- 
uct, discovered by Dr. Ira Rem- 
sen. It is three hundred times 
sweeter than cane sugar and hence 


is used by those who are com- 

f)elled by disease to eat no sugar. 
Latin.] 

sacerdotal (sas-er-do'tal), adj. per- 
taining to priests or to the priest- 
hood; priestly. [Latin.] 

sachem (sa'chem), n. a North Amer- 
ican Indian chief. 

sachet (sa-sha/), n. a small bag or 
cushion filled with a perfume. 
[French.] 

sack (sak), n. a bag, especially a large 
coarse bag, for holding grain, &c; 
quantity contained by a sack; loose 
garment or cloak; a Spanish dry 
wine; plunder or pillage by soldiery 
of a town taken by storm; dismissal 
(with the): v.t. to plunder or pillage; 
ravage; dismiss from service. 

sackcloth (sak'kloth), n. coarse mate- 
rial of which sacks are made; coarse 
rough cloth worn as a token of 
mourning. 

sacking (sak'ing), n . coarse material 
used for making sacks. 

sacrament (sak'ra-ment), n. a sign 
or pledge of grace; an outward and 
visible sign of an inward and spir- 
itual grace, instituted by Jesus 
Christ; holy baptism, the eucharist, 
Lord's supper. [Latin.] 

sacred (sa/kred) , > adj. pertaining to 
religion or to religious uses. 

sacrifice (sak'ri-fis), n. the act of sac- 
rificing or offering to a deity, es- 
pecially a victim on an altar; that 
which is so offered; destruction or 
giving up one thing for another; 
goods sold at a loss: v.t. to offer to 
God or a deity in worship; destroy 
or surrender to gain some other 
object; devote with loss; kill; sell 
at a loss: v.i. to offer sacrifice. 

sacrificial (sak-ri-fish'al), adj. per- 
taining to, consisting in, or offering, 
sacrifice. Also sacrificatory. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut; think, Men. 


SACRILEGE 


443 


SALACIOUS 


sacrilege (sak'ri-lej), n. the crime of 
appropriating to one's self or to sec- 
ular use what is consecrated to God 
or religion; breaking into a church 
and committing felony. 

sacristan (sak'ris-tan), n. one who 
has the care of church vessels and 
movables. 

sacristy (sak'ris-ti) , n. an apartment 
in a church where the sacred vessels, 
vestments, &c, are kept; vestry. 

sacrosanct (sak'ro-sangkt) , adj. pre- 
eminently sacred or inviolable. 

sacrum (sa'krum), n. a triangular- 
shaped bone at the base of the ver- 
tebral column. 

sad (sad), adj. [comp. sadder, superl. 
saddest], full of grief; mournful; 
sorrowful; dark-colored. 

sadden (sad'n), v.t. to make sad or sor- 
rowful; tone down: v.i. to become 
sad. 

saddle (sad'l), n. a seat, usually of 
leather, for riding on horseback; 
anything resembling a saddle; block 
of wood nailed to the lower yard- 
arm: v.t. to place a saddle upon; 
burden or embarrass. 

safe (saf), adj. free from danger, in- 
jury, or damage, secure; securing 
from harm; no longer dangerous; 
sound; sure: n. a fire- or burglar- 
proof iron or steel chest. [Old 
French.] 

safe-conduct (saf-kon'dukt) , n. a 
guard or passport which ensures a 
safe passage. 

safeguard (safgard), n. one who, or 
that which, guards or protects; de- 
fense; protective warrant granted 
to a foreigner: v.t. to protect or 
guard safely. 

safety (saf ti), n. freedom from danger, 
injury, or damage; safe keeping; a 
bicycle with medium-sized wheels of 
equal height. 

saffron (saf run), n. a bulbous plant 
of the genus Crocus, the dried stig- 
mas of which yield a deep yellow 
dye; deep yellow: adj. saffron-col- 
ored. 

sag (sag), v.i. [p.t. & p.p. sagged, 
p.pr. sagging], to sink down or 
yield; incline from an upright or 
horizontal position; incline to lee- 
ward: v.t. to cause to give way or 
incline. 


sagacious (sa-ga'shus), adj. mental- 
ly quick and discerning; judicious; 
wise; acute. 

sagacity (sa-gas'i-ti), n. a readiness 
of apprehension; discriminative in- 
telligence; acute practical judgment. 

sagas (sa'gaz), n.pl. a class of prose 
epics embodying the myths and he- 
roic tales of the ancient Scandi- 
navians. 

sage (saj), adj. wise; discerning; 
well-judged; discriminating; charac- 
terized by wisdom; grave: n. a man 
of experienced wisdom and of ven- 
erable age; an aromatic herb. 

sago (sa'go), n. a kind of granulated 
food-starch from the pith of certain 
palms. 

sahib (sa-heb')> n. a term of address 
used in India and Persia to a Euro- 
pean gentleman; feminine, sahiba 
(sa-heb 'a). 

said (sed), p.t. & p.p. of say. 

sail (sal), n. a sheet of canvas spread 
to catch the wind by means of which 
a vessel is driven forward in the 
water; ship or vessel; an excursion 
in some vessel: v.i. to be moved by a 
sail or sails; commence a voyage; 
swim; glide through the air; pass 
smoothly along: v.t. to pass over in 
a ship; navigate. 

sailing (sal'ing), n. the art of naviga- 
tion; the act of moving through 
water, or of setting sail. 

sailor (sal'er), n. a mariner; seaman. 

saint (sant), n. a holy or sanctified 
person; one eminent for piety and 
virtue, especially one canonized by 
the Church of Rome; one blessed in 
heaven: pi. a name applied to them- 
selves by the Mormons: v.t. to can- 
onize: v.i. to act as a saint. [French.] 

sainted (sant'ed), p.p. canonized: adj. 
pious; holy; departed to heaven. 

saintly (sant'li), adj. like, or befitting, 
a saint. 

sake (sak), n. end; purpose; cause; 
account; regard; reason. 

sal, a prefix meaning _ salt, as sal- 
volatile, aromatic spirit of am- 
monia. 

salaam (sa-lam'), n. an Oriental 
form of salutation or respect, mean- 
ing "peace." [Arabic] 

salacious (sa-la/shus), adj. lustful; 
impure. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


SALAD 


444 


SALVO 


salad (sal'ad), n. raw herbs cut up 
and dressed with vinegar, oil, &c. 

salamander (sal'a-man-der), n. an 
amphibious animal resembling a 
newt, and fabled by the ancients 
to live in fire. [French.] 

salary (sal'a-ri), n. recompense, usu- 
ally periodically, for services ren- 
dered; stipend. 

sale (sal), n. the act of selling; ex- 
change of a commodity for an agreed 
price; market; auction; demand. 

salient (sa/li-ent), adj. leaping; prom- 
inent; noting any^ angle less than 
two right angles; in heraldry, in a 
leaping position. [Latin.] 

saliferous (sa-lif 'er-us) , adj. yielding 
salt. 

saline (sa'lin), adj. consisting of, 
containing, or like, salt: n. a salt- 
spring. 

saliva (sa-li'va), n. the watery fluid 
or spittle secreted in the mouth. 

salivate (sal'i-vat), v.t. to produce an 
abnormal secretion in the mouth of. 

salivation (sal-i-va'shun) , n. the act of 
producing an abnormal secretion of 
saliva. 

sallow (sal'o), adj. of a pale, sickly, 
yellow color; a small tree of the 
willow kind. 

sally (sal'i), n. [pi. sallies (sal'iz)], 
a sudden rushing forth of troops to 
attack the besiegers; sudden out- 
burst of wit or fancy; excursion; 
wild gaiety: v.i. [p.t. & p.p. sallied, 
p.pr. sallying], to rush out as troops 
from a besieged town; issue or rush 
forth suddenly. 

salmi (sal 'mi), n. a ragout of roasted 
game and other ingredients stewed 
in wine. [French.] 

salmon (sam'un), n. a marine fish 
of the genus Salmo, which ascends 
fresh-water rivers to spawn. 

salon (sa-long'), n. a saloon; fine art 
gallery: pi. fashionable circles or 
assemblages. [French.] 

saloon (sa-loon'), n. a hall or state 
apartment; large reception room; 
fine art exhibition; bar-room or 
grogshop. 

salsify (sal'si-fi), n. a plant of the 
aster family, which from the flavor 
of its edible root is called oyster- 
plant and vegetable oyster. 

salt (sawlt), n. chloride of sodium, 


used for seasoning and the preserva- 
tion of meat, &c, obtained from the 
earth or by the evaporation of sea 
water; anything like salt; the com- 
bination of an acid with a base; 
wit; piquancy (attic salt); a sailor: 
v.t. to sprinkle or season with salt: 
adj. flavored, seasoned, or impreg- 
nated, with salt. 

saltan t (sal'tant), adj. leaping; danc- 
ing; in heraldry, same as salient. 

salt-cellar (sawlt'sel-ar), n. a small 
dish for holding salt. 

saltless (sawlt 'les), adj. without salt; 
insipid. 

saltpetre (sawlt-pe'tr), n. the com- 
mercial name for nitre. It is im- 
portant in the manufacture of gun- 
powder. [French.] 

salubrious (sa-loo'bri-us), adj. healthy. 

salubrity (sa-loo'bri-ti), n. healthful- 
ness. Also salubriousness. 

salutary (sal'u-ta-ri) , adj. healthful; 
wholesome; beneficent. 

salutation (sal-u-ta'shun) , n. act or 
manner of saluting; greeting, or act 
of paying respect. 

salutatory (sa-lu'ta-to-ri) , adj. salut- 
ing; greeting: n. the opening oration 
at the commencement in American 
schools and colleges; any address of 
welcome. 

salute (sa-luf), n. a mark of military 
respect shown by raising the hand 
to the helmet, &c; a kiss; greeting; 
salvo of artillery, lowering of a 
flag, &c, as a mark of honor: v.t. 
to address with kind wishes; wel- 
come; greet with a kiss or bow; 
honor by a salvo of artillery, low- 
ering a flag, &c: v.i. to make a 
salute. [Latin.] 

salvable (sal'va-bl), adj. capable of be- 
ing saved. 

salvage (sal'vaj), n. compensation 
given to those who assist at saving 
a vessel or cargo at sea; the goods or 
vessel saved. 

salvation (sal-va/shun) , n. the act of 
saving; spiritual deliverance from 
sin and death. [Latin.] 

salve (sav), n. a healing ointment; a 
remedy or soothing application. 

salver (sal'ver), n. a tray on which 
anything is presented. 

salvo (sal'vo), n. a discharge of a num- 
ber of pieces of artillery, intended 


ate, arm, at, aw 


me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


SAMBUR 


445 


SAP 


as a salute; general, simultaneous 
cheering; (in law) an exception or 
reservation. 

sambur (sam'ber), n. the elk of the hill- 
country of India. 

same (sam), adj. identical in kind or 
degree; exactly alike; before-men- 
tioned. 

sameness (sam'nes), n. identity; simi- 
larity. 

samovar (sam'6-var), n. a Russian 
tea-urn. 

samp (samp), n. hulled Indian 
corn. 

sample (sam 'pi), n. a specimen; 
model; pattern; part shown as in- 
dicative of the quality of the whole : 
v.t. to show something similar; take 
a sample of 

sampler (sam 'pier), n. & pattern; a 
piece of ornamental needlework for 
practice, &c. 

sanable (san'a-bl), adj. curable. 

sanatorium (san-a-to'ri-um), n. a 
health retreat; an institution for the 
care of invalids or the treatment of 
particular diseases. 

sanatory (san'a-to-ri) , adj. conducive 
to health. 

sanctification (sangk-ti-fi-ka/shun) , 
n. the act of sanctifying; state of 
being sanctified; consecration. 

sanctimonious (sangk-ti-mo 'ni-us) , 
adj. having the appearance of, or 
affecting, sanctity; hypocritical. 

sanction (sangk'shun) , n. the act of 
ratifying, or giving authority to; 
authority; custom: v.t. to give sanc- 
tion to; countenance. 

sanctity (sangk'ti-ti) , n. purity ; in- 
violability ; sacredness ; solemnity ; 
a saint. 

sanctuary (sangk'tu-a-ri) , _ n. [pi. 
sanctuaries (sangk'tu-a-riz)], the 
most retired and sacred part of a 
temple; consecrated place; temple; 
part of a church around the altar; 
inviolable asylum; shelter; ref- 
uge. 

sanctum (sangk'tum), n. a sacred or 
private place. 

sand (sand), n. fine particles of 
crushed or worn rock: -pi. tracts of 
sand; hours or time one has to live: 
v.t. to sprinkle with sand. 

sandal (san'dal), n. a kind of shoe 
fastened by straps to the foot; a 


loose slipper; the official shoe of a 
Roman Catholic prelate or abbot. 

sandwich (sand'wich), n. two thin 
slices of bread with ham, &c, be- 
tween; anything like a sandwich: 
v.t. to place between two other 
persons or things. The name comes 
from Lord Sandwich (about 1660). 

sandy (sand'i), adj. composed of, 
abounding in, of the color of, or 
covered with, sand; shifting; un- 
stable. 

sane (san), adj. mentally sound or 
healthy. 

sang, p.t. of sing. 

sangaree (sang-ga-re'), n. a beverage 
of wine or brandy and water spiced 
with nutmeg. 

sangfroid (sang-frwa/), n. cool in- 
difference or composure. _ [French.] 

sanguinary (sang'gwi-na-ri), adj. at- 
tended with much bloodshed; blood- 
thirsty ; murderous ; cruel. 

sanguine (sang'gwin), adj. warm and 
ardent in temper; hopeful; confi- 
dent: n. blood color: v.t. to stain 
with blood. 

sanguineous (sang-gwin'e-us) , adj. 
pertaining to, abounding with, or 
constituting, blood; of a blood 
color. 

Sanhedrim _ (san-he'drim), n. the 
great judicial council of the ancient 
Jews, composed of seventy : one 
priests, scribeSj and elders, presided 
over by the high priest. Also San- 
hedrim 

sanitarium (san-i-ta'ri-um), n. a 
sanatorium, especially one where the 
treatment is prophylactic instead of 
therapeutic. [Latin.] 

sanitary (san'i-ta-ri), adj. pertaining 
to, connected with, or tending to 
promote, health, especially by legis- 
lative enactment; hygienic. 

sanitation (san-i-ta'shun) , n. hygiene. 

sanity (san'i-ti), n. saneness. 

sank (sangk), p.t. of sink. 

sans- gene (sang-jan') , n. a state of irre- 
sponsibility ; carelessness. [French.] 

sap (sap), n. the watery circulating 
juice of a plant; alburnum of a 
tree; vital fluid; an excavated 
trench for approaching a fort; an 
ardent student: v.t. [p.t. & p.p. 
sapped, p.pr. sapping], to deprive of 
vitality; undermine: v.i. to study 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


SAPID 


446 


SATISFY 


ardently, as for an examination; 
proceed by secretly undermining. 

sapid (sap 'id), adj. savory. 

sapience (sa 'pi-ens), n. knowledge; 
wisdom. [Latin.] 

sapient (sa'pi-ent), adj. wise; saga- 
cious. 

sapless (sap'les), adj. without sap; 
without, energy; nerveless. 

sapling (sap 'ling), n. a young tree. 

saponaceous (sap-o-na'shus), adj. re- 
sembling, or having the qualities of, 
soap: unctuous. 

saponify (sa-pon'i-fl) . v.t. [p.t. & p.p. 
saponified, p.pr. saponifying], to con- 
vert into soap by combination with 
an alkali. 

saporific (sap-o-rif'ik), adj. produc- 
ing taste. 

saporous (sap'o-rus), adj. having, or 
stimulating, flavor. 

sapper (sap'er), n. one who saps; a sol- 
dier employed in sapping or digging 
trenches. 

sapphire (saf'ir), n. a precious stone 
of a blue color, a variety of corun- 
dum. 

sappy (sap'i), adj. full of sap; juicy. 

sappy (sap'i), adj. silly, conceited, 
foolish. 

sarcasm (sar'kazm), n. a bitter, cut- 
ting, satirical expression. [French. 1 

sarcastic (sar-kas'tik), adj. bitterly 
satirical. Also sarcastical. 

sarcology (sar-kol'o-ji), n. that part of 
anatomy that treats of the soft 
parts of the body. 

sarcoma (sar-ko'ma), n. a fleshy 
tumor. Also sarcosis. 

sarcophagus (sar-kof'a-gus), n. a 
limestone used by the Greeks for 
coffins, having the property of eating 
away the flesh ; a stone coffin. 

sarcotic(sar-kot'ik) , adj. flesh-forming. 

sard (sard), n. a precious stone, a 
deep blood-red variety of carnelian. 

sardine (sar-den'), n. a species of pil- 
chard, abundant in the Mediterra- 
nean, and preserved in oil for ex- 
portation: (sar'din),a precious stone 
mentioned in Rev. iv., the sardius. 

sardonic (sar-don'ik) , adj. forced, 
bitter, or heartless: said of a laugh 
or smile; from a Sardinian herb, 
reputed to cause convulsive motions 
of the cheek and lips when eaten. 
Also sardonian. 


sargasso (sar-gas'o), n. the floating 
sea- or gulf-weed of the North At- 
lantic. Also sargassum. 

sarsaparilla (sar-sa-pa-ril'a), n. a 
twining shrub found in Mexico, &c, 
the root of which is used as a medi- 
cine. [Spanish.] 

sartorial (sar-to'ri-al), adj. pertaining 
to a tailor. [Latin.] 

sash (sash), n. a band, ribbon, or 
scarf, worn round the waist or over 
the shoulder; a frame for holding 
panes of glass: v.t. to furnish with 
sashes. 

sassafras (sas'a-fras), n. a tree allied 
to the laurel, with a fragrant root, 
wood, and flowers. 

sat, p.t. of sit. 

Satan (sa'tan), n. the Devil. [French.] 

satchel (sach el), n. a small bag for 
carrying books, papers, &c; any 
handbag. [Old French.] 

sate (sat), v.t. to satisfy the appe- 
tites or desires of. 

sateen (sa-ten'), n. a woolen or cot- 
ton fabric made in imitation of 
satin. 

satellite (sat 'el-it), n. a small planet 
revolving round a larger one; an 
obsequious attendant. [Latin.] 

satiate (sa'shi-at), v.t. to fill, or grat- 
ify fully; surfeit; glut: adj. glutted. 

satiety (sa-ti'e-ti), n. fulness of grati- 
fication beyond desire; repletion. 

satin (sat 'in), n. a closely woven 
glossy silk: adj. made of, or like, 
satin. [French.] 

satire (sat'ir), n. a species of poetry 
in which vice and folly are held up 
to ridicule by sarcasm, burlesque 
and parody. _ [Latin.] 

satiric (sa-tir'ik), adj. pertaining to, 
or containing, satire; addicted to 
satire. Also satirical. 

satirize (sat'i-riz), v.t. to assail or 
ridicule with satire and mockery. 

satisfaction (sat-is-f ak'shun) , n. the 
act of satisfying; the state of being 
satisfied; contentment; gratification; 
payment; redress; conviction. 

satisfactory (sat-is-f ak'to-ri) , adj. 
giving satisfaction or content: mak- 
ing redress; relieving the mind from 
doubt or uncertainty. [Latin.] 

satisfy (sat'is-fl), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. satis- 
fied, p.pr. satisfying], to gratify to 
the fullest degree; free from doubt 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met : mire, mit : note, north, not ; boon, book ; 

hue. hut : think, then. 


SATRAP 


447 


SCAB 


or uncertainty; pay in full; dis- 
charge: v.i. to give satisfaction; 
make atonement or payment. 

satrap (sa'trap), n. a kind of viceroy 
among the ancient Persians. , 

satrapy (sa'tra-pi), n. the government 
or jurisdiction of a satrap. 

saturate (sat'u-rat), v.t. to soak or im- 
bue. 

saturation (sat-u-ra 'shun) , n. the act 
of saturating; the state of being sat- 
urated; impregnation of one sub- 
stance by another until the latter 
can contain no more. 

Saturday (sat'er-da), n. the seventh 
day of the week, named after N the 
Roman god, Saturn. 

saturnine (sa'ter-nin) , adj. under the 
influence of the planet Saturn; dull; 
morose; gloomy; phlegmatic. 

satyr (sa'ter), n. a sylvan Greek deity, 
attendant on Bacchus, represented 
with long, pointed ears, short horns, 
a man's body, and the legs of a goat. 

sauce (saws), n. a' liquid condiment 
or seasoning for food; any mixture 
used as a relish; pertness: v.t. to 
put sauce into; render pungent; 
treat with pertness. [French.] 

saucer (saw'ser), n. a shallow piece of 
china, &c, in which a tea or coffee 
cup is placed. 

sauciness (saw'si-nes) , n. impudent 
pertness or boldness. 

saucy (saw'si), adj. [comp. saucier, sw- 
perl. sauciest], pert; impudent. 

sauerkraut (sour'krout), n. a pickle 
of chopped cabbage packed in layers 
with salt between, which causes fer- 
mentation. [German.] 

saunter (san'ter or sawn'ter), v.i. to 
wander about idly; loiter; linger: 
n. a place for sauntering; idle walk 
or ramble. 

saurian (saw'ri-an), n. any individ- 
ual of the Sauria, an order of four- 
legged reptiles having the body fur- 
nished with scales, as the crocodile 
and lizard. 

sausage (saw'saj), n. the gut of an 
animal stuffed with seasoned minced 
meat; minced meat seasoned with 
sage, salt,_ pepper, &c. [French.] 

sauterne (so-tern'), n. a French white 
wine. 

savage (sav'aj), adj. uncivilized; wild; 
cruel; fierce; pitiless; uncultivated; 


enraged: n. a human being in a 
rude, uncivilized state; barbarian; 
a fierce, brutal person. [French.] 

savagery (sav'aj-ri), n. the state of be- 
ing wild or uncivilized; barbarism; 
brutal roughness. 

savannah (sa-van'a), n. an extensive 
open plain or meadow. Also sa- 
vanna. [Old Spanish.] 

savant (sa-vang'j, n. a man of learn- 
ing or science. [French.] 

save (sav), v.t. to bring out of dan- 
ger or preserve from evil; rescue; 
deliver from spiritual death; pre- 
vent; lay by; take advantage of: 
v.i. to be economical: prep, except; 
not including. 

savin (sav'in), n. an evergreen tree 
or shrub with a dark foliage with 
bluish-green berries: > the young 
leaves and branches yield an active 
volatile oil used in medicine. Also 
savine. 

saving (sav'ing), ; adj. preserving; 
frugal; parsimonious; reserving: n. 
an exception or reservation: pi. 
money, &c, saved: prep, with ex- 
ception in favor of. 

savior (sav'yer), n. one who saves. 

Saviour, n. Jesus Christ, the Re- 
deemer (with the). 

savor (sa'ver), n. flavor; taste; rel- 
ish; scent; characteristic property: 
v.i. to have a particular flavor or 
smell; exhibit tokens of: v.t. to taste 
or smell with delight. 

savory (sa'ver-i), n. an aromatic plant. 

saw (saw), n. a cutting steel instru- 
ment with a toothed edge ; a proverb 
or wise saying: v.t. to cut with, or 
as with, a saw: v.i. to be cut with a 
saw: p.t. of see. 

sawyer (saw'yer), n. one who saws tim- 
ber into planks; a tree in a river, 
whose branches, partly above water, 
sway up and down by the force of 
the current. 

say (sa), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. said (sed), p.pr. 
saying], to utter in words; declare; 
speak; decide; allege; pronounce; 
intone: v.i. to speak; relate; answer: 
imper. tell me: n. something said; 
speech; remark. 

saying (sa'ing), n. the act of speak- 
ing; expression; saw; adage. 

scab (skab) , n. an incrustation formed 
over a wound; a contagious disease 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


SCABBARD 


448 


SCAPEGOAT 


in sheep; a workman who refuses 
to join a strike, or who takes the 
place abandoned by a striker. 

scabbard (skab'ard), n. the sheath in 
which the blade of a sword is kept: 
v.t. to put into a scabbard. 

scabies (ska/bi-ez), n. the itch. [Latin.] 

scabrous (ska'brus), adj. rough to the 
touch; uneven; dotted; scaly. 

scaffold (skaf'old), n. a temporary 
timber stage or structure; an ele- 
vated platform for the execution 
of a criminal: v.t. to furnish or sup- 
port with a scaffold. 

scaffolding (skaf 'old-ing) , n. a scaf- 
fold ; materials for erecting scaffolds ; 
framework. 

scalawag (skal'a-wag) , n. a scamp; 
scapegrace. [Americanism.] 

scald (skawld) , v.t. to burn with hot 
liquid or steam; injure by contact 
with any hot fluid; expose to violent 
heat over a fire or hot liquid: n. a 
burn or injury to the skin or flesh 
from a hot liquid or steam; scab or 
scurf on the head; one of the old 
Scandinavian poets, who recited or 
sang heroic poems (also skald). 

scale (skal), n. the dish of a balance; 
a balance; an instrument or ma- 
chine for weighing; the small bony 
or horny plates covering a fish, cer- 
tain reptiles, and insects; any thin 
plate or layer; the thin oxide which 
forms on the surface of iron f org- 
ings; incrustation on the interior of 
a boiler; a series of steps; gradu- 
ated measure; series of all the tones 
[Music]; relative dimensions; basis 
for a numerical system; a scale- 
insect, or bark-louse, very destruc- 
tive to fruit-trees: v.t. to strip or 
clear of scales; weigh; climb over, 
as by a ladder ; clamber up ; ascend 
by steps or by climbing: v.i. to 
separate and come off in layers. 
[Latin.] 

scalene (ska-len'), adj. having the 
sides and angles unequal: said of a 
triangle. 

scallop (skol'op), n. a marine bi- 
valve fish, having the edge of its 
shell in the form of a series of 
curves; the shell was formerly worn 
by pilgrims who had visited the 
Holy Land; a curving or recess: 


v.t. to cut the edge or border of, in 
scallops or curves. [French.] 

scalp (skalp), n. the skin on the top 
of the head from which the hair 
grows; the skin and hair of the 
head torn off by the North Ameri- 
can Indians in token of victory: 
v.t. to deprive of the scalp: v.i. to 
make a small quick profit by slight 
fluctuations of the market; to sell 
railway tickets at less than the com- 
pany's rates. [Latin.] 

scalpel (skal'pel), n. a small keen- 
edged knife used in surgery. 

scamp (skamp), n. a rascal; worth- 
less fellow; rogue: v Jt. to execute or 
perform in a superficial or careless 
manner and with bad material. 

scamper (skam'per), v.i. to run with 
speed; hasten away: n. a hasty 
flight. 

scan (skan), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. scanned, 
p.pr. scanning], to examine by count- 
ing the metrical feet or syllables; 
scrutinize or examine carefully. 

scandal (skan'dal), n. offense occa- 
sioned by the faults of another; 
something uttered that is false and 
injurious to the reputation; oppro- 
brium; defamation. [French.] 

scandalize (skan'dal-iz), v.t. to offend 
by s me supposed improper action 
or conduct. 

scandalous (skan'dal-us), adj. giving 
offense to the conscience or moral 
sense; exciting condemnation or op- 
probrium. 

scant (skant), odj. [comp. scanter, 
superl. scantest], not Ml or abun- 
dant; scarcely sufficient: v.t. to 
stint; treat illiberally; limit: v.i. to 
fail or become diminished. 

scantiness (skant'i-nes), n. the state 
or quality of being scanty. Also 
; cantness. 

scantling (skant'ling), n. a piece of 
timber cut or sawn of small size; # the 
size to which a piece of timber is to 
be cut. 

scanty (skant'i), adj. [comp. scantier, 
superl. scantiest], narrow; barely suf- 
ficient; scant. 

scape (skap), n. the shaft of a col- 
umn where it leaves the base: v.t. & 
v.i. to escape. [Poe .] 

scapegoat (skap 'got), n. among the 
ancient Jews one of the two goats 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met : mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book 
hue, hut"; think, then. 


SCAPEGRACE 


449 


SCHISM 


determined by lot, over whose head 
the high priest confessed the sins 
of the people, after which it was 
sent away into the wilderness: hence 
one who bears the blame for others. 

scapegrace (skap'gras), n. a graceless, 
unprincipled fellow. 

scapula (skap'u-la), n. the shoulder- 
blade. [Latin.] 

scar (skar), n. a mark caused by a 
wound; mark or blemish; a pre- 
cipitous rock or bank; the parrot- 
fish: v.t. [p.t. & p.p. scarred, p.pr. 
scarring], to mark with, or as with, 
a scar; v.i. to form a scar. 

scarab (skar'ab), n. a lamellicorn 
beetle, scarabaeus; a gem or seal 
cut in the form of a beetle worn as 
a charm by the ancient Egyptians. 

scarce (skars), adj. not common; not 
plentiful; not equal to the demand. 

scarcely (skars'li), adv. seldom; rarely; 
with difficulty. 

scare (skar), v.t. to strike with sud- 
den terror; frighten: n. a sudden 
fright or panic. 

scarecrow (skar'kro), n. anything fan- 
tastic set up in fruit gardens, &c, to 
scare away birds; a vain cause of 
terror. 

scarf (skarf), n. a light handkerchief 
or tie for the neck; sash: v.t. throw 
on loosely; dress with a scarf; to 
unite (two pieces of timber) at the 
ends by a kind of dovetail. 

scarify (skar'i-fi), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. scari- 
fied, p.pr. scarifying], to scratch or 
cut; make small incisions in by a 
lancet or scarificator: as, to scarify 
the skin; to stir up and prepare for 
planting: as, to scarify the soil. 

scarlatina (skar-la-te'na), n. scarlet 
fever of a mild form. 

scarlet (skar'let), n. a bright red color; 
cloth of such a color: adj. of a scar- 
let color. 

scarp (skarp), n. a slope or declivity, 
nearly perpendicular; the slope of a 
ditch at the foot of a parapet: v.t. 
to cut perpendicularly or nearly so. 

scary (ska/ri), adj. causing, or sub- 
ject to, sudden fright. 

scathe (skMh), v.t. to injure or hurt: 
n. injury or harm. 

scathing (skatfi'ing), adj. injurious; 
hurtful; very severe or bitter. 

scatter (skat'er), v.t. to strew or throw 


loosely about; disperse or dissipate: 
v.i. to be dispersed or dissipated. 

scatterbrained (skat'er-brand), adj. 
giddy. 

scavenger (skav'enj-er), n. a man em- 
ployed to clean the streets; any ani- 
mal that devours refuse or any other 
deleterious matter, as the scavenger- 
beetle, the fiddler crab, the buzzard, 
&c. [Old French.] 

scenario (sha-na're-o) , n. the sketch 
of a plot or chief incidents of a li- 
bretto or play. [Italian.] 

scene (sen), n. the time, place, or cir- 
cumstance, &c, in which anything 
occurs; part of a play; the imagi- 
nary place where the action of a 
play is supposed to take place; spec- 
tacle; exhibition; display of feeling 
or passion between two or more per- 
sons. 

scenery (sen'er-i), n. the appearance 
of anything presented to the vision; 
general aspect; combination of nat- 
ural views; painted representation 
on a stage. 

scenic (sen'ik), adj. pertaining to scen- 
ery or to the stage; dramatic. Also 
scenical. 

scenographic (sen-o-graf'ik), adj. 
drawn m perspective. 

scent (sent), n. odor; sense of smell; 
chase followed by means of the 
scent: v.t. to perceive by the olfac- 
tory nerves; smell; perfume: v.i. to 
hunt animals by the sense of smell. 

scepter, sceptre (sep'ter), n. a staff 
borne by a sovereign as the emblem 
of authority; royal mace: v.t. to in- 
vest with regal authority. [Greek.] 

schatchen (shat'shen), n. one whose 
business it is to arrange marriages; 
a marriage-broker. [Yiddish.] 

schedule (sked'ul). n. a written or 
printed paper or parchment contain- 
ing a list, or inventory ; list or docu- 
ment annexed to a larger instru- 
ment, as a will, &c: v.t. to place in 
a schedule. 

scheme (skem), n. a connected com- 
bination of things for the attain- 
ment of a certain end; plan; con- 
trivance; purpose; plot: v.t. to de- 
sign or plan; plot: v.i. to form a 
scheme or plan. [Greek.] 

schism (sizm), n. a split or division, 
especially permanent division or 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


SCHOLAR 


450 


SCORN 


separation in the Christian Church; 
sin of causing such a division. 

scholar (skol'er), n. a student; dis- 
ciple; man of letters; an undergrad- 
uate on the foundation of a col- 
lege. 

scholarly (skol'er-li), adj. like a 
scholar: adv. in the manner of a 
scholar. 

scholarship (skol'er-ship) , n. high at- 
tainments in literature or science; 
learning; erudition; maintenance for 
a scholar, awarded by an educational 
institution. [Graeco-Latin.] 

scholastic (sko-las'tik) , adj. pertain- 
ing to a scholar or to schools; scholar- 
like; characteristic of the mediaeval 
schoolmen; formal. 

scholiast (sko'li-ast), n. a commen- 
tator or annotator, especially of the 
classics. 

scholium (sko'li-um), n. [pi. scholia 
(sko'li-a)], a marginal or explanatory 
note, especially on the text of a 
classic author. 

school (skSol), n. a place where in- 
struction is given; scholars or pu- 
pils collectively; a mediaeval sem- 
inary for teaching theology, logic, 
and metaphysics; disciples of a par- 
ticular teacher; canon, precepts, or 
body of opinion; examination hall; 
any means of knowledge; a shoal or 
great number, as of fish: v.t. to 
train or instruct; chide or admon- 
ish. [Late Latin.] 

schooner (skoon'er), n. a vessel with 
two masts, sometimes three, rigged 
fore and aft; a tall beer-glass. 

sciagraph (si'a-graf), n. the vertical 
section of a building showing its in- 
terior. 

sciatica (sl-at'i-ka), n. neuralgia of the 
sciatic nerve. 

science (sl'ens), n. systematized knowl- 
edge of any one department of mind 
or matter; acknowledged truths and 
laws, especially as demonstrated by 
induction, experiment, or observa- 
tion. 

scientific (si-en-tif 'ik) , adj. pertaining 
to, used in, or skilled in, science; 
skilful. 

scientist (si'en-tist), n. one skilled in, 
or devoted to, science. 

scimitar (sim'i-ter), n. an Oriental 
sword with a curved blade having 


its edge on the convex side. Also 
scimeter. [Old French.] 

scintilla (sin-til'a), n. a spark; the 
least particle; a trace. 

scintillate (sin'til-at), v.i. to emit 
sparks, fire, or igneous particles; 
twinkle. [Latin.] 

scion (sl'on), n. the sprout or shoot 
of a plant; a descendant; heir. 

scioptic (si-op'tik), adj. pertaining to 
the art of exhibiting luminous im- 
ages in a darkened room or camera 
obscura. Also scioptric. 

sciopticon (si-op'ti-kon) , n. a magic 
lantern for exhibiting photographs. 

scissors (siz'erz), n.pl. a cutting in- 
strument resembling shears but 
smaller. 

sclerosis (skle-ro'sis) , n. the harden- 
ing of a tissue of the body, as in the 
membrane of the eye, or those of 
the brain. 

scoff (skof), n. an expression of scorn 
or contempt; ridicule; derision: v.i. 
to exhibit scorn or contempt: v.t. to 
treat or_ address with derision. 

scold (skold), v.i. to chide sharply or 
rudely; rail in a loud or violent 
manner: v.t. to find fault with: n. 
one who habitually scolds, especially 
a rude, clamorous woman. 

sconce (skons), n. a bulwark; small 
fort; protection; a fixed hanging or 
projecting candlestick; tube in a 
candlestick for inserting the candle; 
the head; mulct or fine; a small, 
thin cake of oatmeal, &c. [Gaelic] 

scoop (skoop), n. a large ladle; deep 
shovel; kind of scuttle: v.t. to take 
out or up with a scoop; ladle out; 
make hollow. 

scoot (skoot), v.i. to walk or run 
hastily. 

scope (skop), n. room or opportunity 
for free outlook or action; aim or 
intention; design: a Greek suffix 
meaning an instrument for viewing, 
as microscope. 

scorch (skorch), v.t. to burn or roast 
superficially; cause pain by heat; 
to go at a high rate of speed. 

score (skor), n. a notch made as a 
reckoning; the number 20; line or 
groove; bill; account; behalf; sepa- 
rate parts of a musical work: v.t. to 
notch or furrow; keep account of. 

scorn (skorn), n. extreme and lofty 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


SCORNER 


451 


SCREED 


contempt; haughty disdain; object 
of contempt: v.t. to hold in extreme 
contempt or disdain. 

scorner (skorn'er), n. one who scorns, 
especially one who holds religion in 
derision. 

scornful (skorn'fool), adj. full of scorn; 
contemptuous; disdainful. 

scorpion (skor'pi-un), n. an indi- 
vidual of the genus Scorpio, fur- 
nished with lobster-like claws, and 
armed with a poisonous sting in the 
tail; a painful scourge. 

Scot (skot), n. a Scotchman. 

Scotch (skoch), adj. pertaining to 
Scotland, its inhabitants, or its dia- 
lect. Also Scottish. 

scotch, n. a wedge, &c, to prevent 
slipping or rolling; a slight cut or 
incision: v.t. to cut or wound super- 
ficially; a drink made of hot water, 
lemon, and Scotch whiskey. 

scoundrel (skoun'drel) , n. a man 
without honor or virtue; low, worth- 
less fellow. 

scour (skour), v.t. to clean by fric- 
tion; cleanse from grease, dirt, and 
make bright; pass swiftly along; 
search thoroughly; purge. 

scourge (skerj), n. a whip with 
thongs used as a punishment: v.t. to 
whip severely; afflict or harass 
greatly. 

scout (skout), n. a person sent out to 
obtain and bring in information, es- 
pecially of the movements, &c, of 
an enemy; a college servant; in 
cricket, a fielder: v.i. to act as a 
scout: v.t. to treat with scorn. 

scow (skou), n. a large flat-bottomed 
boat with square ends: v.t. to trans- 
port in a S30W. 

scowl (skoul), v.i. to wrinkle the brows 
in frowning or displeasure; look 
sullen or angry: n. the wrinkling of 
the brows in displeas re or anger; 
frown. 

scrabble (skrab'l), v.i. to scrawl or 
scribble; make irregular, unmeaning 
marks: v.t. to mark with irregular 
lines or letters. 

scrag (skrag), n. anything thin, lean, 
or rough; something merely skin 
and bones; to choke. [Slang.] 

scraggy (skrag'i), adj. lean, thin 
and rough ; ro gh, with irregular 
points. 


scramble (skram'bl), v.i, to clamber 
with the hands and feet; seize or 
catch hold of anything with eager- 
ness and roughness: v.t. to toss to- 
gether at random; mix and cook in 
a confused mass: as, to scramble 
eggs: n. a rude, eager struggle; act 
of scrambling. 

scrap (skrap), n. a small or detached 
piece; fragment; a scrimmage; a 
picture or extract suitable for past- 
ing in a scrap-book. 

scrape (skrap), v.t. to make a harsh 
or grating noise on; rub with some- 
thing sharp; clean by rubbing; re- 
move by scraping; gather laborious- 
ly by small gains or savings: v.i. 
barely succeed, as in passing an ex- 
amination; play awkwardly or in- 
harmoniously on the violin; bow by 
awkwardly drawing back the foot: 
n. the act, noise, or effect of scrap- 
ing; a drawing back of the foot 
awkwardly; difficulty; perplexity. 

scrapple (skrap'l), n. a dish, famous 
in Philadelphia and its vicinity. It 
consists of beef and pork hashed fine, 
and after Indian meal has been 
stirred into it, it is then fried in 
thin slices. 

scratch (skrach), v.t. to mark or 
tear the surface of with something 
pointed; wound slightly; tear or dig 
with the claws; erase; remove the 
name of (especially that of a horse) 
from a race: v.i. to use the nails or 
claws in tearing or digging; score 
by a fluke: n. a mark or tear made 
by scratching; a superficial wound; 
a kind of wig ; a line across the prize 
ring, up to which boxers are brought 
when they commence fighting: adj. 
taken at haphazard. 

scrawl (skrawl), v.t. & v.i. to write or 
draw irregularly or hastily; scrib- 
ble: n. hasty, irregular, or illegible 
writing; scribble. 

scrawny (skraw'ni), adj. lean and 
bony; raw-boned; wasted. 

scream (skrem), n. a sharp, shrill 
cry as of fear or pain: v.i. to utter 
such a cry. 

screech (skrech), n. a harsh, shrill 
cry: v.i. to utter a harsh, shrill 
cry. 

screed (skred), n. wooden rules for 
running moldings; loud, shrill sound; 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
2» hue, hut ; think, then. 


SCREEN 


452 


SCULPTOR 


a fragment or piece; a harangue; a 
piece of poor prose or verse. 

screen (skren), n. a light movable par- 
tition for protection; coarse sieve; a 
partition separating the chancel 
from the rest of a church: v.t. to 
shelter or conceal; protect; pass 
through a coarse sieve. 

screw (skroo), n. a cylinder of metal 
or wood grooved spirally; one of the 
six mechanical powers; screw-pro- 
peller: v.t. to press with a screw; 
apply a screw to; twist; force or 
squeeze; oppress by exactions. 

scribble (skrib'l), v.t. to write has- 
tily and carelessly: v.i. write care- 
lessly and without regard to correct- 
ness: n. hasty, careless writing. 

scribe (skrlb), n. a writer; clerk; aman- 
uensis; a teacher or copyist of the 
Jewish law. [Latin.] 

scrim (skrim), n. a kind of fabric of 
cotton or linen for making blinds, 
&c. 

scrimmage (skrim'aj), n. a general 
row or tussle. 

scrimp (skrimp), v.t. to make small, 
narrow, or short; limit or straiten: 
vi. to be parsimonious or miserly: 
adj. short; narrow; curtailed: n. a 
niggard or miser. 

scrip (skrip), n. a satchel; schedule; 
certificate; writing; certificate of 
stock subscribed to a bank or other 
company. 

script (skript), n. a piece of writing; 
style of writing; type in imitation 
of writing; original document or in- 
strument. 

scriptural (skrip'tur-al), adj. pertain- 
ing to, contained in, or according to, 
the Scriptures; Biblical. 

Scripture (skrip 'tur) , n. sacred writing ; 
Diblical text: pi. the books of the 
Old and New Testaments; the 
Bible. 

scrivener (skriv'ner), n. one who 
draws up contracts, prepares writ- 
ings, &c; formerly a broker or finan- 
cial agent. 

scrofula (skrof 'Q-la) , n. a disease 
caused by the formation and deposi- 
tion of tubercle in the organs and 
tissues of the body; king's evil. 

scrofulous (skrof 'ii-lus), adj. pertain- 
ing to, of the nature of, or affected 
with, scrofula. 


scroll (skrol), n. a roll of paper or 
parchment; a convoluted spiral or- 
nament ; a nourish to a signature. 

scrouge (skrouj), v.t. to crowd or 
squeeze. 

scrub (skrub), v.t. [pret. & p.p. 
scrubbed, p.pr. scrubbing], to rub 
hard; wash with rubbing or a wet 
brush: v.i. to clean or scour: n. one 
who labors hard and lives meanly; a 
sorry fellow; a worn-out brush: adj. 
mean or small; untrained; in base- 
ball or foot-ball, a scrub-team is a 
body of players got together hastily 
for purposes of practice. 

scruff (skruf), n. the nape of the 
neck. 

scrunch (skrunch), v.t. to crunch. 

scruple (skroo'pl), n. 1-3 of a dram, 
or 20 grains; hesitation, especially 
from conscientious motives: v.i. to 
hesitate from conscientious mot- 
ives. 

scrupulous (skroo 'pu-lus), adj. full of 
scruples; conscientious; exact; care- 
ful; strict. 

scrutinize (skroo'ti-nlz), v.t. to in- 
spect or examine closely. 

scrutiny (skroo 'ti-ni), n. close inspec- 
tion or examination; minute in- 
quiry ; examination of votes recorded 
at an election. 

scud (skud), v.i. [p.t. & p.p. scudded, 
p.pr. scudding], to run quickly; run 
before a gale of wind with little or 
no sail spread: n. the act of scud- 
ding; vapory clouds driven by the 
wind. 

scuffle (skuf 1) , v.i. to fight or strug- 
gle confusedlyv especially hand to 
hand: n. a struggle for mastery with 
close grappling; confused conflict; 
fight. 

scull (skul), n. one of a pair of short 
oars; an oar used at the stern of a 
boat to propel it: v.i. to impel a 
boat with a scull or sculls. 

scullery (skul'er-i), n. [pi. sculleries 
(skul'er-iz)], a place where culinary 
utensils, &c, are kept and cleansed. 

scullion (skul'yun), n. a servant em- 
ployed in the menial work of a scul- 
lery. 

sculpin (skul'pin), n. a North Ameri- 
can fish with a large head furnished 
with sharp spines. 

sculptor (skulp'ter), n. one who 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


SCULPTURE 


453 


SEARED 


practices the art of sculpture. Fem- 
inine, sculptress. 

sculpture (skulp'tur), n. the art of 
carving, cutting, or hewing stone or 
other material into images of men, 
animals, &c; carved work or figure: 
v.t. to represent in, or fashion by, 
sculpture. 

scum (skum), n. extraneous matter 
or impurities which rise to the sur- 
face of liquids when boiled or fer- 
mented ; scoria of metals in a molten 
state; anything worthless or vile: 
v.i. [p.t. & p.p. scummed, p.pr. scum- 
ming], to form a scum: v.t. to clear 
impurities from the surface of; 
skim. 

scupper (skup'er), n. a hole or tube 
in the side of a ship to carry off deck 
water. 

scurf (skerf), n. minute, white, flaky 
scales formed on the skin, especially 
on the scalp; dandruff; loosely ad- 
herent matter. 

scurrility (skur-il'i-ti), n. [pi. scurrili- 
ties (skur-il'i-tiz)], vulgar, vile, or 
indecent jocularity. [Latin.] 

scurrilous (skur'il-us) , adj. using the 
low, indecent language of the vul- 
gar; mean; foul-mouthed; vile; con- 
taining low indecency or abuse. 

scurry (skur'i), v.i.^ [p.t. & p.p. scur- 
ried, p.pr. scurrying], to hasten or 
move rapidly along: n. hurried move- 
ment. 

scurvy (sker'vi), adj. affected by 
scurvy; scabby; vile; contemptible; 
mean; paltry: n. a condition of 
anaemia, caused by deficiency of 
vegetable food or lime juice, causing 
great weakness, emaciation, &c. 

scutcheon (skuch'un), n. an escutch- 
eon; shield for a keyhole. 

scuttle (skut'l), v.i. to hasten or 
hurry: v.t. to cut a hole or holes in 
(a ship) to sink it: n. a quick or 
short run; a pan for holding coals; 
lid or door closing or covering an 
opening in a roof, &c; hatchway or 
small opening in the deck of a ship. 

scymitar, same as scimitar. 

scythe (slth), n. sl curved cutting in- 
strument used for mowing grass, &c. 

sea (se), n. an expanse of salt water, 
less in extent than an ocean, and 
usually forming a part of, or con- 
necting with, an ocean or larger sea; 


an inland body of water ; the ocean t 
a billow or large wave ; swell of the 
ocean in a tempest; a large quan- 
tity; the great brazen laver of the 
Jewish Temple. 

seafaring (se'far-ing), adj. following 
the occupation of a sailor. 

seal (sel), n. a carnivorous marine 
mammal, valuable for its skin and 
oil; a stamp or die engraved with 
some device, motto, or image, used 
for making an impression in relief 
on wax, &c; wax or other soft sub- 
stance set to an instrument, and 
impressed with a seal; any act of 
confirmation or ratification; that 
which seals or fastens; drain-trap: 
v.t. to fasten with a seal; set or af- 
fix a seal to; ratify or confirm; keep 
secure or secret; among the Mor- 
mons, to set apart an additional 
wife. 

sea-legs (se'legz), n.pl. ability to walk 
on a ship's deck, when the vessel is. 
pitching or rolling. 

sea-lion (se'li-un), n. a name for sev- 
eral large species of seals. 

seam (sem), n. the line formed by the 
sewing of two pieces of material to- 
gether; line of junction or union; 
narrow vein between two thicker 
strata; thin layer; piece of needle- 
work:^.^ to form a seam upon or 
of; join with a seam; scar; knit 
with a particular kind of stitch: v.i.. 
to crack open. 

seamless (sem'les) , adj. without a seam ;. 
all of one piece. 

seamstress (sem'stres), n. a needle- 
woman. 

seamy (sem'i), adj. showing, or like, 
seams. 

seance (sa-angsO, n. a session as of 
some deliberative body; a meeting of 
spiritualists for evoking manifesta- 
tions ; a select scientific gathering. 

sear (ser), v.t. to burn to dryness on 
the surface; cauterize; brand; ren- 
der callous or insensible. 

search (serch), v.t. to seek for; go 
over and examine; explore; inspect: 
v.i. to make inquiry; seek: n. the act 
of seeking or looking for something ; 
investigation; examination; pursuit; 
quest. 

seared _ (serd), adj. hardened; cal- 
lous; indifferent; cauterized. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, n6rth, not ; boon, book 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


SEASCAPE 


454 


SECTARY 


seascape (se'skap), n. a picture rep- 
resenting a scene at sea. 

season (se'zn), n. any particular time 
as distinguished from others; one of 
the four divisions of the year: v.t. to 
mature ; prepare by drying and hard- 
ening, or removing natural juices; 
render palatable; spice moderately; 
y.i. to become mature, acclimated, 
inured, or seasoned. 

seasonable (se'zn-a-bl), adj. occurring 
or done in good, or proper, time; op- 
portune. 

seasoning (se'zn-ing), n. that which is 
added to give relish or piquancy to 
food ; anything added to increase en- 
joyment. 

seat (set), n. that on which anyone 
sits; chair; post or authority; sta- 
tion; site; residence; mansion: reg- 
ular or appropriate place of sitting; 
posture on horseback, &c; place in 
Congress or other legislative body: 
v.t. to place on a seat; cause to sit 
down; establish; place in any site 
or position; instal; fix. 

secant (se'kant), adj. cutting into 
two parts: n. a right line from the 
center of a circle through one ex- 
tremity of an arc, produced till it 
meets the tangent from the other 
extremity of the same arc ; the num- 
ber expressing the ratio of this line 
to the radius of the circle. [Latin. J 

secede (se-sed') , v.i. to withdraw from 
fellowship, communion, or associa- 
tion. 

secession (se-sesh'un), n. the act of 
seceding; withdrawal or separation 
from the communion or association 
of others; withdrawal of a State 
from theFederal Union. 

seclude (se-klood'), v.t. to keep apart 
from the company or society of oth- 
ers; exclude. 

seclusion (se-kloo'zhun) , n. separa- 
tion or withdrawal from the society 
of others; privacy. 

second (sek'und), adj. immediately 
following the first; next to the first 
in order of place, or time; next in 
value, excellence, merit, dignity, or 
importance ; inferior ; subordinate ; 
being of the same kind as another 
that has preceded; below in pitch 
[Music]: n. one or that next the 
first in place, rank, excellence, or 


power; one who attends on the prin- 
cipal at a duel; backer; the l-60th 
part of a minute of time or of a de- 
gree: pi. coarse flour: v.t. to follow; 
act as an assistant or supporter of; 
assist; support, as a motion, &c, by 
adding ones voice to that of the pro- 
poser. [Latin.] 

secondary (sek'und-a-ri) , adj. suc- 
ceeding next in order to the first; of 
second place, origin, &c; not pri- 
mary; subordinate; inferior; de- 
puted; revolving round a primary 
planet; noting rocks intermediate 
between the Primary and Tertiary, 
the Mesozoic: n. a delegate or 
deputy. 

secrecy (se'kre-si), n. [pi. secrecies 
(se'kre-siz)], the state or quality of 
being hidden; concealment; retire- 
ment; solitude; habit o. keeping 
secrets; discretion. 

secret (se'kret), adj. hidden or con- 
cealed; removed from sight; kept 
from the knowledge or view of all 
except those concerned; silent; pri- 
vate: n. that which is concealed; 
something unknown or undisclosed. 

secretary (sek're-ta-ri), n. [pi. secre- 
taries (sek're-ta-riz)], a confidential 
person employed to assist another 
in conducting correspondence, &c; 
one who transacts the business of a 
Government department, company, 
&c; an escritoire. 

secrete (se-kref), v.t. to hide or con- 
ceal; separate from the blood, sap, 
&c. 

secretion (se-kre'shun) , n. the act of 
secreting or separating from a circu- 
lating fluid; any substance or fluid 
secreted. 

secretive (se-kre'tiv) , adj. given to 
secrecy; causing, or promoting, se- 
cretion. 

sect (sekt), n. a number of persona 
who, following a teacher or leader, 
are united by a common attachment 
to some particular religious or phil- 
osophical doctrines. 

sectarian (sek-ta'ri-an) , adj. per- 
taining to, or characteristic of, a 
sect: n. a member of a sect; dissen- 
ter. 

sectary (sek'ta-ri), n. [pi. sectaries 
(sek'ta-riz)], a member or adherent 
of a sect ; sectarian. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, nOrth, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


SECTILE 


455 


SEEDY 


eectile (sek'til), adj. capable of being 
cut. 

section (sek'shun), n. the act of cut- 
ting, or separation by cutting; part 
or division; slice; the line formed by 
the intersection of two surfaces ; divi- 
sion or subdivision of a chapter or 
statute; distinct part of a country, 
people, community, or class; one of 
the squares of 640 acres each into 
which public lands are divided; 
l-36th of a township; division of a 
genus ; vertical plan of any struc- 
ture as it would appear if cut by # an 
intersecting plane; part of a musical 
period. [Latin.] 

sector (sek'ter), n. that part of a 
circle included between two radii 
and the arc; a mathematical instru- 
ment for laying down plans, meas- 
uring zenith distances, &c. 

secular (sek'u-lar), adj. pertaining to 
this present world, or to things not 
sacred; worldly; temporal; extend- 
ing over, or occurring in, a long 
period of time; not bound by mo- 
nastic vows: n. an ecclesiastic not 
bound by monastic vows; a layman; 
a church official whose duties are 
confined to the vocal department of 
the choir. [Latin.] 

secularize (sek'u-lar-iz) , v.t. to con- 
vert from sacred to secular or com- 
mon use; render worldly or unspirit- 
ual ; convert from regular or monastic 
into secular as in France of late 
years. 

secure (se-kur'), adj. free from fear 
or danger; safe; protected; confi- 
dent; relying upon (with of): v.t. 
to make safe; protect; guarantee; 
make fast; confine effectually; gain 
possession of; put beyond hazard of 
losing or not receiving (with against 
or from). [Latin.] 

security (se-kur 'i-ti), n. [pi. securities 
(se-kur 'i-tiz)], the state or quality 
of being secure; freedom from fear 
or danger; assurance; certainty; 
something given to secure the fulfil- 
ment of a contract : pledge ; evidence 
of debt or property; one who be- 
comes surety for another; something 
given or done to secure good be- 
havior. 

sedate (se-daf), adj. calm; composed; 
quiet; serious; unruffled. [Latin.] 


sedative (sed'a-tiv), adj. allaying 
nervous irritation and irritability ; 
assuaging pain: n. medicine having 
such an effect. 

sedentary (sed'en-ta-ri)^ adj. accus- 
tomed to pass much time in a sit- 
ting posture; characterized by much 
sitting; remaining in one place; in- 
active. 

sedge (sej), n. a coarse grass of the 
genus Carex, growing in swamps. 

sediment (sed'i-ment), n. the matter 
which subsides or settles at the bot- 
tom of a liquid; dregs; lees.^ 

sedimentary (sed-i-ment'a-ri), adj. 
pertaining to, or formed by, or con- 
sisting of, sediment. 

sedition (se-dish'un), n. any offense 
against the state less grave than in- 
surrection or treason; tumultuous 
assembly of people in opposition to 
lawful authority; the stirring up of 
such opposition. [Latin.] 

seduce (se-dus'). v.t. to entice from the 
paths of rectitude, duty, or virtue, 
by flattery, promises, &c; persuade 
to a surrender of chastity. 

seduction (se-duk'shun), n. the act of 
seducing; the act or crime of induc- 
ing a woman to surrender her chas- 
tity. 

seductive (se-duk'tiv), adj. tending to 
seduce or lead astray; enticing. 

sedulity (se-du'li-ti) , n. steady dili- 
gence. [Latin.] 

sedulus (sed'u-lus), adj. steadily in- 
dustrious and persevering in busi- 
ness and endeavor; diligent; un- 
tiring. 

see (se), n. the authority of the Pope 
or papal court; diocese or jurisdic- 
tion of an archbishop or bishop: v.t. 
[p.t. saw, p.p. seen, p.pr. seeing], to 
perceive by the eye; observe; per- 
ceive mentally; experience; pay a 
visit to; meet or associate with; es- 
cort or accompany: v.i. to have the 
faculty of sight or of perceiving; 
discern; examine; take care or heed. 

seed (sed), n. that part of a plant 
that contains the embryo of the fu- 
ture plant; semen; first principle or 
source; offspring; descendants; race 
or birth: v.i. to sow, or shed, the 
seed: v.£. to sprinkle with seed. 

seedy (sed'i), adj. abounding with, or 
run to, seeds; having the flavor of 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


SEEING 


456 


SEMAPHORE 


weeds; shabby; exhausted and mis- 
erable, n 

seeing (se'ing), n. the act or power 
of sight: conj. inasmuch as; consid- 
ering; since. 

seek (sek), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. sought, 
p.pr. seeking], to go in search of; 
look for; resort to; inquire for: v.i. 
to make search or inquiry; try or 
endeavor. 

seem (sem), v.i. to appear; look; 
have the resemblance of truth or 
fact; pretend. 

seeming (sem'ing), adj. apparent; spe- 
cious: n. appearance; show, espe- 
cially false show. 

seemly (sem'li), adj. fit or becoming; 
decent ; proper ; comely ; suited to the 
object, occasion, purpose, or char- 
acter. 

seen (sen), p.p. of see. 

seer (ser), n. one who foresees future 
events; prophet; one who sees. m 

seesaw (se'saw), n. a reciprocating 
motion ; a game played with a plank 
balanced on some support enabling 
those who sit at each end to move 
up and down alternately: v.i. to 
move up and down with a recipro- 
cating motion. 

seethe (seth), v.t. to boil; decoct or 
prepare for food in a hot liquor: v.i. 
to be hot; be in a condition of boil- 
ing. 

segment (seg'ment), n. a part divided 
or set off; section; a part cut off 
from a figure by a line or plane: v.i. 
to divide into segments. 

segregate (seg're-gat), v.t. to sepa- 
rate from others. 

segregation (seg-re-ga'shun) , n. the 
act of segregating; state of being 
segregated. 

seine (san), n.a, large fishing-net. 

seismic (sis'mik), adj. pertaining to, 
or produced by, an earthquake. 

seismograph (sls'mo-graf), n. an in- 
strument for recording the modula- 
tory motions, duration, and direction 
of an earthquake. Also seismome- 
ter, seismoscope. [Greek.] 

seismology (sis-mol'o-ji), n. the scien- 
tific study of earthquakes. 

seize (sez), v.t. to take possession of 
forcibly or suddenly; grasp; snatch; 
take hold of; comprehend. 

seizin (sez'in), n. the act of taking pos- 


session; thing possessed; possession. 
Also seisin. 

seizor (sez'er), n. in law, one who takes 
possession. 

seizure (sez'ur), n. the act of seizing; 
sudden attack, as of a disease. 

selah (se'la), n. a Hebrew word used 
in the Psalms, supposed to indicate 
a pause. 

seldom (sel'dum), adv. rarely. 

select (se-lekt'). adj. more valuable 
or excellent than others; chosen or 
picked out as more valuable than 
others; nicely chosen; choice; supe- 
rior: v.t. to take by preference from 
among others; choose. 

selection (se-lek'shun), n. the act of 
selecting; the thing selected. 

selectman (se-lekt'man), n. [pi. select- 
men (se-lekt'men)], one of a board 
of town officials concerned with its 
management, the enforcement of lo- 
cal laws, care of the poor, &c, 
elected annually in New England. 

selenium (se-le'ni-um), n. a non- 
metallic elementary substance, re- 
sembling lead. 

self (self), n. [pi. selves (selvz)], 
one's own person; personal interest; 
personality ; personification ; iden- 
tity; selfishness: adj. very: particu- 
lar. 

self - consciousness (self-kon'shus- 
nes), n. a strong thought of one's self 
at all times ; a feeling that others are 
watching you and your acts as very 
important. 

selfish (selfish) , adj. attentive only to 
one's own interests; influenced in 
actions from motives of private ad- 
vantage; egotistical. 

sell (sel), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. sold, p.pr. 
selling], to transfer to another for 
an equivalent, as property, goods, 
&c; make a matter of sale or bar- 
gain of; vend; betray for a pecuni- 
ary reward: v.i. to practice selling; 
be sold: n. a hoax; an imposi- 
tion. 

selvage (sel'vaj), n. the edge of cloth 
so closed by complicating the threads 
as to prevent raveling; woven bor- 
der. Also selvedge. 

selves, pi. of self. 

semaphore (sem'a-for), n. a tele- 
graphic apparatus for signaling by 
means of arms, lanterns, flags, &c. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


SEMBLANCE 


457 


SENSORIUM 


semblance (sem'blans), n. likeness; re- 
semblance; exterior; appearance. 

semen (se'men), n. sperm; seed of 
plants. 

semester (se-mes'ter), n. a half-year 
course, as in a university. 

semi, a Latin prefix meaning half, 
partially. 

semicolon (sem'i-ko-lon), n. a mark 
in punctuation (;). 

seminal (sem'i-nal) , adj. pertaining to, 
containing, or consisting of, seed; 
primary; radical; original. 

seminary (sem'i-na-ri), n. [pi. semi- 
naries (sem'i-na-riz)], a place of edu- 
cation; school, academy, or college. 

Semitic (se-mit'ik), adj. pertaining 
to Shem, or to his descendants; not- 
ing, or belonging to, one of the great 
divisions of races and languages to 
which Hebrew, Phoenician, Arabic, 
Assyrian, &c, belong. 

sempstress (semp'stres), n. a woman 
who does needlework. 

Senate (sen'at), n. the upper house 
of Congress or of a State legisla- 
ture; the upper house of legislature 
in various countries; a body of el- 
ders, elected or appointed in ancient 
Rome from the nobility and invested 
with supreme legislative authority. 

senate (sen'at), n. an assembly or 
body of elders; a legislative body 
generally. 

senator (sen'a-ter), n. a member of a 
senate. 

senatorial (sen-a-to'ri-al), adj. per- 
taining to, or befitting, a senator or a 
senate; entitled to elect a senator. 

send (send), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. sent, p.pr. 
sending], to throw, cast, or impel; 
cause to go in any manner; dispatch; 
cause to be or happen; grant; inflict: 
v.i. to dispatch a messenger; pitch, 
as a vessel. 

senile (sen'il), adj. pertaining to, char- 
acteristic of, or occasioned by, old 
age. [Latin.] 

senility (sen-il'i-ti) , n. the state or 
quality of being senile; old age. 

senior (sen'yer), adj. prior in age, 
dignity, rank, or office; elder: n. 
one older than another; one older in 
dignity, rank, or office; a student in 
the fourth or final year of his college. 

seniority (sen-yor'i-ti), n. the state or 
quality of being senior. 


sennight (sen'it), n. the space of seven 
nights and days. 

senor (sa-nyor'), n. a Spanish title 
of courtesy, equivalent to Mr. or 
Sir. Feminine, senora (sa-nyo'ra). 

senorita (sa-nyo-re'ta), n. a Spanish 
title of courtesy given to a young 
lady, equivalent to Miss; a young 
lady. 

sensate (sen'sat), adj. perceived by or 
through the senses. [Latin.] 

sensation (sen-sa'shun) , n. perception 
by the senses; an impression made 
on the mind or brain by the senses; 
spiritual or physical affections; state 
of excited feeling or interest, or its 
cause. 

sense (sens), n. the faculty by which 
objects are perceived physically, or 
mentally; discernment; understand- 
ing; conviction; good mental capac- 
ity; correct judgment; opinion; 
meaning; signification; moral per- 
ception. 

senseless (sens'les), adj. incapable of 
sensation; without sensibility or 
feeling; unconscious; foolish; stupid; 
nonsensical; opposed to reason or 
sound judgment. 

sensibility (sen-si-bil'i-ti), n. [pi. sen- 
sibilities (sen-si-bil'i-tiz)], the state 
or quality of being sensible; acute- 
ness of perception or emotion; deli- 
cacy of feeling ; capacity of being sen- 
sitive. Also sensibleness. 

sensible (sen'si-bl), adj. capable of be- 
ing perceived by the senses or the 
mind; having moral perception; 
easily affected; delicate; judicious; 
reasonable; intelligent. 

sensitive (sen'si-tiv) , adj. having keen 
sense or feeling; quickly and acute- 
ly alive to impressions from exter- 
nal objects; easily affected or moved; 
pertaining to, or depending upon, 
sensation. 

sensitiveness (sen'si-tiv-nes), n. the 
state or quality of being sensitive. 
Also sensitivity. 

sensitize (sen'si-tiz), v.t. to render sen- 
sitive; render capable of being acted 
upon by the actinic rays of the sun, 
X-rays, &c. 

sensorial (sen-so'ri-al), adj. pertaining 
to the sensorium. Also sensory. 

sensorium (sen-so'ri-um), n. the cen- 


ate, arm, at, awl; me, merge, met; mite, mit ; note, north, not; boon, book; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


SENSUAL 


458 


SEPULCHRAL 


tral seat of sensation or conscious- 
ness; the brain. 

sensual (sen'shti-al) , adj. pertaining 
to, consisting in, or affecting, the 
senses; not spiritual or intellectual; 
carnal; voluptuous; devoted to the 
indulgence of the passions or appe- 
tites. 

sensuality (sen-shu-al'i-ti), n. the 
state or quality of being sensual; in- 
dulgence of the bodily appetites. 

sensuous (sen'shu-us), adj. pertaining 
to, or addressed to, the senses; con- 
nected with sensible objects; full of 
passion. 

sent, p.t. & p.p. of send. 

sentence (sen'tens), n. judgment, 
opinion, or decision; judgment pro- 
nounced by a court; series of words 
so arranged as to convey a complete 
thought, followed by a dot or full 
point: v.t. to condemn by judgment 
of a court. 

sententious (sen-ten'shus) , adj. short 
and energetic; terse; comprising 
sentences; abounding in axioms or 
maxims. 

sentient (sen'shi-ent), adj. having the 
faculty or faculties of sensation and 
perception. 

sentiment (sen'ti-ment) , n. a thought 
prompted by passion or feeling; 
opinion; thought; feeling; sensibil- 
ity; prevailing feeling; maxim; a 
toast; thought expressed in striking 
language; sentence or passage ex- 
pressive of some wish. 

sentimental (sen-ti-men'tal) , adj. 
having, expressing, or given to, sen- 
timent; appealing to sentiment 
rather than reason; artificially or 
affectedly tender; romantic. 

sentimentalism (sen-ti-men'tal-izm) , 
n. the quality of being sentimental. 
Also sentimentality. 

sentinel (sen'ti-nel) , n. one who 
watches or guards, especially a sol- 
dier on guard: v.t. to furnish with, or 
as with, a sentinel; watch over or 
guard. 

sentry (sen'tri), n. [pi. sentries (sen'- 
triz)], a sentinel, guard or watch. 

sepal (sep'al or se'pal), n. one of the 
leaf-like divisions of the calyx en- 
closing the corolla of a flower. 

separable (sep'a-ra-bl), adj. capable of 
being separated or divided. 


separate (sep'a-rat), v.t. to part or di- 
vide; disunite; disconnect; set apart 
from a number for a particular pur- 
pose; withdraw: v.i. to part; be dis- 
united; withdraw from each other: 
adj. divided from the rest; discon- 
nected; not united; distinct. 

separation (sep-a-ra'shun) , n. the act 
of separating; state of being sepa- 
rated; disconnection; legal disunion 
of married persons; repeal of a 
union between two or more coun- 
tries or states. 

sepia (se'pi-a), n. [pi. sepias (se'pi-az)], 
the European cuttle-fish; a dark- 
brown pigment prepared from the 
black secretion or ink of the cuttle- 
fish. 

sepoy (se'poi), n. [pi. sepoys (se'poiz)], 
an Indian native employed as a sol- 
dier in the British service in India. 

sepsis (sep'sis), n. infection by patho- 
genic bacteria; a putrefactive con- 
dition. 

sept, a prejix meaning seven, as sept- 
angular: adj. having seven angles. 

September (sep-tem'ber), n. the ninth 
month of the year. In the Roman 
year, beginning with March, it was 
the seventh month, hence its name. 

septennial (sep-ten'i-al) , adj. occur- 
ring once in, or containing, seven 
years. 

septi, a Latin prejix meaning seven, as 
septilateral: adj. seven-sided. 

septic (sep'tik), adj. having the power 
to promote putrefaction: n. a sub- 
stance having such an effect. 

septicemia, septicaemia (sep-ti-se'- 
mi-a), n. blood-poisoning, caused by 
the absorption of septic matter into 
the circulation. Also septemia, sep- 
tsemia. 

septi llion (sep-til'yim) , n. in the 
French system of numeration, fol- 
lowed in the United States, a num- 
ber expressed by unity with 24 
ciphers annexed; in the English sys- 
tem, a number expressed by unity 
with 42 ciphers annexed. 

septuagenarian (s e p-t ti-a-j e-n a'r i- 
an), n. a person seventy years old. 

sepulcher, sepulchre (sep'ul-ker), n. 
a grave or tomb; place of burial: 
v.t. to bury; entomb. 

sepulchral (se-pul'kral), adj. pertain- 
ing to a sepulcher, or to monuments 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, nOrth, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


SEPULTURE 


459 


SERVE 


erected to the dead; deep, grave, or 
hollow toned. 

sepulture (,sep'ul-tur), n. burial. 

sequel (se'kwel), n. succeeding part 
or result; continuation; consequence. 

sequence (se'kwens), n. order of suc- 
cession; series; result; suit of cards 
in the same order; regular alternate 
succession of similar chords. 

sequester (se-kwes'ter), v.t. to sepa- 
rate from the owner for a time; 
take possession of the property of 
another until some claim is paid or 
established; withdraw; seclude: v.i. 
to renounce, as a widow any interest 
in the estate of a husband. Also 
sequestrate. 

seraglio (se-ral'yo), n. the palace of 
the late Sultan of Turkey at Con- 
stantinople, especially that part 
where the women are kept; a harem. 

seraph (ser'af), n. [pi. seraphs, sera- 
phim (ser'af s, ser'a-fim)], an angel 
of the highest order. 

seraphic (se-raf'ik), adj. pertaining 
to, composed of, or like, seraphs; 
sublime; angelic. 

Seraphim (ser'a-fim), n. plural of 
seraph. Order of the Seraphim, a 
royal order of Sweden. 

sere (ser), adj. dry; wiltered [Poet.]. 

serenade (ser-e-nad') , n. evening mu- 
sie in the open air; music sung or 
played by a lover in a spirit of gal- 
lantry under the window of a lady ; 
piece of music for such an occasion: 
v.t. to entertain with a serenade. 

serene (se-ren'), adj. clear and calm; 
unclouded; placid; unruffled. 

serenity (se-ren'i-ti) , n. the state or 
quality of being serene; calmness of 
mind; equanimity of temper; cool- 
ness, composure. Also sereneness. 

serf (serf), n. the lowest class of ser- 
vants or slaves in the Middle Ages, 
who were attached to the land and 
transferred with it; a villein or feu- 
dal slave; formerly in Russia, one 
of the peasant class. [Latin.] 

serge (serj), n. a twilled woolen stuff. 

sergeant (sar'jent), n. a non-commis- 
sioned officer ranking next above a 
corporal. [French.] 

serial (se'ri-al), adj. pertaining to, or 
consisting of, a series; published in 
successive parts or numbers: n. a 
periodical; a tale issued in parts. 


eerie (ser'ik), adj. belonging to the 
Chinese whom the Romans called 
Seres and from whom they got their 
first silk by way of India. 

sericulture (ser'i-kul-tur), n. the cul- 
ture of silkworms. 

series (se'rez), n. a number of things 
or events standing or succeeding in 
order, and connected by a like rela- 
tion; sequence; an infinite number 
of terms in succession, increasing or 
diminishing in a certain ratio. 

serious (se'ri-us), adj. grave in man- 
ner or disposition; in earnest; not 
trifling; religious; solemn. 

sermon (ser'mun), n. a discourse on 
a text of Scripture; homily; serious 
exhortation. 

sermonize (ser'mun-iz), v.i. to com- 
pose or write a sermon; preach: v.t. 
to preach a sermon to. 

serous (se'rus), adj. pertaining to se- 
rum ; thin ; watery. 

serpent (ser'pent), n. a reptile of the 
order Ophidia, with a very long 
body without feet, and moving by 
contractions and undulations of the 
body; a bass wind instrument; a 
kind of firework; a subtle, treacher- 
ous, malicious person. [Latin.] 

serpentine (ser'pen-tin) , adj. pertain- 
ing to, like, or having the qualities 
of, a serpent; moving or winding 
like a serpent; zigzag; subtle: n. a 
rock composed of a hydrated silicate 
of magnesia, susceptible of a fine pol- 
ish (with the) . Serpentine, an artificial 
lake in Hyde Park, London, named 
from its windings and curves. It 
covers fifty acres and was created by 
order of Queen Caroline, wife of 
George II, in 1730. 

serrate (ser'at), adj. notched on the 
edge like a saw. Also serrated. 

serried (ser'id), adj. crowded; pressed 
together. 

serum (se'rum), n. the thin yellowish 
fluid secreted by the serous mem- 
branes. 

servant (ser'vant), n. one who is in 
the personal service of another; a 
domestic; a subordinate. 

serve (serv), v.t. to work or perform 
duties for; yield obedience to; wait 
on; treat or requite; present (a 
writ): v.i. to be a servant; to suit; 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


SERVICE 


460 


SEVENTEENTH 


be in subjection; discharge the du- 
ties of an office or employment. 

service (ser'vis), n. the condition or 
occupation of a servant; duty re- 
quired or performed in any office; 
naval or military duty ; spiritual obe- 
dience and reverence; course of 
dishes at table; waiting at table; 
labor, assistance, or kindness to an- 
other; number of conveyances ply- 
ing between places ; musical composi- 
tion for devotional use; profession 
of respect. 

serviceable (ser'vis-a-bl), adj. useful; 
beneficial. 

serviette (ser-vi-ef), n. a table-nap- 
kin. 

servile (ser'vil), adj. pertaining to, 
characteristic of, or befitting, a 
slave or servant; meanly submissive 
or obsequious; cringing; fawning; 
not belonging tc the original root; 
not sounded: said of a letter. 

servility (ser-vil'i-ti), n. mean submis- 
sion or obsequiousness; baseness; 
servileness. 

servitude (ser'vi-tud), n. the condi- 
tion of a servant or slave ; state of 
slavish dependence; bondage. 

sesame (ses'a-me), n. a plant yield- 
ing fla 1 seeds from which an oil is 
expressed. 

sesqui, a Latin prefix meaning a 
whole and a half, as sesquioxide, an 
oxide containing three atoms of 
oxygen and two atoms of a metal. 

session (sesh'un), n. the actual sitting 
or assembling of a court, council, 
or legislative body; the time be- 
tween the first meeting and the pro- 
rogation, dissolution, or final ad- 
journment of a parliament, congress, 
or legislature. 

set(set), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. set, p.pr. set- 
ting], to place or put in any po- 
sition; fix; plant; make stable; 
render motionless; spread, as sails; 
replace; make to agree with some 
standard; start by fixing the key- 
note; regulate or adjust; value; as- 
sign or prescribe; mark (game); 
compose, as type, &c. : v.i. to sink be- 
low the horizon ; strike root ; be fixed 
closely or firmly; congeal; apply 
one's self; flow or tend; start (with 
out): adj. fixed or established; reg- 
ular; determined; firm; formal; ob- 


stinate; immovable: n. the act of 
setting; direction; number of per- 
sons associated together; clique; 
number of things of the same kind 
intended for use together; a young 
plant for growth ; number of persons 
necessary to execute a quadrille; 
descent below the horizon ; flow ; per- 
manent twist; in lawn tennis, a 
series of as many games as will en- 
able one side to win six. 

settee (se-te'), n. a long seat with a 
back for several persons; a Medi- 
terranean single-decked vessel with 
a very long, sharp prow, and lateen 
sails. 

setter (set'er), n. one who, or that 
which, sets; a species of hunting- 
dog. 

setting (set'ing), n. the act of one who, 
or that which, sets; direction of a 
current of wind; that which sets or 
holds, as the mounting of a jewel; 
hardening. 

settle (set'l), v.t. to place or set in a 
fixed State; establish; cause to sink 
or subdue; free from uncertainty; 
compose; fix by a legal act; liqui- 
date; pay; clear of dregs; make 
pure or clear; colonize: v.i. to be- 
come fixed, stationary, or perma- 
nent; descend or stop; grow calm 
or clear; sink to the bottom, or by 
its own weight; cease from agita- 
tion; adjust differences or accounts; 
marry and establish a home. 

settle (set'l), n. an old-fashioned bench 
wrfh a back. 

settlement (set'1-ment), n. the act or 
state of being settled ; establishment 
in life, business, condition; jointure 
granted to a wife; liquidation, pay- 
ment, or adjustment; subsidence; a 
colony newly settled ; legal residence. 

settler (set'ler), n. a colonist; some- 
thing that finally settles or decides a 
contest. 

seven (sev'n), n. the sum of six and 
one; the symbol representing seven 
units: adj. consisting of one more 
than six. 

sevenfold (sev'n-fold), adv. seven 
times as much. 

seventeen (sev'n-ten), adj. one more 
than sixteen. 

seventeenth (sev'n-tenth), adj. noting 
the next after the sixteenth. 


ate, arm, at, awl : me. merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not : boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


SEVENTH 


461 


SHADING 


seventh (sev'nth), adj. next in order 
after the sixth: n. one next in order 
after the sixth; one of seven equal 
parts; the interval of five tones and 
a semi- tone. 

seventieth (sev'n-ti-eth), adj. next in 
order after the sixty-ninth: n. one 
of seventy equal parts. 

seventy (sev'n-ti), n. [pi. seventies 
(sev'n-tiz)], the sum of ten times 
seven; the symbol representing sev- 
enty units. 

sever (sev'er), v.t. to divide or sep- 
arate with violence; cut open or 
through; keep distinct or apart: 
v.i. to make a separation or dis- 
tinction; be rent asunder; part; dis- 
tinguish. 

several (sev'er : al), adj. distinct; sepa- 
rate; consisting of a number more 
than two, but not many; different; 
various. 

severalty (sev'er-al-ti), n. a state of 
separation from the rest, or from all 
otners. 

severance (sev'er-ans) , n. the act of 
severing; the state of being severed; 
separation; partition. 

severe (se-ver'), adj. strictly adher- 
ing to rule; strict; austere; rigid; 
harsh; grave; serious; inclement; in- 
flexible; painful; critical. [Latin.] 

severity (se-ver 'i-ti), n. [pi. severities 
(se-ver'i-tiz)], the quality of being 
severe; harshness; rigor; gravity; ex- 
actness; strictness; inclemency. 

sew (so), v.t. [p.t.& p.p. sewed or 
sewn, p.pr. sewing], to unite or 
fasten together with a needle and 
thread: v.i. to practice sewing. 

sewage (su'aj), n. the foul matter 
carriedoff by a sewer. 

sewer (su'er), n. a pipe or channel to 
carry off the used or surface water 
and foul matter of a town, &c; 
(so'er), one who sews. 

sewerage (su'er-aj), n. drainage by 
sewers; the system of sewers of a 
town, &Cv 

sex, a Latin prefix meaning six, as 
sexennial: adj. occurring once in, or 
lasting, six years. 

sex (seks), n. the physical distinction 
between male and female ; one of 
the two divisions of animals and 
plants, based on such distinction; 
women in general (with the) . 


sexagenarian (seks-a-je-na/ri-an) , n. 
one who is sixty years old. 

sexagesimal (seks-a-jes'i-mal), adj. 
pertaining to, or based on, the num- 
ber 60. 

sex-hygiene (seks'hi-jen'), n. educa- 
tional and other measures for main- 
taining mental and physical health in 
relation to sex. 

sexless (seks'les), adj. having no sex; 
neuter. 

sextant (seks'tant), n. the sixth part of 
a circle; an instrument for measur- 
ing angular distances between ob- 
jects, used especially at sea for de- 
termining latitude and longitude. 

sextet, sextette (seks-tef), n. a band 
of six singers or players. 

sextile (seks'til), adj. noting the as- 
pect or position of two planets when 
distant from each other 60°. 

sexton (seks'tun), n. an inferior official 
of a church whose duty it is to at- 
tend to burials, the church, &c. 
Fern, sextoness. 

sextuple (seks'tu-pl), adj. sixfold. 

sexual (seks'u-al), adj. pertaining to, 
characteristic of, based on, or dis- 
tinguishing, sex; pertaining to the 
organs of generation. 

sexuality (seks-Q-al'i-ti) , n. the state 
or quality of being distinguished by 
sex. 

shabhiness (shab'i-nes), n. the state 
or quality of being shabby. 

shabby (shab'i)^ adj. [comp. shabbier, 
superl. shabbiest], threadbare or 
worn, as clothes; mean in appear- 
ance or conduct; despicable. 

shackle (shak'l), n. anything that 
confines the hands or legs or ob- 
structs free action, as gyves ; fetters ; 
handcuffs; the bar of a padlock: 
v.t. to fetter; embarrass or hinder; 
unite or fasten with a shackle. 

shad (shad), n. an anadromous fish, 
valued as food. 

shade (shad), n. comparative ob- 
scurity caused by the interception 
of the rays of light; darkness; a 
shady place; gradation of light; 
screen or cover ; the soul after death : 
pi. wine vaults: v.i. to screen from 
light or heat; shelter; paint in ob- 
scure colors; mark with gradation of 
light or color. 

shading (shad'ing), n. the act of mak- 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


SHADOW 


462 


SHAPE 


ing a shade; representation of light 
and shade. 

shadow (shad'o), n. shade within de- 
fined limits; shade or deprivation of 
light representing on a surface the 
forms of the body which intercepts 
the rays of light; dark part of a pic- 
ture; obscurity or darkness; protec- 
tion or security ; reflected image ; 
faint representation ; inseparable 
companion; small degree; a detect- 
ive: v.t. to shade; darken or cloud; 
conceal or screen; represent typi- 
cally; attend closely as a shadow; 
follow and watch closely, as a de- 
tective. 

shadowing (shad'o-ing), n. shading. 

shadowy (shad'o-i), adj. full of, or 
causing, shade or shadows; sheltered 
from light or heat ; dim ; unreal ; typi- 
cal. 

shady (shad'i), adj. [comp. shadier, 
superl. shadiest], abounding in, or 
causing, shade; sheltered from the 
glare of light or heat; pertaining to 
darkness; dubious; equivocal. 

shaft (shaft), n. an arrow; anything 
resembling an arrow; the long nar- 
row entrance to a mine; carriage- 
pole; handle; part of a chimney; 
body of a column between the base 
and the capital. 

shafting (shaft'ing), n. a system of 
shafts for transmitting power. 

shag (shag), n. a kind of tobacco; 
rough, woolly hair; a bushy mass. 

shaggy (shag'i), adj. rough with long 
hair or wool; rough; rugged. 

shah (sha), n. the sovereign of Persia. 

shake (shak), v.t. [p.t. shook, p.p. 
shaken, p.pr. shaking], to cause to 
shiver; move with a quick, short 
motion; agitate; make afraid; give 
a tremulous note; to vibrate: v.i. 
to tremble or quake. 

shakedown (shak'doun), n. a tem- 
porary bed._ 

shaken (shak'n), p. adj. agitated; 
cracked or split. 

Shakespearean (shak-sper'e-an) , adj. 
pertaining to, resembling, or char- 
acteristic of, Shakespeare or his 
works. Also Shakespearian, Shak- 
spearian. 

shako (shak'o) , n. a kind of military cap. 

shale (shal), n. a husk; a laminated 
argillaceous rock. 


shall (shal), v.i. & auxil. [p. t. should 
(shood)], to be under obligation: 
used in the future tense of the verb. 

shallop (shal'op), n. a schooner-rigged 
two-masted boat; a small boat or 
canoe. 

shallow (shal'5), adj. having little 
depth; not profound; superficial; 
trifling; a flat place where the water 
is not deep; shoal: v.i. to become 
shallow. 

sham (sham), n. a trick, fraud, or 
make-believe ; imposture ; counter- 
feit: adj. feigned; false; unreal: v.i. 
[p.t. & p.p. shammed, p.pr. sham- 
ming], to make false pretenses: v.t. 
to make a pretense of in order to de- 
ceive. 

shamble (sham'bl), v.i. to walk 
awkwardly and unsteadily; shuffle: 
n.pl. a slaughter-house; meat-mar- 
ket, 

shame (sham), n. a painful sensation 
caused by the sense of guilt, im- 
propriety, or dishonor; that which 
causes shame; reproach incurred or 
suffered; modesty or decorum: v.t. 
to make ashamed; cause to blush; 
cover with disgrace. 

shameful (sham'fool), adj. causing 

shame; disgraceful; indecent- 
shameless (sham'les), adj. devoid of 
shame; indifferent to disgrace. 

shampoo (sham-poo'), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. 
shampooed, p.pr. shampooing], to 
rub and press (the limbs and joints) 
after a hot bath; to cleanse and rub 
(the head) with soap, &c: n. the act 
of shampooing. 

shamrock (sham'rok), n. a trefoil 
clover plant: the Irish national em- 
blem. 

shanghai (shang'hi), a well-known 
brand of large domestic fowls, with 
feathers on their legs: v.t. to drug a 
sailor or otherwise make him insensi- 
ble, and then to ship him as one of a 
crew that lacks men. [From Shang- 
hai, China.] 

shank (shangk), n. the leg from the 
knee to the ankle; long part of any 
instrument ; body of a type. 

shanty (shan'ti), n. a rude hut. 

shape (shap), n. the form or figure 
of a thing; external appearance; pat- 
tern: v.t. to make into a particular 
form; fashion; regulate; conceive. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


SHAPELESS 


463 


SHELTER 


shapeless (shap'les), adj. without 
shape; ill-formed. 

shapeliness (shap/li-nes), n. the state 
or quality of being shapely. 

shapely (shap'li), adj. well-formed; 
symmetrical; comely. 

shard (shard), n. a potsherd. 

share (shar), n. a portion or part; 
part allotted or belonging to one; 
dividend; plowshare: v.t. to part 
among two or more; divide; take or 
possess in common; partake of or 
use with others: v.i. to have a share 
or part. 

shark (shark), n. a large voracious 
fish with sharp teeth; a rapacious, 
artful man-eater. 

sharp (sharp) , adj. having a very thin 
edge or fine point ; terminating in an 
edge or point; very thin; peaked or 
ridged; keen; severe; acute; subtle: 
n. a character (#) in music which 
raises a note a semitone. 

sharpen (sharp 'en), v.t. to make sharp 
or sharper ; give edge or point to ; make 
more acute: v.i. to become sharp; 
play tricks in bargaining. 

sharper (sharp'er), n. a cheat; swind- 
ler. Also sharp, as a card-sharp. 

shatter (shat'er), v.t. to break into 
many pieces at once; crack or rend; 
overthrow; dissipate: n.pl. broken 
fragments. 

shave (shav), v.t. to cut or pare off 
with a razor or § other sharp-edged 
instrument; cut in thin slices; skim 
along or near the surface of; plun- 
der or fleece: v.i. to use the razor 
in removing hair: n. a thin slice; 
the operation of shaving; an in- 
strument for shaving hoops, &c. 

shaving (shav'ing), n. the act of one 
who shaves ; a thin slice pared off. 

shawl (shawl), n. a square cloth of 
various materials used as a loose 
outer covering for the shoulders, 
&c: v.t. to cover or wrap with a 
shawl. 

sheaf (shef), n. [pi. sheaves (shevz)], 
a quantity of grain bound together; 
a bundle; number of arrows sufficient 
to fill a quiver: v.t. to gather or bind 
into sheaves. 

Shear (sher), v.t. [p.t. sheared, p.p. 
sheared or shorn, p.pr. shearing], to 
cut or clip, especially with shears; 
reap: v.i. to use shears: n.pl. a cut- 


ting instrument operating like scis- 
sors, but larger; an apparatus for 
raising heavy weights. 

sheath (sheth), n. a scabbard; any 
sheath-like covering. 

sheathe (sheth), v.t. to put into a 
sheath or scabbard; case with a pro- 
tecting covering. 

sheave (shev), n. a grooved wheel in a 
block or pulley over which the rope 
runs. 

shed (shed), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. shed, p.pr. 
shedding], to pour out or diffuse; 
cause to flow out; emit: v.i. to let 
fall or cast off seed: n. a slight build- 
ing. 

sheen (shen), n. a brightness; splen- 
dor: adj. bright, glittering. Also 
sheeny: v.i. to shine or glisten. 

sheep (shep),n., s. & pi. any ruminant 
animal of the genus Ovis, valued for 
its wool and flesh; a foolish, bash- 
ful fellow: pi. God's people, as be- 
ing under the care of the Good Shep- 
herd, Jesus Christ. 

sheepish (shep'ish), adj. awkward, 
clumsy, shy. 

sheer (sher), adj. pure; unmixed; very- 
thin or transparent; precipitous: v.i. 
to deviate from the proper course. 

sheet (shet), n. a large thin slice of 
anything; broad piece of linen to 
cover a bed; broad piece of paper; 
letter; newspaper; broad expanse 
or surface; rope attached to a sail 
to extend it; open space in the bow 
or stern of a boat. 

sheik (shek or shak), n. the head of 
a Bedouin family, tribe, or clan. 
[Arabic] 

shekel (shek'el), n. an ancient Jew- 
ish coin or weight: pi. money. 

shelf (shelf), n. [pi. shelves (shelvz)], 
a flat ledge or board for holding 
anything; a sandbank or flat pro- 
jecting ledge of rock. 

shell (shel), n. a hard outside cover- 
ing; any framework; rough kind of 
coffin; a hollow projectile; lightly 
constructed boat: v.t. to strip off or 
remove the shell of; take out of the 
shell; separate from the ear or cob; 
throw shells upon or into: v.i. to fall 
off, as a shell. 

shellac (shel-ak'), n. crude resin lac 
melted and formed into thin plates. 

shelter (shel'ter), n. that which pro- 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


SHELVE 


464 


SHOAL 


tects or shields; security; asylum; 
harbor; defense; protector: v.t. to 
protect or shield from injury or vio- 
lence; conceal: v.i. to take or give 
shelter. 

shelve (shelv), v.t. to place on a 
shelf; furnish with a shelf; dismiss 
from service, or postpone indefinite- 
ly: v.i. to incline gradually; slope. 

shelving (shelv'ing), n. materials for 
shelves ;_shelves collectively. 

Sheol (she'ol), n. among the Hebrews 
the place of departed spirits; Ha- 
des. 

shepherd (shep'erd), n. one who tends 
sneep; a pastor. Fern, shepherdess: 
v.t. to tend as a shepherd. 

sherbet (sher'bet), n. a cooling bev- 
erage of water and fruit juices sweet- 
ened, &c. 

sheriff (sher'if), n. the chief executive 
officer of a shire (in England) or 
county. 

sheriffalty (sher'if-al-ti), n. the office 
or jurisdiction of a sheriff. Better, 
shrievalty. 

sherry (sher'i), n. a dry amber-colored 
wine, originally obtained from Xeres, 
Spain. 

shew, same as show. [Archaic] 

shibboleth (shib'o-letn), n. a word 
which was made the criterion to dis- 
tinguish the Ephraimites from the 
Gileadites, the former not being 
able to pronounce sh (Judges xii.): 
hence the criterion of a party. 

shield (sheld), n. a, broad piece of de- 
fensive armor, carried on the left 
arm; defense or protection; an es- 
cutcheon: v.t. to protect with, or 
as with, a shield; ward off or avert. 

shift (shift), n. a turning from one 
thing to another; change; substitu- 
tion; chemise: v.t. to change the 
place of; dress in fresh clothes : v.i. 
resort to expedients; to alter or 
change. 

shiftless (shift'les), adj. destitute of 
expedients; having no means of live- 
lihood; lazy; improvident. 

shifty (shift 'i), adj. full of expedients; 
changeable. 

shillalah (shil-la/la), n. an oaken cud- 
gel. Also shillelah, shillelagh. [Irish.] 

shilling (shiring), n. a British silver 
coin, valued at about 24 cents. 

shilly-shally (shiri-shal'i) , adv. in an 


irresolute, undecided manner: v.i. to 
hesitate; act irresolutely. 

shimmer (shim'er), v.t. to shine un- 
steadily or tremulously; flicker: n. 
a tremulous gleam; flicker. 

shin (shin), n. the forepart of the leg 
between the ankle and knee; shank: 
v.i. to climb a tree, &c, by means of 
the hands and legs. 

shindy (shin'di), n. an uproar; spree; 
fancy. 

shine (shin), v.i. [p.t. & p.p. shone, 
v.pr. shining], to emit rays of light; 
be bright or beautiful; be distin- 
guished, eminent, or conspicuous: 
v.t. to cause to shine by reflected 
light: n. sunshine; bright weather; 
row ; prank ; fancy for a person. 

shingle (shing'gl), n. a thin piece of 
wood used for roofing ; coarse, round, 
water-worn gravel: pi. a cutaneous 
disease which spreads round the 
body like a belt : v.t. to cover or roof 
with shingles. 

shining (shln'ing) , adj. emitting light ; 
radiant; eminent; distinguished. 

ship, a suffix meaning office, state, dig- 
nity, art, or skill, as lordship, horse- 
manship. 

ship (ship), n. any large vessel for 
the conveyance of passengers or 
merchandise, especially one with 
three masts and square-rigged: v.t. 
[p.t. & p.p. shipped, p.pr. shipping], 
to place on board a ship; carry by 
water; put in its place or proper 
position: v.i. engage for service on 
board ship. 

shipboard (ship'bord), n. the deck of a 
ship. 

shipshape (ship'shap), adj. in good 
order: adv. neatly. 

shirk (sherk), v.t. to avoid; get off; 
slink away from. 

shirt (shert), n. an undergarment. 

shirting (shert'ing), n. material for 
making shirts. 

shirtwaist (shert'wast), n. a woman's 
overgarment or blouse. 

shivaree (shiv-a-re') , n. a mock sere- 
nade, especially to a bride and groom 
(from the Low Latin, charivarium) . 

shiver (shiv'er), v.i. to tremble; to 
quiver as from cold or fear. 

shoal (shol), n. a large number of fish 
swimming together; a sand-bank; a 
shallow. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; n5te, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


SHOCKING 


465 


SHOW 


shocking (shok'ing), adj. causing to 
shake or tremble; extremely offen- 
sive or disgusting. 

shod, p.t. of shoe. 

shoddy (shod'i), n. the wool of old 
woolen fabrics torn to pieces and 
remade with an admixture of fresh 
wool into new cloth: adj. made of 
shoddy; not genuine; sham. 

shoe (shoo), n. [pi. shoes' (shooz)], a 
low covering for the foot, usually of 
leather; a horseshoe; anything in the 
shape of a shoe: v.t. [p.t. & p.p. shod, 
p.pr. shoeing], to furnish with a shoe 
or shoes; tip. 

shone (,shon), p.t. & p.p. of shine. 

shook (shook), p.t. of shake: n. a set 
of staves and headings for a cask 
ready to be set up ; set of boards for 
a sugar-box: v.t. to pack in 
shoots. 

shoot (shoot), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. shot, 
p.pr. shooting], to let fly or dis- 
charge with a sudden force, as a 
bullet, &c; strike with a shot; hurl; 
emit; kill game in or over: v.i. to 
protrude or project; be shot or pro- 
pelled forcibly; rush along ; sprout; 
be affected with darting pains: n. a 
young branch or growth; chute. 

shooting (shSot'ing), n. the act of one 
who shoots; wounding and killing 
with a firearm; sensation of darting 
pain: adj. pertaining to, or suitable 
for, shooting. 

shop (shop), n. a building where goods 
are sold by retail; place where me- 
chanics carry on their trade: v.i. 
[p.t. & p.p. shopped, p.pr. shopping], 
to visit shops to purchase goods. 

shore (shdr), n. the coast or land ad- 
jacent to the sea, &c; a prop or sup- 
port: v.t. to support by a shore or 
shores. 

shoring (shor'ing), n. the act of sup- 
porting or strengthening by a shore; 
props collectively. 

shorn (shorn), p.t. of shear. 

short (short), adj. [comp. shorter, su- 
perl. shortest], not long either in 
space or time; near at hand, inad- 
equate; defective; deficient; not te- 
nacious ; abrupt ; petulant ; brief ; brit- 
tle; crumbling in the mouth; not 
prolonged in sound: pi. ground grain 
sifted finer than bran: adv. abruptly; 
quickly. 


shortage (short 'aj), n. a deficiency in 
an account. 

short-circuit (short-ser'kit), v.i. to 
break off an electrical current so that 
it does not complete its entire course: 
v.t. to short-circuit is to kill by sud- 
denly breaking the electrical current 
when some one may be in contact 
with the wire: n. a broken electric 
current . 

shortcoming (short-kum'ing), n. a 
deficiency; a remissness in any duty. 

shorten (short'n), v.t. to make short 
or shorter in time, extent, or meas- 
ure. 

shorthand (short'hand), n. a system 
of writing by abbreviated symbols. 

shortly (short 'li), adv. soon; quickly; 
curtly. 

short-sighted (short-sit 'ed), adj. the 
same as near-sighted; myopia. 

shot (shot), n.\pl. shots and shot], the 
act of shooting; discharge of a fire- 
arm, &c; missile, especially a bul- 
let or ball; small balls of lead for 
killing game ; a marksman ; range of 
a missile :,v.t. to load with shot: p. adj. 
intoxicated. 

should (shood), p.t. of shall. 

shoulder (shol'der), n. the articula- 
tion connecting the human arm, or 
the foreleg of a quadruped, to the 
body; that which resembles a shoul- 
der; a prominence; support: pi. the 
upper part of the back: v.t. to take 
upon the shoulder; assume the re- 
sponsibility of; jostle or thrust 
about with the shoulder. 

shout (shout), n. sl loud and sudden 
cry or outburst of joy, triumph, en- 
couragement, &c: v.i. to utter a 
loud and sudden cry: v.t. to utter 
with a shout. 

shove (shuv), n. a forcible push: v.t. 
to push along; drive before one: v.i. 
to push forward or off. 

shovel (shuv'l), n. an implement with 
a broad scoop and a handle for lift- 
ing and throwing coal, &c: v.t. to 
take and throw up with a shovel; 
gather up with, or as with, a shovel. 

show (sho), v.t. [p.t. showed, p.p. 
shown, p.pr. showing], to present to 
view; display; disclose; make clear; 
guide; direct; teach; confer or be- 
stow: v.i. to appear; manifest one's 
self: n. the act of showing; expos- 


ate, arm, at, aw 


me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


SHOWER 


466 


SHUTTLE 


ure to sight; ostentatious display; 
exhibition or spectacle; pretense. 

shower (shou'er), n. a fall of rain or 
hail of short duration; copious fall 
or supply of anything: v.t. to water 
copiously with rain; bestow liberal- 
ly: v.i. to rain in showers. 

showery (shou'er-i), adj. raining or 
abounding in showers. 

showy (sho'i), adj. ostentatious; gay. 

shrank, p.t. of shrink. 

shred (shred), n. a long narrow piece 
torn or cut off ; piece or fragment : 
v.t. to tear into small pieces. 

shrew (shroo), n. a scolding, vexa- 
tious woman; a small, insectivorous, 
burrowing animal, resembling a 
mouse. 

shrewd (shrood), adj. sharp-witted or 
clever in practical affairs; of nice 
discernment ; _sagacious ; sly ; • astute. 

shrewish (shroo'ish), adj. like a shrew. 

shriek (shrek), v.i. to utter a shriek: 
n. a sharp, shrill outcry. 

shrievalty (shrev'al-ti) , n. the office 
or jurisdiction of a sheriff. Also 
shrivalty. 

shrift (shrift), n. confession to a 
priest; absolution. 

shrill (shril), adj. sharp and pierc- 
ing in tone: v.i. to utter an acute, 
piercing sound. 

shrimp (shrimp), n. a small shell- 
fish allied to the lobster; anything 
very small of its kind; a dwarf. 

shrine (shrin), n. a case or recepta- 
cle in which sacred relics are de- 
posited; any sacred place or hal- 
lowed object; an altar: v.t. to place 
in a shrine. 

shrink (shringk), v.i. [p.t. shrank, p.p. 
shrunk, p.pr. shrinking], to contract 
spontaneously ; become wrinkled ; 
withdraw; recoil: v.t. to cause to con- 
tract: n. contraction; withdrawal. 

shrinkage (shringk'aj), n. the act of 
shrinking; contraction; decrease in 
value. 

shrive (shrlv), v.t. [p.t. shrived or 
shrove, p.p. shriven, p.pr. shriving], 
to confess and absolve: v.i. to receive 
confession. 

shrivel (shriv'l), v.i. to be drawn into 
wrinkles; contract: v.t. to cause to 
contract into wrinkles. 

shroud (shroud), n. a winding sheet 
or covering for the dead; anything 


that covers or conceals: pi. a set of 
large ropes supporting the masts: 
v.t. to cover with, or as with, a 
shroud; conceal. 

shrove (shrov), p.t. of shrive. 

Shrove Tuesday (tuz'da), n. the 
Tuesday next before Ash Wednesday. 

shrub (shrub), n. a woody plant of 
less size than a tree; a kind of 
beverage of lemon juice, spirit, 
&c. 

shrubbery (shrub 'er-i), n. [pi. shrub- 
beries (shrub'er-iz)], a collection of 
shrubs; plantation of shrubs. 

shrug (shrug), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. shrugged, 
p.pr. shrugging], to contract or draw 
up (the shoulders) to express doubt, 
contempt, dislike, &c: v.i. to raise 
the shoulders: n. a raising or con- 
tracting of the shoulders. 

shrunk (shrungk), p.t. & p.p. of 
shrink. 

shrunken (shrungk'en) , p.adj. shriv- 
eled up. 

shuck (shuck), n. a shell or husk: v.t. 
to deprive of shells or husks. 

shudder (shud'er), n. a trembling with 
fear or horror; cold shivering: v.i. to 
feel a cold tremor from fear or hor- 
ror; quake. 

shuffle (shuf'l), v.t. to push from one 
to another; change the relative po- 
sitions of: v.i. to change the order 
of cards in a pack; evade fair ques- 
tions; prevaricate; drag the feet in 
walking or dancing: n. the act of 
shuffling; artifice or evasion; slov- 
enly, irregular gait. 

shuffling (shuf'ling), adj^ moving with 
a slovenly, irregular gait; evasive. 

shun (shun), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. shunned, 
p.pr. shunning], to avoid; keep 
clear of; escape from; neglect; de- 
cline. 

shunt (shunt), v.t. to turn off, on, or 
as on, a side rail: v.i. to be turned 
aside: n. a turning off to a side rail; 
a short side-rail. [Briticism.] 

shut (shut), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. shut, p.pr. 
shutting], to close so as to prevent 
entrance or exit; prohibit or bar; 
exclude; close over: v.i. to become 
closed: adj. closed. 

shutter (shut'er), n. one who, or that 
which, shuts; a movable screen for 
a window. 

shuttle (shut'l), n. an instrument 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


SHUTTLECOCK 


467 


SIGNAL 


used in weaving; sliding thread- 
holder in a sewing machine. 

shuttlecock (shut'1-kok), n. a cork 
stuck with feathers and driven with a 
battledore. 

shy (shi), adj. [comp. shyer, superl. 
shyest], timid; shunning approach; 
cautious, reserved; suspicious; mod- 
est: v.i. to start aside from fear: 
v.t. to throw sidewise with a jerk; 
fling: n. the act of starting aside 
from fear; a side throw. 

shyness (shi'nes), n. the state of being 
shy. 

shyster (shis'ter), n. one who carries 
on legal business in a mean and 
tricky manner. 

si (se), the seventh note of the scale 
[Music]. 

sibilant (sib'i-lant), adj. making, or 
uttering, a hissing sound: n. a sibi- 
lant letter, as s, z. 

sibyl (sib'il), n. a woman endowed 
with a spirit of prophecy. 

sic (sik), adj. such [Scotch]: adv. thus 
[Latin]. 

sick (sik), adj. ill in health; affected 
with nausea; inclined to vomit; dis- 
gusted; indisposed; set apart for the 
sick. 

sicken (sik'n), v.i. to become sick; fall 
ill; be filled with disgust; decay or 
languish: v.t. to make sick; disgust. 

sickening (sik'n-ing) , adj. making sick; 
disgusting ; nauseating. 

sickle (sik'l), n. a reaping hook. 

sickly (sik'li), adj. ailing; weak; ha- 
bitually indisposed; producing dis- 
ease. 

sickness (sik'nes), n. the state of being 
sick or in bad health; illness; dis- 
eased condition. 

side (sid), n. one of the surfaces that 
define or limit a solid; edge; part 
of a man or an animal between the 
shoulder and hip; slope or declivity; 
party; position; line of descent; as- 
pect; affectation or self-assertion 
(Eng. slang); bias of a billiard ball: 
v.i. to embrace the cause or tenets of 
one party against another: v.t. to 
stand at the side of. 

sidelong (sld'long), adv. obliquely: adj. 
lateral. 

sidereal (si-de're-al) , adj. pertaining 
to the stars; astral; measured by the 
apparent motion of the stars. 


sidewalk (sld'wawk), n. a way for the 

use of pedestrians. 

siding (sld'ing), n. a railroad track by 
the side of the main track, for 
switching, &c: adj. taking sides. 

sidle (sid'l), v.i. to go or move side fore- 
most^ 

siege (sej), n. the surrounding and in- 
vesting of a place by an army to 
compel its surrender; continued 
effort to obtain possession; floor of 
a glass furnace: v.t. to besiege. 

sienna (si-en'a), n. red or brown clay 
obtained from Siena, Italy : used as a 
pigment. 

sierra (se-er'a), n. a chain of moun- 
tains with serrated ridges. 

siesta (se-es'ta), n. midday or after- 
dinner nap. [Spanish.] 

sieve (siv), n. a utensil for separating 
the finer from the coarser parts of a 
substance. 

sift (sift), v.t. to separate with, or as 
with, a sieve; scrutinize. 

sigh (si), v.i. to inhale and respire 
with a long, deep, and audible 
breathing; grieve; lament: v.t. to 
express by sighs ; mourn : n. the 
act of sighing. 

sight (sit), n. the act of seeing; per- 
ception: visibility; judgment; men- 
tal view; spectacle; view; space 
seen; a small piece of metal on a 
gun, &c, to guide the eye in aiming; 
large number or quantity: v.t. to 
see; adjust the sight of. 

sightless (sit'les), adj. blind; devoid 
of sight. 

sightliness (sit'li-nes), n. the state or 
quality of being sightly. 

sightly (sitli), adj. pleasing to the eye. 

sigmoid (sig'moid), adj. curved like 
the letter s. 

sign (sin), n. a mark, token, or sym- 
bol; that by which anything is 
known or represented; visible rep- 
resentation ; memorial ; indication ; 
the twelfth part_ of the zodiac; 
omen; wonder; signboard: v.t. to 
represent with a sign; signify; af- 
fix a signature to; ratify by writing 
one's own name; convey formally: 
v.i. to make a sign or signal. [Latin.] 

signal (sig'nal),_ n. a sign for giving 
notice, especially at a distance; 
something to attract the eye or ear: 
adj. memorable; distinguished; re- 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
30 hue, hut ; think, then. 


SIGNALIZE 


468 


SIMOUS 


markable; pertaining to signals: v.t. 
to convey by signals ; make signals to. 

signalize (sig'nal-iz), v.t. to make 
especially conspicuous. 

signature (sig'na-tur), n. name of a 
person written by himself; sign- 
manual; mark or stamp impressed; 
flats or sharps after the clef to in- 
dicate the key [Music]. 

signboard (sm'bord), n. a board 
placed conspicuously to call public 
attention to something advertised. 

signet (sig'net), n. a seal, especially 
that used by a sovereign in sealing 
documents under sign-manual. 

significance (sig-nif 'i-kans) , n. mean- 
ing or import; consequence. Also 
significancy. 

significant (sig-nif 'i-kant) , adj. de- 
signed or adapted to signify; ex- 
pressive or suggestive; important: 
n. a token or symbol. 

signify (sig'ni-fl), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. sig- 
nified, p.pr. signifying], to show by 
a sign, mark, or token; denote; 
make known; involve; manifest: 
v.i. to be of consequence. 

signor (sen'yor), n. sir [Italian]. Also 
signior. Fern, signora (sen-yor'a). 

signorina (sen-yor-e'na), n. Miss. 
[Italian.] 

silence (si'lens), # n. entire absence 
of sound; having no sound; taci- 
turnity; obscurity; oblivion: v.t. to 
make silent; reduce to silence by 
irrefutable arguments; cause to 
cease firing; restrain from the^ ex- 
ercise of any function, especially 
preaching. [Latin.] 

silent (si'lent), adj. noiseless; not 
speaking; not pronounced; taci- 
turn; quiet. 

silesia (si-le'shi-a), n. a kind of lin- 
en cloth. 

silex (si'leks), n. flint. 

silhouette (sil-oo-et') , n. the out- 
line or profile filled in with black: 
v.t. to represent by a silhouette. 

silica (sil'i-ka), n. silicon dioxide. 

silicate (sil'i-kat), n. a salt of silicic 
acid. 

silicic (si-lis'ik), adj. pertaining to, 
derived from, compounded with, or 
like, silica. 

silicon (sfii-kon), n. a non-metallic 
element. [Greek.] 

silk (silk), n. a fine, soft, tenacious 


thread spun by certain caterpillars, 
as that of Bombyx mori; cloth made 
of silk; garment made of silk: adj. 
pertaining to, or made of, silk. 

silky (silk'i), adj. pertaining to, made 
of, or resembling, silk; silken. 

sill (sil), n. the foundation of any- 
thing in timber or stone, especially 
a timber at the bottom of a door or 
_ window ; a young herring. 

silly (sil'i), adj. [comp. sillier, superl. 
silliest], weak in intellect; foolish; 
indiscreet. 

silt (silt), n. mud or sand deposited 
by running or standing water: v.t. 
to fill up or obstruct with silt: v.i. 
to percolate. 

Silurian (si-lu'ri-an), adj. pertaining 
to a division of the Paleozoic era, 
sometimes called the era of inverte- 
brates^ 

silver (sil'ver), n. a soft, white, me- 
tallic element, used for coins and 
articles of plate, &c; money, any- 
thing resembling silver in brightness 
or color: adj. pertaining to, or made 
of, silver; soft and clear, as the 
voice; gentle: v.t. to cover or coat 
with silver. 

silvery (siTver-i), adj. covered with, 
containing, or like, silver; soft and 
clear; bright. 

simian (sim'i-an), adj. pertaining to, 
characteristic of, or like an ape: n. 
an ape or monkey. 

similar (sim'i-lar), adj. having a gen- 
eral likeness or correspondence; 
alike. 

similarity (sim-i-lar'i-ti), n. resem- 
blance. 

simile (sim'i-le), n. [pi. similies (sim'- 
i-lez)], a likening by comparison to 
illustrate something. 

simmer (sim'er), v.t. & v.i. to boil 
gently. 

simony (sim'o-ni), n. the act or 
crime of buying or selling ecclesias- 
tical preferment; corrupt presenta- 
tion of any one to a benefice: from 
Simon Magus,_ Acts viii., 18. 

simoom (si-moom'), n. a hot, dry, 
suffocating wind which blows from 
the deserts of Arabia, &c, laden 
with minute particles of sand. Also 
simoon. [Arabic] 

simous (si'mus), adj. having a flat 
or snub nose. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, fften. 


SIMPER 


SINNER 


simper (sim'per), v.i. to smile in an 
affected or silly manner: n. affected 
or silly smile. 

simple (siru'pl), adj. [comp. sim- 
pler, superl. simplest], single, not 
complex; undivided; not blended or 
compounded; pure; plain; un- 
adorned; sincere; natural; unaf- 
fected; intelligible; clear; weak in 
intellect; humble; plain: n. some- 
thing unmixed or not compounded; 
a medicinal herb. [Lexicon.] 

simpleton (sim'pl-tun), n. one who is 
foolish or of weak intellect. 

simplicity (sim-plis'i-ti), n. the state or 
quality of being simple; artlessness 
of mind; freedom from duplicity; 
absence of excessive or artificial or- 
nament; clearness: innocence; folly. 

simplify (sim'pli-fl), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. 
simplified, p.pr. simplifying], to make 
simple; render less complex; make 
plain or easy. 

simply (sim'pli), adv. in a simple man- 
ner; without addition; only; mere- 
ly; foolishly or weakly. 

simulacrum (sim-u-la/krum), n. an 
effigy; image; likeness; ghost. [Latin.] 

simulate (sim'u-lat), v.t. to pretend or 
counterfeit; assume the likeness of. 

simultaneous (sim-ul-ta'ne-us) , adj. 
happening, done, or existing at the 
same time. 

sin (sin), n. wilful transgression of 
the Divine law; neglect of the laws 
of morality and religion; violation 
of propriety; transgression; iniquity: 
v.i. [p.t. & p.p. sinned, p.pr. sin- 
ning], to commit sin; transgress or 
offend. 

since (sins), adv. from that time; be- 
fore this or now: prep, from the time 
of; after: conj. because; seeing that; 
considering. 

sincere (sin-ser'), adj. true; honest; 
not falsely assumed; genuine; frank; 
upright; pure; adulterated. 

sincerity (sin-ser'i-ti) , n. the state or 
quality of being sincere; freedom 
from hypocrisy or pretense. Also 
sincereness. 

sine (sin), n. a straight line drawn 
from one extremity of the arc of a 
circle perpendicular to the diameter 
passing through the other extremity : 
a prejix meaning without, as sinecure 
(sin'e-kur), any office or position for 


which pay is received without an 
equivalent in work rendered. 

sinecure (sin'e-kur), n. an office or 
position with an income attached to 
it but no necessary work. [Latin.] 

sinew (sin'u), n. a tendon; anything 
supplying strength. 

sinewy (sin'u-i), adj. pertaining to, 
consisting of, or like, sinew; vigor- 
ous; tough. 

sinful (sin'fool), adj. full of sin; 
wicked; impious; unholy. 

sing (sing), v.i. [p.t. sung, sang, p.p. 
sung, p.pr. singing], to utter melo- 
dious sounds; make a shrill or hum- 
ming noise; celebrate in verse or 
poetry; cry out: v.t. to celebrate in 
_ song; chant. 

singe (sinj), v.t. to burn slightly or 
u on the surface: n. a slight burn. 

single (sing'gl), adj. consisting of one 
only; alone; separate; unmarried; 
performed by one person or one on 
each side; straightforward; sincere; 
honest: v.t. to select (one person or 
thing) from others; separate: n. a 
unit : pi. reeled and twisted filaments 
of silk; in lawn tennis, a game with 
only one player on each side. 

singly (sing'gli), adv. individually; par- 
ticularly. 

singsong (sing'song), n. bad singing 
or poetry; monotonous or drawling 
tone: adj. monotonous. 

singular (sing'gu-lar) , adj. not com- 
plex or compound ; alone ; noting one 
person or thing; uncommon; unus- 
ual; strange; extraordinary; emi- 
nent; peculiar; odd; unique: n. in 
Grammar, the number denoting one 
person or thing. 

sinister (sin'is-ter), adj. inauspicious; 
unlucky; evil; ill-omened; corrupt; 
dishonest; on the left hand or 
side. 

sink (singk), v.i. [p.t. sunk, sank, p.p. 
sunk, sunken, p.pr. sinking], to fall 
or go downwards; fall to the bot- 
tom; descend lower and lower; de- 
cline gradually; enter deeply; sub- 
side: v.t. to cause to sink; make by 
digging; lower in value or amount; 
reduce or extinguish by payment: 
n. a drain to carry off dirty or su- 
perfluous water. 

sinless (sin'les), adj. free from sin. 

sinner (sin'er), n. one who sins; an 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


SINUATE 


470 


SIZZLE 


offender; transgressor ; one who is un- 
regenerate. 

sinuate (sin'u-at), adj. having the 
margin alternately curved inward 
and outward. 

sinuous (sin'u-us), adj. bending in and 
out; winding; crooked. 

Sioux (su), n.pl. a tribe of Indians 
whose racial home is in the two 
Dakotas. 

sip (sip), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. sipped, p.pr. 
sipping], to imbibe in small quan- 
tities; drink out of; draw into the 
mouth; taste: v.i. to drink a small 
quantity; take a fluid with the lips: 
n. the act of sipping; taste. 

siphon (si'fon), n. a bent pipe or 
tube having one end longer than the 
other, used for drawing off liquids 
from a higher to a lower level; the 
respiratory tube of a mollusk; a 
siphon bottle: v.t. to convey or draw 
off by a siphon. Also syphon. 
[Latin.] 

Sir (ser), n. the title of a baronet or 
knight; a term of respect. [French.] 

sire (sir), n. a title of respect used 
in addressing the sovereign; father; 
head of a family; male of beasts: 
v.t. to procreate. [French.] 

siren (si ren) , n. one of certain fabulous 
nymphs in Southern Italy said to 
have sung with such sweetness that 
mariners were irresistibly lured to 
their destruction; hence a woman 
dangerous from her fascinating, en- 
ticing wiles; a foghorn, a South 
American eel-like amphibian: adj. 
pertaining to, characteristic of, or 
like, a siren; bewitching. [Greek.] 

sirene (si-ren'), n. an instrument for 
ascertaining the number of vibra- 
tions per second corresponding to a 
note of given pitch. 

Sirius (sir'i-us), n. the dog-star. 

sirloin (ser'loin), n. the loin, or upper 
part of the loin, of beef. 

sirocco (si-rok'o), n. [pi. siroccos (si- 
rok'oz)], a hot, relaxing wind, from 
the Libyan deserts. 

sirrah (sir'a), n. a term of reproach 
or contempt. [French.] 

siss (sis), n. a hissing noise: v.i. to 
make a hissing noise. 

sister (sis'ter), n. a female born of 
the same parents as another person; 
a female fellow-Christian; a female 


of the same religious society, order, 
or community; nun; one of the same 
kind or condition. 

sit, v.i. [p.t. & p.p. sat, p.pr. sitting], 
to rest on the lower part of the 
trunk of the body ; perch ; rest or lie ; 
repose on a seat; press or weigh; 
occupy a seat officially; be officially 
engaged; incubate; hold a session: 
v.t. to sit upon; snub. 

site (sit), n. local position or situa- 
tion; ground-plot. 

sitting (sit'ing), adj. resting on the 
haunches; perching; incubating: n. 
the state, posture, or act of one who 
sits; a seat in a church, &c; a ses- 
sion; time during which one sits; 
set of eggs for incubation. 

situated (sit'ii-a-ted), adj. having a 
position; placed with respect to any 
other object. 

situation (sit-u-a/shun) , n. position; 
locality; circumstances; office; em- 
ployment. 

six (siks), adj. one more than five: n. 
the number greater by one than five; 
the symbol representing 6 units. 

sixfold (siks 'fold), adj. six times as 
many or as much. 

sixpence (siks'pens), n. a small Brit- 
ish silver coin, value six pennies, or 
12M cents. 

sixpenny (siks'pen-i) , adj. worth six- 
pence. 

sixscore (siks'skor), n. & adj. six times 
twenty. 

sixteen (siks'ten), adj. fifteen and one 
more. 

sixteenmo (siks'ten-mo), n. sexto- 
decimo. 

sixteenth (siks'tenth), adj. next in or- 
der after the fifteenth. 

sixth (siksth), adj. first after the 
fifth. 

sixtieth (siks'ti-eth), adj. next in or- 
der after the fifty-ninth. 

sixty (siks'ti), n. [pi. sixties (siks'tiz)], 
the product of six and ten: adj. ten 
times six. 

sizable (siz'a-bl), adj. of considerable 
or suitable size. 

size (siz), n. a kind of thin, weak 
glue; magnitude or bulk: v.t. to pre- 
pare or cover with size; adjust or 
arrange according to size or bulk; 
separate by means of a sieve. 

sizzle (siz'l), v.i. to make a hissing 


ate, arm, at, awl; me, merge, met; mite, mit ; note, north, not; boon, book; 
hue, hut; think, then. 


SKATE 


471 


SKIT 


sound; to suffer from heat: n. a 
hissing sound. 

skate (skat), n. a kind of flat fish of 
the ray family; a metallic runner 
fitted in a frame for fastening to the 
boot to slide over ice: v.i. to slide on 
skates; an old and worn out horse; 
a term of reproach or dislike as 
"a cheap skate." [Slang.] 

skedaddle (ske-dad'l), v.i. to run 
away, especially in terror. 

skein (skan), n. a quantity of thread, 
silk, &c, coiled together. 

skeleton (skel'e-tun), n. the bones 
of an animal separated from the 
flesh; framework of anything; out- 
line; a secret annoyance; very thin 
person. 

skeptic (skep'tik), n. one who doubts 
the truth of any doctrine or system ; 
one who doubts the existence of God 
or revelation; an adherent of philo- 
sophical skepticism. [Greek.] 

skeptical (skep'ti-kal), adj. pertain- 
ing to, or characteristic of, a skeptic; 
characterized by skepticism; doubt- 
ing the existence of God or Divine 
revelation. 

skepticism (skep'ti-sizm), n. incredu- 
lity; doubt; the doctrine that no 
facts can be known with _ certainty 
beyond the range of experience; un- 
belief in any particular doctrine or 
system. 

sketch (skech), n. an outline; first 
rough draft; preliminary study :v.t. 
to draw the outline or give principal 
features of; make a sketch of: v.i. 
to make sketches. 

sketchy (skech'i), adj. outlined; un- 
finished. 

skew (sku), adj. oblique; twisted: adv. 
obliquely. 

skewer (sku'er), n. a pin of wood or 
metal for securing meat, &c, in 
form when roasting: v.t. to fasten 
with, or as with, a skewer. 

ski (ske), n.pl. long narrow pieces of 
wood with one end curved in front, 
used as snow-shoes. Also skee. 
[Scandinavian.] 

skid (skid), n. a sliding wedge or 
drag to retard the motion of a ve- 
hicle by pressure against the wheel; 
a fender to protect the side of a 
ship: v.t. [p.t. & p.p. skidded, p.pr. 
skidding], to cause to move on, or 


protect with, a skid; retard by a 
skid: v.i. to slip along obliquely. 

skied (skid), p.t. & p.p. of sky. 

skiff (skif), n. a small light boat. 

skilful (skil'fool), adj. having, or 
displaying, skill; expert in any art 
or science; discriminating; clever; 
dexterous. 

skill (skil), n. expertness in any art 
or science; aptitude; power to dis- 
cern and execute. 

skilled (skil'd), adj. having the 
knowledge and ability which come 
from experience; possessing skill. 

skillet (skiret).n.asmallculinary vessel. 

skim (skim), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. skimmed, 
p.pr. skimming], to remove the scum 
from; brush the surface of lightly: 
v.i. to pass lightly over; read super- 
ficially. 

skimp (skimp), v.t. to do carelessly 
or superficially: v.i. to be parsimo- 
nious: adj. scanty. 

skin (skin), n. the external covering 
of an animal body; hide; bark or 
rind; anything resembling a skin: 
v.t. [p.t. & p.p. skinned, p.pr. skin- 
ning], to remove or strip the skin 
from; flay; fleece; cover with, or as 
with, skin; reduce to extremities by 
cheating, &c: v.i. to become covered 
over with skin. 

skinflint (skin'flint), n. a niggard. 

skinny (skin'i) , adj. consisting only of 
skin; very lean. 

skip (skip), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. skipped, 
p.pr. skipping], to leap lightly over; 
omit: v.i. to leap or bound lightly; 
pass over unnoticed: n. a light leap 
or bound; omission; a wicker basket. 

skipper (skip'er), n. one who, or that 
which, skips; the cheese maggot; 
the master of a merchant vessel; 
sea-captain. 

skirmish (sker'mish), n. a slight 
combat or irregular fight between 
two small parties; contest: v.i. to 
fight slightly or in small parties; 
fight irregularly. 

skirt (skert), n. the lower and loose 
part of a coat, dress, or other gar- 
ment; part below the waist; upper 
petticoat; midriff of animals; mar- 
gin or border: v.t. to cover with a 
skirt; border; run or pass along the 
edge of: v.i. to be on the border. 

skit (skit), n. brief satire; burlesque. 


.ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, n6rth, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


■ SKITTISH 


472 


SLAVERY 


skittish (skit'ish), adj. shy; easily 
frightened; volatile; vivacious; wan- 
ton. 

skittles (skit'lz), n. pi. ninepins. 

skulk (skulk), v.i. to withdraw into 
a corner for concealment; lurk; 
avoid work in a cowardly manner: 
n. a skulker; a number of foxes to- 
gether. 

skull (skul), n. th< bony case inclos- 
ing the brain of a vertebrate ani- 
mal. 

skunk (skungk), n. an American car- 
nivorous animal allied to the weasel, 
which emits a foetid secretion when 
pursued; a vile, contemptible fel- 
low: v.t. to defeat (an opponent) 
as at cards. 

sky (ski), n. [pi. skies (sklz)], the 
apparent vault of the heavens; re- 
gion of clouds surrounding the 
earth; climate or weather: v.t. [p.t. 
& p.p. skied, p.pr. skying], to raise 
in the air; hang very high. 

skylark (ski'lark), n. a species of lark 
that mounts high in the air and 
sings as it soars. 

skylarking (skl'lark-ing) , n. running 
about the rigging of a ship in sport; 
frolicking. 

skyscraper (ski'skra-per) , n. a lofty 
building; a triangular sail next 
above the royal. 

slab (slab), n. a flat piece of any- 
thing, especially marble or stone; a 
puddle; mire: adj. thick; glutinous. 

slabber (slab'er), n. saliva: v.i. to let 
saliva or liquid fall from the mouth. 

slack (slak), adj. relaxed or loose; 
inattentive; easy or moderate; not 
busy; backward: n. that part of 
anything, as a rope, &c, that hangs 
loose. 

slacker (slak'er), n. one who shirks; 
used largely in England during the 
European war to designate those 
who avoid military duty. 

slag (slag),w. the dross of a metal; 
vitrified_ cinders. 

slake (slak), v.t. to quench; extin- 
guish; mix with water: v.i. to be 
mixed with water. 

slam (slam), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. slammed, 
p.pr. slamming], to shut violently 
and with a loud noise; put down 
with force and loud noise: v.i. to 
strike violently or noisily: n. a vio- 


lent and noisy banging; an attack 
by ridicule. 

slander (slan'der), n. a false or ma- 
licious report; verbal defamation: 
v.t. to defame or calumniate. 

slanderous (slan'der-us), adj. utter- 
ing slanders. 

slang (slang), n. m a colloquial lan- 
guage or expression current at any 
particular period; jargon of some 
particular calling or class in so- 
ciety: v.t. to address with slang; 
abuse with vulgar language. 

slant (slant), n. an inclined plane; a 
sarcastic remark; a passing breeze: 
v.t. to give a sloping direction to: 
adj. inclined from a straight line. 

slanting (slant 'ing), adj. oblique. 

slap (slap), n. a blow given with the 
open h&nd:v.t. [p.t. & p.p. slapped, 
p.pr. slapping], to strike with the 
open hand or with anything broad: 
adv. with a sudden, violent blow; 
direct; quick. 

slash (slash), n. a long cut; random 
cut ; slit in old costumes : pi. swampy 
or wet lands: v.t. to cut oy striking 
violently and at random; cut into 
long slits; cut with a whip: v.i. to 
strike violently and at random. 

slashing (slash'ing), adj. sarcastic; se- 
vere. 

slat (slat), n. a thin, narrow strip of 
wood or metal used for fastening 
together larger pieces. 

slate (slat), n. any rock that splits 
into thin plates; thin stone for roof- 
ing; tablet of stone for writing upon; 
list of candidates, prepared for nom- 
ination or election: v.t. to cover with 
slate ; register for a political appoint- 
ment ; criticise fiercely. 

slattern (slat'ern) , n. a careless, slov- 
enly woman. 

slaughter (slaw'ter), n. great de- 
struction of life by violence; car- 
nage; killing of oxen, &c, for hu- 
man food: v.t. to slay or kill with 
violence; kill (beasts) for the mar- 
ket. 

slave (slav), n. a human being held 
in bondage; serf; drudge; one under 
the power or influence of another: 
v.i. to work like a slave; toil or 
drudge. 

slavery (slav'er-i), n. [pi. slaveries 
(slav'er-iz)], the state of entire sub- 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


SLAVISH 


473 


SLIP 


jugation to the will of another; condi- 
tion of a slave. 

slavish (slav'ish), adj. pertaining to, 
befitting, or characteristic of, a slave. 

Slavonic (sla-von'ik), adj. pertaining 
to the Slavs, their literature, or lan- 
guage. Also Slavonian, Slavic. 

slaw (slaw), n. sliced cabbage served 
as a salad. 

slay (sla), v.t. [p.t. slew, p.p. slain, 
p.pr. slaying], to kill or put to death 
with a weapon; destroy suddenly or 
with violence. 

sleazy (sla'zi), adj. lacking firmness of 
texture; flimsy; worn thin. 

sled (sled), n. a carriage or vehicle 
mounted on runners for traveling 
over snow or ice. Also sledge: v.t. 
[p.t. & p.p. sledded, p.pr. sledding], 
to convey or transport on a sled or 
sledge. 

sledge (slej), n. a large, heavy ham- 
mer; another form of sled. 

sleek (slek), adj. smooth; glossy. 

sleep (slep), n. slumber; rest; death: 
v.i. [p.t. & p.p. slept, p.pr. sleeping], 
to take rest in sleep; be motionless 
or inactive; be dead; spin rapidly 
and smoothly. 

sleeper (slep'er), n. one who sleeps; a 
piece of timber supporting a railway 
track; a sleeping car. 

sleeping-sickness (slep'ing sik'nes), 
n. a disease, usually fatal, found es- 
pecially on the west coast of Africa, 
marked by persistent sleepiness, 
wasting of tissues and dropsical 
symptoms, caused by a trypanosome, 
a parasite, which enters the blood 
through the bite of the tse-tse fly. 

sleepless (slep'les), adj. without sleep; 
wide-awake. 

sleepy (slep'i). adj. [comp. sleepier, su- 
perl. sleepiest], inclined to, or over- 
come by, sleep; drowsy; sluggish; 
lethargic. 

sleet (slet), n. rain mingled with snow 
or hail: v.i. to hail or snow with rain 
mingled. , 

sleeve (slev), n. the part of a gar- 
ment that covers the arm: v.t. to 
furnish with sleeves. 

sleigh (sla), another form of sled. 

sleight (slit), n. dexterity; cunning; 
artful trick. 

slender (slen'der), adj. small or nar- 
row in proportion to the length or 


height; feeble; slim; moderate. 

slept, p.t. & p.p. of sleep. 

sleuth (sloStn), n. the track of a man 
or beast as known by the scent; a 
detective. [Icelandic] 

slew (sloo), p.t. of slay. 

slice (slis), n. a thin broad piece of 
anything; a thin broad knife for 
taking up or serving fish; a spatula: 
v.t. to cut into thin broad pieces; 
cut into parts' divide. [Old French.] 

slick (slik), adv. immediately; com- 
pletely : n. metal ore, especially gold, 
crushed and prepared for working 
smooth; spacious in a cheap way. 

slid, p.t. of slide. 

slide (slid), v.i. to pass smoothly over 
a surface without leaving it; glide; 
pass inadvertently or unobserved; 
slip: v.t. to thrust along; cause to 
slip: n. a smooth surface of ice for 
sliding upon; smooth declivity; pic- 
ture on glass for exhibition on a 
screen; fall of a mass of rock or 
snow down a mountain; a grace of 
two small notes moving by degrees. 
[Music] 

slight (slit), adj. feeble; inconsider- 
able; unimportant; not severe; tri- 
fling; slender: n. neglect; oversight: 
v.t. to disregard as of Little value; 
neglect. 

slim (slim), adj. [comp. slimmer, su- 
perl. slimmest], of small diameter; 
weak; unsubstantial; slender. 

slime (slim), n. glutinous mud; any 
viscous substance. 

slimy (sllm'i), adj. consisting of, cov- 
ered over with, or like, slime. 

sling (sling), n. an instrument for 
throwing stones; a throw; hanging 
bandage for an injured arm: v.t. 
[p.t. &p.p. slung, p.pr. slinging], to 
hurl with, or as with, a sling; hang 
so as to swing ; hang by a rope so as 
to be moved. 

slip, (slip), v.i. [p.t. & p.p. slipped, p.pr. 
slipping], to glide or slide; miss one's 
foothold; fall down; escape observa- 
tion; enter by oversight; move out 
of place; depart or escape: v.t. to con- 
vey secretly ; cause to move quickly 
and smoothly; omit; part from a 
branch or stem: n.- the act of slip- 
ping; an oversight or omission; in- 
discretion; strip; twig from a stock; 
scion; a kind of petticoat; outer cov- 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
htie, hut; think, then. 


SLIPPER 


474 


SLUNK 


ering or case; liquid potter's clay; 
an incline for launching ships; a 
young sole; a fielder in cricket; a 
narrow pew or bench: pi. part of a 
theater at the sides of the stage. 

slipper (slip'er), n. one who, or that 
which, slips; a kind of loose shoe. 

slippery (slip'er-i), adj. non-adhesive; 
without firm hold or footing; unsta- 
ble; smooth; cunning. 

slipshod (slip 'shod), adj. wearing 
shoes or slippers down at the heel; 
slovenly. 

slit (slit), v .t. [p.t. & p.p. slit orslitted, 
p.pr. slittingj, to cut lengthwise or 
mto long strips; split: n. a long cut; 
narrow opening. 

sliver (sliv'eror sllv'er), v.t. to cut 
into long thin, or very small pieces: 
n. a splinter. 

slobber (slob'er), same as slabber. 

slogan (slo'gan), n. the war-cry or 
gathering-cry of a Highland clan. 

sloop (sloop), n. a one-masted vessel 
with a fore-and-aft rig. [Dutch.] 

slop (slop), n. water carelessly spilled; 
puddle; poor liquor or liquid food: 
pi. dirty water; ready-made clothing; 
seaman's outfit: v.t. [p.t. & p.p. 
slopped,, p.pr. slopping], to soil by 
letting liquid fall upon. 

slope (slop), n. an oblique direction; 
surface inclining gradually down- 
wards: v.t. to form with a slope; in- 
cline or slant; direct obliquely: v.i. 
to take an oblique direction; run off. 

slosh (slosh), v.t. to throw about any 
liquid in a careless way: v.i. to 
splash. 

slot (slot), n. a broad, flat wooden 
bar; bolt; narrow aperture; mortise; 
deer's track; trap-door of a stage; 
valley: v.t. [p.t. & p.p. slotted, p.pr. 
slotting], to groove; trace by a slot. 

sloth (sloth), n. idleness; habitual in- 
dolence; a South American arboreal 
quadruped which walks slowly on 
the ground. 

slothful (sloth 'fool), adj. lazy; inac- 
tive. 

slouch (slouch), n. a hanging down, 
as of the head or other parts of the 
body; ungainly, clownish gait; awk- 
ward, dull fellow: v.t. to cause to 
hang down; depress at the side: v.i. 
to walk in a clumsy, heavy, awkward 


slough (slou), n. a deep muddy place; 
bog. 

slough (sluf), n. the cast-off skin of 
a serpent; the part that separates 
from a foul sore: v.i. to separate in 
dead matter from the sound flesh; 
come off, as the matter formed over 
a sore. 

slough (sloo), n. drainage-stream and 
marsh in a prairie. 

sloven (sluv'en), n. one who is ha- 
bitually untidy in his dress and neg- 
ligent of cleanliness; one who is 
negligent of order and neatness. 

slow (slo), adj. not quick or rapid in 
motion; dilatory; not prompt or 
quick; behind in time; not progres- 
sive; dull. 

slue (sloo), v.t. to turn about a fixed 
point, as a spar, &c; twist round: 
v.i. to turn about (with round). 

slug (slug), n. a shelless mollusk, al- 
lied to the land-snail; a sluggard; a 
kind of oval bullet: pi. half -roasted 
ore. 

sluggard (slug'erd), n. one who is 
habitually lazy and idle. 

slugger (slug'er), n. a pugilist who 
fights without a knowledge or ap- 
plication of the rules and technical- 
ities of scientific boxers, but relies 
solely on his strength and endurance. 

sluggish (slug'ish), adj. habitually 
lazy and idle; dull; slothful; inac- 
tive; slow. 

sluice (sloos), n. a gate for excluding 
or regulating the flow of water in a 
canal, &c; stream of water issuing 
through a flood-gate: v.t. to wash 
with water from, or as from, a sluice; 
wet copiously. [French.] 

slum (slum), n. a low, dirty street or 
district of a city or town, inhabited 
by the very poor or criminal classes : 
v.i. [p.t. & p.p. slummed, p.pr. slum- 
ming], to visit slums as a fashionable 
amusement. 

slumber (slumber), v.i. to sleep light- 
ly; doze; be in a state of inactivity 
or negligence. 

slump (slump), n. gross amount or 
mass; a bog; a sudden fall, as of 
shares, &c: v.t. to lump or throw 
into a single lot : v.i. fall or sink sud- 
denly. 

slung, p.t. of sling. 

slunk, p.t. of slink. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, f/ien. 


SLUR 


475 


SMOLDER 


slur (sler), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. slurred, 
p.pr. slurring], to sully; soil; con- 
taminate; pass over superficially; 
disparage; pronounce indistinctly; 
sing or perform in a light, gliding 
manner [Music]: n. a stain; slight 
reproach or disgrace; stigma; a 
mark ( <" — -> ) connecting notes that 
are to be sung or played legato. 

slush (slush), n. half -melted snow; a 
greasy lubricating mixture. 

slut (slut), n. a dirty, untidy woman. 

sluttish (slut'ish), adj. untidy and 
dirty. 

sly (sll), adj. [comp. slyer, superl. sly- 
est], artfully cunning; underhand 
and crafty; meanly insidious. 

slyly (sll'li), adv. in a sly manner. 

smack (smak), n. a quick, smart 
blow; loud kiss; quick, sharp noise 
with the lips; flavor; taste; a one- 
masted coasting or fishing vessel: 
v.t. to kiss with a quick sharp noise; 
strike with a quick, smart blow: 
vd. make a noise with the lips after 
tasting something. [Dutch.] 

small (smawl), adj. [comp. smaller, 
superl. smallest], little in quantity 
or degree; inconsiderable; of little 
worth or ability; not large or ex- 
tended in dimensions; narrow-mind- 
ed; mean: n. the slender part of any- 
thing. 

smallpox (smawl'poks), n. a conta- 
gious, feverish disease, character- 
ized by eruptions upon the skin. 

smart (smart), adj. causing a quick, 
sharp pain; poignant; sharp; clev- 
er; accomplished; brilliant; witty; 
vivacious; pretentious; showy; brisk; 
obtained by sharp practices: n. a 
quick, pungent, lively pain; poi- 
gnant grief: v.i. to feel a lively, pun- 
gent pain; endure punishment. 

smash (smash), v.t. to break in pieces 
by violence; crush: v.i. to become 
bankrupt: n. a breaking to pieces; 
bankruptcy. 

smatter (smat'er), v.i. to talk super- 
ficially or ignorantly; have a super- 
ficial knowledge of anything. 

smattering (smat'er-ing), n. super- 
ficial knowledge. 

smear (smer), v.t. to overspread with 
anything unctuous, viscous, or adhe- 
sive; daub; pollute: n. a blot or 
stain. 


smell (smel), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. smelled 
or smelt, p.pr. smelling], to perceive 
by the nose; obtain the scent of: v.i. 
to affect the nose or olfactory nerves; 
exercise the sense of smell: n. that 
quality of bodies which affects the 
sense of smell; odor. 

smelt (smelt), n. a small salmonoid 
fish: v.t. to fuse, as an ore, to sepa- 
rate the metal. 

smilax (sml'laks), n. a climbing plant 
of the lily family from South Africa. 

smile (smll), v.i. to express pleasure, 
moderate joy, love, or kindness by 
the countenance ; look gay, cheerful, 
or happy; express slight contempt 
by a smile; favor: v.t. to express by 
a smile: n. the act of smiling; a look 
of pleasure, kindness, happiness, or 
slight contempt: a drink of liquor. 

smirch (smerch), v.t. to smear; dirty. 

smirk (smerk), v.i. to smile affectedly 
or conceitedly: n. an affected smile: 
adj. spruce. 

smite (smlt), v.t. [p.t. smote, p.p. 
smitten, p.pr. smiting], to strike, as 
with the hand or a weapon; kill; 
overthrow in battle; blast; chasten; 
affect with any passion: v.i. to 
strike. 

smith (smith), n. one who forges 
metal with a hammer; worker in 
metals. 

smithy (smith'i), n. a smith's work- 
shop. 

smock (smok), n. a chemise; smock- 
frock. 

smoke (smok), n. the vapor or sub- 
stance that escapes when a sub- 
stance is burned; vapor; exhala- 
tion; act of smoking; pipe or cigar; 
foolish talk: v.t. to apply smoke to; 
hang up in smoke; dry, scent, or 
medicate by smoke; inhale and puff 
out the smoke of; expel by smoke; 
detect or ferret out: v.i. to emit 
smoke; burn tobacco in a pipe, &c; 
inhale and puff out smoke. 

smokeless (smok-les), adj. without 
smoke. Applied to an explosive 
which emits no smoke, as smokeless 
powder. 

smoking (smok'ing), p. adj. emitting 
smoke; used for smoking in. 

smolder (smol'der), v.i. to burn 
slowly or smoke without vent; exist 
in a stifled condition. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book 
hue, hut ; think, rTien. 


SMOOTH 


476 


SNIPE 


smooth (smooth), adj. not rough; 
even surfaced; frictionless ; gently 
flowing; glossy; bland; soothing; 
flattering: v.t. to make smooth; ren- 
der easy; calm; regulate: v.i. to be- 
come smooth: n. the act of making 
smooth; smooth part of anything; a 
meadow. _ 

smote (smot), p*t. of smite. 

smother (smu^'er), v.t. to destroy 
the life of by suffocation; stifle; 
suppress or conceal: v.i. to be suffo- 
cated: n. stifling smoke or thick 
dust. 

smudge (smuj), n. a smear or stain; 
suffocating smoke; a smoldering fire 
of damp combustibles emitting dense 
smoke for the purpose of keeping off 
mosquitoes: v.t. to smear or stain; 
blacken or stifle with smoke. 

smug (smug), adj. affectedly precise 
or prim; spruce. 

smuggle (smug'l)^ v.t. to import or 
export secretly without paying cus- 
tom-house duties; convey or intro- 
duce clandestinely: v.i. to practice 
smuggling. 

smut (smut),_n. a spot or stain made 
by soot or similar dirty matter; bad, 
soft coal; a fungoid disease affect- 
ing cereal grain; obscenity: v.t. 
[p.t. & p.p. smutted, p.pr. smutting], 
to soil or blacken with, or as with, 
smut: v.i. to become converted into 
smut; give off smut. 

smutty (smut'i), adj. soiled or stained 
with smut; affected with smut; ob- 
scene. 

snack (snak), n. a slight, hasty repast. 

snaffle (snaf'l), n. a bridle consisting 
of a joint in the middle and rings at 
the ends: v.t. to put a snaffle in the 
mouth of. 

snag (snag), n. a short rough branch; 
knot; trunk of a tree fixed in the 
bed of a river: v.t. [p.t. & p.p. 
snagged, p.pr. snagging], to injure 
or destroy by contact with a snag. 

snail (snal), n. a slimy, slow-creeping 
gasteropod of the genus Helix: 
hence any slow-moving person; 
drone. 

snake (snak), n. a serpent: v.t. to 
wind round spirally; to draw out. 

snap (snap), v.i. [p.t. & p.p. snapped, 
p.pr. snapping], to break short or 
mstantaneously ; produce a sharp, 


sudden sound; utter sharp, angry 
words; miss fire: v.t. to break at 
once; crack; bite suddenly and un- 
expectedly: n. the act of snapping: 
noise made by snapping; spring 
catch ; sudden and sharp spell, as of 
weather; that which can be easily 
snapped up; a soft snap (college 
slang): pi. a kind of crisp cake: 
adj. brisk; offhand; made or done 
without due notice; unfair. 

snapshot (snap'shot), n. a quick 
shot with gun or rifle; instantane- 
ous photography. 

snare (snar), n. a running noose to 
catch an animal; an entangling de- 
vice ; the gut stretched across a drum- 
head: v.t. to catch or entangle with. 

snarl (snarl), v.i. to growl like an 
angry dog; speak surlily: v.t. to 
complicate or entangle, as thread or 
hair: n. the act of snarling; growl; 
angry contention or quarrel; a com- 
plicated entanglement of hair, &c. 

snatch (snach), v.t. to take or seize 
abruptly and suddenly or without 
permission; seize and carry away: 
v.i. to attempt to seize anything 
suddenly (with at) : n. a hasty catch 
or seizing. 

sneak (snek), v.i. to creep or steal 
away privately or meanly ; slink ; 
act with servility and meanness; 
steal: n. & mean, servile fellow; 
petty thief. 

sneer (sner), v.i. to show contempt 
by some facial expression; insinu- 
ate contempt by a covert expres- 
sion; scoff: n. an indirect expres- 
sion of contempt or scorn. [Dutch.] 

sneeze (snez), v.i. to emit a sudden 
and violent rush of air through the 
mouth and nostrils, audibly and con- 
vulsively: n. the act of sneezing 

snicker (snik'er), n. a half-suppressed 
laugh; a giggle : # v.i. to laugh slyly; 
giggle. Also snigger. 

sniff (snif), v.i. to draw in the breath 
through the nose, often as an ex 
pression of contempt: v.t. to smell 
or scent: n. the act of sniffing. 

snip (snip), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. snipped, 
p.pr. snipping], to cut or clip off at 
once, as with scissors: n. a single 
cut with scissors; small piece. 

snipe (snip), n. a long-billed fen 
fowl; curbstone broker. 


ate, arm, at, awl; me, merge, met; mite, mit ; note, north, not; boon, book;| 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


SNIVEL 


477 


SOCIOLOGY 


snivel (sniv'cl), v.i. to run at the 
nose; cry, as a child: n. mucus run- 
ning from the nose; cant. 

snob (snob), n. a vulgar person who 
apes gentility; vulgar upstart; jour- 
neyman shoemaker; knobstick. 

snood (snood), n. a ribbon for bind- 
ing up the hair of a maiden [Scotch] ; 
hair-line to connect a fishing-line 
with the hook. 

snooze (snooz), v.i. to nap: n. a nap. 

snore (snor), v.i. to breathe through 
the nostrils with roughness or 
hoarseness _ in sleep: n. a noisy 
breathing in sleep. 

snout (snout), n. the projecting nose 
of a beast; nose of a man (in con- 
tempt). 

snow (sno), n. frozen particles of 
vapor in the atmosphere in the form 
of white feathery flakes: v.i. to iall 
in snow. _ [Dutch.] 

snowy (sno'i), adj. white like snow; 
covered with, or abounding in, snow ; 
pure. 

snub (snub), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. snubbed, 
p.pr. snubbing], to check or repri- 
mand with sarcasm or asperity; 
treat with designed contempt: n. an 
intended slight; reprimand. 

snuff (snuf), v.t. to draw in through 
the nose; smell or scent; take the 
snuff off, as a candle: v.i. to snort or 
sniff; take snuff into the nostrils: 
n. powdered tobacco inhaled through 
the nose; charred part of the wick 
of a candle. 

snuffle (snuf '1) , v.i. to speak or breathe 
hard through the nose when ob- 
structed: n. a speaking through the 
nose when obstructed; affected nasal 
twang; cant: pi. obstruction of the 
nostrils by mucus. 

snug (snug), adj. [comp. snugger, su- 
perl. snuggest], concealed; lying 
close and warm; compact and con- 
venient: v.i. [p.t. & p.p. snugged, 
p.pr. snugging], to lie close and 
warm (with up or together) . 

snuggery (snug'er-i), n. [pi. snugger- 
ies (snug'er-iz)], a warm, cosy 
place. 

snuggle (snugl), v.i. to lie close for 
warmth and comfort. 

so (so), adv. in a like manner or de- 
gree; in high degree; as has been 
stated; for this reason; therefore; 


more or less: conj. on condition 
that; if; therefore: inter j. stop! 

soak (s5k), v.t. to cause to suck in 
moisture; steep in a fluid; wet thor- 
oughly: v.i. to become saturated or 
steeped in fluid; drink excessively. 

soap (sop), n. sl compound of oils or 
fats and an alkali used for washing 
and cleansing: v.t. to rub over, or 
wash, with soap; wheedle. 

soar (sor), v.i. to fly aloft, as a bird; 
mount upwards with wings; rise in 
thought or imagination: n. a lofty 
flight. 

sob (sob), v.i. [p.t. & p.p. sobbed, p.pr. 
sobbing], to sigh in a convulsive man- 
ner with tears: v.t. to _ utter with a 
sob: n. a convulsive sigh; lamenta- 
tion. 

sobbing (sob'ing), n. the act of sighing 
with a short convulsive heaving of 
the breast. 

sober (so'ber), adj. n habitually tem- 
perate, _ especially in the use of in- 
toxicating liquors; self-possessed; 
calm; steady; sedate: v.t. to make 
sober: v.i. to become sober. [Latin.] 

sobriety (so-bri'e-ti), n. habitual tem- 
perance; calmness; seriousness. 

sobriquet (so-bre-ka/) , n. a nickname. 
[French.] 

sociable (so'sha-bl), adj. disposed to 
associate and converse with others; 
social; companionable; affable \ n. a 
kind of vehicle; tricycle_ or bicycle 
for two riders; a social gather- 
ing. 

social (so'shal), adj. pertaining to men 
as living in society; inclined to 
friendly intercourse and conversa- 
tion; convivial; growing in groups 
or masses; living in communities. 

socialism (so'shal-izm), n. an eco- 
nomic theory or system of the re- 
construction of society on the basis 
of cooperation of labor and commu- 
nity of property. 

society (so-sl'e-ti) , n. [pi. societies 
(so-sl'e-tiz)], a number of persona 
united fora common interest; peo- 
ple collectively who live in any re- 
gion at any given period ^fraternity; 
company; the more cultivated por- 
tion of any community in its social 
relations, &c. 

sociology (so-shi-ol'o-ji), n. the sci- 
ence of the constitution, evolution, 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book 
hue, hut ; think, rTien. 


SOCK 


478 


SOLIDIFY 


and phenomena of human society; 
social science. 

sock (sok), n. a light shoe worn by the 
classic actors of comedy; a short 
stocking; warm inner sole. 

sockdolager (sok-dol'a-jer), n. a blow 
on the jaw; a conclusive argument; 
whopper. 

socket (sok'et), n. a hollow into which 
something is fitted; hollow of a can- 
dlestick. 

Socratic (so-krat'ik), adj. pertaining 
to Socrates, especially to his method 
of teaching by question and answer. 

sod (sod), n. turf; sward: v.t. to cover 
with sod; turf. 

soda (so'da), n. impure carbonate of 
soda; sodium oxide. 

sodden (sod'n), adj. boiled; satu- 
rated: v.i. to be soaked or seethed: 
v.t. to saturate. 

sodic (so'dik), adj. pertaining to, or 
containing, sodium. 

sodium (so'di-um), n. a metallic ele- 
ment. 

sofa (so 'fa), n. a long seat with stuffed 
bottom, back, and arms. 

soft (soft) , adj. easily yielding to pres- 
sure; malleable; smooth to the 
touch; not glaring; impressionable; 
effeminate; quiet; easy; courteous; 
mild; kind; somewhat weak in in- 
tellect: n. a foolish person: adv. 
softly; quietly: interj. gently! stop! 

soften (sof'n), v.t. to make soft or 
softer; tone down; palliate; as- 
suage; render less rude or offensive; 
make effeminate; melt: v.i. to be- 
come soft or softened. 

soggy (sog'i), adj. soaked; wet. 

soil (soil), n. the top stratum of the 
earth's surface; land; dirt; manure; 
stain: v.t. to make dirty; stain or 
mar: v.i. to become soiled. 

soiree (swa-ra'), n. an evening party. 

sojourn (so'jern or so-jern'), v.i. to 
dwell for a time: n. a temporary 
residence. 

sol (sol), n. the fifth note of the dia- 
tonic scale. 

solace (sol'as), n. comfort in sorrow; 
consolation: v.t. to comfort in sor- 
row. 

solar (so'lar), adj. pertaining to, meas- 
ured by, or proceeding from, the sun. 

sold (sold), p.t. & p.p. of sell. 

solder (sod'er), n. a metallic alloy for 


uniting metals: v.t. to unite by a 
fusible metallic cement ; join. 

soldier (sol'jer), n. a person engaged 
in military service; a private as dis- 
tinguished from an officer; man of 
military skill: v.i. to serve or act as 
a soldier; make a pretense of work. 

sole (sol), n. the underside of the 
foot; bottom of a boot or shoe, &c; 
bottom of anything; a flat fish of 
the genus Solea: v.t. to furnish with, 
or as with, a sole: adj. alone; being 
or acting by one's self; unmarried. 

solecism (sol'e-sizm), n. a breach of 
the rules of syntax, or idiom of a 
language ; impropriety ; absurdity. 

solely (sol'li), adv. alone; singly. 

solemn (sol'em), adj. characterized 
by religious rites or ceremonies; in- 
spiring awe; serious; devout; for- 
mal; attended with a serious appeal 
to God. [French.] m 

solemnity (sol-em'ni-ti) , n. [pi. sol- 
emnities (sol-em'ni-tiz)], a religious 
rite or ceremony ; ceremony adapted 
to inspire awe; gravity; impressive- 
ness; affected or mock seriousness. 

solicit (so-lis'it), v.t. to ask for with 
earnestness; entreat; invite or sum- 
mon; endeavor to obtain: v.i. to can- 
vass. [Latin.] 

solicitation (so-lis-i-ta'shun), n. the 
act of soliciting; importunity; the 
offense of inciting to a felony ; of- 
fense of accosting by a prostitute. 

solicitor ,(so-lis'it-er), n. one who so- 
licits; a person legally qualified to act 
for another in a court of law; an 
attorney; a canvasser. 

solicitous (so-lis'i-tus), adj. eager; 
anxious; apprehensive; concerned. 

solicitude (so-lis'i-tiid), n. the state of 
being solicitous; concern; anxiety; 
carefulness. 

solid (sol'id), adj. having the parti- 
cles so close or firmly adhering as to 
resist impression; compact; cubic; 
not hollow; dense; heavy; weighty; 
just; unanimous: n. a body having 
its constituent particles firmly ad- 
hering together. [Latin.] 

solidarity (sol-i-dar'i-ti) , n. com- 
munity of interests and respon- 
sibilities. 

solidify (sol-id'i-fi), m V,t. t {p.t. & p.p. 
solidified, p.pr. solidifying], to make 
solid: v.i. to harden. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, £/ien. 


SOLIDITY 


479 


SOOTH 


solidity (sol-id'i-ti), n. density; com- 
pactness; stability; truth; moral 
firmness. 

soliloquy (so-lil'o-kwi), n. [pi. solilo- 
quies (so-lil'o-kwiz)], a talking or 
discourse to one's self; a written 
composition of the nature of a mono- 
logue. 

solitaire (sol-i-tar'), n. a game played 
by one person ; a stud ; precious stone 
in single setting; hermit. 

solitary (sol'i-ta-ri), adj. living by 
one's self; lonely; single; done, 
passed, or suffered alone; remote; 
unoccupied; gloomy. 

solitude (sol'i-tud), n. the state of be- 
ing by one's self; loneliness; seclu- 
sion; desert. 

solo (so'ld), n. [pi. solos (so'loz)], an 
air, or musical piece performed by a 
single instrument or by one vocalist. 

solograph (sol'o-graf), n. a sun-print. 

soloist (so'lo-ist), n. one who per- 
forms or sings a solo. 

solstice (sol'stis), n. that point in the 
ecliptic at which the sun is farthest 
from the equator, north in summer, 
south in winter. 

soluble (sorti-bl), adj. capable of being 
dissolved in a fluid; capable of solu- 
tion. 

solution (so-lu'shun), n. the act of 
dissolving by means of a fluid; de- 
liverance ; explanation. 

solve (solv), v.t. to explain; clear 
up; remove. 

solvency (sol'ven-si), n. the state or 
quality of being solvent. 

solvent (solVent), n. any liquid that 
dissolves another substance: adj. 
able to discharge just claims or 
debts; having the power of dis- 
solving. 

somber (som'ber), adj. dull; melan- 
choly; dark; gloomy. 

sombrero (som-bra'ro), n. a kind of 
broad-brimmed hat. [Spanish.] 

some (sum), a, suffix meaning like, 
same, as winsome, gladsome, &c: 
adj. more or less; expressing an in- 
determinate number, person, or 
quantity; one or the other; about. 

somebody (sum'bqd-i), n. some per- 
son; a person of importance. 

somehow (sum'how), adv. in one way 
or another; by some means. 

somersault (sum'er-sawlt), n. a leap 


in which a person turns with hia 
heels over his head. 

something (sum 'thing), n. a thing un- 
known, or not specified; part or por- 
tion; indefinite quantity or degree: 
adv. in some degree. 

sometime (sum'tim), adv. at a time in- 
definitely; formerly; once. 

somewhat (sum'hwot), n. more or 
less: adv. in some degree or extent. 

somewhere (sum'hwar), adv. in one 
place or another. 

somewhile (sum'hwil), adv. once; for 
a while. 

somewhither (sum'hwif/jr.er), adv. to 
some indeterminate place. 

somnambulism (som-nam'bu-lizm) , 
n. the act or practice of walking 
in sleep. 

somniferous (som-nif'er-us)^^;. caus- 
ing sleep. 

somnolence (som'no-lens), n. sleepi- 
ness; drowsiness. Also somnolency. 

somnolent (som'no-lent), adj. inclined 
to sleep. 

son (sun), n. a male child, or de- 
scendant; male issue of a parent, 
father or mother; pupil; native or 
inhabitant of a particular country. 

Son, n. the second person of the Holy 
Trinity. 

sondhi (son'di), n. ice-cream into 
which a syrup is poured, together 
with nuts, or such fruits as cherries, 
strawberries, peaches, &c. 

song (song), n. a lyrical poem or bal- 
lad; any poetical strain; poetry; 
poem; notes of birds; mere trifle. 

songster (song'ster), n. one skilled in 
singing; a singing bird. Fern, song- 
stress. 

soniferous (so-nif'er-us), adj. pro- 
ducing, or conveying, sound. 

son-in-law (sun'in-law) , n. [pi. 
sons-in-law (sunz 'in-law)], the hus- 
band of one's daughter. 

sonnet (son'et), n. a short lyric 
poem of fourteen lines, each of five 
accents, with varying rhymes. 

sonorous (so-no'rus), adj. giving a 
clear sound when struck; resonant; 
loud-sounding; vocal; deep-toned. 

soon (soon), adv. in a short time; 
quickly; easily; early; without de- 
lay. 

soot (soot), n. finely divided carbon. 

sooth (sooth)', n. truth. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit : note, north, not ; boon, book 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


■»■ 


SOOTHE 


480 


SOUND 


soothe (sooth), v.t. to please or calm 
with soft words or blandishments; 
comfort; allay; pacify; assuage. 

soothsayer (sooth'sa-er), n. one who 
foretells or prognosticates. 

sooty (soot'i), adj. [comp. sootier, su- 
perl. sootiest], pertaining to, pro- 
ducing, or like, soot; dusky, black. 

sop (sop), n. anything steeped, dipped, 
or softened in a liquid, especially in 
broth; something given to pacify: 
v.t. [p.t. & p.p. sopped, p.pr. sop- 
ping], to steep or dip in a liquid. 

sophism (sof'izm), n. a specious but 
fallacious argument; fallacy. 

sophist (sof'ist), n. one of a body of 
men in ancient Greece (fifth century 
B. C.) who taught philosophy, elo- 
quence, and politics; a fallacious or 
captious reasoner.^ [Greek.] 

sophistry (sof'is-tri), n. [pi. sophis- 
tries (sof'is-triz)], specious but falla- 
cious reasoning; unsound argument. 

sophomore (sof'o-mor), n. a student 
in his second academic year at col- 
lege. [Americanism.] 

sopor (so'por), n. deep sleep from 
which a patient is aroused with dif- 
ficulty. [Latin.] 

soporific (so-po-rif'ik), adj. causing, 
or tending to induce, sleep: n. an 
opiate or anodyne. 

soprano (so-pra'no), n._[pl. sopranos, 
soprani (so-pra'n5z, so-pra'ne) ], the 
highest kind of female voice; a 
singer with such a voice. 

sorb (sorb), n. the European moun- 
tain-ash, yielding a fruit called 
rowans. 

sorbef aeient (sor-be-f a/shi-ent) , adj. 
producing absorption. [Latin.] 

sorcerer (sor'ser-er), n. a magician, 
wizard, or enchanter. Fern, sor- 
ceress. [Old French.] 

sorcery (sor'ser-i), n. [pi. sorceries 
(sqr'ser-iz)], divination by the aid of 
evil spirits; witchcraft; magic; en- 
chantment. 

sordid (sor'did), adj. mean; vile; base; 
niggardly; meanly avaricious. 

sore (s5r), adj. tender or painful to 
the touch; inflamed; painful; sensi- 
tive ; susceptible of irritation ; heavy ; 
grievous; severe; distressing: adv. 
grievously; severely; deeply: n. a 
painful or diseased part in an animal 
body; ulcer; wound; sorrow; trou- 


ble; a hawk of the first year; a buck 
of the fourth year. 

sore-head (sor'ned), n. a discontented 
person. 

sorghum (sor'gum), n. a cane-like 
grass resembling broom corn, yield- 
ing sugar; molasses prepared from 
the juice of sorghum. [Spanish.] 

sorrow (sor'6), n. mental pain or un- 
easiness caused by loss, disappoint- 
ment, &c; grief; distress; unhappi- 
ness; regret; affliction: v.i. to feel 
mental pain or uneasiness; grieve; 
lament; be sad. 

sorrowful (sor'6-fool), adj. full of, or 
showing, sorrow; sad. 

sorry (sor'i), adj. [comp. sorrier, superl. 
sorriest], feeling regret for the loss 
of some good; vexed; pained; mean; 
worthless. 

sort (sort), n. a kind or species; class, 
rank, or order; manner; degree: v.t. 
to separate and place in different 
divisions or classes; select: v.i. to 
consort or a sociate 

sortie (sor'te), n. the issuing of a 
body of troops from a besieged place 
to attack the besiegers. [French.] 

so-so (so'so), adv. in a modern manner; 
neither good nor bad. 

sot (sot), n. a habitual drunkard. 

sotto voce (so 'to vo'cha), adv. in an 
undertone; with a moderate or re- 
strained tone of voice. [Italian.] 

soubrette (soo-bref). n. a female ser- 
vant or attendant; in comedies, a 
lady's maid who acts the part of an 
intriguing girl. [French.] 

sough (sou, or suf), n. a hollow mur- 
mur or whistling, as of the wind: 
v.i. to murmur or whistle. 

sought (sawt), p.t. & p.p. of seek. 

soul (sol) , n. the spiritual, rational, and 
immortal part in man; reason or in- 
tellect; conscience; life; essence; 
moving or inspiring power; courage; 
human being. 

soulful (sol'fool), adj. full of soul or 
feeling. 

soulless (sol'les), adj. without a soul; 
senseless, spiritless; dull; mean. 

sound (sound), adj. whole; entire; 
unbroken; healthy; not decayed; 
founded on truth or right; ortho- 
dox; solvent; firm; safe; strong; 
legal; valid; laid on with force: n. 
the impression made on the ear by 


iite, arm, at, awl : me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


SOUNDING 


481 


SPAR 


the vibrations of the air; noise; re- 
port; noise without signification; a 
strait or narrow passage of water; 
swimming bladder of a fish; the 
cuttlefish: v.t. to measure or ascer- 
tain the depth of; cause to make a 
noise; utter audibly; play upon; ex- 
amine or try; probe: v.i. to make 
a noise or sound; play upon an in- 
strument; be spread or published. 

sounding: isound'ing), n. the ascer- 
taining of the depth of water: adj. 
causing_ sound; resonant. 

soup (soop), n. a kind of broth, and 
having a great number of varieties. 

sour (sour) , adj. having an acid, sharp, 
or astringent taste; changed so as to 
become rancid; disagreeable; cross; 
morose: v.t. to cause to become sour: 
v.i. become morose, peevish, or dis- 
contented; to turn from sweet to 
sour. 

source (sors), n. that from which any- 
thing arises or originates; spring or 
fountain; first cause; original. 

souse (sous), n. pickle made with salt; 
anything steeped or preserved in 
pickle; a plunging in water: v.t. to 
steep in pickle; plunge into water; 
strike with sudden violence: v.i. to 
make a sudden attack: adv. with sud- 
den violence. 

soutache (soo-tash'), n. a kind of 
braid used in trimming. 

south (south), n. that one of the 
four cardinal points of the compass 
directly opposite the north: adv. to- 
ward the south: v.i. to turn or move 
toward the south ; come to the merid- 
ian: adj. pertaining to the south. _ 

southern (su^'ern), adj. pertaining 
to, situated in, or proceeding from 
or toward the South. 

souvenir (soo-ve-ner') , n. a memento 
or keepsake. [French.] 

sovereign (sov'- or suv'rin), adj. royal; 
supreme in power; possessing su- 
preme dominion; effectual: n. a 
king, emperor, or queen; a British 
gold coin = 20s. [French.] 

sovereignty (sov' or suy'rin-ti), n. 
supreme power or dominion. 

sow (sou), n. a female pig; oblong 
piece of metal. 

sow (so), v.t. [p.t. sowed, p.p. sown, 
p.pr. sowing], to scatter, as seed 
upon the earth; propagate; dissemi- 


nate; scatter on or over: v.i. to scat- 
ter seed for growth. 

spa (spa), n. a spring of mineral water ; 
a watering-place, many of which are 
called spas; but the oldest in Europe 
is the fashionable Belgian resort, 
Spa, which first bore the name more 
than a thousand years ago. 

space (spas), n. extension; room; in- 
terval between lines; quantity of 
time; short interval: v.t. in print- 
ing, to make intervals between (lines 
or words) by separating them with 
thin pieces of type-metal. [Latin.] 

spacious (spa'shus) , adj. extending far 
and wide; roomy; vast in extent. 

spade (spad), n. an implement for 
digging, &c, consisting of a broad 
blade of iron with a handle; one of 
a suit of cards having one or more 
figures resembling a spade; a hart 
three years old: v.t. to dig or work 
with a spade. 

spaghetti (spa-get 'i), n. a cord-like 

paste, smaller than macaroni. 
palpeen (spaFpen), n. a scamp. 
[Irish.] 

span (span), n. the space _ from the 
thumb to the end of the little finger 
when extended; nine inches; a short 
space of time; spread or extent of an 
arch, &c, between its abutments or 
supports; yoke of oxen or horses; 
pair of horses similar in color har- 
nessed together: v.t. [p.t. & p.p. 
spanned, p.pr. spanning], to meas- 
ure by the span of the hand; reach 
from one side to the other; fetter or 
hobble: v.i. to be matched for run- 
ning in harness. 

spangle (spang'gl), n. a small plate 
or boss of shining metal; any glit- 
tering ornament, especially _ for a 
dress: v.t. to set or adorn with, or 
as with, spangles. 

spaniel (span'yel), n. a variety of dog. 

Spanish (span'ish), adj. pertaining to 
Spain, its language, or to its in- 
habitants. 

spank (spangk), v.t. to strike with 
the open hand; slap: v.i. to move 
quickly: n. a sounding slap. 

spanking (spangk'ing), adj. moving 
with a quick, lively step; dashing; 
stout; large. 

spar (spar), n. a lustrous crystalline 
mineral; a general name for a mast, 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met: mite, mit : note, north, not; boon, book; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


SPARE 


482 


SPECK 


yard, boom, &c; a contest at box- 
ing, or in words: v.i. [p.t. & p.p. 
sparred, p.pr. sparring], to box; con- 
test in words. 

spare (spar), v.t. to use in a frugal 
manner; part with without incon- 
venience; omit; treat tenderly; v.i. 
to live frugally; forbear or forgive: 
adj. thin or lean; scanty; parsimo- 
nious; superfluous; reserved. 

sparing (spar'ing), adj. frugal; abste- 
mious. 

spark (spark), n. a small particle of 
fire or ignited substance thrown off 
in combustion; small shining body 
or transient light; small portion of 
anything active or vivid; gay young 
fellow; beau. 

sparkle (spark'l), v.i. to emit sparks; 
glisten; scintillate; flash; coruscate. 

spark-plug (spark'plug), n. an appa- 
ratus for exploding the gas m a 
gasolene motor by means of an 
electric spark. Also sparker. 

sparrow (spar'o), n. a well-known 
small bird of the Passerine family. 

sparse (spars), adj. thinly scattered; 
not dense; set or planted here and 
there. 

Spartan (spar'tan), adj. pertaining 
to Sparta; hardy; undaunted; se- 
vere. 

spasm (spazm), n. a sudden, violent, 
involuntary contraction of the mus- 
cles. [Greek.] 

spasmodic (spaz-mod'ik), # adj. per- 
taining to, or consisting in, spasms; 
convulsive; violent but short-lived. 
Also spasmodical. 

spat (spat), n. the spawn of shellfish, 
especially the oyster; a quarrel: pi. 
gaiters. 

spatter (spat'er), v.t. to sprinkle with 
a liquid; defame: v.i. to undergo or 
cause scattering or splashing in 
drops or small quantities: n. a small 
splash. 

spatula (spat'u-la), n. a broad, flat, 
thin, flexible knife for spreading 
plasters, paints, &c. [Latin.] 

spavin (spav'in), n. a disease of horses, 
characterized by a swelling in the 
hock joint, causing lameness. 

spawn (spawn), n. the ova of fishes, 
oysters, &c; mycelium of fungi; off- 
spring or product: v.i. to produce 
and deposit spawn; deposit eggs, as 


fish, &c; used contemptuously of a 
family. 

speak (spek). v.i. [p.t. spoke, p.p. 
spoken, p.pr. speaking], to utter 
articulate sounds; said of human 
beings; talk; say; utter a discourse 
or speech; make mention; convey 
ideas; tell; sound: v.t. to utter ar- 
ticulately; declare or pronounce; 
publish. 

speaker (spek'er), n. one who speaks; 
one who delivers a discourse in pub- 
lic ; the presiding officer of the popu- 
lar branch of a legislative body, as 
of congress or a state legislature. 

spear (sper), n. a long-pointed weapon 
of war and the chase used for thrust- 
ing or throwing; a lance with barbed 
prongs for spearing fish; a shoot, as 
of grass: v.t. to pierce, or kill, with a 
spear: v.i. to shoot into a long stem. 

special (spesh'al), adj. pertaining to, 
or constituting, a species; designed 
for a particular purpose; different 
from others ; distinctive ; uncom- 
mon; appropriate; limited in range 
or extent; specific: n. a special train. 

specialist (spesh'al-ist) , n. one who 
devotes himself to a particular 
branch of a profession, &c. 

specialize (spesh'al-Iz), v.t. to particu- 
larize; assign to a specific use or 
function. 

specialty (spesh'al- ti), n. that for which 
a person is noted or distinguished ; 
special contract or obligation. 

specie (spe'shi), n. coined money. 

species (spe'shez), n. a group of indi- 
viduals agreeing in common attri- 
butes and called by a common name ; 
a sub-division of a genus; kind; sort. 

specific (spe-sif'ik), adj. pertaining to 
a species; definite or particular; pre- 
cise: n. a remedy for a particular 
disease. 

specify (spes'i-fi), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. speci- 
fied, p.pr. specifying], to mention or 
name particularly; designate ver- 
bally, so as to distinguish from other 
things. 

specimen (spes'i-men) , n. a sample; a 
part of something to show the qual- 
ity, &c, of the whole. 

specious (spe'shus), adj. appearing 
well at first sight; plausible; osten- 
sible; fair. 

speck (spek), n. a spot; flaw; blem- 


ate, arm, at, awl; me, merge, met; mite, mit : note, n6rth, not; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, Men. 


SPECKLE 


483 


SPICE 


ish; small particle; blubber: v.t. to 
spot. 

speckle (spek'l), n. a small spot in any- 
thing different in substance or color 
from the thing itself: v.t. to varie- 
gate with spots of a different color 
to that of the thing itself. 

spectacle (spek'ta-kl), n. something 
exhibited to view, especially some- 
thing unusual or worthy of notice; 
pageant; exhibition: pi. an optical 
instrument with two lenses mount- 
ed in a frame to assist the vision. 

spectator (spek-ta'ter) , n. a beholder. 

specter, spectre (spek'tr), n. a ghost 
or apparition. 

spectral (spek'tral), adj. ghostly; per- 
taining to, or produced by, the spec- 
trum. 

spectroscope (spek'tro-skop), n. an 
optical instrument for forming and 
examining spectra. 

spectrum (spek'trum), n. [pi. spectra 
(spek'tra)], the colored and other 
rays of light separated by refraction 
through a prism and exhibited on a 
screen, &c. 

speculate (spek'u-lat), v.i. to consider 
or meditate upon; purchase stock, 
land, goods, &c, out of the usual 
order of trade with a view to sell 
them at an enhanced profit by an 
expected rise in the market. 

speculation (spek-u-la/shun), n. in- 
tellectual examination; theory; pur- 
chase of stock, goods, &c, out of the 
regular order of trade for future 
sale at an enhanced price; game at 
cards. 

speculative (spek'ti-la-tiv) , adj. per- 
taining to, or given to, speculation; 
contemplative; theoretical; risky. 

sped, p.t. & p.p. of speed. 

speech (spech), n. the faculty of ut- 
tering articulate sounds or words; 
expression of thought in words; act 
of speaking; particular language or 
dialect; formal discourse in public; 
oration. 

speechless (spech'les), adj. unable to 
speak; mute. 

speed (sped), n. velocity; swiftness; 
quickness; success: v.i. [p.t. & p.p. 
sped, p.pr. speeding], to make haste; 
move quickly; fare: v.t. to prosper; 
favor; despatch quickly; execute; 
aid. 


speedy (sped'i), adj. [comp. speedier, 
superl. speediest], not dilatory or 
slow; prompt; quick; hasty. # 

spell (spel), n. a charm or incanta- 
tion; time during which a person 
works; duration: v.i. to form words 
with the proper letters, either orally 
or in writing: v.t. to write, repeat, 
or point out the proper letters of; 
read with difficulty (with out). 

spencer (spen'ser), n. a kind of short 
jacket; a four-cornered fore-and-aft 
sail. 

spend (spend), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. spent, 
p.pr. spending], to lay out, as money; 
give for any purpose; dispose of; 
consume; drain of force or strength: 
v.i. to incur expense. 

spendthrift (spend'thrift), adj. prodi- 
gal; extravagant^ n. one who is 
prodigal or lavish in expenditure. 

sperm (sperm), n. the seminal fluid 
of animals; spermaceti; spawn of 
frogs and fishes. [French.] 

spermaceti (sper-ma-se'ti), n. a white 
waxy substance obtained from the 
head of the sperm-whale. 

spermatozoon (sper-ma-to-zo'on), n. 
the germ cell in animals and plants. 

spew (spu), v.i. to vomit. 

sphere (sfer), n. a globe or globular 
body; the concave or expanse of the 
heavens; circuit or range of knowl- 
edge, influence, action, &c; place 
of existence; social position; a solid 
body contained under a single sur- 
face, each point of which is equi- 
distant from a central point. 

spherical (sfer'i-kal), adj. globular. 

sphincter (sfingk'ter), n. a muscle 
that closes an orifice which it sur- 
rounds. 

Sphinx (sfingks), n. [pi. sphinxes 
(sfingks'ez)], a fabled monster hav- 
ing the head of a woman and the 
body of a lioness; a person of enig- 
matical character or policy, from the 
custom of the Sphinx of proposing 
riddles to travelers and destroying 
those who could not solve the enig- 
mas. [Greek.] 

spice (spis), n. any aromatic and 
pungent vegetable used for season- 
ing food; relish; small quantity 
giving flavor to a greater: v.t. to 
season or flavor with, or as with,, 
spice; tincture. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book 
31 hue, hut ; think, then. 


SPICY 


484 


SPIT 


spicy (spi'si), adj. [comp. spicier, 
superl. spiciest], flavored with, con- 
taining, or having the qualities of, 
spice; aromatic; fragrant; pungent; 
racy. 

spider (spi'der), n. any individual of 
the genus Arachnida that spins webs 
to ensnare its prey; something like 
a spider. 

.spigot (spig'ot), n. a pointed piece 
of wood used to stop the vent-hole 
of a cask or pipe of a faucet. 

spike (spik), n. a large kind of nail; 
anything like a spike; ear of grain: 
v.t. to fasten with spikes; stop the 
vent of (a cannon) by driving a spike 
into it. 

spikenard (splk'nard), n. an aromatic 
plant from which an oil, the ancient 
nardos, is extracted. 

spill (spil), n. a thin strip of paper 
or wood for lighting a lamp, &c; a 
tumble or overthrow: v.t. [p.t. & p.p. 
spilled, spilt, p.pr. spilling], to suffer 
to run or fall out of a vessel: v.i. 
to fall out. 

spin (spin), v.t. [p.t & p.p. spun, p.pr. 
spinning], to draw out and twist 
into threads; protract; draw out te- 
diously; cause to whirl rapidly; 
form by drawing out and twisting 
the materials of: v.i. to practice 
spinning; whirl; issue in a small 
stream; move swiftly, as a bicycle: 
n. the act of spinning; single ef- 
fort; a bicycle run. 

spinach (spin'aj), n. an esculent vege- 
table. 

spinal (spi'nal), adj. pertaining to the 
spine. 

spindle (spin'dl), n. the long thin rod 
used in spinning wheels for twisting 
the thread; any axis of revolution. 

spine (spin), n. in vertebrates, the 
backbone. [Old French.] 

spinet (spin'et), n. a keyed instru- 
ment, allied to the harpsichord, but 
smaller. 

spinster (spin'ster), n. an unmarried 
woman. 

spiral (spi'ral), adj. winding around 
a center like the thread of a screw; 
tapering or pointed like a spire: n. 
a curve or curved line receding con- 
tinually from the center about 
which it revolves. [Latin.] 

spirant (spi'rant), n. a name applied 


to those consonants in which the 
breath is not entirely stopped in 
articulating. 

spire (spir), n. a slender stalk or blade; 
a tapering body; winding line; 
steeple; top: v.i. to shoot forth or 
up like a spire. 

spirit (spir'it), n. the soul; the in- 
telligent, immaterial, immortal part 
of man; life; disembodied soul; appa- 
rition; courage; energy; vivacity; 
power of mind, moral and intellect- 
ual; genius; real meaning; essence; 
any liquid produced by distillation; 
alcohol: pi. intoxicants, as brandy, 
&c; liveliness; natural vivacity: v.t. 
to take away suddenly or secretly. 
[Latin.] 

spirited (spir'it-ed), adj. full of spirit 
or life; animated; vivacious; lively. 

spiritism (spir'it-ism) , n. the science 
of spiritualistic phenomena. 

spiritless (spir'it-les), adj. without 
spirit; depressed ;_dejected. _ 

spiritual (spir'it-u-al) , adj. incor- 
poreal; not material; possessing the 
nature or qualities of a spirit ; men- 
tal or intellectual; pure; holy; 
heavenly-minded; not lay or tem- 
poral; ecclesiastical. _ 

spiritualism (spir'it-u-al-izm) , n. the 
state of being spiritual; the philo- 
sophical doctrine that nothing is real 
except soul or spirit; the belief that 
certain alleged phenomena, as rap- 
ping, table-turning, trances, &c, are 
caused by the presence of departed 
spirits who thus manifest their pres- 
ence; the tenets and practices of 
spiritualists. 

spirituality (spir-it-u-al'i-ti) , n. the 
state or quality of being spiritual; 
spiritual nature; essence as distin- 
guished from matter; that which 
belongs to the church or religion. 

spiritualize (spir'it-ii-al-iz), v.t. to free 
from sensuality ; make spiritual ; give 
a spiritual meaning to. 

spirituelle (spir-it-u-el') , adj. refined; 
ethereal; pure. 

spirituous (spir'it-u-us), adj. having 
the quality of spirit; pure; immate- 
rial; alcoholic; ardent. 

spit (spit), n. a long pointed rod on 
which meat is roasted; small point 
of land or a long narrow shoal run- 
ning into the sea: v.t. [p.t. & p.p. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


SPITE 


485 


SPONTANEOUS 


spitted, p.pr. spitting], to thrust a 
spit through; impale: [p.t. spit or 
spat], eject or throw out: v.i. eject 
saliva from the mouth; drizzle, as 
rain. 

spite (spit), n. ill-will or hatred tow- 
ard another, with the desire to 
thwart or injure; petty malice; 
grudge: v.t. to try to injure or 
thwart; annoy. 

spiteful (spit'fool), adj. full of spite; 
malicious ; malignant. 

spitfire (spit 'fir), n. a very violent 
or passionate person. 

spittle (spit'l), n. saliva; sputum. 

spizzerinktum (spiz-zer-ingk'tum), n. 
vim; go; intense energy; the over- 
mastering will to succeed. 

splash (splash), v.t. to spatter with 
water, mud, &c: v.i. to dash water 
about: n. water or slush thrown 
upon anything; a noise as from 
water thrown up, or by anything 
striking in or upon a liquid. 

splatter (splat'er), v.t. to splash. 

splatterdash (splat'er-dash), n. up- 
roar; noise: pi. same as spatter- 
dashes. 

splay (spla), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. splayed, 
p.pr. splaying], to dislocate, as the 
shoulder bone of a horse; slope or 
slant: n. a sloped surface: adj. turned 
or spreading outwards. 

spleen (splen), n. a soft vascular or- 
gan near the large extremity of the 
stomach, supposed by the ancients 
to be the seat of anger, melancholy, 
or vexation: hence a fit of ill-hu- 
mor, melancholy, or latent spite. 

splendid (splen'did), adj. magnificent; 
very bright; brilliant; famous; he- 
roic ; celebrated ; sumptuous. 

splendor (splen'der), n. the appear- 
ance of anything splendid; magnifi- 
cence; pomp. 

splice (splis), v.t. to unite, as two 
ropes, by interweaving the strands; 
connect, as pieces of wood or metal, 
by overlapping parts and making 
them fast together ; to unite in mar- 
riage: n. the union of ropes, &c, by 
interweaving or joining. [Dutch.] 

splint (splint), n. a splinter; a thin 
piece of wood to keep a broken 
bone, &c, in position; a hard ex- 
crescence on the shank-bone of a 
horse. 


splinter (splin'tcr), n. a thin piece of 
wood, &c, split or rent off length- 
wise; fragment: v.t. to split or rend 
into long thin pieces; shiver: v.i. to< 
be-rent into splinters. 

split (split), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. split, p.pr. 
splitting], to divide lengthwise; teai 
asunder violently; cleave; rupture; 
disunite: v.i. burst with laughter 
(figuratively) ; betray confidence ; 
throb or ache violently. 

splotch (sploch), n. a stain; daub. 

splurge (splerj), n. a great display. 

splutter (splut'er), v.i. to speak has- 
tily and confusedly ; scatter ink upon 
a paper, as with a bad pen: n. a 
confused noise; stir; commotion. 

spoil (spoil), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. spoiled, 
spoilt, p.pr. spoiling], to take away 
by force; plunder; corrupt; vitiate; 
ruin; destroy: v.i. to become use- 
less; decay: n. that which is taken 
from another by violence; pillage;, 
plunder; booty. [Old French.] 

spoke (spok), n. one of the bars of a 
wheel connecting the nave or center 
with the felly or rim; round of a 
ladder: v.t. to furnish with spokes: 
p.t. of speak. 

spoken (spok'n), adj. uttered in 
speech; oral; speaking: p.p. of speak. 

spoliation (spo-li-a'shun), n. the act. 
of plundering or robbery, especially 
in time of war; injury done to a. 
document. 

spondaic (spon-da'ik) , adj. pertain- 
ing to a spondee. [Greek.] 

spondee (spon'de), n. a poetic foot of 
two long syllables ( ) . 

sponge (spunj), n. the porous, elas- 
tic, fibrous framework of any spe- 
cies of Spongida; any substance re- 
sembling sponge; a mop for cleans- 
ing a gun after its discharge; point 
of a horseshoe; parasite: v.i. to suck 
in like a sponge; live upon others: 
v.t. cleanse or wipe with a sponge; ob- 
tain by mean arts without cost. 

spongy (spun'ji), adj. flexible and full 
of small cavities ; like a sponge ; hav- 
ing the quality of imbibing fluids; 
wet and soft; rainy. 

sponsor (spon'ser), n. a surety; a god- 
father or godmother. [Latin.] 

sponsorial (spon-so'ri-al), adj. per- 
taining to a sponsor. 

spontaneous (spon-ta'ne-us) , adj. pro- 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, boob 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


SPOOK 


486 


SPREAD 


ceeding from natural disposition or 
impulses; acting by internal impulse 
or natural law. 

spook (spook), n. a ghost. 

spool (spool), n. a hollow cylinder 
surrounded with a ridge at each end 
on which thread, &c, are wound: 
v.t. to wind on a spool. 

spoon (spoon), n. a small domestic 
implement consisting of a hollow 
bowl and handle for dipping in 
liquids and conveying them to the 
mouth, &c; a simpleton; a club 
used in golf: v.t. to take up in, or 
as in, a spoon: y.i. to act the part 
of a demonstrative lover. 

spoonbill (spoon'bil), n. a wading 
bird of the heron family with a 
spoon-like bill. 

spoonful (spoon'f ool) , n. [pi. spoon- 
fuls (sp5on'foolz)], as much as a 
spoon will hold; small quantity. 

spoony (spoon'i), n. a simpleton: adj. 
weak-minded; demonstratively 
fond. 

spoor (spoor), n. the track or trail 
of any wild animal. 

sporadic (spo-rad'ik) , adj. occurring 
separately or apart from others of 
the same kind; single. Also spo- 
radical. [Latin.] 

spore (spor), n. a minute grain in 
cryptogamous plants which performs 
the function of a seed; a minute 
ovoid body in certain organisms 
which gives rise to new organisms 
by germination. [Greek.] 

sporran (spor'an), n. the furry pouch 
worn in Highland costume in front 
of the kilt. 

sport (sport), n. diversion; jest; 
mirth; mockery; play; outdoor rec- 
reation, as hunting, shooting, &c; 
athletics and games of skill for 
which prizes are given or money 
staked; an animal or plant which 
deviates in its organism from the 
normal condition: y.i. to play or 
frolic; trifle; practice field diver- 
sions: v.t. to divert; exhibit or wear 
in public. 

sportful (sport 'f ool), adj. full of sport; 
indulging in mirth or play; merry; 
frolicsome. 

sporting (sport 'ing), p.adj. pertaining 
to, characteristic of, or engaging in, 
sport or sports. 


sportive (spor'tiv), adj. frolicsome; 

merry. 
sportsman (sports'man), n. [pi. 

sportsmen (sports'men)], one who 

Eursues the sports of the field, as 
unting, &c. Fern, sportswoman. 

spot (spot), n. a blot or mark; dis- 
colored place or stain; blemish; dis- 
grace or reproach; locality; place; 
small part of a different color ; dark 
place on a luminous disc, as of the 
sun or a planet ; mark on a billiard 
table where the red ball is placed; 
spot-stroke: v.t. [p.t. & p.p. spotted, 
p.pr. spotting], to mark with spots; 
discolor; stain; disgrace or blemish; 
mark or note so as to recognize; de- 
tect. 

spotless (spot'les), adj. without any 
physical blemish or spot; morally 
untainted, and having no blame. 

spotter (spot'er), n. a detective. 

spouse (spouz), n. a married per- 
son. 

spout (spout), n. the projecting mouth 
of a vessel; pipe for conducting a 
liquid; lift or shoot: v.t. to throw 
out forcibly and abundantly, as 
from a pipe ; pawn : v.i. issue with vio- 
lence, as from a pipe. 

sprain (spran), n. an excessive strain 
of the muscles or ligaments of a 
joint without dislocation: v.t. to 
overstrain (the muscles or ligaments 
of a joint) without dislocation. 

sprang, p.t. of spring. 

sprat (sprat), n. a small fish. 

sprawl (sprawl), v.i. to stretch the 
body carelessly when in a horizontal 
position; lie; stretch or toss out the 
limbs or move awkwardly; open ir- 
regularly, as cavalry; spread in an 
irregular manner, as a plant. 

spray (spra), n. a small shoot or 
branch of a tree, or a collection of 
them; small particles of water driv- 
en or dashed in the air; jet of fine 
medicated water, perfume, &c: v.t. 
[p.t. & p.p. sprayed, p.pr. spraying], 
to throw spray upon. 

spread (spred), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. spread, 
p.pr. spreading], to extend in all di- 
rections; propagate; unfurl; open: 
emit; scatter; set or furnish with 
provisions: v.i. to be extended or 
propagated: n. extent; table fur- 
nished with provisions; feast. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


SPREE 


487 


SQUABBLE 


spree (spre), n. a merry frolic;, ca- 
rousal. 

sprig (sprig), n. a small twig or shoot; 
scion; headless brad or nail; orna- 
ment in the form of a spray: v.t. 
[p.t. & p.p. sprigged, p.pr. sprig- 
ging], to work or adorn with sprigs; 
drive brads into. 

spright (sprit), n. a sprite. 

sprightly (sprit'li), adj. [comp. spright- 
lier, superl. sprightliest], vivacious; 
brisk; animated; airy, gay: adv. with 
vivacity. 

spring (spring), v.i. [p.t. sprang, p.p. 
sprung, p.pr. springing], to arise; 
originate; appear; shoot up; leap; 
bound; dart; start or rise up sud- 
denly; fly back; issue or proceed; 
warp: v.t. to start or rouse; cause to 
spring up; explode; crack; strain; 
cause to close suddenly; leap over; 
cause to open: n. a leap or Dound; 
an elastic body used for various 
mechanical purposes; a flying back 
with elastic force ; source ; a fountain 
of water; one of the four seasons of 
the year when plants begin to grow; 
cracl' in a mast, &c. 

sprinklt (spring'kl), v.t. to scatter in 
small drops ; baptize with a few drops 
of water; cleanse or purify: v.i. to 
rain in small drops: n. a sprinkling. 

sprinkling (spring'kling), adj. scat- 
tering in small drops: n. a small 
quantity distributed in small drops; 
a small quantity distributed or scat- 
tered, as of people, &c. 

sprint (sprint), n. a run for a short 
distance at full speed: v.i. to run at 
full speed. 

sprit (sprit), v.i. to bud or sprout: n. 
a sprout or shoot ; a small spar which 
raises diagonally the peak of the sail 
of a boat. 

sprite (sprit), n. a spirit; a shade; a 
ghost. 

sprout (sprout), v.i. to germinate; 
shoot, as the seed of a plant: n. a 
shoot; bud: pi. Brussels sprouts. 

spruce (sproos), n. a fir tree of the 
genus Picea; wood of the spruce 
tree; a fermented beverage made 
from spruce leaves, &c: adj. smart; 
trim; neat; dandified: v.t. to dress 
with affected neatness. 

sprung, p.t. & p.p. of spring. 

spry (spri), adj. nimble; sharp. 


spud (spud), n. a short stout knife; a 
potato. 

spume (spurn), n. froth; foam: v.i. 
to foam. 

spun, p.t. & p.p. of spin. 

spunk (spungk), n. touchwood; met- 
tle. 

spunky (spungk'i), adj. mettlesome; 
plucky. 

spur (sper), n. a rowel with sharp 
points worn on the heel of boots for 
inciting a horse; any incentive to 
action; largest root of a tree; some- 
thing projecting; stiff, sharp spine 
on a cock's leg, &c: v.t. [p.t. & p.p. 
spurred, p.pr. spurring], to prick 
with a spur ; incite to action ; hasten : 
v.i. to travel with haste; push 
on. 

spurious (spu'ri-us)^ adj. not genu- 
ine ; counterfeit; illegitimate ; 
false. 

spurn (spern), v.t. to drive away, as 
with the foot; reject with contempt; 
treat with disdain: v.i. to manifest 
contempt in rejecting anything: n. 
disdainful rejection. 

spurt (spert), v.i. to issue forth sud- 
denly or violently in a stream or 
jet; make a sudden brief effort: v.t. 
to throw out in a stream or jet: n. 
a sudden or forcible ejection of a 
liquid; brief, sudden effort. 

sputter (sput'er), v.i. to throw out 
moisture in scattered drops; speak 
rapidly and indistinctly; spit: v.t. 
to emit in small particles with a 
crackling or spluttering noise: n. 
moist matter thrown out in small 
drops. 

sputum "(spii'tum), n. saliva; spit- 
tle. . i 

spy (spi), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. spied, p.pr. 
spying], to discover, especially at a 
distance; gain sight of; detect; ex- 
plore; examine secretly: v.i. to scru- 
tinize; play the spy: n. a person who 
in time of war enters the enemy's 
camp to gain information as to its 
movements, &c; one who keeps 
watch on others; secret agent. 

squab (skwob), n. a person of short, 
fat figure; kind of sofa; stuffed 
cushion; nestling of a pigeon: adj. 
short and fat; bulky: adv. with a 
heavy fall. 

squabble (skwob'l), v.i. to wrangle 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


SQUAD 


488 


SQUIRREL 


or dispute in a noisy manner: v.t. to 
disarrange: said of type set up: n. a 
noisy wrangle; dispute. 

squad (skwod), n. a small party of 
soldiers assembled for drill, &c; any 
small party. [Old French.] 

squadron (skwod'run), n. a division of 
a regiment of cavalry, comprising 
two troops; detachment of war ves- 
sels employed on some particular 
service. 

squalid (skwol'id), adj. extremely 
dirty; foul; poverty-stricken. 

squall (skwawl), n. a sudden and vio- 
lent gust of wind, often accom- 
panied with rain, sleet, &c; a loud 
scream: v.i. to scream or cry vio- 
lently. 

squalor (skwa/lor), n. foulness, dirt. 

squamose (skwa'mos), adj. covered 
with, or like, scales. Also squam- 
ous. 

squander (skwon'der), v.t. to spend 
lavishly or wastefully; dissipate: v.i. 
to be wasteful or prodigal. 

square (skwar), n. a parallelogram 
having 4 equal sides and 4 right an- 
gles; anything nearly resembling a 
square; an area of 4 sides having 
houses on each side; square body of 
troops; a mathematical instrument 
for measuring right angles; product 
of a number multiplied by itself: 
adj. having 4 equal sides and 4 equal 
angles; forming a right angle; hav- 
ing a straight front; true; upright; 
honest; just; well-set; stout: v.t. to 
form with 4 equal sides and 4 equal 
angles; multiply by itself; reduce to 
a given standard; adjust; regulate; 
make even; place at right angles 
with the keel: v.i. to accord or agree 
(with with); fit; assume a boxing 
attitude (with up). [Old French.] 

squash (skwosh), v.t. to crush, espe- 
cially into a flat mass or pulp: n. 
something soft and easily crushed; 
something unripe and soft; unripe 
pea cod; shock of soft bodies; sud- 
den fall of a soft body; a gourd. 

squashy (skwosh'i), adj. easily 
crushed; soft. 

squat (skwot), v.i. [p.t. & p.p. squat- 
ted, p.pr. squatting], to sit down on 
the hams or heels; cover or lie close, 
as an animal; to settle on public 
land; settle on the land of another 


without a title: adj. sitting on the 
hams and heels; crouching: n. the 
posture of one who squats; small 
vein of ore. 

squatter (skwot'er), n. one who 
squats; one who settles on new or 
uncultivated land without a title; in 
Australia and New Zealand, one who 
leases land for pasturing sheep from 
the Government. 

squaw (skwaw), n. a North Ameri- 
can Indian woman or wife. 

squawk (skwawk), v.i. to utter a 
loud, harsh noise: n. a harsh 
squeak. 

squeak (skwek), v.i. to utter a short, 
shrill, sharp cry; make a sharp dis- 
agreeable noise; break silence; con- 
fess: n. a short, shrill, sharp cry; a 
sharp disagreeable noise. 

squeal (skwel), v.i. to cry with a 
sharp, shrill, prolonged sound; to 
turn informer: n. a sharp, shrill, pro- 
longed sound. [Icelandic] 

squeamish (skwem'ish), adj. sickish 
at stomach; easily disgusted; nice 
to excess in taste; fastidious about 
trifles; scrupulous. 

squeeze (skwez), v.t. to press between 
two bodies; crush; embrace forcibly; 
compress; force by compression; 
cause to pass: v.i. to press; push be- 
tween close bodies: n. the act of 
squeezing ; compression between bod- 
ies; facsimile in some soft substance; 
a forcible embrace. 

squelch (sk welch), v.t. to crush; si- 
lence: n. a heavy blow. 

squib (skwib), n. a kind of firework; 
petty lampoon; sarcastic publica- 
tion: v.i. to use or write squibs or 
sarcastic reflections; contend in 
petty dispute. 

squill (skwil), n. a genus of plants 
allied to the lily, used in medicine. 

squint (skwint), adj. looking ob- 
liquely; said of the eyes: v.i. to see 
or look obliquely; have the vision 
distorted: v.t. to cause to squint: n. 
the act or habit of looking oblique- 
ly. 

squire (skwir), n. (see esquire). Often 
used of a justice of the peace; a 
country-gentleman; a farm owner. 

squirm (skwerm), v.i. to wriggle; 
writhe. 

squirrel (skwer'el), n. a small, agile, 


;ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


SQUIRT 


489 


STALE 


reddish-brown rodent with a long 
bushy tail. 

squirt (skwert), v.t. to eject in a 
stream from a small orifice; spurt: 
n. a small stream or jet; an instru- 
ment for jecting water, &c. 

Btab (stab), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. stabbed, 
p.pr. stabbing], to pierce with, or as 
with, a pointed weapon; kill or 
wound; injure secretly, or by mali- 
cious falsehood or slander; v. . to 
pierce; inflict a wound: n. a thrust 
or wound with a sharp-pointed 
weapon; a malici us injury done 
secretly. 

stability (sta-bil'i-ti) , n. the state or 
quality of being stable or firm; firm- 
ness of character; strength of pur- 
pose or resolution; fixedness. Also 
stableness. 

stable (sta^bl), adj. fixed; firm; con- 
stant: n. a building for lodging 
horses, cows, &c: v.t. to put or keep 
in a stable: v.i. to dwell or shelter, 
as in a stable. 

stack (stak), n. a large quantity of 
hay, corn, wood, &c, piled up in cir- 
cular or regular form; number of 
chimneys standing together: v.t. to 
pile into a stack. 

stadium (sta'di-um), n. [pi. stadia 
(sta/di-a)], a Greek linear measure = 
606M ft. ; the course for foot-races 
at the Olympic games : hence a race- 
course. [Latin.] 

staff (staf), n. [pi. staves, staffs 
(stavz, stafs)], a stick carried for 
support in walking or for defense: 
support; prop; pole, handle, or bar; 
wand as a badge of office; stanza or 
a series of verses; the five lines and 
four spaces between them on which 
music is written; flagstaff; an es- 
tablishment of officers attached to an 
army or its commander; number of 
persons engaged in any undertaking 
or work. 

stag (stag), n. the male of the red 
deer; male of the ox kind, castrated 
at a certain age; an outside irregu- 
lar dealer in stocks. 

stage (staj), n. an elevated platform, 
especially in a ^theater ; place of 
scenic entertainments or representa- 
tions; the theatrical profession; place 
of rest on a journey; field of action; 


degree of progress; coach: v.t. to put 
on the stage, as a play. [Old French.] 

stagger (stag'er), v.i. to totter or 
reel; begin to doubt, weary or give 
way; hesitate: v.t. to cause to totter 
or reel; shock; make less confident: 
n. a sudden reeling or tottering: pi. 
a disease of horses and cattle, some- 
times called the "blind staggers"; 
vertigo. 

stagnant (stag'nant) , adj. not flowing, 
or running in a stream; motionless; 
not brisk; torpid; dull. [Latin.] 

stagnate (stagnat), v.i. to cease to 
flow or run ; be motionless ; become 
torpid, inactive, or dull; become im- 
pure or foul. 

stagnation (stag-na'shun) , n. the 
state or quality of being stag- 
nant. 

staid (stad), adj. sober; sedate; regu- 
lar; steady; not volatile. 

stain (stan), v.t. to blot; spot; tinge 
with color; dye, soil with guilt or 
infamy; tarnish; pollute: v.i. to take 
stains; become stained: n. discolora- 
tion; spot of color different from 
the ground; spot or blot; taint of 
guilt or infamy; cause of reproach. 

stair (star), n. one of a series of steps 
for ascending to a higher level; a 
step: pi. a flight of steps. 

staircase (star'kas), n. a set of steps in 
a house with railings, &c. 

stake (stak), n. a post or strong 
stick sharpened at one end and fixed 
in the ground; palisade; post to- 
which a person condemned to be 
burnt was secured; hence martyr- 
dom; that which is pledged, wa- 
gered, or put to hazard; prize con- 
tested for; small anvil: v.t. to fasten 
or support with stakes ; defend with» 
or mark out the limits of, with. 
stakes; wager or pledge. 

stalactite (stal-ak'tlt), n. an icicle- 
like incrustation of carbonate of 
lime, &c, formed by percolation in 
caverns, &c. [Greek.] 

stalagmite (stal-ag'mit), n. a cone of 
carbonate of lime, &c, formed on 

, the floor of a cavern in a similar 
manner to a stalactite. [Greek.] 

stale (stal), adj. not fresh or new; 
vapid; tasteless; worn out by use 
or familiarity; trite; common; de- 
cayed; past the prime: v.t. to make 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


STALK 


490 


STAPLE 


stale; wear out: v.i. to discharge 
urine; said of horses. 

stalk (stawk), v.t. to pursue stealthily 
and under cover so as to kill, as 
game: v.i. to walk with high and 
proud steps ; walk behind a stalking- 
horse: n. the stem or main axis of a 
plant; support which attaches a 
flower or fruit to a plant or tree; 
anything like a stalk; a high, proud, 
stately step. 

stall (stawl), n. that part of a stable 
where a horse or ox is kept and fed; 
a bench or table where goods are ex- 
posed for sale; small house or shed 
where business is carried on; seat 
of a church dignitary in the choir of 
a cathedral; canonry; reserved seat 
in a theater, &c: v.t. to place or 
keep in a stall; to hold back a train: 
v.i. to kennel, as dogs. 

stallion (stal'yun), n. an uncastrated 
male horse kept for breeding. 

stalwart (stawl'wert), adj. sturdy; 
strong; tall and stout; brave; dar- 
ing. 

stamen (sta'men), n. the male organ 
of a flower. 

stamina (stam'in-a), n.pl. tone and 
vigor of the animal system; back- 
bone; power of endurance. 

stammer (stam'er), v.i. to hesitate 
or falter in speaking, especially from 
an impediment in speech; stutter: 
v.t. to utter or pronounce with dif- 
ficulty or hesitation: n. difficulty in 
pronouncing or speaking; stutter. 

stamp (stamp), v.t. to strike with the 
sole of the foot by thrusting it down- 
wards; crush or pulverize; impress; 
fix deeply; make valid; affix a stamp 
to; coin: v.i. to strike or beat the 
foot forcibly on the ground: n. the 
act of stamping; die; the impres- 
sion made ; official mark on dutiable 
things ; small piece of paper having 
a certain device and value impressed 
upon it by government, required le- 
gally to be affixed to a letter, docu- 
ment, &c; currency; character or 
reputation; authority. 

stampede (stam-ped'), n. a sudden 
panic seizing a herd of animals caus- 
ing them to run violently away; any 
sudden flight or rush: v.t. to cause 
to take to sudden flight: v.i. to start 
off in a panic. [Spanish.] 


stanch (stanch), adj. firm; constant; 
trustworthy; zealous: v.t. to stop 
the flowing of, as blood. Also 
staunch. [Old French.] 

stand (stand), v.i. [p.t. & p.p. stood, 
p.pr. standing], to be erect; occupy 
a certain position; cease to move; 
be at rest or fixed; continue; re- 
main without injury or ruin; be 
safe; not to fail or yield; be obsti- 
nate; be firm; be placed; become a 
candidate; hold a course at sea; 
continue in force; stagnate: v.t. to 
endure; sustain; abide by; set in an 
erect position; pay for: n. a stop 
or halt; interruption; station for the 
hire of vehicles; raised platform for 
spectators; small table; state of per- 
plexity or difficulty; resistance. 

standard (stand'erd), n. an ensign or 
flag, especially a national ensign; 
that which is established by author- 
ity as a fixed rule or measure ; estab- 
lished rule or model; criterion; a 
standing tree not supported by a 
wall; proportion of weights of fine 
metal and alloy established by au- 
thority. 

standing (stand'ing), n. the act of 
stopping or of being erect on the 
feet; duration; maintenance of posi- 
tion; reputation; rank or status : adj. 
remaining erect; stagnant; lasting; 
established or settled; fixed. 

stand-oft (stand 'of), n. a draw or tie: 
v.t. to hold in abeyance. 

standpoint (standpoint), n. a posi- 
tion from which one views 
things. 

standstill (stand'stil), n. a complete 
pause. 

stanza (stan'za), n. a number of lines 
or verses connected with and ad- 
justed to each other, usually ending 
in a pause ; part of a poem containing 
every variation of measure in the 
poem. 

staple (sta'pl), n. the chief produc- 
tion or industry of a country or dis- 
trict; settled market or emporium; 
principal element or topic; unmanu- 
factured or raw material, as cot- 
ton, flax, or wool fiber; loop of metal 
for holding a bolt, &c: adj. chief; 
regularly produced; established in 
commerce: v.t. to sort according to 
its staple, as cotton, &c. 


fite, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, Men. 


STAR 


491 


STATISTICS 


star (star), n. any celestial body, es- 
pecially one that is self-luminous; 
anything resembling a star; a planet 
supposed to influence a person's des- 
tiny; an ornamental rayed badge; 
an asterisk (*); a person of distin- 
guished eminence, especially in the 
theatrical profession: v.t. [p.t. & 
p.p. starred, p.pr. starring], to set 
or adorn with stars: v.i. to shine as 
a star; be preeminent; appear as 
principal actor among inferior play- 
ers. 

starboard (star'bord), n. the right- 
hand side of a vessel looking towards 
the bow: adj. pertaining to, or lying 
on the right side of a vessel: v.t. to 
put to the right or starboard side of a 
vessel. 

starch (starch), n. a widely diffuse 
vegetable substance: used for laun- 
dry purposes, &c: v.t. to stiffen with 
starch; make stiff. 

stare (star), n. a fixed look with wide- 
open eyes; a starling: v.i. to look 
with fixed eyes wide open ; look ear- 
nestly; be very conspicuous; stand 
out prominently: v.t. to gaze at. 

stark (stark), adj. stiff; strong: adv 
wholly or completely. 

starling (star'ling), n. a passerine 
bird of the genus Sturnus; piles 
driven round the piers of a bridge 
for its protection. 

start (start), v.i. to be moved or 
twitched suddenly, as by sudden 
alarm, &c; shrink; move -abruptly ; 
set out; commence a race, career, 
&c; loosen: v.t. to originate or set 
going; rouse suddenly from conceal- 
ment; empty; dislocate; punish with 
a rope's end: n. the act of starting; 
outset; a sudden motion or twitch; 
sudden fit or excitement; quick 
spring; starting post. 

startle (start'l), v.i. to move suddenly 
as by an alarm ; to feel sudden alarm : 
v.t. to frighten suddenly; shock. 

starvation (star-va'shun) , n. the state 
of being starved. 

starve (starv), v.i. to suffer extreme 
hunger; perish with hunger or cold: 
v.t. subdue by famine; destroy by 
want of any kind. 

starveling (starv'ling), adj. hungry; 
weak; lean: n. a thin, weak, pining 
animal or plant. 


state (stat), n. circumstances or con- 
dition; position or situation; case; 
quality; pomp; principal persons 
constituting the government of a 
country; legislature; whole body of 
people united under one government ; 
civil power: adj. pertaining to the 
body politic; used on state occa- 
sions; ceremonial: v.t. to express 
the details of; represent fully in 
words; narrate. [Old French.] 

State, n. one of the federated com- 
monwealths composing the United 
States. 

statecraft (stat'kraft), n. diplomatic 
and political skill. 

stated (stat'ed), adj. fixed; regular. 

stateliness (stat'li-nes), n. the state or 
quality of being stately; majestic 
appearance. 

stately (stat'li), adj. [comp. statelier, 
superl. stateliest], grand; majestic; 
dignified; displaying state or dignity. 

statement (stat'ment), n. the act of 
stating; that which is stated; narra- 
tive or recital. 

stateroom (stat'ro5m), n. a reserved 
cabin in a steamer or sleeping 
car. 

statesman (stats'man), n. [pi. states- 
men (stats'men)], one who is skilled 
in public affairs and the art of gov- 
ernment; politician. 

static (stat'ik), adj. pertaining to 
bodies at rest or in equilibrium; act- 
ing by mere weight without produc- 
ing motion. Also statical : n.pl. that 
branch of mechanics which treats of 
the equilibrium, pressure, weight, 
&c, of bodies at rest. [Greek.] 

station (sta'shun), n. place where a 
person or thing stands; position; 
rank or condition of life; class or 
order; place on a railway for pas- 
sengers or goods; district police of- 
fice; military quarters; post for war- 
vessels: v.t. to place in a certain post, 
rank, or situation; appoint or as- 
sign. 

stationary (sta'shun-a-ri), adj. fixed; 
not moving; not improving. 

stationer (sta'shun-er), n. one who 
sells paper, pens, pencils, writing 
materials, &c. [Latin.] 

statistics (sta-tis'tiks), n. the science 
of the classification and arrange- 
ment of facts relating to the condi- 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


STATUARY 


492 


STELE 


tion of a people or class, domestic 
economy, health, longevity, &c. 

statuary (stat'ti-a-ri), n. a sculptor; 
the art of carving statues; statues 
collectively. 

statue (stat'u), n. the representation of 
a living being sculptured or modeled 
in some solid material: v.t. to form 
a statue of; place, as a statue. 

stature (stat'ur), n. the natural height. 

status (sta'tus), n. condition; social 
standing or place; rank. 

statute (stat'fit), n. a law expressly 
enacted by the legislature of a coun- 
try or state; written law; an act of a 
corporation or of its founders, de- 
signed to be a permanent rule. 

statutory (stat'u-to-ri), adj. enacted 
by statute; depending on statute for 
its authority. 

stave (stav), n. [pi. staves (stavz)], 
one of tne thin narrow strips of 
wood forming the sides of a cask; a 
pole or piece of wood of some length ; 
the five parallel lines and the four 
contained spaces on and within 
which the notes and rests are writ- 
ten [Music]: pi. of staff: v.t. [p.t. 
& p.p. staved, stove, p.pr. staving], 
to break a hole in ; burst ; pour out ; 
delay or put off. 

stay (sta), n. a large, strong rope 
which stiffens and supports a mast; 
stop or stand; prop or support; 
abode or continuance in a place: pi. 
pair of corsets: v.t. [p.t. & p.p. 
stayed, p.pr. staying], to hold up or 
support; sustain; endure; restrain; 
delay; tack: v.i. to remain or abide; 
wait; rest; stand still; continue; 
cease; hold out or last. 

stead (sted), n. the place or room 
which another had or might have. 

steadfast (sted'fast), adj. firmly fixed 
or established ; steady ; constant ; uni- 
form. 

steady (sted'i), adj. [comp. steadier, su- 
perl. steadiest], fixed; regular; firm; 
constant in feeling or purpose ; reso- 
lute; undeviating; unwavering; uni- 
form: v.t. [p.t. & p.p. steadied, p.pr. 
steadying], to make or keep steady 
or firm; make constant or resolute; 
regulate : inter j. be fixed. 

steak (stak), n. a slice of beef, &c, 
for broiling. 

steal (stel), v.t. [p.t. stole, p.p. stolen, 


p.pr. stealing], to take by theft or 
feloniously; take without leave or 
right; withdraw or convey clan- 
destinely; gain secretly and gradu- 
ally: v.i. to commit theft; slip in and 
out unperceived. 

stealth (stelth), n. secret means em- 
ployed to accomplish an object; un- 
derhand procedure. 

stealthy (stelth'i), adj. [comp. stealth- 
ier, superl. stealthiest], done or per- 
formed by stealth; clandestine; sly. 

steam (stem), n. vapor into which 
water is changed when heated to 
boiling-point; vapor; any exhala- 
tion: v.i. to emit steam; rise or pass 
off in steam; move by steam: v.t. to 
apply steam to. 

steamer (stem'er), n. a vessel pro- 
pelled by steam; road locomotive; 
an apparatus for steaming articles. 

stearin (ste'a-rin), n. a constituent of 
most animal and some vegetable 
fats: tallow. 

steed (sted), n. a horse, especially one 
which is spirited. 

steel (stel), n. iron refined and com- 
bined with carbon; any instrument 
of steel; anything made of steel; 
anything of extreme hardness; a 
chalybeate medicine: adj. made of, 
or resembling, steel: v.t. to overlay, 
edge, or tip with steel; make hard 
or invulnerable; render like steel. 

steelyard (stel'yard), n. a kind of bal- 
ance, consisting of a single weight 
moved along a graduated beam. 

steep (step), adj. rising or descending 
with great inclination; precipitous: 
n. a precipitous place: v.t. to soak in 
a liquid; dip; imbue. 

steeple (ste'pl), n. a tower or turret 
tapering to a point; spire. 

steer (ster), n. a young male of the ox 
kind; bullock: v.t. to direct the 
course of (a vessel) with the helm; 
control; guide: v.i. to direct a ship 
in its course; move; be governed. 

steerage (ster'aj), n. the act or prac- 
tice of steering; that part of a ship 
allotted to the poorer passengers. 

steering (ster'ing), n. the angle of ele- 
vation of a bowsprit with the hori- 
zon. 

stein (stin), n. a stone beer-mug hold- 
ing something less than a quart. 

stele (sta'la), n. an upright tablet of 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue. hut ; think, then. 


STEM 


493 


STEWARD 


stone, often beautifully sculptured. 
It was the commonest form of monu- 
ment for the dead among the 
Greeks. 

stem (stem), n. the principal axis of 
a tree or plant; anything resem- 
bling a stem; race; pedigree; prog- 
eny; branch of a family; the fore- 
part of a vessel; the unchangeable 
part of an inflected word; the up- 
right or downright line joined to 
the body of a note [Music]: v.t. 
[p.t. & p.p. stemmed, p.pr. stem- 
ming], to resist or check; dam up: 
v.i. to move forward against an ob- 
stacle. 

stench (stench), n. a strong offensive 
odor. 

stencil (sten'sil), n. a thin plate of 
metal with a pattern, &c, cut out, 
used for marking, &c: v.t. [p.t. & 
p.p. stenciled, p.pr. stenciling], to 
mark or color with a stencil. 

stenographer _ (sten-og'ra-f er) , n._ a 
shorthand writer. Also stenographist. 

stenographic (sten-o-graf 'ik) , adj. 
pertaining to, or written in, short- 
hand. 

stenography (sten-og'ra-fi), n. the art 
of writing in shorthand. 

step (step), n. the distance measured 
by the foot in walking or running; 
pace; small distance; footstep; ac- 
tion ; measure ; procedure ; gait ; stair ; 
round of a laclder: pi. portable 
framework of stairs: v.i. [p.t. & p.p. 
stepped, p.pr. stepping], to make a 
movement by a single change of 
the position of the foot; walk; ad- 
vance or retire by pacing; go or 
come as by chance; walk slowly: 
v.t. to set, as the foot; measure by 
steps; fix, as a mast: prefix denoting 
relation by marriage only. 

steppe (step), n. a name for the vast 
barren plains of Russia. 

stereo, a Greek prefix meaning solid, 
firm, as stereogram, a picture repre- 
senting objects on a plane surface 
as if in relief: n. an aobr. of stereo- 
type. Also stereograph. 

stereopticon (ster-e-op'ti-kon), n. a 
magic-lantern showing photographic 
slides as if in relief. 

stereoscope (ster'e-o-skop), n. a bi- 
nocular optical instrument by means 


of which two pictures appear as one 
and stand out in relief. 

stereotype (ster'e-o-tip), n. a metal 
plate cast from a mold taken from 
a page of movable types: v.t. [p.t. 
& p.p stereotyped, p.pr. stereotyp- 
ing], to cast or print in stereotype; 
fix permanently: adj. pertaining to, 
or done by, stereotype. 

sterile (ster'il), adj. barren; pro- 
ducing little or no crop; destitute of 
ideas. 

sterility (ster-il'i-ti), n. barrenness; 
infecundity. [French.] 

sterilize (ster'il-iz), v.t. to make ster- 
ile; deprive of the power of repro- 
duction, as bacteria. 

sterling (ster'ling), adj. pure; unadul- 
terated; genuine; noting English 
money of standard value; of high 
merit. 

stern (stern), adj. harsh or severe in 
countenance or manners; austere; 
unrelenting; steadfast; being in the 
stern: n. the after part of a vessel. 

sternum (ster'num), n. the breast 
bone. [Latin.] 

stertorous (ster'to-rus), adj. charac- 
terized by deep snoring. 

stet (stet), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. stetted, p.pr. 
stetting], to mark with the word 
stet^ (let it stand) on a proof, indi- 
cating that something marked for 
omission is to remain. 

stethoscope (steth'o-skop), n. an in- 
strument for examining the chest, or 
ascertaining diseases of the chest by 
sound produced in the thorax. 

stevedore (stev'e-dor), n. one who 
loads or unloads a vessel in port, or 
stows cargo in a ship's hold. [Span- 
ish.] 

stew (stu), v.t. to boil slowly or with 
a simmering heat: v.i. to be boiled 
slowly or gently: n. a dish pre- 
pared by stewing; a store-pond: pi. 
a brothel. 

steward (stu'erd), n. one who man- 
ages the domestic concerns of a 
family or institution; manager of a 
large estate or farm; person em- 
ployed at a hotel, club, or on board 
ship to superintend culinary affairs; 
a college official who superintends 
the kitchen arrangements; a fiscal 
agent; an officer of the royal house- 
hold; manager at races, sports, &c. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


STEWARDESS 


494 


STIPULATION 


stewardess (stu'erd-es), n. a woman 
who attends to female passengers on 
board ship. 

stibium (stib'i-um), n. antimony. 

stick (stik), n. a small branch or shoot 
cut off a tree; walking stick; staff; 
printer's composing-stick; thrust or 
stab with a pointed instrument; an 
incompetent or dull speaker; v.t. 
[p.t. & p.p. stuck, _ p.pr. sticking], 
to stab or thrust; pierce; fasten; fix 
in; make to cohere; attach; set with 
something pointed; compose or set 
up (type): v.i. to be fixed; remain; 
cleave; adhere; be fastened by 
piercing; be stayed; hesitate (with 
at). 

stickle (stik'l), v.i. to wrangle or con- 
tend pertinaciously, especially on in- 
sufficient grounds, for something of 
little importance. 

sticky (stik'j), adj. [comp. stickier, su- 
per!, stickiest], adhesive; glutinous; 
viscous. 

stiff (stif), adj. not easily bent; rigid; 
inflexible; stubborn; not liquid or 
fluid; strong; violent; not natural 
or easy; constrained; affected; for- 
mal; severe; not written with ease. 

stiffening (stif'n-ing), n. the act of 
making stiff; material for making 
anything stiff. 

stifle (stif'l), v.t. to suffocate; smother; 
extinguish; deaden; suppress or con- 
ceal: v.i. to be suffocated: n. the 
first joint above a horse's thigh, next 
the buttock. 

stigma (stig'ma), n. [pi. stigmas, stig- 
mata (stig'maz, stig ma-ta)], a mark 
made with a branding-iron; mark of 
infamy or disgrace. 

stigmatize (stig'ma-tiz), v.t. to mark 
with a stigma or brand; hold up to 
disgrace, reproach, or infamy. 

stile (stil), n. a set of steps to pass 
from one side of a fence or wall, 
&c, to the other; the gnomon of a 
sun-dial; an* upright piece in fram- 
ing or paneling. 

stiletto (sti : let'o), n. a small dagger 
with a thin, rounded, and pointed 
blade; pointed instrument for mak- 
ing eyelet holes. 

still (stil), adj. at rest; without mo- 
tion; quiet; calm; silent; not effer- 
vescent: adv. to this time; neverthe- 
less; always; after that: v.t. to make 


still; calm; render motionless: n. an 
apparatus for distilling liquids; a 
room for keeping the products of 
the still. 

stillness (stil'nes), n. silence; motion- 
lessness. 

stilt (stilt), n. a pole of wood with a 
rest for the foot; used in pairs in 
walking : v.t. to set or raise on 
stilts. 

stilted (stilt'ed), adj. inflated; pom- 
pous. 

stimulant (stim'u-lant), adj. serving 
to stimulate ; producing transient in- 
crease of vital energy: n.pl. medi- 
cines or alcoholic beverages having 
such an effect. _ [Latin.] 

stimulate (stim'u-lat), v.t. to excite or 
rouse; animate; goad; encourage; 
excite greater vitality in: v.i. to act 
as a stimulus. 

stimulus (stim'u-lus), n. [pi. stimuli 
(stim'u-ll)], that which stimulates; a 
spur; anything exciting to action; 
incentive; stimulant. 

sting; (sting), n. the sharp-pointed, 
poisonous weapon with which cer- 
tain animals and insects are fur- 
nished; one of the stiff, sharp-pointed, 
hollow hairs of certain plants; any- 
thing that gives acute mental or 
physical pain; the thrust of a sting: 
v.t. [p.t. & p.p. stung, p.pr. stinging], 
to pierce or wound with, or as with, 
a sting; cause acute pain to; goad. 

stingy (stin'ji), adj. [comp. stingier, 
superl. stingiest], close and covetous; 
meanly avaricious ; miserly ; niggardly. 

stink (stingk), v.i. [p.t.& p.p. stunk, 
p.pr. stinking], to emit a strong, of- 
fensive odor: v.t. to cause to stink: 
n. a strong, offensive odor; disgust- 
ing smell; an unpleasant exposure. 

stint (stint), v.t. to restrain within 
certain limits: v.i. to stop or cease: 
n. a limit; quantity assigned. Also 
stent, and in slang, stunt. 

stipend (sti'pend), n. salary, espe- 
cially clerical income. . [Latin.] 

stipple (stip'l), v.t. to engrave by 
means of dots; paint by small, short 
touches. 

stipulate (stip'u-lat), v.t. to arrange or 
settle definitely or by special men- 
tion. 

stipulation (stip-ii-la'shun) , n. the act 
of stipulating; contract, agreement, 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


STIR 


495 


STOOL-PIGEON 


or bargain; a special condition in a 
contract. 

stir (ster), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. stirred, p.pr. 
stirring], to put into motion; move; 
incite; agitate; animate; rouse; in- 
stigate: v.i. to move or exert one's 
self; be in motion; change place; 
rise in the morning: n. bustle; agita- 
tion; tumult; noise; public disturb 
ance; excitement. 

stirring (ster'ing), n. the act of mov- 
ing: adj. busy; bustling; exciting; 
stimulating. 

stirrup (stir'up or ster'up), n. an iron 
hoop suspended by a strap in which 
a horseman sets his foot when he 
mounts or rides. 

stitch (stich), n. a single pass of a 
needle and thread through anything 
made by sewing; link of yarn in 
knitting; sudden sharp, local pain; 
a furrow: v.t. to form stitches in; 
unite by stitches; form (land) into 
furrows: v.i. to practice stitching. 

stithy (stith'i), n. a smith's forge; 
anvil. 

stive (stiv), v.t. to make close, hot, 
or sultry; stuff up; pack or press 
closely together: v.i. to be stifled. 

stock (stok), n. the trunk or stem of 
a tree or plant ; pillar ; log, or post ; 
trunk into which a graft is inserted; 
a blockhead; race, family, or line- 
age; fund; capital; share of a pub- 
lic debt; store; cattle; stiff cravat; 
part of a firearm to which the bar- 
rel and lock are attached; founda- 
tion of soups, &c; a kind of flower: 
pi. a wooden frame in which the 
legs of criminals were confined ; pub- 
lic funds; shares of capital in a cor- 
porate company; frame on which a 
ship is built: v.t. to store up; fill; 
supply: v.i. to take in or obtain sup- 
plies: adj. kept in stock; perma- 
nent. 

stockade (stok-ad'), n. a line of posts 
used as a barrier for defense or en- 
closure for cattle: v.t. to surround 
with, or defend by, a stockade. 

stocking (stok'ing), n. a close-fitting 
covering for the foot and leg. 

stockstill (stok'stil), adj. motionless. 

stocky (stok'i), adj. short; stout; like a 
shrimp. 

stodgy (stoj'i), adj. wet; clumsy; 
smug. 


stogy (sto'gi), n. a long, thin-rolled 
cigar of a coarse grade. 

Stoic (stS'ik), n. a disciple of the 
Greek philosopher Zeno, who taught 
that a wise man should be governed 
by the reason, subdue all passions, 
and be indifferent to pleasure or 
pain: one who proposes such doc- 
trines: adj. pertaining to the Stoics; 
indifferent to pleasure or pain. Sto- 
ical. [Greek.] 

stoicism (sto'i-sizm), n. the doctrines 
and maxims of the Stoics; real or 
assumed insensibility to pleasure or 
pain. 

stoke (stok), v.t. maintain and tend 
the fire in: as, to stoke a furnace: 
v.i. to act as a stoker. 

stole (stol), n. a long, narrow scarf 
fringed at the ends, worn by bishops, 
priests, and deacons of the Roman 
Catholic and Anglican Churches: 
p.t. of steal. 

stolen (stol'n), p.p. of steal. 

stolid (stol'id), adj. stupid; dull; im- 
passive. 

stolidity (stol-id'i-ti), n. the state or 
quality of being stolid; intellectual 
dulness. 

stomach (stum'ak), n. the principal 
organ of digestion in the body; ap- 
petite; inclination ; haughtiness : v.U 
to resent; put up with. [French.] 

stone (ston), n. a hard mass of earthy 
or mineral matter; gem; material of 
stone used for building, &c; calcu- 
lus; hard seed shell of certain fruits; 
a weight of varying value, usually 
14 lb. avoirdupois; insensibility; 
hardness: v.t. to pelt or kill with 
stones; free from stones, as fruit. 

stone-blind (ston'blind), adj. quite 
blind. 

stoneware (ston 'war), n. a coarse kind 
of pottery baked hard and glazed. 

stony (ston'i), adj. [comp. stonier, su- 
perl. stoniest], pertaining to, of the 
nature of, or like, stone; rocky; 
hard; cruel; inflexible; pitiless. 

stood, p.t. of stand. 

stool (stool), n. a seat without a back 
for one person, usually supported with 
3 legs; the seat used in evacuating 
the bowels; evacuation of the bowels. 

stool-pigeon (stool'pij'un), n. one 
who acts as a decoy for another; 
like a decoy duck in snooting. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


STOOP 


496 


STRAIN 


stoop (stoop), v.i. to bend the body 
downward and forward; descend 
from rank or dignity; submit; con- 
descend; sweep down on prey: n. in- 
clination downward and forward; 
descent from dignity ; condescension ; 
fall of a bird upon its prey; stair- 
way, veranda, or porch with seats. 

stop (stop), v.t. [p.t. & p.p stopped, 
p.pr. stopping], to hinder, check, or 
impede; render impassable; inter- 
cept; desist from; regulate the 
sounds of; deduct; suspend: v.i. to 
cease from any motion or action; 
reside temporarily; n. the act of 
stopping; state of being stopped; 
cessation; a device for arresting or 
limiting musical sounds; series of 
organ pipes; mark used in punctua- 
tion: inter j. stay! cease! 

stopgap (stop'gap), n. a temporary 
expedient. 

stoppage (stop'aj), n. the act of stop- 
ping; state of being stopped; ob- 
struction; deduction from pay. 

stopper (stop'er), n. one who, or that 
which, stops; that which closes a 
vent or hole. 

storage (stor'aj), n. safe keeping of 
goods in a warehouse, &c; price for 
storage ._ 

store (stor), n. a large number or 
great quantity; stock accumulated; 
abundance or plenty; warehouse; 
shop: pi. naval and military arms, 
ammunition, clothing, provisions, 
&c: v.t. to furnish or supply with 
stores; gather in quantities; accu- 
mulate; hoard up; warehouse. 

storeroom (stor'room), n. a room in 
which provisions or other things are 
kept. 

stork (stork), n. a large wading bird, 
with long legs and large pointed 
bill. 

storm (storm), n. a violent atmos- 
pheric disturbance; tempest; heavy 
fall of rain, snow, or hail; violent 
commotion or agitation; tumult; ca- 
lamity; violent assault on a fortified 
place: v.t. to attack with violence or 
open force: v.i. to blow violently; 
be angry or rage. 

storming (storm'ing), n. the taking of 
a fortified place by a violent and open 
assault: p. adj. violently angry or 
raging. 


stormless (storm 'les), adj. free from 
storms. 

stormy (storm'i), adj. [comp. stormier, 
superl. stormiest], characterized by, 
or proceeding from, storms; tempest- 
uous; violent. 

Storthing (stort'ing), n. the Norwe- 
gian Parliament. 

story (sto'ri), n. [pi. stories (sto'riz)], a 
fictitious narrative; pretty tale; 
short romance; history; stage or 
floor of a building; division of a 
house reached by one flight of stairs. 

stoup (stoop), n. a flagon; receptacle 
for holy water; a liquid measure. 

stout (stout), adj. corpulent; thick- 
set; stormy; lusty; brave; resolute: 
n. a strong_kind of porter. 

stovaine (sto'vane), n. an ansesthetic 
injected into spinal cord, producing 
insensibility, in lower or upper ex- 
tremities. 

stove (stov), n. an apparatus for en- 
closing a fire for cooking or heating; 
hothouse: v.t. heat or dry, as in a 
stove: p.t. of stave. 

stow (sto), v.t. to fill by packing 
closely; lay up; pack. 

stowaway (sto'a-wa), n. one who con- 
ceals himself on a vessel leaving 
port to obtain a free passage. 

strabismus (stra-bis'mus), n. squint- 
ing. [Greek.] 

straddle (straci'l), v.t. to stand or sit 
astride of : v.i. to stand or walk with 
the legs wide apart. 

straggle (stragl), v.i. to wander from 
the direct course or way; ramble; 
rove; roam idly about; be dispersed 
or scattered; occur at intervals. 

straggler (strag'ler), n. an idle person; 
a vagabond; a soldier who does not 
keep his place while on the march. 

straight (strat), adj. not crooked; 
right, as a line stretched between 
two points; direct; upright; undi- 
luted; consistent in support of a 
candidate or party: adv. in a straight 
manner; direct; 'at once. 

straightforward (strat-f or'werd) , adj. 
not deviating; honest; open. 

straightway (strat 'wa), adv. at once. 

strain (stran), n. stock; lineage; race; 
descent; tune or melody; manner of 
speech or action; a violent effort; 
injury by overexertion: v.t. to put to 
its utmost strength ; draw ; stretch ; in- 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


STRAINER 


497 


STRENUOUS 


jure by overtasking; make uneasy or 
unnatural; filter: v.i. to make violent 
efforts. 

strainer (stran'er), n. one who, or that 
which, strains; an apparatus for fil- 
tering. 

strait (strat), adj. narrow; not broad; 
confined; distressful; difficult: n.pl. 
a narrow passage of water connect- 
ing two seas; difficulty; poverty. 

strait- jacket (strat 'jak-et), n. a kind 
of garment for confining mad or de- 
lirious persons. Also strait-waist- 
coat. 

strait-laced (strat 'last), adj. laced 
tightly; strict in manners or morals. 

strand (strand), n. the shore of a sea, 
ocean, or large lake ; one of the divi- 
sions or twists of a rope: v.t. to drive 
or force upon the sea-shore; run 
aground; bring into a state of em- 
barrassment: v.i. to be lifted or be 
driven ashore. 

strange (stranj), adj. belonging to 
another country; not domestic; 
novel; unusual; reserved; inexperi- 
enced; unfamiliar. [Old French.] 

stranger (stranj 'er), n. a foreigner; 
guest or visitor; one who is un- 
known or acquainted; one not ad- 
mitted to fellowship. 

strangle (strang'gl), v.t. to choke; sup- 
press or stifle: pi. a disease in horses. 

strangulation (strang-gii-la'shun), n. 
the act of strangling; state of being 
strangled; suffocation; close con- 
striction. 

strap (strap), n. a long, narrow piece 
of leather or cloth; razor-strop: v.t. 
[p.t. & p.p. strapped, p.pr. strapping], 
to fasten or bind with a strap; beat 
with a strap. 

strapping (strap 'ing), adj. tall; strong; 
well-made; handsome. 

strata, pi. of stratum. 

stratagem (strat'a-jem), n. a device 
or scheme for defeating an enemy, 
especially in war; an artifice or plan 
for deception of any kind, or for gain- 
ing some advantage. [Greek.] m 

strategic (stra-tej'ik), adj. pertaining 
to, or effected by, strategy or arti- 
fice. Also strategical: n.pl. the sci- 
ence of military warfare. 

strategy (strat'e-ji), n. strategics; use 
of artifice or stratagem in carrying 
out some design. 


stratification (strat-i-fi-ka'shun), n. 
the process of being arranged or de- 
posited in layers. 

stratify (strat'i-fl), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. 
stratified, p.pr. stratifying], to form, 
deposit, or arrange, in strata or lay- 
ers. 

stratum (stra'tum), n. [pi. strata 
(stra'ta)], a bed of earth or rock, 
consisting generally of a series of lay- 
ers; an artificial layer. [Latin.] 

stratus (stra'tus), n. a cloud appar- 
ently resting horizontally on the 
earth's surface. 

straw (straw), n. the stalk of grain; 
bundle of such stalks when cut and 
thrashed; anything proverbially 
worthless; mere trifle. 

strawberry (strawlser-i) , n. [pi. straw- 
berries (straw'ber-iz)], a plant of the 
genus Fragaria and its well-known 
fruit. 

stray (stra), v.i. to wander from limits 
or the direct path; deviate; err: v.t. 
to mislead: adj. gone astray; wan- 
dering. [Old French.] 

streak (strek), n. a line of color dif- 
ferent from the ground color; stripe: 
v.t. to form, or mark with, streaks; 
stripe. 

stream (strem), n. a current of water 
or other fluid ; anything flowing out 
of a source; river, rivulet, or brook; 
drift or tendency: v.i % to issue or 
flow in a stream; run in a current; 
issue forth. 

streamer (strem 'er), n. a long narrow 
flag or pennon; the aurora bore- 
alis. 

streamlet (strem 'let), n. a little 
stream; a rivulet; a rill. 

street (stret), n. & public road in a 
city or town lined with houses on 
either side. 

street-car (stret'kar), n. a passenger 
car running on the surface of the 
streets. 

strength (strength), n. the state or 
quality of being strong; active or 
passive power; muscular force; vigor; 
power of endurance or resistance; 
toughness; numbers or amount of 
any body, as an army; vigor of style; 
intensity, as of light or color; legal 
or moral force; potency of liquors. 

strenuous (stren'u-us) , adj. urgent 
or eagerly pressing; ardent; zeal- 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
32 hue, hut ; think, then. 


STRESS 


498 


STRONG 


oue; strong; vigorous; bold; ear- 
nest; valiant. [Latin.] 

stress (stres), n. urgency; strain; pres- 
sure; force; importance; weight; 
violence; force of utterance. 

stretch (strech), v.t. to draw out to a 
greater length or width; extend or 
expand; strain; exaggerate: v.i. to 
be extended ; reach ; sail by the wind 
under press of canvas; n. the act of 
stretching; state of being stretched; 
strain; effort; extension; direction; 
utmost extent of meaning. 

stretcher (strech'er), n. one who, or 
that which, stretches; a footboard 
used in rowing ; a frame or litter for 
carrying the sick or dead. 

strew (stroo), v.t. to spread by scat- 
tering; scatter loosely. 

striae (stri'e), n.pl. fine thread-like 
lines; slight furrows; fillets between 
the channels of columns. [Latin.] 

stricken (strik'en), p.adj. far ad- 
vanced: p.p. of strike. [Latin.] 

strict (strikt), adj. vigorous; exact; 
severe; nice to an extreme; careful; 
rigidly interpreted; straight and 
narrow. 

stricture (strik'tur), n. a morbid con- 
traction of any passage of the body, 
especially of the urethra; censure or 
adverse criticism. 

stride (strid), n. a long step; straddle: 
v.i. to walk with long steps; strad- 
dle: v.t. to pass by long steps. 

strident (stri'dent), adj. harsh; shrill; 
grating or creaking. [Latin.] 

stridulous (strid'u-lus), adj. produc- 
ing a shrill, harsh, creaking sound. 

strife (strif), n. contention for su- 
periority; discord; conflict; quarrel; 
enmity: war. 

strike (strik), v.t. [p.t. struck, p.p. 
struck, stricken, p.pr. striking], to 
hit with a blow or with force ; dash ; 
collide; pass quickly; lower or take 
down; notify by sound; affect 
strongly or sensibly; produce by a 
blow or friction; coin or mint; 
ground; light upon; make, as a bar- 
gain: v.i. to make a quick blow or 
thrust; hit; sound by being struck; 
pay homage, as by lowering a flag or 
sail in token of respect or submis- 
sion; cease from work: n. cessation 
of work for higher wages; an instru- 
ment for leveling a measure, as of 


grain; four bushels; direction of the 
outcrop of a stratum. 

striking (strlk'ing), adj. affecting with 
strong emotions; impressive; forci- 
ble; wonderful; surprising. 

string (string), n. a small cord or 
line; cord of a musical instrument; 
cord on which things are filed; se- 
ries of things connected: v.t. [p.t. 
& p.p. strung, p.pr. stringing], to 
furnish with strings; put in tune; 
thread on a string; file; deprive of 
strings. 

stringency (strin'jen-si), n. the state 
or quality of being stringent. 

stringent (strin'jent), adj. severe; 
rigid; strict; binding; tense. 

strip (strip), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. stripped, 
p.pr. stripping], to make naked; de- 
prive of a covering; skin or peel; 
rob or pillage; bereave; take away; 
milk dry: v.i. to undress: n. a long 
narrow piece; trough for washing 
ore; waste, as destruction of 
fences. 

stripe (strip), v.t. to variegate with 
lines of different colors; form the 
stripes upon; lash or whip: n. a 
line or long narrow division of any- 
thing of a different color to tne 
ground; stroke or weal made by a 
whip, &c; party badge or color. 

stripling (stripling), n. a youth. 

strive (strlv), v.i. to make exertions 
or efforts; labor hard or earnestly; 
aim; struggle; contend in emula- 
tion. [Old French.] 

strode (strod), p.t. of stride. 

stroke (strok), n. a knock or blow; 
calamity or affliction; sudden effect; 
hostile blow or attack; touch of a 
pencil or pen; sound of a clock; 
length of the rectilinear motion of a 
piston, &c; sweep of an oar; the- 
principal oarsman in a boat who 
sets the time to the rowers: v.t. to 
rub gently with the hand in one 
direction; soothe. 

stroll (strol), v.i. to wander on foot; 
ramble or rove idly: n. a leisurely 
ramble. 

strong (strong), adj. having strength; 
robust; healthy; vigorous; having 
power of endurance; powerful; vio- 
lent; muscular; affecting the senses; 
ardent; well-fortified; rising to high- 
er prices. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


STRONGHOLD 


499 


STULTIFY 


stronghold (strong'hold), n. a fort- 
ress. 

strontium (stron'shi-um), n. a me- 
tallic element forming the base of 
strontia. 

strop (strop), n. a strip of leather for 
sharpening razors: v.t. [p.t. & p.p. 
stropped, p.pr. stropping], to sharp- 
en on a strop. 

strophe (stro'fe), n. that part of a 
song or dance in the ancient Greek 
drama performed by the chorus in 
turning from the right to the left; 
the first of two stanzas. [Greek.] 

strove (strov), p.t. of strive. 

struck, p.t. & p.p. of strike. 

structural (struk'tti-ral), adj. per- 
taining to structure. 

structure (struk'tur), n. an edifice or 
building; manner or form of build- 
ing; form; make; arrangement of 
parts or organization of a vegetable 
or animal substance. [Latin.] 

struggle (strug'l), v.i. to use violent 
efforts with contortions of the body ; 
strive with effort; be in pain or 
agony; contend: n. a violent effort 
with contortions of the body; pain 
or agony; labor; contest. 

strum (strum), v.t. & v.i. [p.t. & p.p. 
strummed, p.pr. strumming], to play 
badly and noisily on a stringed in- 
strument. 

struma (stroo'ma), n. scrofula. 

strumpet (strum'pet) , n. a prostitute. 

strung, p.t. & p.p. of string. 

strut (strut), v.i. [p.t. & p.p. strut- 
ted, p.pr strutting], to walk with 
affected dignity: n. a proud step or 
walk with the head erect; a support 
of timber. 

strychnine (strik'nin), n. a highly 
poisonous alkaloid extracted from 
nux vomica. 

stub (stub), n. the stump of a tree; a 
stub-nail: v.t. [p.t. & p.p. stubbed, 
p.pr. stubbing], to grub up by the 
roots; root out; strike against some 
fixed obstacle: as, to stub one's 
toe. 

stubble (stub'l), n. short stalks or 
stumps of grain left in the ground 
after reaping. 

stubborn (stub 'em), adj. inflexibly 
headstrong ; obstinate ; contumacious ; 
refractory; not easily worked or 
melted, as a metal. 


stubby (stub'i), n. short and thick; 
stiff and bristling. 

stucco (stuk'o), n. [pi. stuccoes (stuk'- 
6z)j, plaster used as a coating for 
walls or internal decorations; work 
executed in stucco: v.t. to overlay, 
or decorate, with stucco. [Italian.] 

stuck (stuk), p.t. & p.p. of stick. 

stud (stud), n. an ornamental knob 
or button; large-headed ornamental 
nail; an upright beam or scantling- 
collection of breeding horses and 
mares; place where they are kept;, 
horses kept for racing, hunting, &c: 
v.t. [p.t. & p.p. studded, p.pr. stud- 
ding], to adorn with, or as with, 
studs; set with detached ornaments 
or prominent objects. 

student (stu'dent), n. one who is en- 
gaged in study; scholar; one de- 
voted to books or learning; system- 
atic observer. 

studied (stud'id), adj. qualified by 
study; well-read; precise or normal; 
premeditated. 

studio (stu'di-o), n. artist's work- 
room. [Italian.] 

studious (stu'di-us), adj. devoted to 
study or the acquisition of knowl- 
edge; diligent; designed; deliberate; 
careful (with of). 

study (stud'i), n. the application of 
the mind to acquisition of knowl- 
edge ; any particular branch of learn- 
ing; sketched ideas of a painter, &c, 
for his future instruction or im- 
provement; a room set apart for a 
study: v.i. [p.t. & p.p. studied, p.pr. 
studying], to apply the mind closely 
to a subject; endeavor diligently: 
v.t. to examine closely in order to 
learn thoroughly; con over; devote 
one's thoughts to. 

stuff (stuf), n. materials out of which 
anything is made; textile fabrics; 
furniture; goods; refuse matter; 
nonsense: v.t. to fill by crowding 
something into; press or pack; fill 
with seasoning; fill the skin of (a 
dead animal) for preservation in its 
natural form: v.i. to eat glutton- 
ously. 

stuffy (stuf'i), adj. close or ill-ventilat- 
ed; sulky. 

stultify (stul'ti-fl) , v.t. [p.t. & p.p. stul- 
tified, p.pr. stultifying], to render 
foolish; make nugatory. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


STUMBLE 


500 


SUBAUDITION 


Stumble (stum'bl), v.i. to trip up or 
fall in walking; light (with on or 
upon) ; slide into error or crime : n. 
a trip in walking or running; fail- 
ure or blunder. 

stump (stump), n. that part of a 
tree which remains in the ground 
after the trunk is cut down; part 
remaining after amputation, &c; 
an artist's soft pencil or rubber; 
one of three posts of the wicket at 
cricket: v.t. to lop off; reduce to a 
stump; defeat: v.i. travel about 
making speeches for electioneering 
purposes; to walk clumsily. 

stun (stun), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. stunned, 

S.pr. stunning], to render senseless 
y, or as by, a blow; confuse with 
noise; surprise completely; astonish. 

stung, p.t. & p.p. of sting; in collo- 
quial language, used of one who has 
been worsted, or made to appear 
ridiculous. 

stunk, p.t. & p.p. of stink. 

stunning (stunning), adj. remarkably 
fine or large. 

stunt (stunt), v.t. to check in growth 
or progress: v.i. to become stunted: 
n. a check in growth; something 
stunted; an allotted task; a per- 
formance. 

stupefaction (stup-e-fak'shun), n. 
the act of stupefying; state of being 
stupefied; insensibility; torpor; stu- 
pidity. 

stupefy (stup'e-fi), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. 
stupefied, p.pr. stupefying], to de- 
prive of sensibility; make stupid; 
dull. 

stupendous (stu-pen'dus), adj. over- 
coming the senses by its vastness; 
astonishing. [Latin.] 

stupid (stii'pid), adj. deficient in 
understanding ; insensible ; dull ; silly ; 
nonsensical. [Latin.] 

stupidity (stu-pid'i-ti), n. extreme 
dulness of perception or understand- 
ing; crass ignorance; folly. 

stupor (stu'per), n. suspension or 
great diminution of sensibility; 
numbness; lethargy; intellectual in- 
sensibility. 

sturdy (ster'di), adj. hardy; robust; 
stout; strong; stubborn; vigorous; 
forcible. 

sturgeon (ster'jun), n. a large, cartil- 
aginous fish of the genus Acipenser, 


the roes of certain species of which 
are made into caviare, and isin- 
glass from the air-bladder. [French.] 

stutter (stut'er), v.i. to speak with 
hesitation or stammering: v.t. to 
utter in a stammering manner: n. 
hesitation or stammering in speech. 
Also stuttering. 

sty (sti), n. a pen or enclosure for 
swine; a filthy or mean place; a 
kind of boil upon the eyelid: v.t. 
[p.t. & p.p. stied, p.pr. stying], to 
shut up in a filthy or mean place. 

Stygian (stij'i-an), adj. pertaining 
to the Styx, the river of Hades, 
over which the dead were ferried 
by the boatman Charon: hence in- 
fernal; hellish. [Greek.] 

style (stil), n. a pointed instrument 
used by the ancients for writing 
upon wax tablets; the gnomon of a 
dial; appellation or title; distinc- 
tive manner of writing with regard 
to the choice of words, &c; manner 
of speaking; characteristic mode of 
expression or execution; method of 
reckoning time; fashion; manner; 
the stalk between the ovary and 
stigma of a flower; a probe: v.t. 
[p.t. & p.p. styled, p.pr. styling], to 
designate or name. [Latin.] 

stylish (stU'ish), adj. fashionable; 
modish. 

stylist (stil'ist), n. a master of literary 
style. 

stylograph (stil'o-graf ) , n. a pencil- 
like pen from which ink is fed to a 
tabular writing-point through which 
runs a needle releasing the ink when 
the pen is pressed upon paper. 

styptic (stip'tik), adj. stopping bleed- 
ing. 

suasion (swa'zhun), n. persuasion. 

suave (swav), adj. pleasant in man- 
ner. [Latin.] 

suavity (swav'i-ti), n. urbanity; gen- 
tleness. 

sub, a Latin prefix meaning under, 
beneath, below, slightly. 

subaltern (sub-awl'tern), n. a com- 
missioned officer under the rank of 
captain: adj. inferior. 

subalternate (sub-awl-ter'nat) , adj. 
successive. 

subaudition (sub-aw-dish'un) , n. the 
understudy of something not ac- 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


SUBCONSCIOUS 


501 


SUBSCRIBE 


tually expressed in words. That 
which is read between the lines. 

subconscious (sub-kon'shus), adj. 
faintly, vaguely conscious. 

subdivide (sub-di-vld'), v.t. to divide 
a part. 

subdominant (sub-dom'i-nant) , n. 
in music the note just below the 
dominant. 

subdue (sub-du'), v.t. to overcome or 
conquer; vanquish; reduce; lower; 
tone down. 

subjacent (sub-j a/sent), adj. lying 
under or below; situated lower but 
not directly beneath. 

subject (sub'jekt), adj. under the 
power or control of another; sub- 
ordinate; disposed; liable: n. one 
who is under the power or control 
of another ; that which is treated in 
writing, speaking, &c; theme; topic; 
design; a dead body for dissection; 
substance; material; theme of a 
proposition: the Ego, as distin- 
guished from the non-Ego or object; 
theme of a movement [Music]: v.t. 
(sub-jekt'), to bring under the power 
or control of; render subordinate; 
enslave; subjugate; render liable; 
expose. 

subjection (sub-jek'shun), n. the act 
of subjecting; state of being sub- 
jected. 

subjective (sub-jek'tiv), adj. pertain- 
ing to the subject as opposed to the 
object; derived from one's own con- 
sciousness. 

subjoin (sub-join'), v.t. to affix. 

subjugate (sub'ju-gat), v.t. to conquer 
by force; bring under dominion. 

subjugation (sub-j u-ga'shun), n. the 
act of subjugating; state of being 
subjugated. 

subjunctive (sub-jungk'tiv), adj. not- 
ing a form of the verb expressive of 
contingency, condition, or hypothe- 
sis. 

sublimate (subli-mat), v.t. to convert 
(a solid), by heat into vapor, which 
on cooling returns to the solid state ; 
refine and exalt. 

sublime (sub-lim'). adj. awakening 
feelings of awe and reverence; high 
in place or excellence; exalted in na- 
ture; elevated in manner or style: 
n. that which is awe-inspiring in 
works of nature or art as distin- 


guished from the beautiful (with 
the): v.t. to dignify or exalt; ren- 
der noble: v.i. to be capable of sub- 
limation. 

sublimity (sub-lim'i-ti). n. loftiness of 
style or sentiment; elevation; moral 
grandeur; excellence. Also sub- 
limeness. 

submarine (sub'ma-ren), adj. under 
water; submerged: n. a naval vessel 
that is constructed to be navigated 
beneath the surface of the water. 

submerge (sub-merj'), v.t. to place un- 
der water; overwhelm: v.i. to be, or 
lie, under water. 

submersible (sub-mer'si-bl) , adj. ca- 
pable of being submerged: n. a sub- 
marine. 

submission (sub-mish'un) , n. the act 
of submitting or yielding; obedience. 

submissive (sub-mis'iv) , adj. yielding 
to authority; obedient; humble. 

submit (sub-mif), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. sub- 
mitted, p.pr. submitting], to yield to 
the authority of another; surren- 
der; resign; refer to judgment or 
discretion; comply with: v.i. to be 
subject; yield. 

submultiple (sub-mul'ti-pl) , n. a num- 
ber or quantity which is contained 
in another a certain number of times 
exactly, as 4 is the submultiple of 28. 

subnormal (sub-nor'mal) , adj. less 
than normal. 

subordinate (sub-or'di-nat), adj. infe- 
rior in rank, value, power, or im- 
portance: n. one who is inferior to 
another in rank, &c: v.t. to place in 
a lower order; render subject. 

subordination (sub-or-di-na'shun) , n. 
the act of subordinating or placing 
in a lower order; subjection; state of 
being subordinate; inferiority of 
rank, position, &c. 

suborn (sub-orn'), v.t. to procure or in- 
duce to commit perjury; procure by 
indirect means or by secret collu- 
sion. 

subpoena (sub-pe'na), n. a writ com- 
manding the attendance of a person 
in court as a witness under a pen- 
alty : v.t. to serve with a subpoena. 

subscribe (sub-skiib'), v.t. to write or 
annex (one's name) to a paper or 
document; give or promise (a sum 
of money) for some object by writ- 
ing one's name; publish (a book) 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book 
hue, hut; think, then. 


SUBSCRIPTION 


502 


SUCCEED 


by subscription: v.i. to give consent. 

subscription (sub-skrip'shun), n. the 
act of subscribing; name subscribed; 
signature: sum of money subscribed. 

subsequent (sub'se-kwent), adj. fol- 
lowing or coming after in time or or- 
der; posterior. 

subserve (sub-serv'), v.t. to be sub- 
servient to; promote; serve instru- 
ment ally. 

subside (sub-sld'), v.i. to sink or fall to 
the bottom; tend downward, set- 
tle; abate; become tranquil or calm. 

subsidence (sub 'si-dens), n. the act of 
subsiding or sinking down; down- 
ward tendency. 

subsidiary ( sub-si d'i-a-ri), adj. aux- 
iliary ; furnishing additional supplies : 
n. an auxiliary. # 

subsidy (sub'si-di), n. [pi. subsidies 
(sub'si-diz)], pecuniary aid granted 
by one government to another, es- 
pecially for war expenses; public 
grant or subvention to aid an enter- 
prise for the public convenience. 

subsist (sub-sist'), v.i. to have exist- 
ence; to retain the present state; 
inhere; have the means of livelihood. 

subsistence (sub-sist'ens), n. means of 
support ; maintenance ; livelihood ; 
inherence. 

substance (sub'stans), n. matter or 
material; characteristic and essen- 
tial part of anything; purport; 
wealth or property. 

substantial (sub-stan'shal), adj. be- 
longing to, or having, substance; 
containing the essential parts; solid; 
material; corporeal; having consid- 
erable wealth or property: n.pl. es- 
sential parts. 

substantiate (sub-stan'shi-at) , v.t. 
to establish the truth of by proof 
or competent evidence. 

substantive (sub 'stan-tiv), adj. ex- 
pressing existence; real; essential: n. 
that part of speech which expresses 
the existence of anything material 
or immaterial; noun. 

substitute (sub'sti-tut), v.t. to put in 
the place of another; change: n. one 
who, or that which, is put in the 
pLace of another. 

substitution (sub-sti-tu'shun) , n. the 
act of substituting; state of being 
substituted. 

subsume (sub-sum'), v.t. to include un- 


der a more general class or under 
something else. 

subtangent (sub-tan'jent), n. the 
part of the axis of a curve intercept- 
ed between the tangent and the ordi- 
nate. 

subtend (sub-tend') , v.t. to extend un- 
der or be opposite to. 

subter, a Latin prefix meaning 
under. 

subterfuge (sub'ter^fuj), n. an eva- 
sion or artifice; trick ;_shift. 

subterranean (sub-ter-a/ne-an) , adj. 
below the surface or beneath the 
earth. Also subterraneous. 

subtile (sut'l), adj. thin; delicately 
constructed; fine; delicate; refined; 
acute; cunning; artful. 

subtle (sut'l), adj. artful; insinuat- 
ing; crafty. 

subtlety (sut'l-ti), n. acuteness of in- 
tellect; cunning; shrewdness. Sub- 
tleness. 

subtract (sub-trakf) , v.t. to with- 
draw or take away, as a part from a 
whole; deduct. 

subtraction (sub-trak'shun) , n. the 
act of subtracting. 

subtrahend (sub'tra-hend), n. the 
quantity or number to be sub- 
tracted from another. 

subtreasury (sub-trezh'u-ri) , n. a 
branch of the United States Treas- 
ury. There is a subtreasury in 
the cities of New York, Chicago, 
San Francisco, and New Orleans. 

suburb (sub'erb), n. an outlying dis- 
trict of a city or town; environs 
(usually pi.). 

suburban (sub-er'ban), adj. pertain- 
ing to, in, or living within, the 
suburbs. 

subvention (sub-ven'shun) , n. a gov- 
ernment grant or subsidy. 

subversion (sub-ver'shun), n. the act 
of subverting; overthrow; ruin. 

subversive (sub-ver'siv) , adj. tending 
to subvert. 

subvert (sub-vert') , v.t. to turn upside 
down; ruin; overthrow: corrupt. 

subway (sub'wa), n. an underground 
passage or railroad. 

sue, another form of 6ub. 

succeed (suk-sed'), v.t. to take the 
place of; follow: v.i. to follow in 
order; obtain one's wishes; be suc- 
cessful; accomplish something at- 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book J 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


SUCCESS 


503 


SUIT 


tempted; end with advantage; pros- 
per. 

success (suk-ses'), n. the prosperous 
termination of any enterprise; pros- 
perity. 

successful (suk-ses'f ool) , adj. ending 
in success: prosperous; fortunate. 

succession (suk-ses'shun), n. the act 
of following in order; lineage; act 
or right of coming in the place of 
another; rotation, as of crops. 

successive (suk-ses'iv), adj. following 
in uninterrupted order; legitimate; 
consecutive. 

successor (suk-ses'er), n. one who 
succeeds or follows in the place or 
character of another. 

succinct (suk-singkt'), adj. tersely ex- 
pressed. 

succor (suk'er), v.t. to help or relieve 
when in difficulty or distress; aid: 
n. relief; aid. 

succotash (suk'o-tash) , n. a dish of 
green maize and beans boiled to- 
gether. 

succulent (suk'u-lent), adj. juicy: said 
of plants replete with juices. 

succumb (suk-kum'), v.i. to yield; 
submit. 

such (such), adj. the same that, or as 
referred to; denoting a particular 
person or thing; certain; very great. 

suck (suk), v.t. to draw in with the 
mouth: v.i. to draw milk from the 
breast: n. the act of sucking; milk 
drawn from the breast. 

suckle (suk'l), v.t. to nurse at the 
breast. 

suckling (suk'ling), n. an unweaned 
child or animal. 

suction (suk'shun), n. the act or pro- 
cess of sucking; act of drawing 
fluids by the removal of the atmos- 
pheric pressure. 

sudation (sti-da/shun), n. the act of 
sweating. 

sudatorium (su-da-to'ri-um), n. a 
sweating bath. 

sudden (sud'n), adj. happening un- 
expectedly; instantaneous; without 
notice; quick. 

suds (sudz), n.pl. soapy water. 

sue (su), v.t. to prosecute at law: v.i. 
to entreat; beg; petition; pay court; 
institute legal proceedings (with 
for). 

suet (sii'et), n. the hard fat around the 


kidneys and loins of sheep and oxen. 

suffer (suf'er), v.t. to feel with a 
sense of pain; undergo; bear; be af- 
fected by; allow; tolerate: v.i. to 
feel pain or punishment; be in dis- 
tress; endure loss or injury. [Latin.] 

sufferable (suf'er-a-bl), adj. that may 
be allowed or tolerated; permissible. 

sufferance (suf'er-ans), n. patience 
under pain; toleration; negative 
consent; permission. 

suffering (suf 'er-ing) , n. the state of en- 
during physical or mental pain; dis- 
tress; loss or injury endured. 

suffice (suf-is'), v.i. to be sufficient: 
v.t. to satisfy. [Latin.] 

sufficiency (suf-ish'en-si), n. the state 
or quality or being sufficient; com- 
petence; self-confidence; conceit. 

sufficient (suf-ish'ent), adj. equal to 
any end or purpose; adequate; 
competent. 

suffix (suf'iks), n. a letter or syllable 
added at the end of a word; affix: 
v.t. (suf-iks')> to add, as a letter or 
syllable at the end of a word. 

suffocate (suf'o-kat), v.t. to choke by 
stopping respiration; smother; stifle. 

suffrage (suf'raj), n. vote, or right to 
vote; franchise; voice or vote given 
on a controverted subject : pi. united 
prayer of a congregation. 

suffragette (suf-ra-jef), n. a woman 
who demands the suffrage or right 
to vote. 

suffuse (suf-fiiz'). v.t. to spread over 
as with a fluid or a color. 

sugar (shoog'er), n. a sweet crystal- 
line substance obtained from the 
sugar-cane, beet, &c; any substance 
resembling sugar; flattery: adj. per- 
taining to, like, made of, or yield- 
ing, sugar; sweet: v.t. to sprinkle or 
mix with sugar; sweeten; flatter. 

suggest (su-jesf), v.t. to introduce 
indirectly to the mind or thoughts ; 
hint; insinuate; allude or refer to: 
v.i. to make suggestions. 

suggestion (su-jes'chun), n. the act of 
suggesting; _ thing suggested; hint. 

suicidal (su-i-sld'al), adj. pertaining 
to, or partaking of, suicide. 

suicide (su'i-sid) , n. a person who kills 
himself; self-murder; ruin of one's 
own interests. [Latin.] 

suit (sut), n. a set of things corre- 
spondent to each other, as of the 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


SUITABLE 


504 


SUNDIAL 


same kind; petition or prayer; 
courtship; one of four sets of a pack 
of cards; an action or process at 
law for the recovery of a right or 
claim: v.t. to be fitted to; fall in 
with; accommodate; please: v.i. to 
correspond or accord; agree. 

suitable (sut'a-bl), adj. fitting; appro- 
priate. 

suite (swet), n. a retinue or compa- 
ny; series; set, as of rooms, furni- 
ture, &c. [French.] 

suitor (sut'er), n. a petitioner ; _ sup- 
plicant; lover; party to a lawsuit. 

sulk (sulk), v.i. to be sulky. 

sulky (sulk'i), adj. [camp, sulkier, su- 
perl. sulkiest], silently sullen: n. a 
kind of two-wheeled carriage. 

sullen (sul'en), adj. morosely silent; 
gloomily angry; dismal; heavy. 

sully (sul'i) t# v.t. [p.t. & p.p. sullied, 
p.pr. sullying], to tarnish or soil; 
dirty; stain: n. a tarnish or stain. 

sulphide (sul'fid), n. a compound of 
sulphur with a metal or other ele- 
ment. 

sulphur (sul'fer), n. sl non-metallic ele- 
ment, orittle and of yellow color, 
insoluble in water, but fusible by 
heat. 

sulphuric acid (as'id), n. a heavy, 
corrosive liquid composed of sul- 
phur, oxygen, and water; oil of 
vitriol. 

sulphurous acid (sul'fu-rua as'id), n. 
an acid composed of 2 parts of oxy- 
gen and 2 parts of sulphur. 

sultan (sul'tan), n. the title of a Mo- 
hammedan sovereign, especially the 
sovereign of the Ottoman Empire, 
before the Turkish revolution of 
1910. Feminine, sultana. [Arabic] 

sultanate (sul'tan-at), n. the rule or 
dominion of a sultan. 

sultry (sul'tri), adj. [comp. sultrier, 
superl. sultriest], very not, close, 
and oppressive; close and heavy 
with a moist heat. 

sum (sum), n./the aggregate of two 
or more things taken together; 
whole; total; quantity of money; 
substance; compendium; utmost de- 
gree; arithmetical problem for solu- 
tion: v.t. [p.t. & p.p. summed, p.pr. 
summing], to add mto one amount; 
condense into few words. [French.] 

sumac (su'mak), n. a plant or shrub, 


the dried leaves and roots of which 
are used in tanning, dyeing, and 
medicine. [French .J 

summary (sum'a-n), adj. brief; 
laconic; compendious; done in a 
short way or method: n. an abridg- 
ment; compendium. 

summation (sum-a'shun), n. the act 
of forming a total; aggregate. 

summer (sum'er), n. that part of the 
year which comprises the hottest 
months, June, July, and August; a 
large piece of > timber to receive the 
ends of the joists; horizontal girder: 
v.i. to pass the summer: v.t. to feed 
or keep during the summer. 

summit (sum'it), n. the top or highest 
point. 

summon (sum'un), v.t. to cite or call 
by authority ; command to appear in 
court; invite; rouse to exertion: 
n.pl. a citation to appear in court on 
a certain day; document containing 
such a citation; authoritative call. 

sumptuary (sump'tu-a-ri), adj. per- 
taining to, or regulating, expense. 

sumptuous (sump'tu-us), adj. ex- 
pensive; costly; luxurious; magnifi- 
cent. [Latin.] 

sun (sun), n. the luminous body 
around which the earth, and other 
planets, &c, of the solar system re- 
volve; the source of light and heat 
to the earth; any center of a system 
of worlds; anything like the sun in 
splendor or power; sunshine: v.t. 
[p.t. & p.p. sunned, p.pr. sunning]. 

sunbonnet (sun'bon-et) , n. a bonnet 
of light material, projecting beyond 
the face as a protection from sun- 
burn. 

sundae (sun'de), n. common spelling 
for sondhi. See sondhi. 

Sunday (sun'da), n. the first day of the 
week, the Christian Sabbath, or 
Lord's Day: adj. pertaining to Sun- 
day. 

sunder (sun'der), v.t. to divide or 
rend. 

sundew (sun'du), n. a plant of the 
genus Drosera, whose leaves secrete 
a dew-like viscid fluid. 

sundial (sun'di-al), n. a device for 
measuring time by means of an 
upright piece of stone or metal upon 
a dial where the shadow moves the 
hours in a scale. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut; think, then. 


SUNDRIES 


505 


SUPERNUMERARY 


sundries (sun'driz), n.pl. numerous 
small or miscellaneous articles or 
matters. 

sundry (sun'dri),ac(;. various; several. 

sung, p.p. of sing. 

sunk (sungk), p.t. & p.p. of sink. 

sunken (sungk'en), adj. lying on the 
bottom of the sea; fallen or pressed 
down. 

sunrise (sun'riz), n. the apparent 
rising of the sun in the East each 
morning. 

sunset (sun 'set), n. the apparent 
setting of the sun in the West at 
evening. 

sunshine (sun 'shin), n. the light or 
rays of the sun; warmth; bright- 
ness. 

sun-spot (sun'spot), n. a dark spot 
appearing on the sun within 35° 
of the equator. 

sunstroke (sun'strok), n. a kind of 
apoplexy, caused by the intense heat 
of the sun's rays. 

sup (sup), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. supped, 
p.pr. supping], to take into the 
mouth with the lips; sip: v.i. to 
take supper: n. & small mouthful. 

super, a Latin prefix meaning over, 
above, beyond, in excess. 

super (super), n. sl supernumerary; 
a theatrical attendant or actor with- 
out a part. 

superable (su'per-a-bl), adj. that may 
be overcome. 

superabundance (su - per - a - bun'- 
dans), n. an excessive amount of 
anything. 

superannuate (su-per-an'u-at), v.t. 
to pension on account of old age or 
infirmity. 

superb (su-perb'), adj. grand; proud; 
stately; elegant; first-rate; sumptu- 
ous. 

superciliary (su-per-sil'i-a-ri) , adj. 
pertaining to, or situated above, the 
eyebrow. 

supercilious (su-per-sil'i-us), adj. 
haughty; proud; disdainful; dic- 
tatorial; overbearing. 

supererogation (su-per-er-o-ga'shun) , 
n. the performance of more than is 
required by duty. 

superficial (su-per-fish'al), adj. per- 
taining to, or being on the surface; 
slight; not deep; unlearned. 

superficiality (su-per-nsh-i-al'i-ti), n. 


the state or quality of being super- 
ficial; slight knowledge. Also super- 
ficialness. 

superfine (su'per-fln), adj. of extreme 
delicacy or fineness. 

superfluity (su-per-floo'i-ti), n. [pi. 
superfluities (su-per-floo'i-tiz)], super- 
abundance; excess. 

superfluous (su-per'fl5d-us), adj. more 
than enough or necessary; excess- 
ive. 

superhuman (su-per-hu'man), adj. 
more than human. 

superimpose (su-per-im-poz'), v.t. to 
place on something else. 

superinduce (su-per-in-dus'), v.t. to 
bring in or upon as an addition to 
something else; superadd. 

superintend (su-per-in-tend'), v.t. to 
nave, or exercise the charge or over- 
sight of; direct or control. 

superintendent (su-per-in-ten'dent) , 
n. one who superintends; overseer. 

superior (su-pe'ri-er), adj. higher or 
above in place, position, rank, dig- 
nity, office, or excellence; stronger; 
surpassing others; unconquered; 
preferable ; beyond the power or in- 
fluence of; placed above another or- 
gan: n. one who is superior to oth- 
ers; one of higher rank or position; 
head of a religious house. 

superiority (su-pe-ri-or'i-ti), n. the 
state or quality of being superior; 
preeminence; advantage. 

superlative (su-perla-tiv), adj. supe- 
rior to all others*^ highest in degree: 
n. a word expressing the highest de- 
gree of anything. 

supernal (sii-per'nal), adj. pertaining 
to, or situated in, a higher place or 
region; celestial. 

supernatural (su-per-nat'u-ral), adj. 
beyond, or exceeding, the powers or 
laws of nature. 

supernaturalism (su-per-nat'u-ral- 
izm), n. the state or quality of 
being supernatural; the doctrine 
that revelation is the only means by 
which man acquires the knowledge 
of God. 

supernumerary (su-per-num'er-a-ri) , 
n. [pi. supernumeraries (su-per-niim'- 
er-a-riz)], a person or thing beyond 
the stated or required number: adj. 
exceeding the number stated or re- 
quired. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


SUPERPOSE 


506 


SUR 


superpose (su-per-poz'), v.t. to place 
over or upon. 

superscribe (sQ-per-skrib'), v.t. to 
write or inscribe, or engrave on the 
outside or top. 

superscription (su-per-skrip'shun), n. 
the act of superscribing; the address 
or direction. 

supersede (su-per-sed') , v.t. to set 
aside or render null and void by 
superior power; come into, or take, 
the place of. 

superstition (su-per-stish 'un) , n. rev- 
erence for, and belief in, the super- 
natural, or objects which are not 
worthy of worship; false worship or 
religion; extreme observance of re- 
ligious rites or ceremonies. 

superstitious (su-per-stish 'us), adj. 
pertaining to, characterized by, pro- 
ceeding from, or addicted to, super- 
stition; overscrupulous and extreme 
in religious rites or ceremonies. 

superstructure (su-per-struk'tur), n. 
anything built or founded on some- 
thing else ; a building. 

supervene (su-per-ven') , v.i. to come 
upon as something extraneous; oc- 
cur. 

supervise (su-per-viz'), v.t. to oversee. 

supervision (su-per-viz h'un), n. the 
act of supervising; superintendence. 

supine (su-pin'), adj. lying on the 
back; indolent; careless; inatten- 
tive; negligent: n. (sQ'pin), a Latin 
verbal noun, ending in wm, and u. 

supper (sup'er), n. the evening meal. 

supplant (sup-plant'), v.t. to displace 
and take the place of, as by craft; 
supersede. 

supple (sup'l), adj. flexible; yielding; 
servile: v.t. to make supple: v.i. to 
grow pliant. 

supplement (sup'le-ment), v.t. to add 
something to; fill up or supply: n. 
something added to render anything 
more complete or supply defects or 
errors; appendix; the quantity by 
which an arc or angle falls short of 
a semicircle. 

suppleness (sup'1-nes), n. the state 
or quality of being supple; pliancy. 

svppliant (sup'li-ant), adj. beseech- 
ing; entreating; suing: n. one who 
supplicates; humble petitioner. Also 
supplicant. 

supplicate (sup'li-kat) , v.t. to ask or 


beg humbly and earnestly; address 
in prayer; beseech; implore. 

supplication (sup-h-ka'shun) , n. the 
act of supplicating; humble and 
earnest prayer or entreaty. 

supply (sup-ll'), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. sup- 
plied, p.pr. supplying], to furnish 
with what is required; provide; 
serve instead of; fill: n. [pi. supplies 
(sup-liz')], the act of supplying; 
thing supplied; amount of money or 
food required for daily necessaries, 
as of an army, &c. (usually pi.). < 

support (sup-port'), v.t. to sustain; 
bear up; endure; uphold; favor; 
second; incur; carry on; provide 
for or nourish: n. the act of sup- 
porting; that which supports; main- 
tenance; livelihood; aid. 

supportable (sup-port 'a-bl), adj. ca- 
pable of being endured; defens- 
ible. 

suppose (sup-poz'), v.t. to imagine; 
admit without proof; assume as true; 
think. 

supposition (sup-po-zish'un), n. the 
act of supposing; thing supposed; 
assumption. 

supposititious (sup-poz-i-tish'us) , adj. 
supposed or imaginary ; not genuine; 
counterfeit. 

suppository (sup-poz 'i r to-ri) , n. a medi- 
cated mass, usually in the form of a 
cone, for introduction into some cav- 
ity of the body, where it dissolves. 

suppress (sup-pres'), v.t. to subdue; 
crush; keep in or down; quell; con- 
ceal; restrain the publication of; 
arrest the normal secretions of. 

suppression (sup-presh'un) , n. the act 
of suppressing; stoppage; conceal- 
ment; omission. 

suppurate (sup'ii-rat), v.i. to generate 
pus. 

suppuration (sup-u-ra'shun) , n. the 
act of generating pus ; pus generated 
in a sore. 

supra, a Latin prefix meaning above, 
beyond, over, as swpralapsarian. 

supremacy (su-prem'a-si) , n. the 
state or quality of being supreme; 
highest authority. 

supreme (su-prem'), adj. highest in 
power or authority; most excellent; 
extreme ; utmost. 

sur, a Latin prefix, meaning over y 
beyond, above, upon. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


SURBA6E 


507 


SURVEY 


surbase (serloas), n. a cornice, or 
series of moldings, on the top of the 
base of a pedestal, <fcc. 

surcease (ser-ses'), v.i. (with from), to 

cease entirely. 

surcharge (,ser-charj'), v.t. to over- 
load: n. an excessive load or charge. 

surcingle (ser'sing-gl), n. a girth, belt, 
or girdle for passing around the body 
of a horse and securing the saddle 
or some burden, &c; girdle of a 
cassock. 

surd (serd), n. a mathematical 
quantity that cannot be expressed 
by rational numbers, or has no root, 
as 3 3: adj. not expressible by ra- 
tional numbers; involving surds; 
uttered with the breath. 

sure (shoor), adj. fit to be depended 
upon; certain; rehab le; infallible; 
firm; safe. 

surety (shoor'ti), n. [pi. sureties 
(shoor'tiz)], certainty; security 
against loss or damage; guarantee; 
hostage; one who becomes jointly 
bound with another: bail. 

surf (serf), n. the swell of the sea 
that breaks and foams upon the 
shore or the rocks. 

surface (ser'fas), n. the exterior part 
or upper face of anything; super- 
ficies; outside. 

surfeit (ser'fit), n. excess in eating 
or drinking; sickness caused by such 
excess: v.t. to feed to excess and 
sickness. 

surge (serj), n. a large wave or bil- 
low: great roll; swell: v.i. to roll 
or rise high. 

surgeon (ser'jun), n. a medical prac- 
titioner, especially one who prac- 
tices surgery. [French.] 

surgery (ser'jer-i), n. the act and art of 
treating injuries or diseases by man- 
ual operations; place where a sur- 
geon operates or keeps his medi- 
cines. 

surgical (ser'ji-kl), adj. of or pertain- 
ing to surgery. 

surly (ser'li), adj. [cornp.^ surlier, su- 
perl. surliest], gloomily morose; 
rough; uncivil; churlish; snarling; 
ill-natured. 

surmise (ser-mlz'), n. guess or conjec- 
ture; suspicion: v.t. to imagine 
without certain knowledge; suspect; 
conjecture; fancy. 


surmount (ser-mount'). v.t. to rise 
above; overcome; conquer; van- 
quish; exceed. 

surname (ser'nam), n. a name added 
to the baptismal names; family 
name: v.t. to give the family name 
to. 

surpass (ser-pas'), v.t. to exceed; ex- 
cel; go beyond in excellence or bad- 
ness. 

surplice (ser'plis),_ n. the outer linen 
vestment with wide sleeves, worn by 
the officiating clergy and choristers 
of the Roman Catholic and Angli- 
can Churches. 

surplus (ser'plus), n. that which re- 
mains over and above what is re- 
quired; excess: adj. exceeding what 
is required. 

surprise (ser-priz'), n. the act of 
taking unawares; astonishment; sud- 
den emotion, confusion, or perplex- 
ity: v.t. to take unawares; confuse 
or perplex; assail unexpectedly; 
astonish. [French.] 

surrender i'ser-ren'der), v.t. to yield to 
the power of another; give up on 
compulsion; cede; resign: v.i. to 
yield; give up one's self into the 
power of another: n. the act of 
yielding into the power or possession 
of another; a yielding or giving 
up. 

surreptitious (ser-rep-tish'us), adj. 
done by stealth or fraud; unauthor- 
ized. [Latin.] 

surrey (ser'i), n. a covered four-wheeled 
carriage, open at the sides, but 
having curtains that may be rolled 
down. 

surrogate (ser'o-gat), n. the deputy 
of a bishop, who is authorized to 
issue marriage licenses. 

surround _(ser-round')> v.t. to enclose 
on all sides; encompass; environ; 
invest : n. a precipitous place where 
animals are surrounded and driven 
over and captured. 

surtout (ser-toot'), n. a wide-skirted 
coat reaching below the knees. 

surveillance (ser-val'yans), n. watch; 
oversight; inspection. [French.] 

survey (ser-va/). v.t. [p.t. & p.p. sur- 
veyed, p.pr. surveying], to inspect 
or take a view of ^overlook; examine; 
measure and estimate, as land: n. 
(ser'va), the act of surveying; par- 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met : mite, mit : note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


SURVEYING 


508 


SWAMP 


ticular view or examination; cus- 
toms district. 

surveying (ser-va'ing) , n. the art or 
business of measuring land. 

survival (ser-vi'val), n. continuance 
beyond the life of another; any an- 
cient use, custom, or belief continu- 
ing to the present day. 

survive (ser-viv'), v.t. to live longer 
than; outlive: v.i. to remain 
alive. 

survivor (ser-viv'er), n. one who out- 
lives another ; the longer-lived of two 
joint tenants, &c. 

sus, prefix, another form of sub. 

susceptible (sus-sept'i-bl), adj. cap- 
able of admitting something addi- 
tional, or any change, influence, 
affection, &c; easily acted upon; 
impressible. Also susceptive. 

suspect (sus-pekf), v.t. to have a 
suspicion of; imagine to exist; con- 
jecture; mistrust: n. (sus'pekt), a per- 
son suspected to be guilty of some 
crime. 

suspend (sus-pend'), v.t. to make to 
hang by anything; delay; inter- 
rupt; cause to cease for a time; 
debar temporarily. 

suspender (sus-pend 'er), n. one who, 
or that which, suspends: pi. braces. 

suspense (sus-pens'), n. a state of un- 
certainty, doubt, or anxiety; inde- 
cision; act of withholding the judg- 
ment; temporary cessation of a 
man's right. 

suspension (sus-pen'shun), n. the act 
of suspending; state of being sus- 
pended; a keeping in doubt; uncer- 
tainty; delay ] interruption; tem- 
porary privation of power, office, 
privilege, or rights; continuation of 
a note from one chord to another 
[Music]. 

suspensory (sus-pen'so-ri), adj. that 
suspends: n. a suspensory band, or 
pouch. 

suspicion (sus-pish'un), n. the act of 
suspecting; distrust; want of con- 
fidence; imagination of something 
wrong on slight or insufficient proof; 
hint; very small quantity. 

suspicious (sus-pish'us), adj. full of, 
inclined to, or cherishing, suspicion; 
open to, or exciting, suspicion; 
doubtful. 

sustain (sus-tan'), v.t. to hold up or 


support; maintain; keep; support; 
nourish; bear; endure; strengthen. 

sustenance (sus'ten-ans), n. that 
which supports life; food; main- 
tenance or support. 

sutler (sut'ler), n. a person who fol- 
lows an army and sells provisions, 
liquor, &c, to the troops. [Dutch.] 

suttee (sut-e'), n. a Hindu widow 
who immolates herself on the funer- 
al pile of her deceased husband; a 
form of widow sacrifice, formerly 
common among the Hindus, in 
which the wife was burnt with her 
deceased husband on his funeral 
pile. Now forbidden by British law. 

suture (su'tur), n. the drawing to- 
gether of the edges of a wound by 
sewing; lines of junction of the 
bones of the skull; seam at the 
union of two margins of a plant. 

suzerain (sti'ze-ran), n. a feudal 
lord, to whom fealty is due; supe- 
rior or paramount ruler. 

swab (swob), n. a mop for cleaning 
decks, floors, &c; clumsy person or 
lubber: v.t. [p.t. & p.p. swabbed, 
p.pr. swabbing], to rub or clean 
with a swab. 

swaddle (swod'l), v.t. to swathe or 
bind tightly, especially infanos. 

swag (swag), v.i. [p.t. & p.p. swagged, 
p.pr. swagging], to sink down by its 
own weight; hang heavily; sag: n. 
an unequal, nobbling motion ; thieves' 
booty. 

swagger (swag'er), v.i. to bully or 
bluster; strut haughtily or with af- 
fected superiority: n. an affected or 
insolent manner of walking; noisy 
boastfulness. 

swain (swan), n. a peasant; rustic 
lover; sweetheart. 

swallow (swol'o), n. a well-known 
migratory passerine bird; any spe- 
cies of swift resembling the swal- 
low; groove round a tackle-block; 
the gullet or esophagus; voracity; 
as much as can be swallowed at 
once: v.t. to take into the stomach 
through the esophagus; absorb; en- 
gulf; engage entirely; retract; put 
up with: v.i. to perform the act of 
swallowing. 

swam, p.t. of swim. 

swamp (swomp), n. wet or boggy 
land; soft, low land saturated with 


ate, arm, at, awl : me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


SWAN 


509 


SWELL 


water: v.t. to plunge, overwhelm, or 
sink in, or as in, a swamp; overset 
or sink in water; plunge into inex- 
tricable difficulties; ruin. 

swan (swon), n. a web-footed bird of 
the genus Cygnus, with a very long 
neck, and remarkable for its grace 
in swimming. 

swan-song (swon's6ng),_ n. the last 
work of a poet or musician, from the 
fabled dying song of the swan. 

swap (swop), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. swapped, 
■p.pr. swapping], to exchange or 
barter: n. barter; a blow or stroke. 

sward (swawrd), n. the grassy sur- 
face of land. 

sware (swar), old p.t. of swear. 

swarm (swawrm), v.i. to throng to- 
gether in a crowd ; collect and rise 
from the hive; said of bees; breed 
multitudes; to climb a tree, &c, by 
embracing it with the arms and legs 
alternately (with up) : n. a cluster 
of insects, especially bees; crowd or 
multitude in motion. 

swarthy (sworth'i), adj. of a dark or 
tawny hue; dark-skinned. Also 
swart, swarth. 

swash (swosh), n. a dashing or 
splashing of water: v.i. to dash or 
splash water about. 

swat (swot), v.t. to smite (colloq.) : n. 
a loose blow with the open hand. 

swath (swawth), n. a line or ridge of 
grass or grain as cut down by the 
mower; sweep of a scythe in mow- 
ing. 

swathe (awMh), v.t. to bind with a 
bandage or roller; wrap: n. a ban- 
dage or roller. 

sway (swa),v.£. [p.t. & p.p. swayed, 
p.pr. swaying], # to move backwards 
and forwards; influence by power or 
moral force; bias; govern: v.i. to 
incline on one side; be drawn by 
weight: n. the swing or sweep of a 
weapon; cast of the balance; any- 
thing moving with power and bulk; 
rule; dominion; authority; con- 
trol; inclination or weight on one 
side. 

swear (swar), v.i. [p.t. swore, sware, 
p.p. sworn, p.pr. swearing], to make 
a solemn declaration by appealing 
to God for the truth of what is 
affirmed; give evidence on oath; 
use profane language: v.t. to utter or 


affirm by appeal to God; cause to 
take, or bind by, an oath. 

sweat (swet), n. the moisture which 
exudes from the pores of the skin; 
toil; exertion: v.i. to exude moisture 
through the pores of the skin; per- 
spire; labor; drudge: v.t. to cause 
to sweat; oppress by employing at 
an unfair rate of wages. 

sweater (swet'er), n. a heavy knitted 
outer garment, worn in athletic 
sports. 

sweatshop (swet'shop), n._ a house 
or apartment whose residents do 
home work for dealers at unfairly 
low wages. 

sweep (swep), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. swept, 
p.pr. sweeping], to brush, rub over, 
or clean, with a broom, &c; drive 
or carry along or off with force; 
strike with a long stroke; touch in 
passing: v.i. to pass with violence, 
speed, or pomp; pass with celerity 
or force; move along with a long 
reach: n. the act of sweeping; gen- 
eral destruction; range; extent; di- 
rection of a curve; rapid survey 
with the eye; extent of a stroke; 
chimney-sweeper; large oar; black- 
guard. 

sweet (swet), adj. pleasing to the 
senses, as smell, taste, &c; tasting 
like sugar; luscious; fragrant; me- 
lodious; soft; gentle; kind; oblig- 
ing; loved; not stale or putrid; 
fresh; not salted: n. a term of en- 
dearment: n.pl. confectionery; home- 
made wines. 

sweetbread (swefbred), n. a calf's 
pancreas; delicate kind of fowl. 

sweetheart (swet 'hart), n. a lover; one 
who is the object of a lover's af- 
fection. 

sweetmeat (swet'met), n. a confec- 
tion made wholly or partly of sugar. 

swell (swel), v.i. [p.t. swelled, p.p. 
swelled, swollen, p.pr. swelling], to 
expand or enlarge; increase in bulk; 
be inflated; rise and increase by 
degrees; be puffed up; grow in vio- 
lence: v.t. to heighten; cause to rise 
or increase; inflate; dilate: n. ex- 
tension of bulk ; act or state of swell- 
ing; gradual increase of sound; 
gradual elevation of land; a dis- 
tinguished personage; fop: adj. 
dandified. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


SWELLING 


510 


SYLLABUS 


swelling (swel'ing), p.adj. becoming 
inflated; turgid: n. the act of in- 
creasing in bulk; tumor or any mor- 
bid enlargement. 

swelter (swel'ter), v.t. to perspire pro- 
fusely; faint with excessive heat. 

swept, p.t. & p.p. of sweep. 

swerve (swerv), v.i. to turn aside 
from any prescribed line or rule of 
duty; deviate, incline. 

swift (swift), adj. moving far in a 
short time; rapid; quick; ready; 
sudden: adv. rapidly: n. a bird al- 
lied to the swallow; a species of 
moth; the common newt. 

swig (swig), v.t. to drink greedily of 
any intoxicating drink. 

swill (swil), v.t. to drink greedily or 
grossly; inebriate: n. drink taken 
in excessive quantities; liquid food 
for animals, particularly the refuse 
or leavings of the kitchen, as given 
to swine. 

swim (swim), v.i. [p.t. swam, swum, 
p.p. swum, p.pr. swimming], to float 
on water or other liquid ; move pro- 
gressively in the water by the 
hands and feet ; glide smoothly ; 
overflow; be dizzy: v.t. to cause to 
swim or float: n. the act of swim- 
ming. 

swindle (swin'dl), v.t. to cheat grossly 
and deliberately under pretense of 
fair dealing: n. a gross fraud. 

swine (swin), n. any animal of the 
genus Sus with bristly skin and 
long snout; pig. 

swing (swing), v.i. [p.t. & p.p. swung, 
p.pr. swinging], to wave or vibrate 
to and fro; oscillate; practice swing- 
ing; float round with the tide; be 
hanged: v.t. to move to and fro; 
wave loosely; brandish: n. the act 
or state of swinging; contrivance for 
swinging to and fro; full course. 

swinge (swinj), v.t. to whip or thrash: 
n. sweep or swing of any thing in 
movement ; sway ; influence. 

swingle (swing'gl), v.t. to cleanse 
(flax) by beating: v.i. to dangle: n. 
that part of a flail which strikes the 
grain. 

swinish (swln'ish), adj. pertaining 
to, like, or characteristic of, swine; 
bestial. 

swipe (swip), n. a vigorous blow at 
cricket or golf; sweeping blow: pi. 


thin or small beer: v.i. & v.t. to de- 
liver a strong blow; hit out with 
great force at cricket, &c; take and 
carry away; purloin. 

swirl (swerl), v.i. to rush along in, 
or form, eddies: n. a whirling or 
eddying motion. 

swish (swish), v.t. to lash; flog. 

switch (swich), n. a long, thin, flexi- 
ble rod; a movable rail for trans- 
ferring a railway carriage, &c, from 
one line to another; a device for 
connecting one electric circuit with 
another: v.t. to lash or flog; shunt. 

swivel (swiv'l), n. something fixed 
in another body so as to turn round 
in it ; twisting link in a chain ; a 
kind of small cannon which turns 
on a pivot: v.t. & v.i. [p.t. & p.p. 
swiveled, p.pr. swiveling], to turn 
on a swivel or pivot. 

swollen (swol'n), p.p. of swell. 

swoon (swoon), v.i. to sink into a 
fainting fit, with apparent suspen- 
sion of the vital and mental pow- 
ers: n. the act of swooning; syn- 
cope. 

swoop (swoop), v.t. to fall upon and 
seize at once, as prey: v.i. to catch 
prey while on the wing: n. a sudden 
falling upon and seizing. 

sword (sord), n. a keen -edged wea- 
pon for cutting and thrusting; de- 
struction by war; emblem of author- 
ity, power, justice, or vengeance. 

swore (swor), p.t. of swear. 

sworn (sworn), p.p. of swear: adj. 
bound by an oath. 

Sybarite (sib'a-rit), n. an effemi- 
nate voluptuary: from the inhabi- 
tants of Sybaris, Italy, an ancient 
Greek city noted for its luxury. 

sycamore (sik'a-mor), n. a tree of the 
maple family; the fig-mulberry of 
the East; the button wood. 

sycophant (sik'o-fant), n. a mean or 
servile flatterer, especially of great 
men; parasite. 

syllabary (sil-a-ba/ri), n. a list of 
characters representing syllables ; like 
an alphabet. [Greek.] 

syllable (sil'a-bl), n. that part of a 
word which can be uttered distinct- 
ly by a single effort of the voice; 
anything proverbially concise. 

syllabub, same as sillibub. 

syllabus (sil'a-bus), n. a table of con- 


ate, arm, at, awl; me, merge, met; mite, mit ; note, north, not; boon, book; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


SYLLOGISM 


511 


SYNTAX 


tents; compendium of the heads of 
a discourse; abstract. 

syllogism (sil'o-jizm), n. an argument 
stated in logical form, consisting of 
three propositions, the first two be- 
ing called the premises and the last 
the conclusion which contains the 
matter to be proved. [Greek.] 

sylph (silf), n. an imaginary being 
inhabiting the air; fairy. 

sylvan (sir van), adj. pertaining to, 
inhabiting, or growing in, a wood 
or grove; rustic; woody; shady. 

sym, Greek prefix, another form of syn. ' 

symbol (sim'bol), n. an emblem' or 
sign representing something else; 
type; mark or character used as an 
abbreviation; a creed. 

symbolic (sim-borik), adj. pertaining 
to, serving as, or of the nature of, a 
symbol: n.pl. the study of creeds. 
Also symbolical. 

symbolism (sim'bol-izm), n. the use 
of, or the being represented by, sym- 
bols; science of creeds. 

symmetrical (sim-met'ri-kal) , adj. 
having corresponding parts or rela- 
tions; harmonious; proportionate. 
Also symmetric. 

symmetry (sim'e-tri), n. the due pro- 
portion of the several parts of a 
body to each other; harmony or 
adaptation of parts to each other; 
proportion. 

sympathetic (sim-pa : thet'ik), adj. per- 
taining to, expressing, or inducing, 
sympathy; compassionate. Also sym- 
pathetical. 

sympathize (sim'pa-thiz), v.i. to have 
a mutual feeling with another; be 
compassionate. 

sympathy (sim'pa-thi) , n. mutual 
feeling of pleasure or pain; compas- 
sion; reciprocal action of the organs 
of a body. 

symphony (sim'fo-ni), n. [pi. sympho- 
nies (sim'fo-niz)], harmony of sound; 
a musical composition for a full 
band of instruments; instrumental 
introduction or ending of a vocal 
composition. 

symposium (sim-po'zi-um), n. [pi. 
symposia (sim-po'zi-a)], a banquet; 
a drinking together; merry-making; 
an article in a magazine in which 
various writers express their views 
on some given topic. 


symptom (simp'tom), n. that which 
indicates the existence of something 
else of which it is the effect; token 
or sign. 

syn, a Greek prefix meaning with, to- 
gether, as s?/nantherous : adj. having 
stamens united by their anthers. 

synaeresis (sin-er'e-sis), n. the con- 
traction of two vowels into one. 

synagogue (sin'a-gog), n. a religious 
assembly of Jews for worship; Jew- 
ish place of worship. 

synchronism (sing'kro-nizm), n. con- 
currence in time of two or more 
events ; tabular arrangement of con- 
temporaneous historical events. 

synchronous (sing'kro-nus) , adj. hap- 
pening at the same time. Also syn- 
chronal. 

syncopate (sing'ko-pat), v.t. to con- 
tract by omitting a letter or letters 
from the middle of (a word); unite 
(the last note of one bar to the first 
note of the next) by a slur. 

syncope (sing'ko-pe), n. the omission 
of a letter or letters from the middle 
of a word; fainting caused by inter- 
ruption of the heart's action. 

syndic (sin'dik), n. a government offi- 
cial invested with varying powers 
in different countries; chief magis- 
trate; municipal or other official. 

syndicate (sin'di-kat), n. a body of 
syndics; a combination of capital- 
ists to promote some special under- 
taking or speculation. 

synecdoche (sin-ek'do-ke), n. a rhe- 
torical figure in which the whole ia 
put for a part, or a part for the 
whole. 

synod (sin'od), n. a council or meeting 
of ecclesiastics for consultation on 
religious matters; a church council 
composed of seyeral presbyters. 

synonym (sin'o-nim), n. a word hav- 
ing nearly the same signification as 
another. 

synopsis (sin-op 'sis) , n. a general or 
collective view of any subject; sum- 
mary. 

syntactic (sin-tak'tik), adj. pertain- 
ing to, or arranged according to, the 
rules of syntax. Also syntactical. 

syntax (sin'taks), n. that part of 
grammar which teaches of the proper 
construction and arrangement of 
words in a sentence. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, n6rth, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


SYNTHESIS 512 SYZYGY 

synthesis (sin'the-sis), n. [pi. synthe- in science or art; method of trans- 

ees (sin'the-sez)], composition or acting business. 

putting of two or more things to- systematic (sis-tem-at'ik), adj. me- 

gether: opposed to analysis; the thodical; according to system. Also 

method or process of deducing and systematical. 

combining complex ideas from simple systematize (sis'tem-a-tiz), v.t. to re- 
ones, duce to a system. 
syphon, another form of siphon. systole (sis'to-le), n. the shortening of 
syren, another form of siren. a long syllable; contraction of aun- 
syringe (sir'inj), n. a small tube cles and ventricles of the heart for 
y v u u ji j i j ri expelling the blood and circulating 
with a handle and worked like a it ^ hrou | h the body, 
pump: v.t. to inject or cleanse with systyle (sis'til), adj. having columns 
a syringe. g0 arranged that they are distant 
syrup (sir'up) n. a saturated or two diameters from each other; 
medicated solution of sugar in wa- having a row of columns set closely 
ter; liquid refuse of sugar. [French.] together. 
system (sis'tem), n. combination of syzygy (siz'i-ji), n. [pi. syzygies 
parts in a whole; orderly arrange- (siz'i-jiz)], the point at which the 
ment according to some common moon or a planet is in conjunction 
law; collection of rules and princi- with, or in opposition to, the sun; 
pies ; connected body of principles times of new and full moon. 

ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ;, mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut; think, then. 



TOBACCO 


SORGHUM 


COPYRIGHT, 1912, BY F. E. WRIGHT. 

PLANTS OF GREAT COMMERCIAL VALUE 


T 


T, the twentieth letter of the English 
alphabet, practically identical in 
appearance with the Phoenician, 
Greek, and Roman character. As 
a pictograph it was drawn to re- 
semble a cross, and its Semitic name 
tau means a cross. Phonetically, it 
is properly styled an unvoiced al- 
veolar explosive. The digraph th 
indicates sometimes the voiced spir- 
ant as in this, and sometimes the 
voiceless spirant as m in thin. Few 
foreigners can readily detect the 
difference between the two sounds. 
As a symbol in music, t stands 
usually for tempo (time), and some- 
times for tenor. 
tab (tab), n. a shoe latchet; tag; 

border of a woman's cap. 
tabard (tab'ard), n. a loose garment or 
mantle worn over armor; herald's 
coat. [Old French.] 
tabasco (ta-bas'ko), n. a pungent sauce 

made of red peppers. 
tabby (tab'i), adj. brindled; having a 
variegated, wavy, m or watered ap- 
pearance: n. a kind of wavy or 
watered silk; mixture of stone or 
shell with mortar; tabby-cat: v.t. 
[p.t. & p.p. tabbied, p.pr. tabbying], 
to water or cause to look wavy. 
tabernacle (tab'er-nak-1), n. a tempo- 
rary dwelling, movable residence, or 
tent; the human body as the tem- 
porary dwelling of the soul; the 
movable structure or place of wor- 
ship carried by the Israelites in the 
wilderness; receptacle for the con- 
secrated Host in Roman Catholic 
Churches; place of worship: v.i. to 
sojourn. [Latin.] 
tabes (ta/bez), n. a gradual wasting 

away of the body: atrophy. 
tablature (tab 'la-fair), n. a painting 
on walls or ceilings; single m piece 
comprehended in one view; division 
of the skull into two tables. 


table (ta'bl), n. a flat smooth board, 
furnished with legs; flat surface; 
persons sitting at a repast or en- 
tertainment ; fare ; entertainment ; 
tablet; index or syllabus: pi. col- 
lection of many particulars brought 
into one view ; collection of numbers 
or figures methodically arranged; 
the Ten Commandments, consist- 
ing of two tables; Holy Eucharist or 
Lord's Supper; simple member or or- 
nament, usually rectangular: pi. 
backgammon: adj. pertaining to a 
table: v.t. to catalogue or index; 
lay or place on a table (as a report) 
for future consideration. [French.] 

tableau (ta-blo'), n. [pi. tableaux or 
tableaus (ta-bloz')], a striking and 
vivid representation. [French.] 

tableland (ta'bl-land) , n. a plateau. 

tablet (tab 'let), n. small table; medi- 
cine in the form of a small flat disk; 
small flat piece of ivory, &c, for 
memoranda ; ancestral monument ; 
small flat cake, as of soap, &c. 

taboo and tabu (ta-boo'), n. a reli- 
gious rite formerly prevalent among 
the Polynesians by which persons 
and things were rendered sacred and 
inviolable; ban; prohibition: v.t. 


[p.t. & p.p. tabooed, jp.pr. tabooing], 

rbid 
of. 


to forbid approach to, or use 


tabor (ta'ber), n. _ a small drum, 

beaten with one stick. Also tabour. 
taboret (tab'o-ret), n.& small tabor; 

an ornamental cushioned stool. 
tabular (tab'u-lar), adj. pertaining 

to, or in the form of, a table; 

formed in plates or laminae ; set down, 

computed, or arranged in, tables or 

schedules. 
tabulate (tab'u-lat), v.t. to reduce to, 

or arrange in. tables or synopses; 

shape with a flat surface. 
tacit (tas'it), adj. implied, but not 

expressed verbally. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merpe. met : mite, mit : note, north, not ; boon, book 
33 hue, hut ; think, then. 


TACITURN 516 TALL 

taciturn (tas'i-tern), adj. habitually nous appendage of the nucleus of 
silent. [Latin.] a comet; catkin; limitation: v.i. to 

tack (tak), n. a small broad-headed depart one after another, as a crowd 
nail; supplement or appendage; di- (with off). 

rection of a vessel in regard to the tailor (tarer), n. one whose business is 
trim of her sails: v.t. to fasten with to cut out and make men's clothes 
tacks; fasten slightly; attach: v.i. and ladies' costumes. Feminine, tail- 
to change the course of a vessel by oress. 
shifting the position of her sails. taint (tant), n. corruption; infec- 

tackle (tak'l), n. the ropes, rigging, tion; spot or stain; disgrace: v.t. to 
&c, of a vessel; apparatus for rais- imbue or impregnate with anything 
ing or lowering heavy weights con- noxious; infect; corrupt: v.i. to be 
sisting of pulleys and ropes ; imple- corrupted by incipient putrefaction, 
ments or gear: v.t. to harness; seize take (tak), v.t. [p.t. took, p.p. taken, 
or lay hold of; deal with or attack p.pr. taking], to lay or seize hold 
vigorously. m of; obtain; receive mentally; cap- 

tackling (tak'ling), n. the furniture of ture; engage or interest; choose; 
the masts and yards of a vessel; in- use or require; catch; assume; con- 
strument of action ; gear. duct or lead; transport; tolerate; 

tact (takt), n. nice discernment and swallow; note or take down; make 
delicate skill in saying and doing ex- or perform (a journey or walk) : 
actly what is expedient or suitable v.i. to have recourse 
in given circumstances. [Latin.] taking (tak'ing), adj. attractive; allur- 

tactic (tak'tik), adj. pertaining to ing; pleasing; infectious: n. the act 
the art of tactics. Also tactical. of gaining possession; seizure; agi- 

tactics (tak'tiks), n. naval and mili- tation: pi. receipts. 

tary evolutions; science of disposing talc (talk), n. a hydrous silicate of 
and maneuvering naval and military magnesia occurring in thin flakes, 
forces for battle. m tale (tal), n. a narrative or story; 

tactile (tak'til), adj. perceptible by fable; anecdote; reckoning; number 
the touch; capable of being touched. reckoned. 

tactless (takt'les), adj. without tact; talent (tal'ent), n. among the an- 
blundering. m m cients, a weight, coin, or sum of 

tactual (tak'tu-al), adj. pertaining to money of varying value; mental ca- 
the organs of touch. pacity; eminent ability; skill; clev- 

tadpole (tad'pol), n. the young erness; gift. [Latin.] 

aquatic larva of an amphibian, espe- talesman (talz man), n. a person 
cially that of the frog. # summoned to make up a jury. 

taffeta (taf'e-ta), n. a fine, thin, talisman (tal'is-man), n. [pi. talis- 
glossy silken fabric. [French.] mans (taris-manz)], a magical figure 

taflrail (taf'ral), n. the upper flat part cut in metal or stone supposed to 
of the stern of a ship; rail round a possess magical virtues in averting 
snip's stern. Also tafferel. evil, &c; something that produces 

taffy (taf'i), n. molasses candy; toffy; an extraordinary effect. [Arabic] 
flattery. talk (tawk) #f# v.i. to utter words; 

tag (tag), n. a point of metal at the speak familiarly; converse; prattle: 
end of a string or a lace; something v.t. to utter; make a subject of con- 
small attached to another; anything versation: n. familiar converse; col- 
paltry or mean; a children's game: loquy; subject of discourse; rumor; 
v.t. [p.t. & p.p. tagged, p.pr. tag- conference. 

ging], to fix a tag to; append or talkative (tawk'a-tiv), adj. addicted 
tack on; follow closely and persist- to much talking, 
ently. [Scotch.] talking-machine (tawk'ing-ma-chen),' 

tail (tal), n. the end of the backbone n. any machine that reproduces the 
of an animal's body, usually hang- human voice. 

ing loose; hinder j or inferior, part of tall (tawl), adj. high in stature; 
anything; anything pendant; lumi- lofty; extravagant. 

.ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, n6rth, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut; think, then. 


TALLOW 


517 


TANGLE 


tallow (tal'o), n. the melted fat of 
oxen and sheep; candle-grease: v.t. 
to grease or smear with tallow; fat- 
ten. [Old Dutch.] 

tally (tal'i), n. [pi. tallies (tal'iz)], a 
stick notched to match another stick, 
used for keeping accounts ; one thing 
made to match or suit another: v.t. 
to make to correspond: v.i. to be 
fitted ; match. 

tally-ho (tal'i-ho), inter j. & r n. the 
huntsman's cry to incite his hounds; 
a four-in-hand coach. [French.] 

Talmud (tal'mud), n. the book which 
contains the whole body of the Jew- 
ish civil and canonical laws and tra- 
ditions, with the commentaries and 
speculations of the Rabbis, consist- 
ing of two parts, the Mishnah and 
Gemara. [Chaldaic] 

talon (taron), n. the claw of a bird 
of prey ; an ogee molding. 

talus (ta'lus), n. the ankle-bone; 
sloping part of a work; sloping heap 
of broken rocks accumulated at the 
foot of a cliff. [Latin.] 

tamable (tam'a-bl), adj. capable of 
being tamed. 

tamale (ta-ma'le), n. a kind of dump- 
ling, made of minced chicken and 
corn-meal, seasoned with red pepper, 
wrapped in corn-husks, and boiled 
or cooked by steam. [Mexican.] 

tamarack (tam'a-rak), n. the Amer- 
ican black larch. 

tamarin (tam'a-rin), n. a South Amer- 
ican monkey with a squirrel-like 
tail. 

tamarind (tam'a-rind) , n. . a legumin- 
ous and lofty tropical tree, yielding 
long pods which contain a soft acid 
. pulp. [Latin.] 

tamarisk (tam'a-risk) , n. a tree or 
shrub of the genus Tamarix, with 
small pink or white flowers and 
feathery branches. 

tambour (tam'ber), n. a drum-like 
frame on which a kind of embroidery 
with threads of gold, silver, and silk 
are worked in the figures of flowers, 
&c.; drum; the naked part of cer- 
tain capitals of drum-like appear- 
ance; enclosure of stockade work: 
v.t. to embroider with, or upon, a 
tambour. [French.] 

tambourine (tam-ber-en') , n. a small 
hand-drum with little cymbals in- 


serted in the hoop ; a sprightly French 
stage dance. 

tame (tam), adj. domesticated; spir- 
itless; insipid: v.t. to bring from a 
wild to a domesticated_ state; subdue. 

tam o'shanter (tam-o-shan'ter), n. 
a woolen cap fitting tightly about the 
head with a large flat top. [Scottish.] 

tamp (tamp), v.t. to block up with 
clay or similar material the blast- 
hole in a rock to direct the course of 
the explosion; drive in or down by 
repeated gentle strokes. 

tamper (tam 'per), v.i. to meddle so as 
to injure or alter anything; use brib- 
ery; try small experiments. 

tampion (tamp'i-on), n. a stopper, 
especially for the mouthpiece of a 
cannon. Also tompion. 

tan (tan), n. the bark of the oak or 
other trees bruised and broken by a 
mill for tanning hides: adj. tan-col- 
ored: v.t. [p.t. & p.p. tanned, p.pr. 
tanning], to convert (a hide) into 
leather by steeping it in an infusion 
of bark or tannin; make brown by 
exposure to the sun; beat: v.i. to 
become sunburnt. 

tandem (tan'dem), adv. with two- 
horses or persons one before the 
other: n. a vehicle with two horses 
harnessed one before the other; a 
bicycle or tricycle for two, one riding 
before the other. 

tang (tang), n._ a strong taste or 
flavor ; something that leaves be- 
hind a taste peculiar to itself; that 
part of a knife, fork, tool, &c, 
which is inserted into the handle; 
sound or tone: v.i. to make a ringing 
sound. 

tangency (tan'jen-si) , n. a contact or 
touching. [Latin.] 

tangent (tan'jent), adj. touching: n. 
a straight line that meets or touches 
a circle or curve, but, when produced, 
does not cut it. 

tangerine (tan-jer-en'), n. a small or- 
ange. 

tangible (tan'ji-bl), adj. perceptible 
to the touch; capable of being pos- 
sessed or realized; evident; real. 

tangle (tang'gl), v.t. to interweave so 
as to render difficult to unravel; im- 
plicate; embarrass; entangle; com- 
plicate: v.i. t to be entangled: n. a 
knot of things interwoven 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, n6rth, not ; boon, book ;. 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


TANGO 


518 


TARRY 


tango (tang'o), n. a dance in synco- 
pated time and introducing positions 
of considerable variety. 

tangram (tan'gram), n. a Chinese 
toy for forming combinations of fig- 
ures by small squares. 

tank (tangk), n. a large cistern or 
reservoir for storing water or other 
liquid; one who drinks in large 
quantities. [Slang.] 

tankard (tangk'erd), n. a drinking 
vessel with a lid. [Old French.] 

tannery (tan'er-i), n. [pi. tanneries 
(tan'er-iz)], a place where hides are 
tanned; process of tanning. 

tannic (tan'ik), adj. pertaining to, or 
obtained from, oak-bark. 

tansy (tan'zi), n. a bitter aromatic 
plant with small yellow flowers. 

tantalize (tan'tal-iz), v.t. to tease or 
torment by exciting hopes or fears 
which will not be realized; provoke: 
from the classic fable of Tantalus. 

tantamount _ (tan'ta-mount), _ adj. 
equivalent in value or significa- 
tion. 

tantrum (tan'trum), n. a sudden out- 
burst of temper or passion. 

tap (tap), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. tapped, 
p.pr. tapping], to strike or touch 
lightly; broach (a vessel) to let out 
a fluid; put a new sole or heel on; 
find a new outlet for; bore into: n. 
a gentle blow, or touch; pat; place 
where liquor is drawn and retailed; 
pipe through which liquor is drawn 
from a cask. 

tape (tap), n. a narrow band of linen 
or cotton cloth. 

taper (ta'per), n. small wax candle; 
small light: adj. growing smaller or 
regularly narrowed towards the 
point, or from the bottom to the 
top: v.i. to become gradually more 
slender: v.t. to narrow to a point. 

tapestry (tap'es-tri),^ n. a textile 
fabric of wool or _ silk ornamented 
with a raised _ design, figures, &c, 
used for hangings: v.t. [p.t. & p.p. 
tapestried, p.pr. tapestrying], to 
hang, or adorn with, tapestry. 

tapeworm (tap werm;, n. a flat rib- 
bon-like intestinal worm (Taenia 
solium). 

tapioca (tap-i-o'ka) , n. a farinaceous 
food obtained from the root of the 
cassava. [Spanish.] 


tapir (ta'per), n. a South American 
quadruped allied to the hog. 

tapping (tap'ing), n. a tap; act of tap- 
ping; a surgical operation for the 
relief of dropsy. 

taproot (tap 'root), n. the main root 
of a plant. 

taps (taps), n. the military bugle call 
at m night meaning "lights out!" 
It is sounded also at the burial of a 
soldier. 

tar (tar), n. a thick, dark-brown, oily, 
viscous substance obtained by distil- 
lation from pine, or fir trees, coal, 
&c; a sailor: v.t. [p.t. & p.p. tarred, 
p.pr. tarring], to smear with, or as 
with, tar. 

tarantella (tar-an-tel'a) , n. a wild, 
rapid Neapolitan dance; music for 
such a dance. 

tarantula (tar-an'tu-la), n. a large 
spider whose bite was formerly sup- 
posed to produce an irresistible 
mania for dancing. [Italian.] 

tarboosh (tar-boosh'), n. a kind of 
red fez with a blue tassel worn by 
Orientals. m 

tardy (tar'di), adj. [comp. tardier, su- 
perl. tardiest], moving with a slow 
pace or motion; dilatory; reluctant; 
late. 

tare (tar), n. darnel; weight of the 
cask, package, &c, which contains 
the commodity which is weighed 
with it and for which an allowance 
is made. 

target (tar'get), n. a small shield; 
butt or mark set up for rifle and ar- 
tillery practice. 

tariff (tar'if), n. a schedule or table 
of dutiable goods, specifying the cus- 
toms rates, &c, to be paid or al- 
lowed on articles exported or im- 
ported; a duty levied according to 
such a schedule: v.t. to fix aduty on. 

tarlatan (tar'la-tan), n. a thin, trans- 
parent dress-muslin. [Italian.] 

tarn (tarn), n. a small mountain 
lake; marsh. 

tarnish (tar'nish), v.t. to diminish 
the luster of; sully: v.i. to lose lus- 
ter; become dull. 

tarpaulin (tar-paw'lin), n. stout water- 
proof canvas. 

tarry (tar'i), v.i. [p.t. & p.p. tarried, 
p.pr. tarrying], to stay behind; de- 
lay; linger. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, ^^en. 


TARSUS 


519 


TEA 


tarsus (tar'sus), n. [pi. tarsi (tar'sl)], 
the instep, consisting of several 
bones: pi. the connective cartilages 
of the eyelids; foot of an insect or 
crustacean. 

tart (tart), adj. sharp to the taste; 
acid; severe; keen: n. small open 
pie. 

tartan (tar'tan), n. woolen cloth, 
checkered with various colors; small 
Mediterranean coasting vessel: adj. 
made from, or like, tartan. 

Tartarus (tar'ta-rus), n. the deep and 
sunless abyss of the infernal re- 
gions; Hades. 

task (task), n. business or study im- 
posed by another; usually a definite 
amount; lesson to be learned; duty; 
burdensome employment: v.t. to im- 
pose a task upon; burden. [French.] 

taskmaster (task'mas-ter), n. one who 
oversees the performance of a 
task. 

tassel (tasT), n. a pendent ornament of 
silk, wool, &c; a male goshawk; 
pendent flower or head of certain 
plants, as maize. 

taste (tast), v.t. to perceive by the 
tongue and palate; obtain pleasure 
from; test by eating or sipping a lit- 
tle; participate in; experience: v.i. 
to try by the palate; have a flavor; 
enjoy moderately: n. the sensation 

Eroduced on the tongue and palate 
y something taken into the mouth ; 
quality or flavor; relish; trial; ex- 
periment; intellectual relish or dis- 
cernment of the sublime or beauti- 
ful; choice of pleasures, pursuits, 
&c; a sample. [Old French.] 

tasteful (tast'fool), adj. savory; char- 
acterized by, or showing, good 
taste. 

tasteless (tastles), adj. insipid; with- 
out taste. 

tat (tat), n. coarse cloth made from 
jute; pony. [East Indian.] 

tatter (tat'er), n. a loose hanging rag: 
pi. rags: v.t. to make ragged; 
rend. 

tatterdemalion (tat-ter-de-mal'yun) , 
n. a ragged fellow. 

tatting (tat'ing), n. a kind of narrow 
lace for edging, made with a small 
hand-shuttle; art of making such 
kind of lace. 

tattle (tat'l), v.i. to talk idly or trifling- 


ly; prate; tell tales or secrets: n. 
trifling or idle talk. 

tattoo (tat-too'), n. a beat of drum, es- 
pecially for warning soldiers to re- 
tire to their quarters; marks or fig- 
ures made by puncturing the skin 

Taube (tow'be), n. a type of aircraft 
of bird-like shape [German Taube, 
dove]; the type came especially into 
notice through use by the Germans 
in the European War, 1914—1916. 

taught (tawt), p.t. & p.p. of teach. 

taunt (tant or tawnt), adj. lofty: n. 
bitter # or sarcastic reproach; scoff; 
insulting invective: v.t. to reproach 
with bitter, sarcastic, or insulting 
language; revile. 

taut (tawt), adj. tight; stretched; 
snug; secure. 

tautology (taw-tol'o-ji), n. repetition 
of the same thing or idea in different 
words; sameness of words or of 
meaning. [Latin.] 

tavern (tav'ern), n. an inn or public- 
house; a hotel. 

taw (taw), v.t. to dress (skins) to 
make them into leather: n. a game 
at marbles; a marble to be played 
with. 

tawdry (taw'dri), adj. showy or fine 
without elegance; gaudily dressed. 

tawny (taw'ni), adj. of a yellowish- 
brown color. 

tax (taks), n. a rate or duty on income 
or property; excise; impost; bur- 
densome or oppressive duty: v.t. to 
impose a rate or duty upon for state 
or municipal purposes; burden or 
oppress; accuse. 

taxable (taks'a-bl), adj. subject or 
liable to taxation. 

taxation (taks-a/shun), n. the act of 
taxing^ rate or tax imposed; system 
of raising revenues. 

taxicab (taks'i-kab) , n. an auto-cab that 
records the time and length of 
trip. 

taxidermy (taks'i-der-mi),ft.the art of 
stuffing and arranging specimens of 
natural history. [Greek.] 

taximeter (taks-im'e-ter), n. the 
recording device in a taxicab. 

tea (te), n. the prepared leaves of the 
tea plant (Thea Sinensis) ; the bev- 
erage obtained by the infusion of 
the^ dried leaves; afternoon repast at 
which tea is served; an infusion of 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


TEACH 


520 


TELEPHONE 


other substances, as beef: v.i. to 
take tea. [Chinese.] 

teach (tech), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. taught, 
p.pr. teaching], to impart knowledge 
to; instruct; inform; cause to learn 
or acquire skill in: v.i. to give in- 
struction. 

teachable (tech'a-bl), adj. capable of 
being taught; docile. 

teacher (tech'er), n. one who teaches; 
an instructor. 

teacup (te'kup), n. a cup in which 
tea is served. 

teak (tek), n. a very hard durable 
timber obtained from an Indian 
tree. 

teal (tel), n. a species of small, wild, 
fresh- water duck. 

team (tern), n. two or more horses, 
&c, harnessed to the same vehicle 
for drawing; litter; brood; number 
of persons associated together to 
form a side in a game, or to perform 
a certain piece of work. 

teamster (tem'ster), n. the driver of 
a team. 

tear (ter), n. a small drop of the 
watery fluid secreted by the lachry- 
mal gland of the eye; anything tear- 
like, or shaped like a tear. 

tear (tar), v.t [p.t. tore, p.p. torn, p.pr. 
tearing], to separate by violence; 
rend; disrupt; lacerate: v.i. to be 
rent; rave or rant: n. a rent. 

tearful (ter'fool), adj. shedding tears. 

tease (tez), v.t. to comb or unravel, 
as wool or flax; separate the fibers 
of; irritate or annoy; vex by petty 
requests or raillery: n. one who 
teases. 

teasel (te'zl), n. a biennial plant, with 
hooked burrs, which are used for 
raising the nap of woolen cloth. 
Also teazel. 

teaspoon (te'spoon), n. a small spoon 
in size between a dessert and an 
af terdinner-coffee spoon. 

teat (tet), n. the nipple of the female 
breast; mammilla. 

technic (tek'nik), adj. pertaining to 
the mechanical arts; relating to art, 
science, or to a particular profes- 
sion. Also technical: n.pl. those 
branches of learning which relate to 
the arts; doctrine of arts in general. 

technique (tek-nek'), n. artistic ex- 
ecution. [French, from Greek.] 


teddy-bear (ted'i-bar), n. a name ap- 
plied to toy bears, in allusion to 
Theodore Roosevelt. 

tedious (te'di-us), adj. wearisome 
by continuance or repetition; tire- 
some. 

tedium (te'di-um), n. wearisomeness. 

tee (te), n. the mark aimed at in 
quoits and curling; in golf, a small 
mound upon which the ball is placed 
before first striking it, or "teeing- 
off"; nodule of earth from which 
the ball is struck at golf; umbrella- 
shaped finial of a Buddhist tope; 
short piece of connective pipe. 

teem (tem), v.i. to be prolific; be 
full; be stocked to overflowing. 

teeming (tem'ing), p.adj. prolific. 

teen (ten), n. sorrow: pi. years of 
one's age ending in teen. 

teepee (te-pe'), n. a wigwam. 

teeter (te'ter), v.i. to see-saw. 

teeth, pi. of tooth. 

teething (teeing), n. dentition. 

teetotaler (te-to'tal-er) , n. a total 
abstainer. 

teetotum (te-to'tum), n. an Indian 
amulet; a child's toy used in games 
of chance; a kind of refreshment 
house for the working classes. 

tegument (teg'ii-ment) , n. natural 
covering or envelope; skin. 

teil (tel), n. the linden. 

telautograph (tel-aw'to-graf ) , n. a 
telegraphic instrument, invented by 
Elisha Gray, for reproducing writings 
or drawings at a distance. 

telegram (tel'e-gram), n. a telegraphic 
communication. [Greek.] 

telegraph (tel'e-graf), n. an instru- 
ment or apparatus for communicat- 
ing intelligence rapidly between cer- 
tain points, especially by means of 
electricity: v.t. to convey by tele- 
graph. 

telegraphic (tel-e-graf 'ik) , adj. per- 
taining to, done by means of, or 
communicated by, telegraph. 

telegraphy (te-leg'ra-fi) , n. the sci- 
ence or art of constructing and 
working telegraphs. 

telepathy (te-lep'a-thi), n. the trans- 
ference of thought from one person 
to another by the exercise of the 
will. [Greek.] 

telephone (tere-fon), n. an instru- 
ment for transmitting sound to a 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, nOrth, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut; think, then. 


TELEPHONIC 


521 


TENACITY 


distance by means of electricity: 
v.t. & v.i. to communicate by tele- 
phone. [Greek.] 

telephonic (tel-e-fon'ik), adj. per- 
taining to, or conveyed by means of, 
the telephone. 

telepost (tel'e-post), n. a system of 
telegraphing by aid of a punched 
tape by which messages are sent 
with great rapidity. 

telescope (tel'e-skop), n. an optical 
instrument for viewing objects at a 
distance: v.t. to drive into one' an- 
other, as railway carriages in col- 
lision. 

tell (tel), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. told, p.pr. 
telling], to express or make known 
by words; narrate; enumerate; ex- 
plain; communicate; confess. 

teller (tel'er), n. one who tells, nar- 
rates, or communicates; a bank 
clerk whose duty is to receive and 
pay money over the counter. 

telltale (tel'tal), adj. telling tales: n. 
a person who officiously or mali- 
ciously divulges the private con- 
cerns of others; an automatic de- 
vice for counting or indicating. 

tellurium (tel-u'ri-um) , n. a rare ele- 
ment usually found associated with 
other metals. [Latin.] 

telotype (tel'o-tlp), n. an electric 
telegraph that prints the message. 

temerity (te-mer'i-ti), n. foolhardi- 
ness; rashness; precipitancy. > 

temper (tern 'per), v.t. to modify or 
regulate; qualify; assuage; calm; 
bring to a due proportion; bring to 
a proper degree of elasticity or hard- 
ness: n. due proportion of different 
qualities or ingredients; state of a 
metal as to its hardness or elastic- 
ity ; mental disposition ; equanimity ; 
mood; natural inclinations: heat of 
mind or passion; irritation. [French.] 

temperament (tem'per-a-ment), n. 
natural constitution or organization ; 
an unequal mixture of opposite or 
different qualities. 

temperamental (tem-per-a-ment'al) , 
adj. pertaining to temperament, 
especially to its abnormal phases. 

temperance (tem'per-ans), n. modera- 
tion, especially in respect to the ap- 
petites or passions; patience; so- 
briety; total abstinence. 

temperate (tem'per-at) , adj. moderate; 


not characterized by passion or in- 
dulgence of the appetites; abstemi- 
ous; calm; not liable to excess of 
heat or cold. 

temperature (tem'per-a-tur), n. state 
of a body with respect to sensible 
heat; degree of any quality. 

tempered (tem'perd), adj. constitu- 
tionally disposed; hardened. 

tempest (tem'pest), n. wind rushing 
with great violence, usually accom- 
panied by rain, hail, &c; hurricane; 
tumult. [Old French.] 

tempestuous (tem-pes'tu-us), adj. 
very stormy; pertaining to, or like, 
a tempest; violent. 

temple (tem'pl), n. an edifice for the 
worship of a deity or deities; resi- 
dence of a divinity; place of public 
worship; the flat part of either side 
of the head above the cheek-bones. 

temporal (tem'po-ral), adj. pertaining 
to time; secular; measured or re- 
stricted by time; civil or political. 

temporality (tem-po-ral'i-ti), n. that 
which relates to temporal and 
secular routine spiritual affairs. 

temporary (tem'po-ra-ri) , # adj. exist- 
ing or continuing for a limited time 
or some special purpose. 

temporize (tem'po-riz), v.i. to comply 
with the times; yield to current 
opinion; parley; delay. 

tempt (tempt), v.t. to put to trial; 
test; persuade to evil; defy; allure; 
entice. [Latin.] 

temptation _ (temp-ta'shun) , _ n. the 
state of being tempted; enticement, 
especially to evil. 

tempter (temp'ter), n. one who 
tempts; the Devil (with the). Fern. 
temptress. 

tempting (temp'ting), adj. alluring; 
seductive. 

ten (ten), adj. one more than 9; 
twice 5: n. the sum of 5 and 5; ten 
units. 

tenable (ten'a-bl), adj. capable of be- 
ing held, maintained, or defend- 
ed. 

tenace (ten'as), n. in whist, the hold- 
ing by the fourth hand of the best 
and third best_of the suit led. 

tenacious (te-na'shus), adj. holding 
fast or firmly; cohesive; tough; ob- 
stinate. [Latin.] 

tenacity (te-nas'i-ti), n. the state or 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book 
hue, hut : think, then. 


TENANT 


522 


TERCENTENARY 


quality of being tenacious; cohesive- 
ness; adhesiveness. 

tenant (ten'ant), n. one who holds 
lands or tenements on certain con- 
ditions and for a specified time; oc- 
cupant: v.t. to hold as a tenant. 

tenantry (ten'ant-ri) , n. tenants col- 
lectively. [French.] 

tench (tench), n. a fresh-water fish 
of the carp kind. 

tend (tend), v.t. to care for; attend; 
watch over or protect; accompany; 
swing at the turn of the tide: said 
of a vessel: v.i. to move in a par- 
ticular direction; be directed to any 
end or purpose; contribute. 

tendency (ten'den-si), n. inclina- 
tion; aim; direction or course. 

tender (ten'der), adj. easily impressed 
or injured; sensitive; soft; not 
hard; weak and feeble; easily in- 
fluenced by love, pity, &c; com- 
passionate; pathetic; gentle; care- 
ful : n. a vehicle attached to a loco- 
motive containing coal and water; 
smaller vessel attending a larger 
one; an offer or proposal for accept- 
ance; offer of a sum due in money 
under specified legal conditions: 
v.t. to offer for acceptance: v.i. to 
make an offer to do certain work or 
supply certain goods for a specified 
price. [French.] 

tenderfoot (ten'der-foot), n. one who 
is new to life in a mining region or 
frontier district. 

tenderloin (ten'der-loin), n. the ten- 
der part of a loin of beef, pork, &c; 
figuratively, the district in any city 
infested by the dissolute. 

tenderness (ten'der-nes), n. kindness; 
benevolence ; sensibility ; pathos ; 
caution; soreness. 

tendon (ten'dun), n. the hard bundle 
of fibers which connects the muscles 
to the bones. 

tendril (ten'dril), n. the slender, twin- 
ing part of a plant which attaches 
itself to a supporting body. 

tenement (ten'e-ment), n. a house, 
shop, land, &c, held by a tenant 
dwelling house; suite of rooms; any 
kind of permanent property, as land, 
rents, &c. 

tenet (ten'et), n. a doctrine, dogma, 
opinion, or belief held or maintained 
as true. 


tenfold (ten 'fold), adj. & adv. ten 
times as much or as many. 

tennis (ten'is), n. a game played with 
rackets. 

tenor (ten'er), n. manner of con- 
tinuity; general tendency or drift; 
purport or substance; exact copy 
of a writing; the highest of adult 
male voices between bass and alto: 
adj. pertaining to, or adapted for, 
tenor. 

tense (tens), adj. drawn tightly; 
rigid; not lax: n. a modification in 
the inflection of a verb, expressing 
time of action. [Latin.] 

tensile (ten'sll), adj. ductile. 

tension (ten'shun), n. the act of 
stretching or straining; the state of 
being stretched ; mental strain ; 
strong excitement of feeling; ex- 
pansive or elastic force. 

tent (tent), n. a temporary shelter or 
habitation, usually of canvas, sup- 
ported by poles and ropes; Recha- 
bite lodge; plug or roll of lint for 
dilating a wound, &c; a variety of 
sacramental wine. [French.] 

tentacle (ten'ta-kl),n. a process or 
organ in certain invertebrate ani- 
mals used for feeling, prehension, or 
locomotion. 

tentative (ten'ta-tiv), adj. experimen- 
tal. [Latin.] 

tenter (ten'ter), n. a frame for stretch- 
ing cloth on by hooks; a tenter- 
hook: v.t. to hang or stretch on 
tenters. 

tenter-hook (ten'ter-hook) : n. a 
sharp hooked nail; anything that 
painfully strains. 

tenth (tenth), adj. next in order af- 
ter the ninth; the ordinal of 
ten. 

tenuous (ten'u-us), adj. slender; not 
dense. 

tenure (ten'ur), n. conditions under 
which a tenement is held; right or 
manner of holding real estate; man- 
ner of holding; term of holding. 

tepefy (tep'e-fl), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. tepe- 
fied, p.pr. tepefying], to make tepid: 
v.i. to become tepid. [Latin.] 

tepid (tep'id), adj. moderately warm; 
lukewarm. 

ter, a Latin prefix meaning three times. 

tercentenary (ter-sen'te-na-ri) , adj. 
comprising 300 years: n. a day or 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


TERGIVERSATION 


523 


TESTAMENT 


function commemorating some event 
occurring 300 years before. 

tergiversation (ter-jiv-er-sa/shun), n. 
evasion; subterfuge. 

term (term), n. a limit or boundary; 
limited time; subject or predicate of 
a proposition; number of a com- 
pound mathematical quantity; ex- 
pression; condition or arrangement; 
word or expression noting something 
peculiar to an art or science; time 
during which the law courts are 
open; time during which instruc- 
tion is given in universities, schools, 
&c; time when rent is paid [Scotch]: 
pi. conditions or stipulations: v.t. 
to name, designate, or express. 

termagant (ter'ma-gant), # adj. noisy 
and violent: n. a noisy, violent wom- 
an. [Old French.] 

terminal (ter'mi-nal), adj. pertaining 
to the end or extremity ; arranged 
according to the terminations: n. a 
limit or boundary ; end ; one of the 
ends of a conducting circuit of a 
dynamo, &c. [Latin.] 

terminate (ter'mi-nat). v.t. to limit or 
bound; end: v.i.to be limited or end- 
ed. 

termination (ter-mi-na/shun), n. the 
act of terminating; a bound or limit; 
end; conclusion or result; final syl- 
lable or letter. 

terminology (ter-mi-nol'o-ji), n. the 
definition of technical terms. 

terminus (ter'mi-nus), n. [pi. termini 
(ter'mi-ni)], a limit or boundary; 
station at the end of a railway. 

termite (ter'mit), n. the white ant. 

termless (term'les), adj. of boundless 
extent or duration. 

tern (tern), n. an aquatic bird allied 
to the gull: adj. arranged in threes. 

ternary (ter'na-ri), adj. proceeding 
by, or consisting of, threes: n. the 
number 3. 

terra (ter'a),_n. the earth; earth. 

terrace (ter'as), n. a raised level space 
or platform of earth with sloping 
sides, usually laid with turf; flat 
roof on an oriental house; large 
open balcony or gallery; row of 
houses: v.t. to form into a terrace. 

terra cotta (kot'a), n. a composition 
of fine clay and sand used for stat- 
ues, &c, and hardened by heat; a 
work of art executed in terra cotta. 


terralig (ter'a-lig), n. an artificial 
fuel without odor or smoke. 

terrapin (ter'a-pin), n. a species of 
fresh-water tortoise, much esteemed 
for food. 

terrestrial (ter-es'tri-al), adj. pertain- 
ing to, existing on, or consisting of, 
earth; belonging to the present 
world; not celestial. [Latin.] 

terrible (ter'i-bl), adj. exciting or 
causing fear or awe; dreadful; ex- 
treme; severe. [Latin.] 

terrier (ter'i-er), n. a breed of small 
dogs. 

terrify (ter'i-fi), v.t. [pi. & p.p. terri- 
fied, p.pr. terrifying], to frighten or 
alarm exceedingly. 

territorial (ter-i-to'ri-al)^ adj. per- 
taining to a territory; limited to a 
particular district. [Latin.] 

territory (ter'i-to-ri), n. [pi. territo- 
ries (ter'i-to-riz)], the extent of land 
within the jurisdiction of a state, 
sovereign, city, &c; large tract of 
land. 

terror (ter'er), n. extreme fear; fright; 
one who excites_ extreme fear. 

terrorism (ter'er-izm) , n. a system of 
government by terror; intimidation. 

terrorist (ter'er-ist), n. one who 
governs by terror, t especially an 
agent of the revolutionary tribunal 
during the Reign of Terror in France. 

terrorize (ter'er-iz), v.t. to intimidate 
or coerce by terror. [Latin.] 

terse (ters), adj. elegantly and forci- 
bly concise. [Latin.] 

tertiary (ter'shi-a-ri), adj. of the third 
order, rank, or formation. [Latin.] 

tessellate (tes'el-at), v.t. to lay with 
squares or checkered work. [Latin.] 

tessera _(tes'e-ra), n. [pi. tesserae 
(tes'e-re)], a cube of marble, glass, 
&c, used in mosaic work. [Latin.] 

test (test), n. anything by which the 
nature of a substance is tried; ex- 
amination by a cupel; standard; 
discrimination; proof: v.t. to put to 
the. proof; compare with a stand- 
ard; try; refine in a cupel ; examine 
or try by means of a reagent. 

testament (tes'ta-ment), n. a solemn, 
authentic instrument in writing dis- 
posing of the estate of a person 
deceased; will. [Latin.] 

Testament, n. one of the two great 
divisions of the Bible. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


TESTAMENTARY 524 THAW 

testamentary (tes-ta-men'ta-ri), adj. tetter (tet'er), n. a cutaneous disease 
pertaining to, bequeathed by, or characterized by itching and red- 
done by, a will. Also test anient al. ness; herpes. 

testate (tes'tat), adj. having left a Teuton (tu'ton), n. one of the Ger- 

will. man race. 

testator (tes-ta'ter), n. one who makes text (tekst), n. that on which a com- 

and leaves a will. Fern, testatrix. ment is written; original words of 

testicle (tes'ti-kl), n. one of the two an author; verse, &c, of Scripture 

glands which secrete the seminal forming the subject of a sermon; 

fluid in males. topic; theme for composition, argu- 

testify (tes'ti-fi), - y.i. [p.t. & p.p. testi- ment, &c: text-hand. [Old French.] 

fied. p.pr. testifying], to bear wit- text-book (tekst'book), n. a standard 

ness; make a solemn declaration; book of instruction, 

give evidence: v.t. affirm or declare textile (teks'til), adj. pertaining to, 

solemnly on oath; bear witness to. or formed by, weaving; capable of 

testimonial (tes-ti-mo'ni-al), n. a being woven. 

writing or certificate bearing testi- textual (teks/tu-al), adj. pertaining to, 
mony to character, proficiency, &c; contained in, or serving for, a text, 
a present given as a token of respect; texture (teks'tur) i n. manner of weav- 
acknowledgment of services ren- ing; web; disposition of the several 
dered, &c: adj. pertaining to, or parts of a body in connection with 
containing, testimony. each other; filaments or fibers inter- 
testimony (tes'ti-mo-ni) , n. [pi testi- woven; tissue. 

monies (tes'ti-mo-niz)], evidence; than (them), conj. used after the 

proof; solemn declaration; profes- comparative degree of adjectives 

sion; the two tables of the Law; and adverbs expressing diversity or 

divine revelation. comparison. 

testis (tes'tis), n. [pi. testes (tes'tez)], thanatoid (than'a-toid), adj. death- 

a testicle^ like. [Greek.] 

testy (tes'ti), adj. [comp. testier, su- thane (than), n. a title of honor or 

perl, testiest], peevish; morose; ir- dignity among the Anglo-Saxons, 

ritable. held by persons having large terri- 

tetanus (tet'a-nus), n. lockjaw. torial possessions. 

tete-a-tete (tat-a-taf), n. private or thank (thangk), v.t. to express grati- 

confidential conversation; a kind of tude or obligation to. 

settee. thankful (thangk'fool), adj. grateful. 

tether (te/A'er), n. a rope for con- thankless (thangk'les) , adj. ungrate- 
fining an animal within certain lim- f ul ; not gaining thanks, 
its; scope or freedom allowed: v.t. thanks (thangks), n.pl. an expres- 
to confine^ as an animal, within sion of gratitude or obligation, 
certain limits. thanksgiving (thangks-giv'mg), n. 

tetra, a Greek prejix meaning four, as the act of expressing gratitude for 

tefrabranchiate: adj. having four favors and mercies; a public cele- 

branchiae or gills. bration of divine goodness; a day 

tetrachord (tet'ra-kord), n. half of so set apart. 

the octave scale [Music]; an in- that (th&t), pron.^ & adj. [pi. those 

strument with four strings. (thoz)], not this but the other: 

tetrad (tet'rad), n. the number 4; col- conj. because; since. 

lection of four things; tetravalent thatch (thach), n. straw, reeds, &c, 
radical or element. used for covering the roofs of cot- 
tetragon (tet'ra-gon), n. a plane figure tages, stacks, &c: v.t. to cover with, 
with four sides and four angles. or as with, thatch. 

tetrahedron (tet-ra-he'dron), n. a thaumaturgy (thaw'ma-ter-ji), n. 

solid figure bounded by four tri- the act of performing miracles; 

angles. legerdemain; magic. 

tetrameter (te-tram'e-ter) , n. a verse thaw (thaw), v.i. to melt or become 

or line consisting of four measures. liquid, as ice or snow; become milder 

ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut : think, then. 


THE 


525 


THERM 


or more genial: v.i. to dissolve: n. 
the melting of ice or snow by rise 
of temperature. 

the (the), def. art. belonging to a partic- 
ular class, person or thing. 

theater, theatre (the'a-ter), n. a pub- 
lic building where dramatic repre- 
sentations are given; large room 
arranged for lectures, anatomical 
demonstrations, &c; scene or sphere 
of action. [Greek.] 

theatrical (the-at'ri-kal), adj. per- 
taining to, or adapted for, a theater, 
or scenic representations; resembling 
the manner of actors; histrionic, 
pompous: n.pl. dramatic perform- 
ances. 

thee (the), pron. objective case of 
thou. 

theft (theft), n. the act of stealing; 
robbery. _ 

theine (the'in), n. the bitter and vol- 
atile principle of tea, identical with 
caffeine in coffee. 

theirs (th&rz), pron. pi. possessive 
case of they. 

theism (the'izm), n. the belief in the 
existence of a God: opposed to 
atheist. [Greek.] 

theist (the'ist), n. one who believes in 
the existence of a God: opposed to 
atheism. 

them (them), pron. the objective case 
of they. 

theme (them), n. the subject or topic 
of a discourse or dissertation; short 
essay on a given subject; radical of 
a noun or verb; series of notes se- 
lected as the subject of a new com- 
position [Music]. 

then (then), conj. in consequence; 
therefore; in that case: adv. next; 
at that or another t ; rae; imme- 
diately. 

thence (thens), adv. from that place 
or time._ 

theocracy" (the-ok'ra-si), n. the govern- 
ment of a state by the immediate 
direction of God; the state thus 
governed. [Greek.] 

theocrasy (the-ok'ra-si), n. a mixture 
of the worship of different deities, as 
of # God and idols; the intimate 
union of the soul with God in con- 
templation. 

theodicy (the-od'i-si) ># n. a vin- 
dication of the dealings of divine 


Providence, and the freedom of the 
human will. 

theodolite (the-od'o-lit), n. an instru- 
ment for measuring horizontal and 
vertical angles and ascertaining dis- 
tances and heights. 

theogony (the-og'5-ni) , n. that branch 
of mythology which treats of the 
origin or genealogy of ancient dei- 
ties; a poem treating of such gene- 
alogies. 

theology (the_-ol'o-ji), n. [pi. theolo- 
gies (the-ol'o-jiz)], the science that 
treats of the existence, nature, and 
attributes of God, especially of 
man's relations to God; divinity. 

theophany (the-of 'a-ni) , n. a mani- 
festation of God to man by actual 
experience. 

theorem (the'o-rem), n. a proposition 
to be proved. _ [Greek.] 

theoretical (the-o-ret'i r kal), adj. per- 
taining to, or depending on, theory; 
not practical; speculative. Also 
theoretic. 

theorize (the'p-rlz), v.i. to form a the- 
ory or theories ; speculate. 

theory (the'o-ri), n. [pi. theories (the'- 
o-riz)], an exposition of the abstract- 
principles of a science or art consid- 
ered apart from practice ; hypothesis ; 
philosophical explanation of moral 
or physical phenomena. 

theosophism (the-os / o r fizm), n. pre- 
tension to divine wisdom or illu- 
mination. 

theosophy (the-os'o-fi) , n. a system of 
philosophy which professes to inves- 
tigate the unexplained laws of na- 
ture, the powers of man over nature, 
and the direct knowledge of God at- 
tained by extraordinary illumina- 
tion. 

therapeutic (ther-a-pu'tik) , adj. 
curative: n.pl. the art or science of 
curing diseases. 

there (thai), adv. in that place; at 
that point or stage. 

thereafter (^ar-af'ter), adv. after- 
ward (in time). 

therefore (thai' or ther'ior), adv. & 
conj. for that or this reason; for 
that reason or purpose. 

thereupon (Z/iar-u-pon') , adv. in con- 
sequence. 

therm, a Greek prefix meaning heat. 
Also thermo. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


THERMAL 


526 


THITHER 


thermal (ther'mal), adj. pertaining to 
beat; warm. 

thermometer (ther-mom'e-ter), n. 
an instrument for measuring the 
degree of heat or temperature of 
bodies. 

thermostat (ther'mo-stat), n. an 
automatic apparatus for regulating 
temperature. 

thesaurus (the-saw'rus)^ n. a store- 
house or treasury; lexicon or dic- 
tionary. 

these, pi. of this. 

the_sis (the'sis), n. [pi. theses (the'- 
sez)], an essay or dissertation on 
some particular subject; subject set 
a student on which to write prior to 
granting him a degree; the exercise 
itself; in logic, an affirmation. 

theta (tha'ta), n. the Greek th (6). 

theurgy (the'er-ji), n. that kind of 
magic which affects to work by 
means of the supernatural. 

thews (thuz), 7i.pl. muscles; strength. 

they (tha.\, pi. of he, she, or it. 

thick (thik), adj. not thin; compact; 
dense; not clear or transparent; 
misty; muddy; indistinct; dull; 
very intimate; closely set; crowded; 
following in quick succession: adv. 
closely; indistinctly; to a great 
depth; fast: n. the thickest part. 

thicket (thik'et), n. a close wood or 
cluster of trees. 

thickset (thik'set). adj. closely plant- 
ed: having a thick body: n. a close, 
thick hedge. 

thief ithef), n. [pi. thieves (thevz)], 
one who takes unlawfully what is 
not his own. 

thieve (thev), v.t. & v.i. to steal. 

thigh (thi), n. the thick muscular 
part of the leg between the knee and 
the trunk. 

thill (thil), n. the shaft of a cart or 
other vehicle; floor of a coal mine. 

thimble (thim'bl), n. a cup-shaped 
metallic protective cover for the fin- 
ger in sewing; anything like a thim- 
ble; an iron ring belonging to a sail, 
fitted to receive a rope. 

thimble-rig (thim'bl-rig), n. a sleight- 
of-hand trick in which a pea is pre- 
tended to be hidden under one of 
three thimbles: v.t. [p.t. & p.p. 
-rigged, p.pr. -rigging], to cheat by 
means of the thimble-rig trick. 


thin (thin), adj. [comp. thinner, su- 
perl. thinnest], having little thick- 
ness; slim; slender; not dense or 
thick; not close or crowded; poor; 
slight; meager; not full or well 
grown: adv. not thickly: v.t. to 
make thin;, attenuate: v.i. to grow 
thin. 

thine (thin), pron. & adj. belonging 
to, relating to, or being the property 
of, thee. _ 

thing (thing), n. whatever is _ dis- 
tinct, or conceived to be distinct, 
from one's self or other intelligent 
beings; inanimate matter; part or 
portion; an object of pity and con- 
tempt: pi. clothes; furniture; lug- 
gage, &c. 

think (thingk), v.i. [p.t. & p.p. 
thought, p.pr. thinking], to have the 
mind occupied on some subject; 
form an opinion by reason; be- 
lieve; judge; intend or purpose; 
imagine; recollect; consider or re- 
flect : presume: v.t. to imagine. 

thinkable (thingk'a-bl) , adj. con- 
ceivable. 

third (therd), adj. the next after the 
second: the ordinal of three; noting 
one of three equal parts: n. a third 
part of anything; an interval of three 
diatonic sounds and two intervals 
[Music]. 

thirst (therst), n. the sensation of a 
desire to drink; great desire for 
drink; drought; eager desire: v.i. to 
be thirsty. 

thirsty (therst 'i), adj. [comp. thirstier, 
superl. thirstiest], feeling thirst. 

thirteen (ther'ten), adj. 10 and 3: n. 
the number of 10_and 3. 

thirteenth (ther'tenth), adj. next in 
order after the twelfth: the ordinal 
of thirteen. 

thirtieth (ther'ti-eth), adj. next in 
order after the twenty-ninth. 

thirty (ther'ti), adj. three times more 
than 10: n. the sum of three tens. 

this (this), pron. & adj. [pi. these, 
(thez)], that which is present; that 
which is just now or last men- 
tioned. 

thistle (thisT), n. a plant with a 
prickly stem and leaves, of the genua 
Carduus. 

thither {thith'er), adv. to that place 
or end. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met : mite, mit : note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


THOLE 


>27 


THROE 


thole (thol), n. a pin set in the gun- 
wale of a boat to serve as a fulcrum 
for the oar. 

thong (thong), n. a thin leather strap 
or string for fastening something; 
striking part of a whip. 

thorax (tho'raks), n. the chest, con- 
taining the heart, lungs, &c; breast- 
plate or cuirass. 

thorium (tho'ri-um), n. a rare me- 
tallic element. Also thorinum. 

thorn (thorn), n. a prickle or spine; 
prickly tree or shrub; anything that 
troubles or annoys; care. 

thorough (thur'5), adj. passing 
through or to the end; perfect; fin- 
ished; complete. 

thorough-bred (thur'o-bred), adj. 
of pure and unmixed breed ; com- 
pletely instructed; accomplished; 
high-spirited. 

thoroughfare (thur'o-far) , n. a pas- 
sage from one street opening to 
another; an unobstructed way for 
traffic. 

those, pi. of that. 

thou (thou.), pron. [pi. you (u)], 2 per. 
sing, of I. 

though (tho), conj. granting, or sup- 
posing that; notwithstanding that; 
if: adv. nevertheless; however. 

thought (thawt) , n. the act of think- 
ing; that which the mind thinks; 
meditation; study; care or anxiety: 
p.t. & p.p. of think. 

thoughtful (thawt 'fool), adj. full of 
thought ; contemplative ; attentive ; 
considerate for others; anxious or 
careful. 

thoughtless (thawt les), adj. unthink- 
ing; heedless; inattentive; incon- 
siderate. 

thousand (thou'zand), adj. consisting 
of 1,000: n. 1,000; a large number. 

thousandth (thousandth), adj. next 
in order after 999th: the ordinal of 
1,000. 

thraldom (thrawl'dum), n. serfdom; 
slavery. 

thrall (thrawl), n. a slave; serf. 

thrash (thrash), v.t. to beat out 
(grain) from the husk; beat or flog 
soundly: v.i. to perform the opera- 
tion of thrashing; drudge. 

thread (thred), n. a very thin line or 
cord of flax, cotton, silk, or other 
fibrous substance twisted and drawn 


out; a filament; uniform tenor; 
something continued in a long 
course; spiral part of a screw: v.t. 
to pass through the eye of; pierce 
through. 

threadbare (thred 'bar), adj. worn to 
the threads; poverty-stricken; hack- 
neyed; dull. 

threat (thret), n. a menace: v.t. & 
v.i. to menace. 

threaten (thret 'n), v.i. to use threats: 
v.t. terrify by menaces. 

three (thre), adj. noting the sum of 
2 and 1: n. sl number the sum of 2 
and 1. 

threefold (thre'fold), same as thrice. 

threepence (thrip'ens), n. a small 
British silver coin, value 6 cents. 

threnody (thren'o-di) , n. a dirge. 

thresh, same as thrash. 

threshold (thresh/old), n. the sill of 
a door; entrance; door; place or 
point of entrance. 

threw (throo). p.t. of throw. 

thrice (thrls), adv. three times; re- 
peatedly. 

thrift (thrift), n. frugality; econom- 
ical management; good husbandry; 
increase of wealth; profit; a plant. 

thriftless (thrift'les), adj. without busi- 
ness sense; neglectful of one's affairs. 

thrifty (thrift'!) , adj. [comp. thriftier, 
superl. thriftiest], characterized by 
economy and good management; 
frugal. 

thrill (thril), v.t. to pierce; cause to 
have a shivering, tingling, or ex- 
quisite sensation: v.i. to penetrate, 
as something sharp; feel a sharp 
tingling or exquisite sensation run- 
ning through the whole body; quiv- 
er: n. a thrilling sensation; quiver. 

thrive (thriv), v.i. [p.t. thrived, 
throve, p.p. thrived, thriven, p.pr. 
thriving], to prosper by industry, 
economy, and good management; 
increase or prosper in business, &c; 
grow rich; grow vigorously or lux- 
uriantly; increase or flourish. 

throat (throt), n. the fore-part of 
the neck of an animal containing 
the windpipe and gullet; contracting 
part of a vessel, &c. 

throb (throb), v.i. to beat, as the 
pulse, with more than usual force; 
palpitate: n. a strong pulsation. 

throe (thro), n. agony; extreme pain, 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, rait ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


THRONE 


528 


THYROID 


especially in parturition: v.i. to be 
in agony. 

throne (thron), n. a chair of state; 
sovereign power and dignity: v.t. to 
place upon a throne; exalt. [Latin.] 

throng (throng), n. a multitude; 
crowd: v.t. to crowd or press to- 
gether; annoy with numbers: v.i. to 
come in multitudes. 

throstle (thros'l), n. the song-thrush; a 
machine for spinning wool and cotton. 

throttle (throt'l), v.t. to strangle or 
choke by pressure on the windpipe: 
n. the windpipe; a throttle-valve. 

through (throo), prep, from end to 
end of; between the sides of; in the 
midst of; among; by the agency of: 
adv. from end to end; from the be- 
ginning to the end. 

throughout (throo-out'), adv. in every 
part. 

throve (throv), p.t. of thrive. 

throw (thro), v.t. [p.t. threw, p.p. 
thrown, p.pr. throwing], to fling or 
hurl; cast to a distance; cast in any 
manner; propel; overturn; put on 
hastily or carelessly; strip; shape 
or form roughly; give utterance to; 
produce; twist or wind: n. the act 
of flinging or hurling; a cast of dice; 
distance a missile can be thrown; 
stroke, as of a slide-valve; potter's 
wheel. 

thrum (thrum), n. the end of a 
weaver's thread; coarse yarn: v.t. 
[p.t. & p.p. thrummed, p.pr. thrum- 
ming], to fringe or put tufts on; play 
idly or unskillfully on (a stringed in- 
strument) with the fingers: v.i. to 
strum; drum. 

thrush (thrush), n. a sweet-songed 
bird of the genus Merula; a disease 
of infants characterized by minute 
white ulcers in the mouth and 
fauces; an inflammatory and sup- 
purating affection in the feet of 
horses. [Danish.] 

thrust (thrust), v.t. to push or drive 
with force; urge or impel: v.i. to 
push forward; enter by pushing; in- 
trude; attack with a pointed weap- 
on: n. a violent or sudden push; 
stab. 

thud (thud), n. a dull sound produced 
by a body falling on a comparatively 
soft substance. 

thug (thug), n. one of a fraternity of 


robbers and assassins in India who 
practiced secret murder, as an act of 
propitiation to the goddess Kali; a 
ruffian. [Hindu.] 

thumb (thum), n. the short, thick 
digit of the human hand: v.t. to 
handle awkwardly; soil with the 
thumb: v.i. to play awkwardly. 

thumbscrew (thum'skroo) , n. a screw 
to turn with the finger and thumb; 
an instrument of torture for com- 
pressing the thumb. Also thumbi- 
kins. 

thummim (thum'im), n.pl. a mys- 
terious symbol worn on the breast- 
plate of the Jewish high priest 
signifying perfection. [Hebrew.] 

thump (thump), n. a hard, heavy 
blow: v.t. to strike or beat with dull 
heavy blows: v.i. to fall or strike 
with a dull heavy blow. 

thunder (thun'der), n. the noise ac- 
companying a flash of lightning; 
loud noise; an alarming denuncia- 
tion or threat: v.i. to produce thun- 
der; make a loud noise: v.t. to utter 
with a loud and threatening voice. 

thunderbolt (thun'der-bolt)^ n. a 
shaft of lightning; something re- 
sembling lightning in suddenness and 
terror; dreadful denunciation, es- 
pecially ecclesiastical censure; dar- 
ing or irresistible hero; a belem- 
nite. 

thunderstruck (thun'der-struk) , p. 
adj. astonished or struck dumb by 
sudden amazement, &c. 

Thursday (therz'da), n. the fifth day 
of the week. 

ihus (thus), adv. in this or that man- 
ner; to this degree or extent; so: n. 
(thus) the resin of the spruce fir. < 

thwack (thwak), v.t. to strike with 
something flat and heavy; thump: 
n. a heavy blow with something 
blunt and hard; thump. 

thwart (thwawrt), adj. crosswise; 
oblique: prep. & adv. across: n. a 
seat in a boat extending from side to 
side: v.t. oppose; run counter to; 
frustrate. 

thy (thi), pron. poss. case of thou. 

thyme (tim), n. a common aromatic 
herb of the genus Thymus. [Greek.] 

thyroid (thl'roid), adj. shield-shaped: 
noting one of the cartilages of the 
larynx. [Greek.] 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


THYSELF 


529 


TILT 


thyself (thl-self), emphatic for thy. 
[Greek.] 

tiara (ti-a/ra), n. the triple crown 
worn by the Pope; a lofty headdress 
worn by the ancient Persians ; the 
miter of the Jewish high priest; 
diadem. [French.] 

tibia (tib'i-a), n. the inner and larger 
of the two leg bones; shin-bone. 

tick (tik), n. a name for various par- 
asites which infest dogs, sheep, &c; 
a case for holding feathers, &c, for 
bedding; small mark; small, quick, 
distinct sound or beat; credit: v.i. 
to make a small, quick, distinct 
sound; go on credit: v.t. to mark off 
by a tick. 

ticket (tik'et), n. a label or card giving 
its possessor some specific right; la- 
bel specifying price, &c, of goods; 
printed list of candidates at an elec- 
tion: v.t. to distinguish by, or as by, 
a ticket. [French.] 

ticking (tik'ing), n. cloth used for 
bed-ticks. 

tickle (tik'l), v.t. to touch lightly so as 
to produce a thrilling sensation, usu- 
ally accompanied by laughter; grat- 
ify and amuse: v.i. to feel titilla- 
tion. 

ticklish (tik'lish) , adj. sensible to slight 
touches; easily tickled; critical; pre- 
carious; difficult; delicate to handle 
or achieve. 

tidal (tld'al), adj. pertaining to the 
tides; ebbing and flowing like the 
tides. 

tide (tld), n. the regular rising and 
falling of the sea, rivers, &c; stream; 
time ; season ; turning point ; ten- 
dency; in mining, period of twelve 
hours: v.t. to drive with the stream: 
v.i. to work in or out of a river or 
harbor by drifting with the tide. 

tidings (tld'ingz), n.pl. news. 

tidy (tid'i), adj. [comp. tidier, superl. 
tidiest], kept or dressed in proper 
and habitual neatness; trim; neat; 
orderly: n. an ornamental cover for 
the back of a chair, &c: v.t. [p.t. & 
p.p. tidied, p.pr. tidying], to make 
neat or tidy; put in proper order. 

tie (ti), n. a knot or fastening; bond; 
obligation; beam or rod for holding 
two parts together; equality in num- 
bers; knot of hair; curved line 
placed over or under two or more 


notes, signifying they are to be 
slurred, or be sounded as one 
[Music]: v.t. to fasten with, or as 
with, a cord; bind; restrict; unite, 
as notes [Music]: v.i. to make an 
equal score. 

tier (ter), n. a row or rank, especial- 
ly one of two or more rows placed 
one above the other. [Old French.] 

tierce (ters), n. a cask of 42 gallons; 
sequence of three cards; thrust in 
fencing; a third [Music]. [Old 

French.] 

tiff (tif), n. a fit of anger; slight 
quarrel; small draught of liquor: 
v.i. to be in a fit. 

tiger (tl'ger), n. a large, fierce, rapa- 
cious quadruped of the genus Felis; 
a servant-boy in livery. [Latin.] 

tight (tit), adj. not loose; close; 
tenacious; compactly built; fitting 
close to the body; not leaky; taut; 
snug; parsimonious; ill-supplied or 
stringent; drunk: n.pl. closely fitting 
underclothing worn by actors. 

tigress (tl'gres), n. the female of the 
tiger. 

tilbury (til'bri), n. an old-fashioned 
gig. [English.] 

tilde (til'de), n. a mark (~) placed 
over n in Spanish words to indicate 
that between then and the following 
vowel a y sound is to be introduced. 

tile (til), n. a thin slab of baked clay, 
used for roofing, &c; hat; door of a 
Masonic lodge: v.t. to cover with 
tiles; guard (the door of a lodge). 

till (til), n. a money drawer in a 
desk or counter; a glacial deposit of 
unlaminated clay, sand, and gravel: 
prep, to the time of: adv. to the time 
when: conj. to the degree that; un- 
til: v.t. to prepare (land) for seed, 
&c. ; cultivate. 

tillage (til'aj), n. land prepared for 
crops; husbandry; agriculture. 

tilt (tilt), n. a tent; the cloth cover- 
ing of a cart or wagon; cover of a 
boat or stern # awning; a thrust; a 
mediaeval military exercise or pag- 
eant in which the combatants on 
horseback attacked each other with 
lances; a tilt-hammer: upheaval of 
strata to a higher angle: v.t. to 
cover with an awning; point or 
thrust with, or as with, a lance; 
forge with a tilt-hammer; raise on 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


TILTH 


530 


TIPTOE 


end ; incline : v.i. to run or ride and 
thrust with a lance. 

tilth (tilth), n. cultivated land; til- 
lage ground. 

timber (tim'ber), n. the body or stem 
of a tree; wood suitable for build- 
ings, carpentry, shipbuilding, &c; 
piece of wood for building or al- 
ready framed; wooded land; v.t. to 
furnish or construct with timber. 

timbre (tim'ber), n. tone or character 
of musical sound. [French.] 

timbrel (tim'brel), n. a kind of drum. 

time (tim), n. measure of duration, 
whether past, present, or future; 
particular period of duration; age 
or period during which anything oc- 
curred or a person lived; present 
life or existence; season; era; epoch; 
proper time; repetition; leisure; 
musical measure or duration of 
sounds; tense; hour of travail; v.t. 
to adapt to the time or occasion; do 
at the proper season; regulate or 
measure; v.i : to keep or beat time. 

timely (tim'li), adj. [comp. timelier, 
superl. timeliest], being or occurring 
in time; opportune. 

timid (tim'id), adj. wanting in cour- 
age ; faint-hearted ; fearful . 

timidity (tim-id'i-ti) , n. want of 
courage. 

timorous (tim'er-us), adj. fearful of 
danger; full of scruples. 

tin (tin), n. a silvery-white, soft, 
malleable, and fusible metal; thin 
plates of iron covered with tin; a 
cylindrical vessel of tin; money; v.t. 
[p.t. & p.p. tinned, p : pr. tinning], to 
cover with tin, or with tinned iron; 
put into tins for preservation. 

tincture (tingk'tur), n. a tinge or 
shade of color ; slight taste or quality ; 
solution of any medicine in or by 
means of spirits of wine; fine or 
more volatile parts of a substance: 
v.t. to dye or color; tinge. [Latin. 1 

tinder (tin'der), n. any inflammable 
material used to kindle a fire from a 
spark, as rotten wood or scorched 
linen. 

tine (tin), n. a tooth or spike. 

ting (ting), n. a sharp, bell-like 
sound; that part of a Chinese tem- 
# pie which contains the idol. 

tinge (tinj), v.t. to stain or color; 
impregnate with something foreign; 


dye; n. a slight degree of some color, 
taste, or quality imparted to a sub- 
stance; tint. 

tingle (ting'gl), v.i. to feel a thrill- 
ing sensation, or pain; v.t. to ring; 
cause to tingle; n. a thrilling sensa- 
tion or pain. 

tinker (ting'ker), n. a mender of 
metal pots, kettles, &c; v.t. to patch 
up: v.i. meddle in an officious man- 
ner. 

tinkle (ting'kl), n. a small, quick, 
sharp, ringing sound: v.i. to make 
such a sound: v.t. to cause to give 
out a tinkle. 

tinsel (tin'sel), n. a kind of cloth over- 
laid or interwoven with gold and 
silver ; thin glittering metallic plate ; 
anything showy but of little value; 
adj. showy to excess; superficial; 
outwardly fine but really worthless : 
v.t. to decorate with, or as with, 
tinsel; make outwardly gaudy. 

tint (tint), n. a slight coloring dis- 
tinct from the principal color; hue 
or shade: v.t. to give a slight color- 
ing to. 

tintinnabulation (tin-ti-nab-u-la/- 
shun), n. a tinkling sound, as of 
bells. [Latin.] 

tintype (tin'tip), same as ferrotype. 

tiny (ti'ni), adj. [comp. tinier, su- 
perl. tiniest], very small; puny. 

tip (tip), n. a point or top of any- 
thing small; end; ferrule or nozzle; 
anther; gentle stroke; small pres- 
ent; private hint, especially in bet- 
ting; tilt: v.t. [p.t. & p.p. tipped, 
p.pr. tipping], to form a point to; 
coyer the end of; strike lightly; give 
private hint to; give a small pres- 
ent to; tilt up. 

tippet (tip'et), n. a narrow cape, or 
covering of cloth or fur for the neck 
or shoulders. 

tipping (tip/ing), n. the peculiar artic- 
ulation given to the flute by the 
player's tongue striking the roof of 
the mouth. 

tipple (tip'l), v.i. to drink spirits or 
strong liquors habitually; drink fre- 
quently in small quantities: n. 
liquor. [Norwegian.] # 

tfpsy (tip'si), adj. intoxicated. 

tiptoe (tip'to) ,n. the end of a toe : adv. on 
tiptoe ; stealthily : v.i. to walk or stand 
on tiptoe; be on the strain, or alert. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


TIPTOP 


531 


TOGETHER 


tiptop (tip'top), n. the highest point or 
degree; best of anything: adj. most 
excellent. 

tirade (ti-rad'), n. a long, violent, 
declamatory speech; strain of cen- 
sure or reproof; filling of an inter- 
val by the intermediate diatonic 
notes. [Italian.] 

tire (tlr), n. a band or hoop of iron 
or rubber binding the felloes of 
wheels: v.t. to exhaust the strength 
of by labor; weary or fatigue; ex- 
haust the patience of: v.i. to become 
weary or fatigued. 

tireless (tir'les), adj. incapable of 
fatigue; unwearied; lacking a tire 
. (for a wheel). 

tiresome (tlr 'sum), adj. wearisome; 
^ tedious; fatiguing; annoying. 

tissue (tish'oo), n. a woven fabric, 
especially thin transparent silk used 
for veiling, formerly interwoven with 
gold or silver threads; any thin or 
delicate texture or fabric ; thin cellu- 
lar organization of parts, consisting 
of forms closely compacted and per- 
forming special functions; connected 
series: v.t. to form tissue of; inter- 
weave. [French.] 

tit (tit), n. morsel or bit; small horse; 
titmouse; name for various species of 
small singing birds. 

tithe iXlth), n. the tenth part of any- 
thing, especially the tenth part of 
the annual increase of the profit 
arising from land, stock, &c, allotted 
to the support of the clergy; small 
part: v.t. to tax or levy a tithe of. 

titillate (tit'i-lat), v.t. to tickle. 

titivate (tit'i-vat), v.t. to make smart 
or adorn. 

title (tl'tl), n. an inscription over or 
at the beginning of something serv- 
ing to designate it; name; appella- 
tion of dignity, rank, distinction, or 
preeminence; claim of right; presen- 
tation to a curacy as a condition of 
ordination: v.t. to entitle. [Latin.] 

titrate (tit'rat), v.t. to estimate or 
determine the strength of by volu- 
metric analysis. 

titter (tit'er), v.i. to laugh with re- 
straint; giggle; see-saw: n. a re- 
strained laugh. 

tittle (tit'l), n. a small particle; iota. 

titular (tit'u-lar), adj. existing in 
name or title only; nominal; having 


the title without the duties of an 
office. 

tmesis (tme'sis) , n. the separation of a 
compound word by the insertion of 
one or more words between its parts. 
[Greek.] 

to (too), prep, noting motion towards; 
in accordance with. 

toad (tod), n. a batrachian reptile, re- 
sembling the frog, of the genus 
Bufo. 

toadstool (tod'stool), n. a name of 
numerous species of non-edible fungi 
of the genus Agaricus. 

toady (tod'i), n. a sycophant: v.t. [p.t. 
& p.p. toadied, p.pr. toadying], to 
fawn upon as a sycophant: v.i. to 
play the sycophant. 

toast (tost), n. bread scorched or 
browned before the fire; one who is 
named when a health is drunk: v.t. 
to brown or heat at the fire; show 
honor to in drinking; name when a 
health is drunk. [Old French.] _ 

tobacco (to-bak'o), n. an American 
plant of the genus Nicotiana, the 
dried leaves of which are used for 
smoking, chewing, or as snuff. 

toboggan (to-bog'an), n. a kind of 
sledge in which one or more persons 
sit for sliding down snow-covered 
hills or inclines: v.i. to slide down- 
hill by means of a toboggan. 

toby (to'bi), n. a large stone mug for 
beer and ale. 

tocsin (tok'sin), n. an alarm-bell. 

to-day (too-da'), n. the present day: 
adv. on the present day. 

toddle (tod'l), v.i. to walk with short, 
tottering steps like a child: n. a tod- 
dling walk. 

toddy (tod'i), n. a sweet juice obtained 
from certain palms; mixture of spir- 
it and water sweetened. 

to-do (too-doo'), n. stir; commotion; 
bustje. 

toe (to), n. one of the terminal mem- 
bers of the foot of a man or animal; 
forepart of a horse's hoof; a projec- 
tion: v.t. to touch, reach, or strike 
with the toe or toes. 

toffy (tof'i), n. a sweetmeat; taffy. 

toga (to'ga), n. [pi. togas (to'gaz), 
togse (to'je)], the loose outer gar- 
ment worn by the ancient Rom- 
ans. 

together (too-geth'er), adv. in com- 


ate. arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
34 hue, hut ; think, then. 


TOGGERY 


532 


TONNAGE 


pany or association; mutually; in 
union or concert; uninterruptedly. 

toggery (tog'er-i), n. clothes; artic- 
les. 

toggle (tog'l), n. a small wooden pin 
tapering towards both ends and 
grooved round its center; button or 
frog. m m 

toil (toil), n. labor oppressive to mmd 
or body; fatiguing exertion; snare; 
net: v.i. to labor or work with pain 
or fatigue. 

toilet (toi'let), n. a covering of linen, 
silk, &c, spread over a bedroom or 
dressing-room table; dressing-table; 
style or manner of dressing ; attire. 

toilsome (toil'sum), adj. laborious; 
wearisome. 

token (to'kn), a mark or sign; me- 
morial of affection, &c; symbol of 
good faith or authenticity; piece of 
metal not coined by authority, but 
current by sufferance. 

tola (to'la), n. in British India, a 
weight for gold and silver = 180 
grains troy. 

told (told), p.t. & p.p. of tell. 

tolerable (tol'er-a-bl) , adj. endurable; 
supportable; fairly good. 

tolerance (tol'er-ans), n. endurance; 
toleration. 

tolerant (tol'er-ant) , adj. disposed to, 
or favoring, toleration. [Latin.] 

tolerate (tol'er-at), v.t. to endure; per- 
mit; allow so as not to hinder or 
prohibit. 

toleration (tol-er-a 'shun), n. the act 
of tolerating ; allowance of that which 
is not wholly approved; recognition 
of the right of private judgment in 
religious opinions and modes of wor- 
ship differing from those of the es- 
tablished Church; freedom from 
bigotry. 

toll (tol), n. the sound of a bell slow- 
ly repeated at short intervals; a 
duty or tax on travelers or goods 
passing along a public road or 
bridge; tax or duty paid for some 
privilege: v.i. to sound or ring slow- 
ly, as a bell; annul: v.t. to draw or 
lead. 

tomahawk (tom'a-hawk) , n. a hatch- 
et used by the North American In- 
dians in war and the chase: v.t. to 
strike, or kiM, with a tomahawk. 

tomato (to-ma' or to-ma'to), n. [pi. to- 


matoes (to-ma'or-ma'toz)], a plant 
and its well-known fleshy fruit. 

tomb (toom), n. a grave, or vault; 
monument erected to enclose and 
preserve the memory of the dead: 
v.t. to entomb. 

tomboy (tom'boi), n. a wild, romping 
girl. 

tome (torn), n. a large book. 

tomfool (tom'fool), n. a great fool; 
silly trifler. 

to-morrow (too-mor'o),'n. the day fol- 
lowing the present day: adv. on the 
day following to-day. 

tomtit (tom'tit), n. the titmouse. 

tom-tom (tom'tom), n. a drum flat at 
one end and convex at the other: 
used in Africa and the East Indies. 
Also tam-tam. 

ton (tun), n. 20 hundredweight; 40 
cubic feet in ship measurement ; pre- 
vailing fashion (tong). 

tonality (ton-al'i-ti) , n. key relation- 
ship; accuracy of pitch. [French.] 

tone (ton), n. sound, or character of 
sound; note; quality of the voice; 
state of the body with reference to 
the healthy performance of its ani- 
mal functions ; harmony of the col- 
ors of a painting; interval of sound; 
chant [Music]: v.t. to bring to a re- 
quired shade of color; mitigate. 

tongs (tongs), n.pl. a metal instru- 
ment with two jointed limbs for 
grasping anything. 

tongue (tung), n. the chief instru- 
ment of speech, and the organ of 
taste; power of speech; manner of 
speaking; dialect; idiom; discourse; 
mere words; fluency; clapper of a 
bell; anything resembling a tongue; 
promontory: v.t. to modulate or 
modify with the tongue; scold: v.i. 
talk; prate. 

tonic (ton'ik) , adj. pertaining to, or 
based on, the key-note; increasing 
tension; strengthening: n. a strength- 
ening medicine. 

to-night (too-nit'), n. the present 
night: adv. on the present night. 

tonite (to'nit), n. a powerful explo- 
sive. 

tonnage (tun'aj), n. the weight of 
goods carried in a boat or ship; car- 
rying capacity of a vessel; duty or 
toll on vessels; collective shipping of 
any port or country. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, fften. 


TONNEAU 


533 


TORSION 


tonneau (tun '5), n. the body of an 
automobile, behind the chauffeur. 

tonsilitis (ton-sil-I'tis), n. inflamma- 
tion of the tonsils. 

tonsils (ton'silz), n.pl. two almond- 
shaped glands situated at the two 
sides of the fauces of the throat. 

tonsure (ton'shur), n. the act of clip- 
ping the hah' or of shaving the 
crown of the head; the corona thus 
worn by Roman Catholic clerics: 
v.i. to give the tonsure to. 

tontine (ton-ten'), n. a loan raised on 
life annuities with benefit accruing 
to the last survivor. 

too (too), adv. more than enough; like- 
wise; in addition; over and above; 
also. 

took, p.t. of take. 

tool (tool), n. an instrument of man- 
ual operation; one who acts as the 
instrument of another: v.t. to shape 
with a tool; drive, as a coach. 

toot (toot), v.t. to sound, as a horn 
or flute : n.'& blast on a horn. [Dutch.] 

tooth (tooth), n. [pi. teeth (teth)], one 
of the hard bony processes grow- 
ing in the jaws used for biting and 
chewing; any projection resembling 
a tooth; palate or taste: v.t. to in- 
dent or form into teeth. 

top (top), n. the highest part ^sum- 
mit; upper side or surface; highest 
person, place, or rank; crown of the 
head; small platform at the head of 
the lower mast; a child's toy: v.t. 
[p.t. & p.p. topped, p.pr. topping], 
to cover or place on the top; rise to 
the top_ of; excel; cut off the top of. 

topaz (to'paz), n. a crystallized min- 
eral of various colors used as a gem. 

tope (top), n. a mound-shaped Bud- 
dhist monument containing relics; 
grove of trees. [Hindu.] 

topee (to-pe'), n. a cork or pith hel- 
met. Also topi. 

toper (to'per), n. a drunkard. 

Tophet (to'fet), n. & place situated 
southeast of Jerusalem, in the Val- 
ley of Hinnom, where fire was burnt 
in honor of Moloch; subsequently 
made a burial place: hence hell. 

topic (top'ik), n. a, subject of dis- 
course, conversation, or argument; 
theme. [French.] 

toplofty (top'lof-ti), adj. overbearing; 
arrogant. 


topography (to-pog'ra-fi), n. the sci- 
entific description of a particular 
place, &c; the features of a region 
or locality. 

topple (top'l), v.t. to overturn: v.i. to 
fall forward; tumble down. 

topsy-turvy (top'si-ter'vi), adv. in an 
inverted position; in confusion: adj. 
disordered; chaotic. 

toque (tok), n. a close-fitting bonnet. 

tor (tor), n. high-pointed hill; jutting 
rock. 

Torah (to'ra), n. the Mosaic law; Pen- 
tateuch. Also Thorah. 

torch (torch), n. a large light formed 
of resinous wood, flax, &c, soaked 
in some inflammable substance, and 
carried in the hand; any light used 
in the manner of a torch; flambeau. 

tore (tor), p.t. of tear^ 

toreador (tor-e-a-dor'), n. a bull 
fighter. [Spanish.] 

torment (tor'ment), n. extreme pain; 
torture; anguish: v.t. (tor-menf), to 
put to extreme pain, physical or 
mental; torture; harass. [French.] 

torn (torn), p.t. of tear. 

tornado (tor-na'do), n. [pi. tornadoes 
(tor-na'doz)], a violent tempest or 
whirlwind. [Spanish.] 

torpedo (tor-pe'do), n. [pi. torpedoes 
(tor-pe'doz)], a submarine apparatus 
for destroying ships by explosion; 
kind of firework; the cramp-fish: v.t. 
to destroy by a torpedo. [Latin.] 

torpedo-boat (tor-pe'do-bot), n. a 
boat constructed to navigate under 
water and launch torpedoes at the 
enemy's ships or ram them. 

torpid (tor'pid), adj. numb; inactive. 

torpidity (tor-pid'i-ti), n. inactivity; 
insensibility. [Latin.] 

torpor (tor'per),n. a numbness; inac- 
tivity. 

torque (tork), n. a twisted collar or 
necklace worn by certain ancient 
barbaric nations. [Latin.] 

torrefy (tor're-fl), v.t. \p.t. & p.p. tor- 
refied, p.pr. torrefying], to dry by 
fire; roast (ores). 

torrent (tor'ent), n. a violent and rap- 
id stream ; heavy m fall, as of rain ; 
strong current, rising suddenly and 
rushing rapidly along. JLatin.] 

torrid (tor'id), adj. dried with heat; ex- 
tremely hot; burning; parching. 

torsion (tor'shun), n. the act of turn- 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


TORSO 


534 


TOWER 


ing or twisting; the wrenching or 
twisting of a body by lateral force. 

torso (tor'so), n. [pi. torsos, torsi 
(tor'soz, tor'se)], the trunk of a statue, 
especially one having the head or 
limbs mutilated. [Italian.] 

tort (tort), n. in law, any wrong, in- 
jury, or damage. [French.] 

tortile (tor 'til), adj. bent; twisted; 
wreathed. 

tortilla (tor-tel'ya), n. a thin unleav- 
ened cake of maize baked on a heated 
iron plate. [Spanish.] 

tortoise (tor'tis), n. a reptile of the 
family Testudinidae with a very hard 
shell or test; a testudo. [French.] 

tortuous (tor'tu-us), adj. crooked; 
twisted; wreathed; underhand; in- 
direct; deceitful. 

torture (tor'tur), n. agony of mind or 
body; excruciating pain; pain in- 
flicted as a punishment or as a means 
of extorting a confession: v.t. to pun- 
ish with, or as with, torture; put to 
the rack; excruciate; vex; wrest 
from the true meaning. 

toss (tos), v.t. to throw with the hand; 
throw upward; jerk; put into violent 
motion; cause to rise and fall: v.i. to 
roll or tumble; be tossed: n. a throw- 
ing upward or with a jerk. 

toss-up (tos'up), n. the common prac- 
tice of throwing a coin into the air to 
decide a wager; hence, an equal 
chance. 

tot (tot), n. anything small or insig- 
nificant; a term of endearment: pi. 
a series of figures in column form to 
be added up as an exercise in rapid 
calculation: v.t. [p.t. & p.p. totted, 
p.pr. totting], to add; count up. 

total (to'tal), _ adj. whole; complete; 
full; not divided: n. the whole sum 
or amount; completeness. 

tote (tot), v.t. to carry. 

totem (to'tem), n. an animal used as 
the symbol or name of a tribe or 
clan. 

totter (tot'er), v.i. to shake as if about 
to fall; be unsteady; stagger; reel. 

touch (tuch),v.t. to come in contact 
with; perceive by feeling; handle 
slightly; play; reach; attain to; med- 
dle with ; to ask for a loan ; add a light 
stroke to<;_ affect the senses or sensi- 
bility of; injure or hurt: v.i. to be in 
contact; call in at a port: n. the act 


of touching; state of being touched; 
contact; sense of feeling; action of 
the hand on a musical instrument; 
tried qualities; emotion or affection; 
single stroke on a painting, &c. 

touching (tuch'ing), adj. pathetic; n. 
the act of coming in contact with: 
prep, with respect to; concerning. 

touchstone (tuch'ston), n. Lydian 
stone or basanite, used for testing 
the purity of gold and silver; hence a 
criterion. 

touchy (tuch'i), adj. irritable; peevish. 

tough (tuf ) , adj. flexible without being 
brittle; not easily broken or frac- 
tured; able to endure hardship; 
strong; firm; tenacious; viscous; 
difficult; not easy to masticate: n. a 
rough. 

toupee (too-pe'), n. a small wig, or 
curl. [French.] 

tour (toor), n. a circuitous journey; 
excursion; trip: v.i. to make a tour: 
v.t. to make a tour or circuit of: as, 
to tour the country. [French.] 

tourmaline (toor'ma-lin), n. a trans- 
parent aluminous mineral of various 
colors, some varieties of which are 
used as gems. [French.] 

tournament (toor'na-ment) , n. a mock 
-fight by knights on horseback; con- 
test of skill. _Also tourney. 

tourniquet (toor'ni-ket), n. a surgical 
instrument for compressing an ar- 
tery and arresting hemorrhage. 

tousle or touzle (touz'l), v.t. to pull 
about roughly; put in disorder. 

tout (tout), v.i. to look out for custo- 
mers: n. one who secretly watches 
racehorses in training, in orcler to 
give private information to his cli- 
ents to guide them in betting; a 
touter. 

tow (to), n. the coarse part of flax or 
hemp: v.t. to drag, as a vessel, 
through the water by means of a 
rope. 

toward (to'erd) , prep, in the direction 
of; with a tendency to; with respect 
to: adv. near; at hand. Also tow- 
ards. 

towel (tou'el), n. a cloth for wiping 
the hands, &c, after washing. 

tower (tou'er), n. a lofty building, 
square or circular, usually flat on 
the top; fortress; high headdress worn 
by women in the seventeenth cen- 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, £7ien. 


TOWN 


535 


TRAFFIC 


tury: v.i. to rise to a great height; 
to be lofty. 

town (toun), n. any collection of 
houses larger than a village, and not 
being a city. 

township (toun'ship), n. the district or 
territory into which many of the 
States are divided and subordinate 
to the county. 

toxemia, toxaemia (toks-e'mi-a), n. 
blood poisoning. [Greek.] 

toxic (toks'ik), adj. poisonous. 

toxicology (toks-i-kol'o-ji), n. the sci- 
ence that treats of poisons, their ef- 
fects, antidotes, &c. 

toxin (toks'in), n. a poison produced 
by the action of bacteria upon or- 
ganic matter. 

toy (toi), n. a child's plaything; some- 
thing of no real value; bauble; play- 
thing: v.i. [p.t. & p.p. toyed, p.pr. 
toying], to dally amorously; trifle. 

trace (tras), n. a mark left by any- 
thing passing; footprint; small quan- 
tity: pi. the straps, &c, by which a 
vehicle is drawn by a horse: v.t. to 
delineate by marks; follow by tracks 
or footsteps; follow exactly. [French.] 

traceable (tras'a-bl), adj. capable of 
being traced. 

tracery (tras'er-i), n. an architectural 
ornamentation in Gothic structures. 

trachea (tra'ke-a), n. the windpipe: 
pi. the air-tubes in the bodies of in- 
sects (tracheae). [Greek.] 

tracing (tra'sing), n. the act of one 
who traces; regular path; mechan- 
ical copy by marking on thin paper 
over the original. 

track (trak), n. a mark or impression 
left by the foot; beaten path; course 
or way; course for racing; perma- 
nent way of a railroad: v.t. to pursue 
by following the footprints or marks 
left behind. [Dutch.] 

trackless (trak'les), adj. pathless; un- 
trodden and unmarked by human 
feet, 

tract (trakt), n. a short treatise, usu- 
ally on some religious subject; region 
of indefinite extent; expanse. 

tractable (trakt'a-bl) , adj. docile; easi- 
ly instructed or managed. 

tractate (trak'tat) , n. a small book or 
treatise. 

tractile (trak'til), adj. ductile. 

traction (trak'shun), n. the act of 


drawing; state of being drawn; at- 
traction. 

trade (trad), n. commerce; business; 
buying and selling for money; deal- 
ing by way of sale or exchange; 
traffic ; persons engaged in a particu- 
lar business: adj. pertaining to, car- 
ried on by, or characteristic of, a 
trade: pi. the trade winds: v.i. to 
carry on commerce; buy and sell; 
traffic: v.t. to sell or exchange in 
commerce. 

trade-mark (trad 'mark), n. a dis- 
tinguishing device affixed by a mer- 
chant to his goods, to show his 
exclusive right. 

trader (trad'er), n. one engaged in 
trade or commerce; a dealer in buy- 
ing and selling or barter. 

tradesman (tradz-man), n. a shop- 
keeper. A merchant is called a 
trader, but not a tradesman. 

trades-union (tradz'un-yun), n. an 
organized combination of workmen 
for protection of their interests in 
any particular trade or industry. 

trade- wind (trad 'wind), n. a name 
given to winds in the torrid zone, and 
often a little beyond it, which blow 
from the same quarter throughout 
the year, unless when affected by 
local causes. Their general direc- 
tion is from N. E. to S. W. on the 
north side of the equator, and from S. 
E. to N. W. on the south side of the 
equator. 

tradition (tra-dish'un), n. the delivery 
of opinions, doctrines, practices, 
rites, and customs, from father to 
son, or from ancestors to posterity; 
the transmission of any opinions or 
practice from forefathers to descend- 
ants by oral communication, without 
written memorials. Thus, children 
derive their vernacular language 
chiefly from tradition. Most of our 
early notions are received by tradi- 
tion from our parents. [Latin.] 

traditional (tra-dish'un-al), adj. de- 
livered orally from father to son; 
communicated from ancestors to de- 
scendants by word only; transmitted 
from age to age without writing. 
[Latin.] 

traduce (tra-diis'), v.t. to slander. 
[Latin.] 

traffic (traf'ik), n. trade; commerce, 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


TRAGEDY 


536 


TRANQUILLIZE 


either by barter or by buying and 
selling: v.i. to trade: v.t. to exchange. 

tragedy (traj'e-di), n. a dramatic 
poem representing some signal ac- 
tion performed by illustrious per- 
sons, and generally having a fatal 
issue. A fatal and mournful event; 
any event in which human lives are 
lost by human violence, more par- 
ticularly by unauthorized violence. 
[Latin.] 

tragic (traj'ik), adj. pertaining to 
tragedy; of the nature or character 
of tragedy; fatal to life; mournful; 
sorrowful; calamitous. 

tragi- comedy (traj-i-kom'e-di), n. 
a kind of dramatic piece in which 
serious and comic scenes are blended. 

trail (tral), n. the track or scent left 
by a hunter: v.t. to drag along the 
ground; to follow the scent of a 
hunter, or of game: v.i. to be drawn 
out at length. [Celtic-Latin.] 

train (tran), v.t. to draw along; to 
educate; to exercise; to discipline; 
to teach and form by practice; to 
form to a proper shape; to trace a 
lode to its head: n. something drawn 
along behind; the end of a robe, &c; 
an artifice; the after part of a gun- 
carriage; a retinue; a company of 
soldiers in order ; a line of gun- 
powder prepared for discharging a 
much larger mass; a continuous line 
of cars on a railway; a number of 
cannon brought into the field. 
[French. ]_ 

trainer (tran'er), n. one who trains up; 
an instructor; one who trains or 
prepares men, horses, &c, for 
athletic exercises. 

training (tran'ing), n. the act or pro- 
cess of drawing or educating; educa- 
tion. 

traipse (traps), v.i. to walk carelessly; 
to gad_about. 

trait (trat), n. a stroke; a touch; a 
line; a feature. [French.] 

traitor (tra'ter), n. one who violates 
his allegiance and betrays his coun- 
try; one guilty of treason; one who, 
in breach of trust, delivers his coun- 
try to its enemy, or any fort or place 
intrusted to his defense, or who sur- 
renders an army or body of troops to 
the enemy, unless when vanquished; 
or one who takes arms and levies 


war against his country; or one who 
aids an enemy in conquering his 
country. Fern, traitress. See trea- 
son. [Old French.] 

trajectory (tra-jek'to-ri), n. the curve 
which a body describes in space, as 
a planet or comet in its orbit, or a 
stone thrown upward obliquely in 
the air. [Latin.] 

tram (tram), n. one of the rails of a 
tramway; a tramway: v.i. to travel 
by tram-car. 

trammel (tram 'ml), n. a net used for 
hunting or fishing; a shackle for 
horses; anything that impedes prog- 
ress, action or freedom: v.t. to im- 
pede, hinder, shackle. 

tramontane (tra-mon-tan'), adj. liter- 
ally, lying or being beyond the 
mountain; foreign; barbarous. The 
Italians sometimes use this epithet 
for ultramontane, and apply it to 
the countries north of the Alps, as 
France and Germany, and particu- 
larly to their ecclesiastics, jurists, 
painters, &c; the French lawyers 
call certain Italian canonists tra- 
montane or ultramontane doctors; 
considering them as favoring too 
much the court of Rome. See 
ultramontane. 

tramp (tramp), v.i. to wander about; 
to stroll: n. a journey on foot; a 
vagabond. [Dutch.] 

trample (tram'pl), v.t. to tread under 
foot; to tread with pride, contempt, 
and insult. [Swedish.] 

tramway (tram'wa), n. a street rail- 
way; an electric street railway run- 
ning on steel rails. 

trance (trans), n. an ecstasy; a state 
in which the soul seems to have 
passed out of the body into celestial 
regions; in medicine, catalepsy, i. e., 
total suspension of mental power and 
voluntary motion; pulsation and 
breathing continuing; muscles flex- 
ible; body yielding to and retaining 
any given position not incompatible 
with the laws of gravitation. 

tranquil (tran'kwil), adj. quiet; calm; 
undisturbed; peaceful, not agitated. 

tranquillity (tran-kwil i-ti), n. quiet- 
ness ; a calm state ; freedom from dis- 
turbance or agitation. [French.] 

tranquillize (tran'kwi-llz), v.t. to 
make tranquil or calm. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut; think, then. 


METEORITE 


537 


MICACEOUS 


meteorite (me'te-er-It), n. a stone or 
metallic body which, in its passage 
through space, has fallen upon the 
earth. 

meteorograph^ (me-te-er-og'ra-fi) , n. 
the registration of meteorological 
phenomena. [Greek.] 

meteorologic (me-te-er-o-loj'ik), adj. 
pertaining to the atmosphere, or its 
phenomena, or to meteorology. Also 
meteorological. 

meteorologist (me-te-er-ol'o-jist), n. 
one who is skilled in meteorology. 

meteorology (me-te-er-ol'o-ji), n. the 
science of the atmosphere and its 
various phenomena. [Greek.] 

meter (me'ter), n. an instrument for 
registering automatically the amount 
measured by it. Also metre. 

meter, metre (me'ter), n. a rhyth- 
mic arrangement of syllables in 
verse; unit of length in the decimal 
system = 39.37 inches. [Greek.] 

meterage (me'ter-aj), n. measure- 
ment; cost of measuring. 

methinks (me-thingks'), v.i. [p.t. 
methought]. In this really compound 
expression, me is the object of thinks, 
a transitive verb meaning "it seems." 
[Anglo-Saxon.] § Hence, methinks is 
equivalent to "it seems to me." 

method (meth'od), n. regular ar- 
rangement of things; system; or- 
der; classification. 

methodical (me-thod'i-kal), adj. char- 
acterized by, or arranged with re- 
gard to, method; systematic. Also 
methodic. 

methodically (me-thod'i-ka-li), adv. 
in a methodical manner. 

Methodism (meth'o-dizm), n. the 
doctrines and worship of the Metho- 
dists. 

Methodist (meth'o-dist) , n. one of a 
sect of Christians founded by John 
Wesley : adj. pertaining to the Metho- 
dists. 

methodize (meth'o-dlz) , v.t. to reduce 
to method; systematize. 

methyl (meth'il), n. the hydro-car- 
bon radical of methyl alcohol, or 
wood spirit. 

methylated (meth-i-la'ted) ,'adj . mixed 
with or containing methyl. 

methylene (meth'i-len) , n. an in- 
flammable liquid obtained from the 
distillation of wood. Also methene. 


meticulous (me-tik'u-lus), adj. over- 
cautious; excessively timid. 

metonymy (me-ton'i-mi), n. a figure 
of speech in which one word is used 
for another related to it, as "the 
steel" for the sword. 

metre (me'ter). See meter. 

metric (met'rik), adj. pertaining to 
the decimal system of weights and 
measures. 

metrical (met'ri-kal), adj. pertaining 
to meter, measurement, or rhythm. 

metrically (met'ri-ka-li), adv. in a 
metrical manner. 

metrograph (met'ro-graf), n. an ap- 
paratus for indicating the mileage 
run by a locomotive, and the number 
and time of stoppages at stations. 

metrology (met-rol'o-ji), n. the science 
of weights and measures. 

metronome (met'ro-nom), n. an in- 
strument which beats musical time 
by means of a short pendulum. 

metronymic (met-ro-nim'ik), adj. de- 
rived from one's mother or female 
ancestor. 

metropolis (me-trop'o-lis), n. the cap- 
ital or chief city of a kingdom or coun- 
try ; the seat or see of a metropolitan.^ 

metropolitan (met-ro-pol'i-tan) , adj. 
pertaining to the capital city of a 
kingdom .or country, or to an arch- 
bishopric: n. the presiding bishop of 
a country or province; an arch- 
bishop. [Greek.] 

mettle (met'l), n. # constitutional ar- 
dor or spirit ; fortitude. [Latin.] 

mettlesome (met'1-sum), n. highspir- 
ited. 

mew (mu), n. the cry of a cat; a sea- 
gull: pi. stables for carriage horses: 
v.t. to shed or molt (the feathers): 
v.i. to cry like a cat. 

Mexican (meks'i-can), adj. belonging 
to Mexico and its people, who are of 
mixed Spanish and Aztec race. 

mezzanine (met'za-nen), n. a low 
intermediate story between two 
higher ones; a window in such a 
story. [Italian.] 

mezzotint (mez'o-tint), n. a variety of 
copper engraving. Also mezzo- 
tinto. [Italian.] 

mica (mi'ka), n. a mineral divisible 
into thin transparent plates. 

micaceous (mi-ka'shus), adj. pertain- 
ing to, consisting of, or like, mica. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
*' hue, hut ; think, then. 


TRANSLITERATION 


538 


TRAPPINGS 


lated; removal; version; removal of 
a bishop from one see to another. 

transliteration (trans-lit-er-a'shun) , 
n. the representation of the sounds in 
one language by the alphabetical signs 
of another; as rldrifu (Greek) may- 
be transliterated tithemi. 

translucent (trans-lu'sent) , adj. semi- 
transparent. 

transmigration (trans-mi-gra/shun) , 
n. the passage from one place, state, 
or condition to another. Thus many 
have believed in the transmigration 
of souls, i. e., the soul, at death, en- 
tering another living body. See 
metempsychosis. 

transmissible (trans-mis'i-bl), adj. 
that may be passed from one to an- 
other, or through a body or sub- 
stance. 

transmission (trans-mish'un), n. the 
act of transmitting ; the things trans- 
mitted; passage through. Also trans- 
mittal. 

transmit (trans-mif), v.t [p.t. & p.p. 
transmitted, p.pr. transmitting], to 
cause or suffer to pass over or 
through; send from one place or 
person to another. _ 

transmute (trans-mut'), v.t. to change 
from one form, nature, substance, or 
species into another. 

transom (tran'som), n. a cross-beam 
over a door or over the sternpost of 
a vessel; horizontal mullion or cross- 
bar in a window. 

transparency (trans-par'en-si), n. \pl. 
transparencies (trans-par 'en-siz)], the 
state or quality of being transpar- 
ent; a picture painted on a semi- 
transparent material through which 
a light shines. 

transparent (trans-par'ent) , adj. hav- 
ing the property of transmitting rays 
of light; clear. 

transpire (tran-splr') , v.i. to be ex- 
creted through the pores of the skin; 
be exhaled; become known; come to 
pass; occur: v.t. to perspire; exhale. 

transplant (trans-plant'), v.t. to re- 
move and plant in another place; re- 
move and establish. 

transport (trans-port '), v.t. to carry 
across or from one place to another; 
banish as a criminal; carry away by 
violence of passion, or pleasure: n. 
(trans'port) conveyance for baggage 


or stores; a vessel employed for car- 
rying troops, stores, &c, from one 
place to another; violent manifesta- 
tion of anger; rapture; ecstasy. 

transportation (trans-por-ta'shun) , 
n. banishment for crime; convey- 
ance. 

transpose (trans-poz'), v.t. to change 
the place or order of, by putting each 
in the place of the other; change the 
key of; change (a term) from one 
side of an equation to the other by 
changing the sign. 

transubstantiation (tran-sub-stan- 
shi-a'shun) , n. the doctrine that after 
consecration, the elements in the Eu- 
charist are converted into the veri- 
table body and blood of Christ. 

transude (trans-ud'), v.i. to pass or 
ooze through the pores or interstices 
of a substance. 

transverse (trans-vers') , adj. lying or 
being across or crosswise; broader 
than long. 

trap (trap), n. an instrument shut- 
ting suddenly with a spring for snar- 
ing game, vermin, and other ani- 
mals; snare; ambush; stratagem; a 
game played with a bat, ball, and 
shoe-shaped block of wood; a car- 
riage on springs; contrivance for 
preventing the escape of foul air 
from a drain: heavy igneous rock 
composed of feldspar, hornblende, 
&c: pi. baggage; portable articles: 
v.t. [p.t. & p.p. trapped, p.pr. trap- 
ping], to catch in, or as in a trap; 
ensnare; take by stratagem; furnish 
with a trap: v.i. to set traps for 
game. 

trapeze (tra-pez'), n. a swinging hori- 
zontal bar suspended at each end by 
a rope, used by gymnasts. 

trapezium (tra-pe'zi-um) : n. a plane 
figure bounded by four right lines, of | 
which no two are parallel; the out- 
ermost bone of the second row of 
the carpus. 

trapezoid (trap'e-zoid), n. a plane 
fierure with four sides, having two 
sides parallel to each other. 

trapper (trap'er), n. one who traps 
animals, especially to obtain the 
fur. 

trappings (trap'ingz), n.pl. orna- 
mented articles of dress; superficial 
decorations; ornaments for horses. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


MIDDY 


539 


MILL 


middy (mid'di), n. [pi. middies (mid'- 
diz)], a midshipman. 

midge (mij), n. a gnat. 

midget (mij'et), n. a very tiny gnat; 
also applied to a baby. 

midriff unid'rif), n. the diaphragm 
separating the cavity of the chest 
from the stomach. 

midshipman (mid'ship-man), n. [pi. 
midshipmen], in the British navy, a 
junior officer ranking next above a 
cadet. In the American navy the 
midshipman was the lowest of offi- 
cers, but is now called a " naval 
cadet," and upon promotion be- 
comes an " ensign." 

midst (midst), n. the middle. 

midwife (mid'wif), n. [pi. midwives 
(mid'wivz)], a woman who assists at 
childbirth. 

midwifery (mid'wlf-er-i) , n. obstetrics. 

mien (men), n. external appearance; 
air ; look ; carriage. 

might (mit), n. power; strength; 
force: p.t. of may. 

mightily (mit'i-li), adv. with great 
power or strength; vehemently; in a 
great degree. 

mightiness (mit'i-nes), n. a greatness; 
power; a title of dignity. 

mighty (mit'i), adj. [comp. mightier, 
superl. mightiest], powerful; strong; 
influential; momentous; wonderful; 
huge: adv. very; exceedingly 

mignon (min-yong'), adj. pretty 
delicate. [French.] 

mignonette (min : yun-et'),.n. a fra- 
grant annual with greenish flower 
and orange-colored stamens. 

migrant (mi'grant), adj. migratory. 

migratory (ml'gra-to-ri) , adj. remov- 
ing or passing from one place of 
abode or resort to another; roving; 
nomad. 

Mikado (mi-ka'do), n. the Japanese 
emperor, as the spiritual and tem- 
poral head of the empire. It is by 
his supreme virtue that his people 
believe themselves to have grown 
powerful. 

milch (milch), adj. yielding milk. 

mild (mild), adj. [comp. milder, su- 
perl. mildest], gentle in temper and 
disposition; gentle; soft; placid; 
moderate; not sharp, sour, or bit- 
ter; lenitive. 

mildew (mil'du), n. a disease oi 


plants produced by small fungi, 
spots of mold on cloth, &c, caused 
by damp: v.t. to taint with mildew: 
v.i. be affected with mildew. 

mile (mil), n. a measure of length 
varying in different countries; the 
English statute mile, in use in this 
country, contains 1,760 yds., the 
geographical or nautical mile l-60th 
of a '^gree of latitude or 2,025 yds. 
(nearly) . 

mileage (mll'aj), n. an allowance for 
expenses per mile; length in miles. 

milfoil (mil'foil), n. a composite plant 
with finely divided leaves. 

militancy (mil'i-tan-si) , n. warfare; 
militarism. 

militant (mil'i-tant), adj. warlike; 
fighting; serving as a soldier. 

militarism (inil'i-ta-rizm), n. military 
spirit, policy, or government. 

military (mil'i-ta-ri), adj. pertaining 
to soldiers or to arms ; warlike ; mar- 
tial: n. soldiers collectively; army; 
troops. 

militate (mil'i-tat) , v.i. to be, or stand, 
opposed; operate against (with 
against) . 

militia (mi-lisb/a), n. citizens en- 
rolled and trained for the internal 
defense of a State. 

milk (milk), n. a white fluid secreted 
by the mammary glands of female 
mammals for the nourishment of 
their young, especially the milk of 
the cow; the white juice of certain 
plants: v.t. to draw milk from; sup- 
ply with milk. 

milk-leg (milk'leg), n. white swell- 
ings that appear upon the limbs of 
pregnant women. 

milksop (milk'sop), n. an effeminate, 
weak person. See mollycoddle. 

milk-tooth (milk'tooth), n. the fore- 
tooth of a foal; one of the tempo- 
rary first set of teeth in the young 
of mammals. 

Milky Way (milk'i wa'), n. a broad 
luminous band in the heavens, from 
horizon to horizon, consisting of in- 
numerable stars; the galaxy. See 
nebula. 

mill (mil), n. a machine for grinding 
and reducing a substance to small 
particles; a manufactory; a prize 
fight. (See mell and maul) ; a money 
of account = 1-1, 000th of a dollar: 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, Jften. 


TREE 


540 


TRIANGLE 


pertaining to the highest vocal or 
instrumental part [Music]: n. the 
highest vocal or instrumental part; 
Boprano: v.t. to make threefold: v.i. 
to become threefold. 

tree (tre) , n. any woody plant having a 
Bingle trunk and branches; anything 
resembling a tree; a piece of timber; 
cross: v.t. to drive to a tree; place in 
difficulty : v.i. to take refuge in a tree. 

tree-calf (tre'kaf), n. a brown calf 
binding for a book, with conventional 
lines, suggesting trees, stained into it, 
so as to produce a beautiful effect. 

treenail (tre'nal), n. a cylindrical 
wooden pin used for securing the 
planks of a ship to the timbers. 
Also trenail^ 

trefoil (tre'foil), n. any plant of the 
genus Trifolium, including the clo- 
vers; an ornamental foliation used 
in architecture resembling three- 
leaved clover. 

trek (trek), v.i. to travel by wagon, 
especially in search of a new settle- 
ment: n. a journey by wagon. 
[South African Dutch.] 

trellis (trel'is), n. a structure or 
frame of lattice-work for supporting 
vines, &c. 

tremble (trem'bl), v.i. to shake in- 
voluntarily, as with fear, cold, weak- 
ness, &c; shudder; totter; quaver 
as sound: n. an involuntary shak- 
ing; shiver. 

tremendous (tre-men'dus) , adj. ex- 
citing fear or terror; dreadful; ter- 
rible; terrific ;_marvelous. 

tremolo (trem'o-lo), n. a tremulous or 
fluttering effect in vocal or instru- 
mental music; mechanical device in 
an organ by which a tremolo is pro- 
duced. 

tremor (trem'er), n. an involuntary 
trembling; quivering or vibratory 
motion. 

tremulous m (trem'u-lus) , # adj. trem- 
bling; quivering; shaking; affected 
with fear or timidity; vibratory. 

trench (trench), n. a long, narrow 
cut or ditch excavated in the earth; 
open ditch for draining; an excava- 
tion made to interrupt the advance 
of an enemy, or to cover the advance 
of troops to a besieged place: v.t. to 
form a ditch in; dig or cultivate 
deeply: v.i. to encroach. 


trenchant (trench'ant) , adj. sharp; 
keen; severe. 

trend (trend), n. inclination in a 
particular direction; general tend- 
ency: v.i. to have a particular di- 
rection; tend; stretch. 

trepan (tre-pan'), n. a cylindrical 
saw of peculiar construction used in 
the operation of trepanning: v.i. 
[p.t. & p.p. trepanned, p.pr. trepan- 
ning], to perform the operation of 
trepanning: v.t. to perforate with a 
trepan. 

trephine (tre-fin'), n. a surgical in- 
strument for removing a disk of 
bone from the skull: v.t. to operate 
on with a trephine; to trepan. 

trepidation (trep-i-da'shun) , n. an 
involuntary trembling; state of ter- 
ror or alarm; confused haste. 

trespass (tres'pas), v.i. to commit 
any offense; sin; enter unlawfully 
upon the land of another; intrude; 
violate any recognized rule of duty 
or social life: n. the act of trespass- 
ing; any offense or injury done to 
the person or property of another; 
transgression; sin. 

tress (tres), n. a braid or lock of 
hair. 

trestle (tres'l), n. a movable form 
for supporting anything; frame of a 
table. 

trey (tra), n. a 3-spot at cards or dice; 
card with three spots. 

tri, a Graeco-Latin prefix meaning 
three, threefold, as Wangled, adj. 
having three angles. 

triad (tri'ad), n. a union of three; an 
element which can replace or direct- 
ly unite with three atoms of hydro- 
gen or similar monatonic element; 
the common chord of a tone with its 
third and fifth [Music]. 

trial (trl'al) , n. an attempt or endeavor; 
examination by test or experience; 
test of virtue, &c, by suffering or 
temptation; proof; verification; state 
of being tried; judicial examina- 
tion. 

triangle (trl'ang-gl) , n. a plane figure 
bounded by three lines, and having 
three angles; a frame of three hal- 
berds to which offenders against 
military discipline were secured to 
be flogged; a musical instrument of 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
Hie, hut ; think, then. 


TRIBAL 


541 


TRIGAMY 


steel in the form of a triangle, sound- 
ed by being struck with a rod. 

tribal (tri'bal), adj. pertaining to, or 
characteristic of, a tribe. 

tribe (trlb), n. a family, race, or 
class, constituting a distinct _ por- 
tion of a people; a family or series of 
generations descended from a com- 
mon ancestor, but kept distinct; na- 
tion of uncivilized people under one 
chief; a group of animals or plants 
intermediate between an order and 
a genus. 

tribrach (tri-brak), n. a poetic foot 
of three short syllables. 

tribulation (trib-u-la'shun) , n. se- 
vere affliction; deep sorrow; acute 
trial. 

tribunal (tri-bu'nal), n. the seat of 
a judge; court of justice. 

tribune (trib'un), n. an ancient Ro- 
man official elected by the people to 
safeguard their liberties; a bench or 
elevated place; raised stand or ros- 
trum from which speeches are deliv- 
ered. 

tributary (trib'u-ta-ri) , adj. paying 
tribute; yielding supplies; contrib- 
uting to make up a greater object of 
the same kind: n. a state or govern- 
ment which pays tribute to a supe- 
rior; a stream or river flowing into 
a larger one. 

tribute (trib'ut), n. an annual or 
stipulated sum of money, &c, paid 
by one state to another; personal 
contribution made in token of ser- 
vices rendered or acknowledgment 
due. 

trice (tris), n. an instant: v.t. to 
haul; hoist and secure with a small 
rope. 

tricentenary (tri-sen'te-na-ri), same 
as tercentenary. 

triceps (tri'seps), n. the great three- 
headed extensor muscle of the arm. 

trichina (tri-kl'na), n. [pi. trichina? 
(tri-ki'ne)], a nemotoid parasitic 
worm, which infests the muscles of 
swine and human beings. 

trichord (tri'kord), n. a three-stringed 
instrument; a piano having three 
strings to each key for the greater 
part of its compass. 

trick (trik), n.^ & stratagem or arti- 
fice; wile; vicious habit or practice; 
deception; imposition; legerdemain; 


clever contrivance to puzzle, amuse, 
or annoy; whole number of cards 
falling to the winner in one round: 
pi. frolic: y.t. to cheat; impose 
upon; deceive; delineate without 
color; decorate or set off (with out). 

trickery (trik'er-i), n. deception; 
cheating; fraud; imposture. 

trickle (trik'l), v.i. to flow gently down 
or in a small stream; run down in 
drops: n. a small gentle stream. 

tricky (trik'i). adj. given to tricks; 
knavish; shifty ; # artful ; cunning. 

triclinium (tri-klin'i-um), n. [pi. tri- 
clinia (tri-klin'i-a)], a couch, usually 
accommodating three persons for 
reclining at meals; a dining-room 
furnished with couches on three 
sides. 

tricolor (trl'kul-er), n. a national flag 
of three colors arranged in equal 
strips. 

tricuspid (trl-kus'pid), adj. having 
three points (cusps), as a molar 
tooth or a valve of the heart. 

tricycle (trl'si-kl), n. a three- wheeled 
modernized form of velocipede: v.i. 
to ride on a tricycle. 

trident (trl'dent), n. a scepter or spear 
with three prongs, especially the 
scepter of Neptune: hence sover- 
eignty of the sea. 

tried (trid), p. adj. proved; tested; 
trustworthy; faithful. 

triennial (tri-en'i-al), adj. occurring 
in, or continuing for, three years. 

trifid (tri'fid), adj. three-cleft. 

trifle (trl'fl), n. anything of little value 
or importance; a light kind of dish 
made of sponge-cakes soaked in 
sherry and covered with jam, cream, 
&c: v.i. to act or talk with levity; 
indulge in light or frivolous amuse- 
ments: v.t. to waste or fritter away. 

trifling (tri'fling), adj. of small value 
or importance. 

trifoliate (tri-fo'li-at), adj. three- 
leaved. 

triforium (tri-fo'ri-um), n. the open 
gallery or arcade above the arches of 
a church, separating the nave arches 
from the aisles. 

trig (trig), adj. trim; neat: v.t. [p.t. & 
p.p. trigged, p.pr. trigging], to skid 
or stop (a wheel) : n. a skid. 

trigamy (trig'a-mi), n. the state of 
having three wives at the same time. 


ate, arm, at, awl; me, merge, met: mite, mit ; note, north, not; boon, book; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


TRIGGER 


542 


TRTUMPHALT 


trigger (trig'er), n. a catch which, 
when pulled, releases the hammer of 
a gun. 

triglyph (trl'glif), n. an ornament of 
the Doric frieze placed directly over 
each column and at equal distances. 

trigonometry (trig-o-nom'e-tri),^ n. 
the science of measuring the sides 
and angles of triangles, and ascer- 
taining the relations between them 
by certain parts which are given. 

trihedron (tri-he'dron), n. a figure 
having three sides. 

trilateral (trl-lat'er-al), adj. three- 
sided. 

trilinear (tri-lin'e-ar), adj. three- 
lined. 

trilingual (trl-ling'gwal) , adj. having 
the command of three languages. 

trilith (tri'lith), n. a monument 
formed by three stones, two upright 
and one across the others. Also tri- 
lithon. 

trill (tril), n. a shake or quaver of the 
voice: v.t. to sing with a quaver: v.i. 
to quaver. 

trillion (tril'yun), n. in the French 
system of numeration, followed in 
the United States, a unit with twelve 
ciphers annexed; in the English sys- 
tem, a unit with eighteen ciphers 
annexed. 

trilogy (tril'o-ji), n. a series of three 
dramas each complete in itself, but 
forming one poetical and historical 
picture. 

trim (trim), adj. [comp. trimmer, su- 
perl, trimmest], neat; compact; in 
good order or service: v.t. [p.t. & 
p.p. trimmed, p.pr. trimming], to 
decorate or adorn; make trim; ad- 
just; make smooth: v.i. to balance 
or fluctuate between parties. 

trimeter (trim'e-ter) , n. a line consist- 
ing of three meters (measures). 

Trinity (trin'i-ti), n. the union of the 
Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost 
in one Godhead: one God as to sub- 
stance, three Persons as to individ- 
uality. 

trinket (tring'ket), n. anything small 
and of little value; small ornament 
or jewel. 

trinomial (tri-no'mi-al), adj. consist- 
ing of three terms, connected by the 
sign + or — . 

trio (tre'o), n. a set of three; three 


united; composition for three voices 
or instruments. 

triolet (tre'o-let), n. a stanza of eight 
lines, very artificially constructed. 

trip (trip), v.i. [p.t. & p.p. tripped, 
p.pr. tripping], to run or step light- 
ly or nimbly; take short, quick 
steps; stumble; err; take an excur- 
sion: n. a nimble, short step; stum- 
ble; mistake; journey. 

tripartite (trip'ar-tit or tri-par'tit), 
adj. divided into three parts. 

tripe (trip), n. the large stomach of 
a ruminating animal prepared for 
food. 

triplane (trl'plan), n. an aeroplane 
with three gliding planes, the lower 
one carrying operator and motor. 

triple (trip'l), adj. threefold; consisting 
of three united; three times re- 
peated. 

Triple Alliance (trip'l al-I-ans), n. a 
defensive alliance between Germany, 
Austria-Hungary, and Italy, formed 
in 1883. Italy withdrew just before 
declaring war on Austria-Hungary in 
1915 and joining the Allies in the 
European War. 

Triple Entente (trip'l an-tant), n. an 
understanding or informal agreement 
between Great Britain, France, and 
Russia. It was the basis for their 
accord in entering the European War 
in 1914. 

triplet (triplet), n. three united: pi. 
■ three children at one birth. 

triplex (trip'leks), adj. three-fold. 

triplicate (trip'li-kat), adj. threefold. 

tripod (tri'pod), n. a three-legged stool 

trisyllable (tri-sil'a-bl), n. a word of 
three syllables. 

trite (trit), adj. worn out; stale. 

Triton (tri'ton), n. in classical mythol- 
ogy, a sea-god, son of Neptune and 
Venus, — represented as a man with a 
dolphin's tail. 

triturate (trit'u-rat), v.t. to rub, 
grind, or bruise to powder. 

triumph (tri'umf), n. a grand pro- 
cession in honor of a general who 
has gained a decisive victory; state 
of joy at success ; victory ; conquest : 
v.i. to rejoice over success; obtain a 
victory. 

triumphal (tri-um'fal), adj. pertain- 
ing to, indicating, or in honor of, a 
triumph. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


TRIUMPHANT 


543 


TRUCK 


triumphant (tri-um'fant), adj. re- 
joicing for victory; victorious. 

triumvir (tri-um'ver) , n. [pi. triumviri 
(tii-um'vi-ri)], one of three men 
united in office. 

triune (tri'un), adj. three in one. 

trivalent (triv'a-lent), adj. capable of 
being combined with, or replaced by, 
three atoms of hydrogen. 

trivet (triv'et), n. a stand for holding a 
kettle, &c, near the fire. 

trivial (triv'i-al), adj. trifling; com- 
monplace. 

trochee (tro'ke), n. a medicinal loz-: 
enge. 

trochee (trok'e), n. a metrical foot of 
two syllables; the first long, the sec- 
ond short. 

trod, p.t. of tread. 

troll (trol), n. a giant or giantess of 
supernatural powers; sorceress; a 
kind of song; reel on a fishing-rod: 
v.t. to sing the parts of in succes- 
sion: v.i. to fish, as for pike, with a 
rod and line running on a reel. 

trolley (trol'i), n. a kind of truck; a 
grooved metal wheel traveling in 
contact with a live electric wire. 

trollop (trol'up), n. a slattern. 

trombone (trom'bon), n. a large brass 
instrument of the trumpet kind. 

troop (troop), n. a multitude; small 
body of cavalry, usually 60; soldiers 
collectively; company of perform- 
ers: v.i. to march in a body; collect 
in crowds. 

trope (trop), n. & word or expression 
used in a sense different from its 
usual signification; figurative 
word. 

trophy (tro'fi), n. [pi. trophies (tro'- 
fiz)], a memorial of a victory; 
memento. 

tropic (trop'ik), n. one of the two 
small circles of the celestial sphere, 
situated at each side of the equator, 
at a distance of 23° 28' and parallel 
to it, within the limits of which the 
sun moves in his yearly course; re- 
gion between the tropics. 

tropical (trop'i-kal), adj. pertaining to, 
or situated within, the tropics; fig- 
urative. 

trot (trot), v.i. [p.t. & p.p. trotted, 
p.pr. trotting], to move faster than 
a walk: v.t. to cause to trot: n. the 
pace of a horse a little faster than a 


walk; jogging pace; term of endear- 
ment. 

troth (torth), n. betrothal; fidelity. 

troubadour (troo'ba-door), n. one of 
a class of lyric poets who flourished 
in the south of France and north of 
Italy from the eleventh to the thir- 
teenth century. 

trouble (trub'l), n. mental agitation, 
distress, or worry; fault or inter- 
ruption in the stratum of a mine: 
v.t. to agitate, distress, or worry; 
give occasion of labor to. 

troublesome (trub'1-sum), adj. caus- 
ing trouble. Also troublous. 

trough (trof), n. a long, hollow ves- 
sel for holding a liquid, food, &c; 
anything hollowed out. 

trounce (trouns), v.t. to beat soundly. 

troupe (troop), n. a company of per- 
formers. 

trousers (trou'zerz), n.pl. a garment 
worn by men and boys, from the 
waist to the ankles, and covering 
each leg separately. 

trousseau (troo-so'), n. [pi. trous- 
seaux (troo-soz')], a bride's outfit. 

trout (trout), n. a fresh-water fish 
allied to the salmon, but smaller. 

trouvere (troo-var'), n. poets who 
composed minor epics in the Middle 
Ages, and sang or recited them at 
courts or in the great castles of the 
nobles. [Old French.] 

trove (trov), n. something found; 
a word rarely used, except in the ex- 
pression "treasure trove." 

trover (tro'ver), n. the gaining pos- 
session of goods by finding or other 
means; an action at law for goods 
found and not delivered on demand. 

trow (trou), v.i. to believe; trust. 

trowel (trou'el), n. a flat, triangular 
tool used for spreading mortar; a 
gardener's tool. 

troyweight (troi'wat), n. a weight 
of twelve ounces to the pound, used 
by goldsmiths and jewelers. 

truant (trod'ant), n. one who absents 
himself from school without leave; 
one who idles away from duty or 
business; loiterer': adj. pertaining 
to, or characteristic of, a truant. 

truce (troos), n. a temporary peace 
or cessation of hostilities; brief ces- 
sation. 

truck (truk), n. a wheeled vehicle for 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


TRUCKLE 


544 


TUBE 


carrying goods ; small wooden wheel ; 
email wooden cap on the top of a 
flagstaff, &c; barter; garden vegeta- 
bles: v.t. to send by truck; peddle; 
hawk: v.i. to exchange commodities; 
barter; negotiate. 

truckle (truk'l), n. a small wheel or 
caster: v.t. trundle; move on rollers: 
v.i. to yield obsequiously to anoth- 
er's will. 

truculent (truk'ii-lent), adj. ferocious; 
of fierce aspect. 

trudge (truj) % v.i. to travel on foot, 
especially with labor or fatique. 

true (troo), adj. [comp. truer, superl. 
truest], conformable to fact; faith- 
ful or loyal; genuine; rightful; cor- 
rect. 

truffle (truf'l), n. a fleshy under- 
ground fungus much esteemed as a 
table delicacy. 

truism (troo'izm), n. & self-evident 
truth. 

truly (troo'li), adv. in agreement with 
truth or fact; precisely; sincerely. 

trump (trump), n. a trumpet; a win- 
ning card; one of the suit of cards 
that takes any of the other suits ; a 
genuine good fellow: v.t. to take 
with a trump card: v.i. to play a 
trump card. 

trumpery (trump'er-i), n. worthless 
finery; rubbish: adj. worthless; in- 
significant. 

trumpet (trump'et), n. a metal wind 
instrument formed of a single curved 
tube; an organ stop: v.t. to publish 
by, or as by, the sound of trumpet; 
noise abroad; praise extravagantly. 

truncate (trung'kat), adj. appearing 
as if cut off at the tip: v.t. (trung- 
kat'), to lop. 

truncheon (trun'chun), n. a short 
staff or cudgel ; baton or staff of au- 
thority: v.t. to beat with a trun- 
cheon. 

trundle (trun'dl), v.t. to roll along; 
roll, as on small wheels: n. a little 
wheel; truck. 

trundle-bed (trun'dl-bed) , n. a low 
bed that runs on casters. 

trunk (trungk), n. the stem of a 
tree; body of an animal, as distin- 
guished from the head and limbs; 
main body of anything; elephant's 
proboscis; large traveling box or 
chest ; shaft of a column. 


truss (trus), n. a surgical apparatus 
for the relief of hernia; a bundle or 
package; timbers fastened together 
for the support of a roof; rope or 
iron for keeping the center of the 
lower yard to the mast; tuft of 
flowers formed at the top of the 
main stalk or stem of certain 
plants: v.t. to bind or pack close; 
skewer. 

trust m (trust) , n. confidence; faith; 
credit; special reliance on presumed 
integrity; combination of capitalists 
to secure a monopoly ; an estate held 
for the benefit of another: v.t. to 
place confidence in; rely upon; cred- 
it; sell upon credit to: v.i. to have 
trust in: adj. held in trust. 

trustee (trus-te'), n. a person to 
whom property or the management 
of property is committed for the 
benefit of others. 

trustful (trust 'fool), adj. full of 
trust; faithful. 

trusty (trust 'i), adj. [comp. trustier, 
superl. trustiest], justly deserving 
confidence; faithful. 

truth (trooth), n. [pi. truths], agree- 
ment with reality; eternal principle 
of right, or law of order; veracity; 
fidelity; fact. 

truthful (trooth'f ool) , adj. according 
to, adhering to, or speaking, the 
truth; reliable. 

try (tri), v.i. [p.t. & p.p. tried, p.pr. 
trying], to exert strength; to en- 
deavor; to make an effort; to at- 
tempt: v.t. to examine; to prove by 
experiment; to experience; to prove 
by a test; to examine judicially; to 
purify; to refine; to strain (the literal 
sense of the word) : n. an attempt or 
experiment. 

trying (trl'ing), adj. afflictive; diffi- 
cult. 

tryst (trist), n. a meeting; a promise 
to meet. 

tsetse (tset'se), n. an irritating Afri- 
can fly whose bite is fatal to oxen, 
horses, &c. 

tub (tub), n. a small cask; sponge 
bath: v.t. [p.t. & p.p. tubbed, p.pr. 
tubbing], to plant or set in a tub; to 
wash. 

tube (tub), n. a pipe; a hollow cylinder, 
used for the conveyance of fluids, 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


TUBER 


545 


TURBINE 


and for various other purposes: v.t. 
to furnish with a tube. 

tuber (tut)er), n. a fleshy, rounded 
stem or root, usually containing 
starchy matter. 

tubercle (tQ'ber-kl), n. a small hard 
local tumor; little tuber. 

tubercular, tuberculous (tu-ber'ku- 
lar, tu-ber'ku-lus), adj. full of knobs 
or tubercles. 

tuberculosis (tu-ber-ku-lo'sis), n. a 
disease accompanied by the forma- 
tion of small tubercles in the tis- 
sues. 

tuck (tuk), n. a long, narrow sword; a 
rapier; a kind of net; a fold in a 
dress; roll of a drum: v.t. to thrust 
or press in or together; to fold under. 

tucker (tuk'er), n. a small piece of 
linen for shading the breast of 
women. 

Tuesday (tuz'dy), n. the third day 
of the week. 

tufa (too'fa), n. a soft or porous stone 
formed by depositions from water, 
usually calcareous. Also tuff. 

tuft (tuft), n. a collection of small 
things in a knot or bunch: v.t. to 
separate into tufts; to adorn with 
tufts. 

tuft-hunter (tuf t'hun-ter) , n. a cant 
term in the English universities for 
a hanger-on to noblemen and persons 
of quality, so called from the tuft 
in the cap of the latter. The word 
has now the general meaning of £ 
sycophant. 

tug (tug), v.t. to pull or draw with 
great effort: v.i. to labor; to strive; 
to struggle: n. a pull with the utmost 
effort; a steam- vessel used to tow 
ships; a steam-tug. 

tuition (tii-ish'un), n. guardianship; 
superintending care over a young 
person; the particular watch ana 
care of a tutor or guardian over his 
pupil or ward; instruction; the act 
or Dusiness of teaching the various 
branches of learning; the money 
paid for instruction. 

tulip (tulip), n. a liliaceous plant with 
bell-shaped flowers. 

tulle (tul), n. a kind of silk open-work 
or lace. [French.] 

tumble (tum'bl), v.i. to roll; to roll 
about; to fall; to come down sud- 
denly and violently: v.t. to turn over; 


to turn or throw about for exami- 
nation or searching: n. a fall. 

tumbler (tumbler), n. one who tum- 
bles' a large drinking glass; a variety 
of the domestic pigeon. 

tumbrel (tum'brel), n. a cart that 
may be tilted up; two-wheeled cov- 
ered cart for conveying tools, am- 
munition, &c, in a military train. 
Also tumbril. 

tumid (tu'mid), adj. swollen; distend- 
ed; bombastic; pompous. 

tumor (tu'mer), n. a morbid swelling 
or enlargement of any part of the 
body. 

tumult (tii'mult), n. the commotion 
of a number of people; noisy con- 
fusion; riot. 

tumultuous (tu-mul'tu-us), adj. char- 
acterized by, or full of, tumult; dis- 
orderly; agitated. 

tun (tun), n. a large cask; measure of 
wine = 252 gallons; fermenting vat 
of a brewery. 

tundra (toon'dra), n. a stretch of 
mossy, marshy, flat land in Northern 
Siberia. 

tune (tun), n. a series of musical notes 
with unity of key-note; melody; 
short musical composition; just in- 
tonation; fit disposition or right 
mood: v.t. to cause to produce the 
proper sounds ; harmonize. t 

tuneful (tun 'fool), adj. musical; har- 
monious. 

tuneless (tun'les), adj. without har- 
mony; discordant. 

tunic (tti'nik), n. an undergarment 
worn by both sexes of the ancient 
Romans ; loose kind of frock worn 
by women and boys; military coat; 
membrane covering some organ ; cov- 
ering, as of a seed. 

tunnel (tun'el), n. a vaulted under- 
ground passage cut through a hill or 
under a river; funnel; shaft of a 
chimney ; not wide at the mouth and 
ending in a point: v.t. to form a 
tunnel through or under. [French.] 

tunny (tun'i), n. [pi. tunnies (tun'iz)], 
a large marine fish allied to the mack- 
erel. 

turban (ter'ban), n. the. headdress 
worn by Orientals, consisting of a 
cap around which a sash is wrapped. 

turbid (terlDid), adj. muddy; thick. 

turbine (ter'bin), n. a wheel turning 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


TURBOT 


546 


TWENTY 


on a vertical axis and driven by 
steam or water. The principle of 
the turbine has been successfully ap- 
plied to steam-navigation. 

turbot (ter'bot), n. a large flat fish. 

turbulent (ter bu-lent), adj. tumultu- 
ous; agitated; insubordinate; riot- 
ous. 

tureen (tii-ren'), n. a deep table- ves- 
sel for holding soup. 

turf (terf), n. the grassy surface of 
unfilled land; race-course; occupa- 
tion of racing (with the) : v.t. to cover 
with turf. 

turgescent (ter-jes'ent), adj. growing 
inflated. [Latin.] 

turgid (ter'jid), adj. distended beyond 
the natural size ; inflated ; bombast- 
ic. 

turkey (terk'i), n. a large gallinaceous 
bird. 

turmoil (ter'moil), n. harassing labor; 
worrying confusion; noise. 

turn (tern), v.t. to cause or make to 
go round; change the direction of; 
change from one state to another; 
reverse; convert; transform; trans- 
late; make giddy; nauseate: v.i. to 
have a circular motion; be changed; 
move as on a pivot; recoil: n. the act 
of turning; movement in a circular 
direction; bend or curve; change of 
direction; opportunity; good or evil 
act; short spell; form or cast; fright 
or shock; single twist or bend of a 
rope. [French. ]_ 

turncoat (tern'kot), n. a term of 
contempt for one who changes his 
party, or becomes a traitor to his 
country. 

turner (tern'er), n. one who turns; 
one who turns articles in a lathe; a 
kind of pigeon. 

turnip (tern/ip), n. a well-known plant 
with a solid bulbous root. 

turnkey (tern'ke), n. a prison warder. 

turn-out (tern'out), n. a showing; a 
display; an outfit. 

turnover (tern'o-ver) , n. a small pie 
made by using half of the crust 
with fruit, and then turning the 
other half over it. 

turnpike (tern'pik), n. a gate or bar 
to stop vehicles, and sometimes 
foot passengers, &c, until toll is 
paid. 

turpentine (ter'pen-tln), n. the resin- 


ous or viscid juice of pine and fir 
trees. 

turpitude (ter'pi-tud) , n. moral de- 
pravity. 

turquoise (ter'kwoiz), n. a precious 
stone. 

turret (ter'et), n. a small tower; 
cylindrical rotary steel tower on a 
man-of-war. 

turtle (ter'tl), n. a large edible sea- 
tortoise; the turtle-dove. 

tush (tush), inter j. an expression of 
contempt, rebuke, or silence. 

tusk (tusk), n. _ the long, pointed 
tooth on each side of the upper jaw 
of certain mammals. 

tussle (tus'l), n. a scuffle: v.i. to scuffle 
or struggle. 

tussock (tus'ok), n. a tuft, clump, or 
small hillock of grass; a species of 
tuffy grass, valuable for fodder. 
Also tussac. 

tussor (tus'sor), n. an Eastern silk, 
heavier than pongee. Also tussur, 
tusseh. [Chinese.] 

tut (tut), inter j. hush! be quiet! 

tutelage (tu'te-laj), n. guardianship. 

tutelary (tu'te-la-ri) , adj. protecting. 

tutor (tu'ter), n. a teacher; guardian: 
v.t. to instruct; train or discipline. 

tuxedo (tuks-e'do), n. an informal 
dinner coat; a short sack coat used 
as a substitute for the full-dress coat. 

twaddle (twod'l), n. silly talk: v.t. 
to talk in a silly or weak manner. 

twain (twan), n. & adj. two. 

twang (twang), n. a sharp, quick, 
vibrating sound; affected nasal tone 
of voice: v.t. & v.i. to sound with a 
sharp, vibrating noise. 

tweak (twek), v.t. to pinch or pull 
with a sudden jerk and twist: n. a 
sudden sharp pull or pinch. 

tweed (twed), n. a soft, woolly cloth 
material. 

tweezers (twe'zers), n.pl. small pinch- 
ers for pulling out hairs. 

twelfth (twelfth), adj. next in order 
after the eleventh: n. one of twelve 
equal parts. 

twelvemo (twelv'mo), n. duodecimo. 

twentieth (twen'ti-eth) , adj. the or- 
dinal of twenty: n. one of twenty 
equal parts. 

twenty (twen'ti), adj. twice ten: n. 
the number which is one more than 
nineteen; a score. 

ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


TWICE 


547 


TYPHOON 


twice (twis), adv. two times; doubly. 

twiddle (twid'l), v.t. to twirl in a 
light manner; touch lightly: v. t. to 
move with a quivering motion; n. 
a twist of the fingers. 

twig (twig), n. a small shoot or 
branch: v.t. \p.t. & p.p. twigged, 
p.pr. twigging], to notice; under- 
stand: v.i. to comprehend. 

twilight (twl'llt), n. the faint light 
before sunrise and after sunset; 
partial illumination: adj. obscure; 
shaded. 

twilight sleep (twl'llt slep), n. a con-, 
dition of semi-insensibility, with free- 
dom from pain in childbirth, attained 
through a method of applying the 
drugs morphine and scopolamine, 
originated at Freiburg. 

twin (twin), adj. double; closely re- 
sembling: n. one of two born at a 
birth — 

twine (twin), v.t. to twist; wind 
round; unite closely: v.i. to be close- 
ly united by twisting: n. a twist; 
strong thread. 

twinge (twinj), v.t. to affect with a 
sudden sharp pain; twitch: v.i. to 
suffer a twinge: n. a sudden sharp 
pain. 

twinkle (twingTd), n. a quick mo- 
tion of the eye; short, tremulous 
light; an instant: v.i. to open and 
shut the eyes rapidly; blink; shine 
with a tremulous, sparkling light; 
quiver. 

twirl (twerl), v.t. to move or turn 
round rapidly; whirl: v.i. to rotate 
rapidly: n. a quick, circular mo- 
tion; convolution. 

twist (twist), v.t. to unite or form 
by winding together; wind spirally; 
interlace; writhe or contort; cause 
to turn from a direct line: v.i. to be 
contorted; move in a curve: n. the 
act of twisting; convolution; man- 
ner of twisting; cord or thread; 
kind of tobacco roll. 

twit (twit), t t>.£. [p.t. & p.p. twitted, 
p.pr. twitting], to annoy by remind- 
ing of a fault, &c; upbraid. 

twitch (twich), v.t. to pull with a 
sudden jerk: v.i. to contract or move 
quickly or spasmodically: n. a sud- 
den jerk or pull; short spasmodic 
convulsion. 

twitter (twit'er), v.i. to make a suc- 


cession of small, tremulous sounds, 
as a bird; feel a tremulous, nervous 
motion: n. a small, tremulous noise; 
slight nervous agitation. 

two (too), adj. one and one: n. the 
number of one and one. 

two-step (tod-step), n. a dance in two- 
two time, the first step of each mea- 
sure, called a ' 'slide,' being longer 
than the second. 

tycoon (ti-koon'), n. the title for- 
merly assumed by the commander- 
in-chief of the Japanese army. 

tympanum (tim'pa-num), n. the 
membranous wall which separates 
the internal from the external ear; 
the drum of the ear 

type (tip), v.t. to typify; reproduce 
by a typewriter: n. an emblem, sign 
or symbol ; figure or design stamped 
on coin; distinguishing mark; gen- 
eral form or structure; original de- 
sign; a letter in metal or wood for 
printing from. Different sizes of 
printing types are indicated by dis- 
tinguishing names and by means of 
a unit of type measurement, which 
in the United States is one-twelfth 
of a pica. 

SIZES OF TYPE 

Brilliant = 3% point. 

Diamond = 4 or 4^ point. 

Pearl = 5 point. 

Agate = hy 2 point. 

Nonpareil = 6 point. 

Minion = 7 point. 

Brevier = 8 point. 

Bourgeois = 9 point. m 

Long primer = 10 point. 

Small pica = 11 point. 

Pica = 12 point. 

English = 14 point. 

Columbian = 16 point. 

Great primer = 18 point. 
typewriter (tip'ri-ter), n. a mechan- 
ical contrivance for producing let- 
ters by means of an inked ribbon 
and types; a typewriting : machine; 
an operator of a typewriting ma- 
chine. 
typhoid (ti'foid), adj. pertaining to, 
or like, typhus: n. an enteric fever 
occasioned by defective drains, &c. 
typhoon (ti-foon'), n. a violent torna- 
do in the Chinese and Japanese 
seas. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit : note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
35 hue, hut; think, then. 


TYPHUS 


548 


TZIGANY 


typhus (ti'fus), n. a contagious fever 
often occurring as an epidemic. 

typical (tip'i-kal), adj. figurative. 

typify (tip'i-fl), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. typified, 
p.pr. typifying], to represent by an 
image or emblem ; foreshadow. 

typist (tl'pist), n. one who operates 
a typewriting machine. 

typographical (tl-po-graf'i-kal), adj. 
pertaining to the art of printing. 
Also typographic. 

typography (tl-pog'ra-fi) , n. the art 
of printing. _ 

typtology (tip-tol'o-ji), n. the ex- 
planation or < interpretation of pre- 
sumed spirit messages or rap- 
pings. 

tyrannical (ti-ran'i-kal) , adj. pertain- 
ing to, or characteristic of, a ty- 
rant ; despotic ; cruel. 


tyrannize (tir'an-iz), v.i. to act like 
a tyrant; rule with oppressive se- 
verity. 

tyrannous (tir'an-us), adj. arbitrary; 
tyrannical. 

tyranny (tir'an-i), n. the government 
or conduct of a tyrant; severity; 
absolute monarchy imperiously ad- 
ministered. 

tyrant (tl'rant), n. an oppressor; des- 
pot. 

tyro (ti'ro), n. a beginner; novice. 

Tyrolese (tir-o-leV), adj. pertaining 
to the Tyrol or its natives. 

tyrotoxicon (ti-ro-tok'si-kon), n. a 
ptomaine poison found in decom- 
posed milk, cheese, ice-cream and 
like substances. 

Tzigany (tsig'a-ni), n. a Hungarian 
gipsy. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


u 


U, the twenty-first letter of the Eng- 
lish alphabet. It was developed by 
the Greeks to eke out the Phoenician 
alphabet for Hellenic use. In Latin 
U was the uncial and cursive form, 
while V was the capital. About 
1450 A.D. a distinction was made, 
when V represented the sound that 
we now give it, while U was the 
vowel; but for a time, the letters 
were used almost without recog- 
nition of their phonetic values. In 
English the original sound of U is 
that in rude, truth, &c, but it has also 
the values of yoo (as in educate), oo 
(as in rule), short (as in rub), or e (as 
in Turk) . As a symbol in chemistry, 
U represents the element uranium. 
ubiquitous (u-bik'wi-tus), adj. exist- 
ing everywhere; omnipresent. 
U-boat, n. a German submarine [Ger- 
man Unterseeboot, under-sea-boat.J 
udder (ud'er), n. the glandular organ 

of a mammal which secretes milk. 
ugh (uh), inter j. an exclamation of re- 
pugnance or disgust. 
ugliness (ug'li-nes), n. total absence 
of beauty; deformity, physical or 
moral, 
ugly (ug'li), adj. [comp. uglier, superl. 
ugliest], that which is offensive to 
the eye; deformed; morally repel- 
lent; ill-natured. 
uhlan (u 'Ian), n. one of a kind of light 
cavalry, or lancer, in the German 
army. 
ukase (u-kas'), n. a Russian imperial 

decree having the f©rce of a law. 
ulcer (ul'ser), n. a sore, attended with 

a secretion of pus. 
ulcerate (ul'ser-at), v.t to affect with 
an ulcer: v.i. to be formed into an 
ulcer. 
ulceration (ul-ser-a'shun) , n. the pro- 
cess of forming into an ulcer. 
ulcerous (ul'ser-us), adj. ulcer-like. 


ulna (ul'na), n. the larger of the two 
bones that form the fore-arm. 

ulnar (ul'ner), adj. pertaining to the 
ulna. 

ulster (ul'ster), n. a long, loose over- 
coat of coarse cloth. 

ulterior (ul-te'ri-er), adj. lying be- 
yond or on the further side; more 
distant ; beyond something else either 
expressed or implied. 

ultima (ul'ti-ma), n. the last syllable 
of a word. [Latin. 1 

ultimate (ul'ti-mat), adj. being the 
last; utmost; furthest; extreme; 
final. 

ultimatum (ul-ti-ma'tum) , n. [pi. 
ultimata, ultimatums (ul-ti-ma'ta, 
ul-ti-ma'tumz)], (final conditions of- 
fered as the basis of an agreement 
prior to the declaration of hostilities. 

ultimo (ul'ti-mo), adv. in the month 
preceding the present. 

ultra (ul'tra), adj. extreme._ 

ultramarine (ul-tra-ma-ren'), n. a 
beautiful, permanent, blue pigment, 
originally obtained from lapis-lazuli. 

ultramontane (ul-tra-mon'tan), adj. 
being beyond _ the mountains (the 
Alps); pertaining to, or character- 
istic of, ultramontanism. 

ululation (ul-u-la'shun), n. a howling 
like a dog. 

umbel (um'bel), n. a fan-like inflo- 
rescence radiating from a common 
center. 

umbelliferous (um-bel-if'er-us), adj. 
producing or bearing umbels. Um- 
bellate, umbellated. 
umber (um'ber), n. a brown pigment; 
the grayling: adj. of an olive-brown 
color. 
umbilicus (um-bil-i'kus), n. the navel 
of the human body ; a center. [Lat- 
in.] 
umbles (umlDlz), n.pl. a deer's en- 
trails. 
umbo (umTDo), n. the boss of a shield; 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met : mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book *, 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


UMBRA 


550 


UNCEASING 


point of a bivalve-shell immediately 
above the hinge. [Latin.] 

umbra (um'bra), n. the dark cone of 
shadow projected from a planet or 
satellite on the side opposite to the 
sun; the dark central part of a sun- 
spot. 

umbrage (um'braj), n. screen of trees 
or foliage; offense. 

umbrageous (um-bra/jus) , adj. shady. 

umbrella (um-breFa), n. a covered 
sliding frame carriea in the hand as 
a screen against the rain or sun. 

umlaut (oom'lout), n. the change of 
a vowel in one syllable through the 
influence of a vowel in the succeed- 
ing syllable. {German.^ 

umpire (um'pir), n. a third party to 
whom a dispute is referred for set- 
tlement; one chosen in a game to 
see that its rules are observed: v.i. 
to act as umpire ._ 

unabated (un-a-ba'ted), adj. not di- 
minished; not lowered. 

unable (un-a'bl), adj. not having suf- 
ficient strength, power or skill. 

unabridged (un-a-brijd'), adj. not 
shortened; complete; full. 

unacquainted (un-a-kwan'ted) , adj. 
not acquainted; having no knowl- 
edge of (followed by with). 

unadorned (un-a-dornd'), adj. not 
adorned; plain. 

unadulterated (un-a-dul'ter-a-ted) , 
adj. unmixed; without alloy; pure. 

unaffected (un-a-fek'ted), adj. simple 
in manner; not showy. 

unalloyed (un-a-loid'), adj. unmixed; 
pure. 

unanimity (u-na-nim'i-ti) , n. agree- 
ment in opinion. 

unanimous (ii-nan'i-mus) , adj. agree- 
ing in opinion. 

unanswerable (un-an'ser-a-bl) , adj. 
impossible to answer; conclusive. 

unapproachable (un-a-proch' a-bl), 
adj. that cannot he approached or 
attained. 

unarm (un-arm'), v.t. to disarm. 

unarrayed (un-a-rad'), adj. not 
dressed; not arranged. 

unassailable (un-a-sa'la-bl), adj. in- 
contestable. 

unassuming (un-a-sum'ing), adj. not 
forward or arrogant; modest. 

unattached (un-a-tachf), n. not at- 
tached. 


unattainable (un-a-tan'a-bl), adj. be- 
yond one's reach. 

unauthorized (un-aw'ther-izd) , adj. 
without authority, or lawful per- 
mission. 

unavailing (un-a-vaTing), adj. of no 
avail; useless. 

unavoidable (un-a-void' a-bl), adj. 
that may not be avoided; inevit- 
able. 

unawares (un-a-warz'), adv. unmind- 
fully. 

unbalanced (un-bal'anst) , adj. out 
of poise; mentally unsound. 

unbar (un-bar'), v.t. to remove a bar 
or hindrance from; to unfasten. 

unbearable (un-bar a-bl), adj. not to 
be tolerated. 

unbecoming (un-be-kum'ing) , adj. 
unsuited; unworthy of; not be- 
coming. 

unbelief (un-be-lef ') , n. skepticism. 

unbend (un-bend'), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. un- 
bent, p.pr. unbending], to free from 
flexure; relax; unfasten from the 
yards and spars : v.i. to become re- 
laxed; act with freedom or conde- 
scension. 

unbiased (un-bl'ast), adj. without 
prejudice; with no favor to one side 
or the other of two conflicting par- 
ties, or opinions. 

unbidden (un-bid'n), adj. not in- 
vited; not summoned. 

unbleached (un-blechf), adj. not 
bleached; yellow. 

unblemished < (un-blem'isht) , adj. 
without blemish; pure. 

unblushing _ (un - blush' ing), adj. 
shameless; impudent. 

unbolt (un-bolf), v.t. to unfasten; to 
open. 

unbosom (un-booz'um), v.t. to relieve 
by telling one's hidden thoughts. 

unbounded (un-bound'ed), adj. not 
limited. 

unbridled (un-bri'dld), adj. not re- 
strained; unruly. 

unbroken (un-bro'kn), adj. whole; 
unsubdued; undisturbed. 

uncalled (un-kawkT), adj. not called 
or invited. 

uncanny (un-kan'i), adj. weird; mys- 
terious; dangerous; unpropitious. 
[Scotch.] 

unceasing (un-se'sing), adj. continual; 
ceaseless. 


-ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


UNCERTAIN 


551 


UNDERGROUND 


uncertain (un-ser'tn), adj. change- 
able; doubtful; not sure. 

unchain (un-chan'), v.t. to free from 
chains or bondage. 

uncharitable (un-char'i-ta-bl), adj. 
harsh; censorious. 

unchaste (un-chasf), adj. immodest; 
not chaste. 

unchecked (un-chekf), adj. unhin- 
dered; not restrained. 

uncial (un'shal), adj. pertaining to a 
large round form of letters used in 
ancient manuscripts. 

uncivil (un-siv'il), adj. rude; dis- 
courteous. 

unclasp (un-klasp'), v.t. to loose the 
clasp of; to undo. 

uncle (ung'kl), n. the brother of one's 
father or mother; husband of one's 
aunt; pawnbroker. 

unclean (un-klen'), adj. not clean; 
sinful. 

uncomfortable (un-kum'for-ta-bl), 
adj. uneasy; awkwardly situated. 

uncommon (un-kom'un), adj. not 
common; unusual. 

uncompromising (un - kom'pro - mi- 
zing), adj. unyielding; obstinate. 

unconcerned (un-kon-sernd'), adj. 
not anxious; unsolicitous. 

unconditional (un-kon-dish' un-al), 
adj. absolute. 

unconquerable (un-kong' ker-a-bl), 
adj. that cannot be conquered. 

unconscionable (un-kon'shun-a-bl) , 
adj. out of all reason or expecta- 
tion. 

unconscious (un-kon'shus), adj. not 
conscious of self; not perceiving. 

unconstitutional (un - kon - sti - tu'- 
shun-al), adj. not authorized or con- 
trary to the constitution. 

uncontrollable (un-kon-trol'a-bl) , 
adj. not capable of being controlled. 

unconventional (un-kon-ven' shun- 
al), adj. not conventional; free in 
one's ways. 

uncouple (un-kup'l), v.t. to loose from 
being coupled; to disconnect. 

uncouth (un-kooth'), adj. awkward, 
clumsy, grotesque. 

uncover (un-kuv'er), v.t. to remove 
the cover of; to expose. 

uncrowned (un-krownd'), adj. not 
crowned. 

unction (ungk'shun), n. the act of 
anointing as a symbol of consecra- 


tion; ointment; anything soothing;, 
sham fervor or suavity. 

unctuous (ungk'shus), adj. oily;, 
soothing; lenitive; extremely bland. 

undaunted (un-dan'ted), adj. bold; 
intrepid. 

undecagon (un-dek'a-gon), n. a plane 
figure with eleven sides or eleven 
angles. 

undeceive (un-de-seV), v.t. to free 
from deception or mistake. 

undecennary (un-de-sen'a-ri), adj. 
eleventh; once in eleven years. Un- 
decennial. 

undecided (un-de-si'ded), adj. irreso- 
lute. 

undefiled (un-de-fild'), adj. spotless; 
unpolluted. 

undefined (un- de-find'), adj. not pre- 
cisely explained. 

undemonstrative (un-de-mon' stra- 
tiv), adj. not showing feeling openly; 
reserved. 

undeniable (un-de-ni'a-bl), adj. not 
to be denied; beyond a doubt. 

under (un'der), prev. beneath; sub- 
ordinate to; in subjection to; less 
than; during the time of. 

underbid (un-der-bid'), v.t. to offer 
less than, as at an auction. 

underbred (un-der-bred') , adj. lack- 
ing refinement. 

underbrush (un'der-brush), n. brush- 
wood or shrubs growing between 
trees; undergrowth. 

underclothes (un'der-klothz), n.pl. 
clothing worn under one's outer 
garments. 

undercurrent (un'der-kur-ent), n. a 
current below the surface of water;, 
any influence or feeling not apparent 
on the surface. 

undercut (un-der-kut'), v.t. to cut 
under; to strike a heavy blow up- 
ward. 

underestimate (un-der-es'ti-mat), v.t. 
to set too low a value on. 

underfed (un-der-fed'), adj. not suffi- 
ciently nourished. 

undergo (un-der-go'), v.t. to pass 
through or experience; suffer. 

undergraduate (un-der-grad'ii-at) , n. 
a member of a university who has 
not taken his first degree. 

underground (un'der-ground), adj. 
situated below the surface of the 
ground. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


UNDERHAND 


552 


UNEASINESS 


underhand (un-der-hand') , adj. done 
by meanness or fraud; clandestine. 

underlie (un-der-li'), v.t. to lie be- 
neath ; to be liable to. 

underline (un-der-lln'), v.t. to draw a 
line under. 

underling (un'der-ling), n. an in- 
ferior; a subordinate. 

undermine (un-der-min') , v.t. to 
weaken the base; to sap secretly. 

underneath (un-der-neth'), adv. be- 
neath; below. 

underpay (un-der-pa'), v.t. to give 
insufficient wages to. 

underpin (un-der-pin'), v.t. to support 
underneath; to prop. 

underrate (un-der-ra^')> v.t. to under- 
estimate. 

undersign (un-der-sln'), v.t. to write 
or sign one's name under or at the 
foot of. 

understand (un-der-stand'), v.t. to 
perceive by the mind; be informed 
of; assume or imply; know by ex- 
perience: v.i. to have understanding; 
be informed. 

understanding (un-der-stand'ing) , n. 
the rational faculties; intellect; in- 
telligence; wisdom; skill. 

understudy (un'der-stud-i), n. an 
actor who studies a role so that he 
may take the place of the actor play- 
ing it, if necessary. 

undertake (un-der-tak') , v.t. [p.t. & 
p.p. undertook, p.pr. undertaking], to 
take under one's management; as- 
sume; attempt; answer for: v.i. to 
take upon one's self; guarantee. 

undertaker (un'der-tak-er), n. one 
who undertakes to perform any office 
or business; one who manages 
funerals. 

undertaking (un-der-tak'ing) , n. any 
business or project a p-erson engages 
to perform. 

undertone (un'der-ton), n. a low tone 
or color. 

undertow (un'der-to), n. the flow of 
water in a direction opposite to the 
surface current. 

undervalue (un-der-va.l'u), v.t. to 
value below the real worth; to es- 
teem lightly. 

under- world (un' der - werld), n. 
Hades; the lower classes of society. 

underwrite (un-der-rif), v.t. [p.t. 
underwrote, p.p. underwritten, p.pr. 


underwriting], to subscribe one's 
name to for insurance; to follow the 
calling of an underwriter. 

underwriter (un'der-rit-er), n. one 
who insures, as subscriptions to 
stocks, bonds, etc., or shipping. 

underwriting (un'der-rlt-ing), n. the 
calling of an underwriter; insur- 
ance. 

undesirable (un-de-zi'ra-bl), adj. not 
to be wished for. 

undignified (un-dig'ni-fid), adj. not 
consistent with dignity. 

undo (un-doo'), v.t. to reverse what 
has been done; to open. 

undress (un-dres'), v.t. to disrobe; to 
strip: n. (un'dres), a loose dress; the 
dress worn by soldiers when off duty : 
adj. pertaining to ordinary dress as 
opposed to uniform. 

undue (un-du'), adj. improper; ex- 
cessive; not legal. 

undulate (un'du-lat), v.t. & v.i. to 
wave, or move like waves; vibrate. 

undulation (un-du-la/shun), n. a 
waving motion or vibration. 

undulatory (un'du-la-to-ri), adj. un- 
dulating; vibratory. 

unduly (un-du'li), adv. not according 
to duty or propriety nor in proper 
proportion; excessively. 

undurable (un-du 'ra-bl), adj. not 
durable; not lasting. 

undutiful (un-du 'ti-fool), adj. not 
obedient; not performing duty. 

undying (un-di'ing), adj. not dying; 
not perishing; not subject to death; 
immortal. 

unearned (un-ernd'), adj. not merited 
by labor or services; thus the late 
Henry George spoke of "the un- 
earned increment, "meaning that val- 
ue which comes to real estate from 
the general activity and enterprise 
of the neighboring population, while 
the owner of the _ real estate may 
have had no share in this activity or 
process of enrichment. 

unearth (un-erth'), v.t. to drive from 
the earth; to uncover, as a fox. 

unearthly (un-erth 'li), adj. not ter- 
restrial. 

uneasily (un-e'zi-li) , adv. with uneasi- 
ness or pain; with difficulty; not 
readily. 

uneasiness (un-e'zi-nes) , n. a moderate 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


UNEASY 


553 


UNEXERCISED 


degree of pain; restlessness; want of 
ease; disquiet. 

uneasy (un-e'zi), adj. feeling some 
degree of pain; restless; disturbed; 
unquiet; giving some pain; as, an 
uneasy garment; disturbed in mind; 
somewhat anxious: unquiet. 

uneatable (un-e'ta-bl), adj. not eat- 
able; not fit to be eaten. 

uneaten (un-e'tn), adj. not eaten; not 
devoured. 

uneclipsed (un-e-klipst'), adj. not 
eclipsed; not obscured. 

unedifying (un-ed'i-fl-ing), adj. not 
edifying; not improving to the 
mind. 

uneducated (un-ed'ti-ka-ted), adj. not 
educated; illiterate. 

uneffaced (un-ef-fasf), adj. not ef- 
faced; not obliterates, 

unemancipated (un - e - man'ci - pa- 
ted), adj. not emancipated or lib- 
erated from slavery. 

unembarrassed (un-em-bar'rast), adj. 
not embarrassed; not perplexed in 
mind; not confused; free from pecu- 
niary difficulties or encumbrances; 
free from perplexing connection. 

unemotional (un-e-mo'shun-al), adj. 
not emotional; not readily giving 
way to feeling. 

unemphatic (un-em-fat'ik), adj. hav- 
ing no emphasis. 

unemployed (un-em-ploid'), adj. not 
employed ; not occupied ; not busy ; at 
leisure; not engaged; not being in 
use ; as, unemployed capital or money. 

unending (un-end'ing) /ari;. having ho 
end; everlasting; eternal. 

unendowed (un-en-doud'), adj. not 
endowed; not furnished; not in- 
vested; not furnished with funds. 

unendurable (un-en-dii'ra-bl), adj. 
not to be endured; intolerable. 

unenervated (un-en'er-va-ted), adj. 
not enervated or weakened. 

unengaged (un-en-gajd'), adj. See 
disengaged. 

un-English (un-ing'glish), adj. not 
English. 

unenlightened (un-en-lit'nd), adj. 
not enlightened; not illuminated. 

unentangled (un-en-tang'gld), adj. 
See disentangled. 

unenterprising (un-en'ter-priz-ing) , 
adj. not enterprising; indolent; slug- 
gish. 


unenumerated (un-e-nu'mer-a-ted). 
adj. not numbered; not includea 
among enumerated articles. 

unenviable (un-en'vi-a-bl), adj. not 
enviable; not an object of envy. 

unenvied (un-en'vid), adj. not envied; 
exempt from the envy of others. 

unequal (un-e'kwal), adj. not equal; 
not even; not of the same size, length, 
breadth, quantity; not equal in 
strength, talents, acquirements; not 
equal in age or station; inferior; in- 
sufficient; inadequate; not uniform; 
disproportionate. 

unequaled (un-e'kwald), adj. not to 
be equaled; unparalleled: unrivaled. 

unequipped (un-e-kwipt ), adj. not 
equipped. 

unequivocal (un-e-kwiv'o-kal), adj. 
not equivocal; not doubtful; clear; 
evident; not ambiguous nor of doubt- 
ful signification; not admitting dif- 
ferent interpretations. 

uneradicable (un-e-rad'i-ka-bl), adj. 
not to be eradicated; that cannot be 
eradicated. 

unerring (un-er'ing), adj. committing 
no mistake ; incapable of error ; infal- 
lible. 

unessential (un-es-sen'shal), adj. not 
essential; not absolutely necessary;, 
not of prime importance; not con- 
stituting the essence._ 

unevaporated (un-e-vap'or-a-ted), 
adj. not evaporated. 

uneven (un-e vn), adj. not even; not 
level; not equal; not of equal length. 

unevenness (un-e'vn-nes), n. surface 
not level; inequality of surface. 

uneventful (un-e-vent'fool), adj. not 
eventful. 

unexaggerated (un-egz-aj ' er-a-ted) ,, 
adj. not exaggerated. 

unexampled (un-egz-am'pld), adj. 
having no example or similar case; 
having no precedent; unprecedented;, 
unparalleled. 

unexceptionable (un-ek-sep 'shun-a- 
bl), adj. not liable to any exception 
or objection; unobjectionable. 

unexecuted (un-eks'e-kii-ted), adj. 
not performed; not done; as, a task, 
business, or project unexecuted,. 

unexemplary (un-egz'em-pla-ri), adj. 
not exemplary; not according to 
example. 

unexercised (un-eks'er-sizd), adj. not 


wee, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


UNEXPECTED 


554 


UNFINISHED 


exercised; not practiced; not dis- 
ciplined; not experienced. 

unexpected (un-ek-spek'ted), adj. not 
expected; not looked for sudden; not 
provided against. 

unexpectedly (un-ek-spek'ted -li), adv. 
at a time or in a manner not expected 
or looked for; suddenly. 

unexpended (un-ek-spen'ded), adj. 
not expended; not laid out. 

unexpired (un-ek-splrd'), adj. not 
expired; not ended. 

unexplained (un-ek-spland'), adj. not 
explained; not interpreted; not il- 
lustrated. 

unexplored (un-ek-splord'), adj. not 
explored; not searched or examined 
by the eye ; unknown. 

unexplosive (un-ek-spl5'siv), adj. not 
explosive. 

unexpressed (un-ek-spresf), adj. not 
expressed j not mentioned or named; 
not exhibited. 

unfading (un-fad'ing), adj. not liable 
to lose strength or freshness of col- 
oring. 

unfailing (un-fal'ing), adj. not liable 
to fail; not capable of being ex- 
hausted. 

unfair (un-far'), adj. not honest; not 
impartial; disingenuous; using trick 
or artifice. 

unfairly (un-far 'li), adv. not in a just 
or equitable manner. 

unfairness (un-far'nes), n. dishonest 
or disingenuous conduct or practice; 
use of trick or artifice. 

unfaithful (un-fath'fool), adj. not 
observant of promises, vows, alle- 
giance, or duty; violating trust or 
confidence; treacherous; perfidious; 
negligent of duty. 

unfaithfulness (un-fath'fool-nes), n. 
neglect or violation of vows, prom- 
ises, allegiance, or other duty; breach 
of confidence or trust reposed; per- 
fidiousness; treachery. 

unfaltering (un-fawl'ter-ing), adj. not 
faltering; not failing; not hesi- 
tating. 

unfamiliar (un-fa-mil'yar), adj. not 
accustomed; not common; not ren- 
dered agreeable by frequent use. 

unfamiliarity (un-fa-mil-yar'i-ti), n. 
want of familiarity. 

unfashionable (un-fash'un-a-bl), adj. 


not fashionable; not according to 
the prevailing mode. 

unfashionably (un-fash'un-a-bli), adv. 
not according to the fashion. 

unfasten (un-fas'tn), v.t. to loose; to 
unfix; to unbind; to untie. 

unfatherly (un-fa'f/ier-li), adj. not 
becoming a father; unkind. 

unfathomable (un-fa^'um-a-bl), adj. 
that cannot be sounded by a line. 

unfathomed (un-fa^'umd), adj. not 
sounded; not to be sounded. 

unfavorable (un-fa'ver-a-bl), adj. not 
favorable; not propitious; not dis- 
posed or adapted to countenance or 
support; not propitious; not adapted 
to promote any object; not kind; 
not obliging; discouraging. 

unf earing (un-fer'ing), adj. not fear- 
ing. 

unfeatured (un-fe'turd), adj. wanting 
regular features; deformed. 

unfed (un-fed'), adj. not fed; not sup- 
plied with food. 

unfeeling (un-fel'ing), adj. insensible; 
void of sensibility; cruel; hard. 

unfeigned (un-fand'), adj. not feigned ; 
not counterfeit; not hypocritical; 
real; sincere. 

unfelt (un-felf), adj. not felt; not per- 
ceived. 

unfenced (un-fensf), adj. deprived of 
a fence; not fenced; not inclosed; 
defenseless. 

unfermented (un-fer-men'ted), adj. 
not fermented; not having undergone 
the process of fermentation; as 
liquor; not leavened; as bread. 

unfertile (un-fer'til), adj. not fertile; 
not rich; not having the qualities 
necessary to the production of good 
crops ; barren ; unfruitful ; bare ; 
waste. 

unfetter (un-fet'er), v.t. to loose from 
fetters; to unchain; to unshackle; to 
free from restraint; to set at liberty. 

unfettered (un-fet'erd), adj. un- 
chained; unshackled; freed from 
restraint; not restrained. 

unfilial (un-fil'yal), adj. unsuitable to 
a son or child; undutiful; not be- 
coming a child. 

unfilled (un-fild'), adj. not filled; not 
fully supplied. 

unfinished (un-fin'isht), adj. not 
finished; not complete; not brought 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met : mite, mit : note, north, not ; boon, book 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


UNFIT 


555 


UNGENEROUS 


to an end; imperfect; wanting the 
last hand or touch. 

unfit (un-fif), adj. not fit; improper; 
unsuitable: unqualified. 

unfit (un-fit ), v.t. to disable; to make 
unsuitable; to deprive of the 
strength, skill, or proper qualities 
for anything. 

unfitly (un-fit'li), adv. not properly; 
unsuitably. 

unfitness (un-fit'nes), n. want of suit- 
able powers or qualifications, physi- 
cal or moral; as, the unfitness of a 
sick man for labor, or of an ignorant 
man for office. 

unfitted (un-fit'ed), p.p. rendered un- 
suitable; disqualified. 

unfitting; (un-fit 'ing), p.pr. rendering 
unsuitable; disqualifying; improper; 
unbecoming. 

unflagging: (un-flag'ing), adj. not 
flagging or drooping; retaining 
strength. 

unflattering (un-flat'ter-ing), adj. not 
flattering; not gratifying with ob- 
sequious behavior; not coloring the 
truth to please; not affording a 
favorable prospect; as, the weather 
is unflattering. 

unflinching (un-flinsh'ing), adj. not 
flinching; not shrinking; determined. 

unfold (un-fokT), v.t. to open folds; 
to expand; to spread out; to open 
anything covered or close; to lay 
open to view or contemplation; to 
disclose; to reveal; to declare; to tell; 
to disclose; to display. 

unforbidden (un-for-bid'n), adj. not 
forbid; not prohibited; allowed; per- 
mitted; legal. 

unforced (un-forsf), adj. not forced; 
not compelled; not constrained; not 
urged or impelled; not feigned; not 
heightened; natural; easy. 

unforcible (un-for'si-bl), adj. wanting 
force or strength. 

unfordable (un-ford'a-bl), adj. not 
fordable; that cannot be forded, 
or passed by wading. 

unforeseen (un-for-sen'), adj. not 
foreseen; not foreknown. 

unforgetful (un-for-get'fool), adj. not 
forgetful. 

unforgivable (un-for-giv'a-bl), adj. in- 
capable of being forgiven. 

unforgotten (un-for-got'n), adj. not 
forgot; not lost to memory. 


unformed (un-formd'), adj. decom- 
posed or resolved into parts; not 
molded into regular shape. 

unforsaken (un-for-sak'n), adj. not 
forsaken' not deserted; not entirely 
neglected. 

unfortified (un-for'ti-fld), adj. not 
fortified; not secured from attack 
by walls or mounds; not guarded; 
not strengthened against tempta- 
tions or trials. 

unfortunate (un-for'tu-nat), adj. not 
successful; not prosperous. 

unf ought (un-fawf), adj. not fought. 

unfounded (un-foun'ded), adj. not 
founded; not built or established; 
having no foundation; vain; idle. 

unframed (un - framd' ), adj. not 
formed; not constructed; not fash- 
ioned. 

unfrequented (un-fre-kwen'ted), adj. 
rarely visited; seldom resorted to by 
human beings. 

unfriendliness (un-frend'li-nes), n. 
want of kindness; disfavor. 

unfriendly (un-frend'li), adj. not 
friendly ; not kind or benevolent ; not 
favorable; not adapted to promote 
or support any object. 

unfrock (un-frok'), v.t. to divest of a 
gown; to silence a priest. 

unfruitful (un-froot'fool), adj. not 
producing fruit; barren; not pro- 
ducing offspring; not prolific; bar- 
ren; not producing good effects or 
works; unproductive; not fer- 
tile. 

unfulfilled (un-fool-fild'), adj. not ful- 
filled; not accomplished; as, a proph- 
ecy or prediction. 

unfurl (un-ferl'), adj. to loose and un- 
fold; to expand; to open or spread. 

unfurnished (un - fer' nisht), adj. 
stripped of furniture; degarnished; 
unsupplied with necessaries or orna- 
ments. 

ungainly (un-gan'li), adj. not expert 
or dextrous; clumsy; awkward; un- 
couth. 

ungalled (un-gawld'), adj. unhurt; not 
galled. 

ungarrisoned (un-gar'i-sund), adj.. 
not garrisoned; not furnished with 
troops for defense. 

ungear (un-ger'), v.t. to unharness; 
to strip of gear. 

ungenerous (un-jen'er-us), adj. not 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


UNGENTLEMANLY 


556 


UNHEALTHFUL 


of a noble mind; not liberal; igno- 
minious. 

ungentlemanly (un-jen'tl-man-li), 
adj. not becoming a gentleman. 

ungifted (un-gift'ed), adj. not gifted; 
not endowed with peculiar facul- 
ties. 

ungilded (un-gild'ed), adj. not gilt; 
not overlaid with gold. 

ungird (un-gerd'), v.t. to loose from a 
girdle or band; to unbind. 

ungirt (un-gert'), adj. unbound; loose- 
ly dressed. 

unglaze (un-glaz'), v.t. to strip of 
glass; to remove the glass from 
windows. 

unglazed (un-glazd'), adj. destitute 
of glass; not furnished with glass: 
wanting glass windows; not covered 
with vitreous matter. 

ungloved (un-gluvd'), adj. without 
glove or gloves. 

ungodliness (un-god'li-nes), n. im- 
piety; wickedness; disregard of God 
and his commands, and neglect of 
his worship; or any positive act of 
disobedience or irreverence. 

ungodly (un-god'li), adj. wicked; im- 
pious; neglecting the fear and wor- 
ship of God, or violating his com- 
mands. 

ungovernable (un-guv'ern-a-bl), adj. 
that cannot be governed; that can- 
not be ruled or restrained.. 

ungoverned (un-guv'ernd), adj. not 
being governed; not subjected to 
laws or principles; not restrained or 
regulated; unbridled: licentious. 

ungowned (un-gound ), adj. not hav- 
ing or not wearing a gown. 

ungraceful (un-gras'fool), adj. not 
graceful; not marked with ease and 
dignity; wanting beauty and ele- 
gance. 

ungracious (un-gra/shus), adj. wicked; 
odious; hateful; offensive; unpleas- 
ing. 

ungrammatical (un-gram-at'i-kal), 
adj. not according to the established 
and correct rules of grammar. 

ungrateful (un-grat'fool), adj. not 
grateful; not feeling thankful for 
favors ; not making returns, or mak- 
ing ill returns for kindness; making 
no returns for culture; unpleasing; 
unacceptable. 

ungratified (un-grat'i-fid), adj. not 


gratified; not compensated; not 
pleased; not indulged. 

ungrounded (un-ground'ed), adj. 
without ground or basis; unreal; 
false. 

ungual (ung'gwal), adj. a term ap- 
plied to such bones of the feet as 
nave attached to them a nail, claw, 
or hoof. [Latin.] 

unguarded (un-gard'ed), adj. not 
guarded; not watched; not defended; 
having no guard; careless; negligent; 
not attentive to danger; not cau- 
tious; negligently said or done; not 
done or spoken with caution. 

unguent (un'gwent), n. ointment; a 
soft composition used as a topical 
remedy, as for sores, burns, and the 
like. An unguent is stiffer than a 
liniment, but softer than a cerate. 
[Latin.] 

unguided (un-gid'ed), adj. not guided; 
not led or conducted; not regulated. 

unhallowed (un-hal' od), adj. pro- 
faned; deprived of its sacred char- 
acter; profane; unholy; impure; 
wicked. 

unhand (un-hand'), v.t. to loose from 
the hand; to let go. 

unhandled (un-han'dld), adj. not 
handled; not treated; not touched. 

unhanged (un-hangd'), adj. not hung 
or hanged ; not punished dv hanging. 

unhtappiness (un-hap'i-nes), n. mis- 
fortune; ill luck; infelicity; misery. 

unhappy (un-hap'i), adj. unfortunate; 
unlucky; not nappy; in a degree 
miserable or wretched. 

unharassed (un-har'ast), adj. not 
harassed; not vexed or troubled. 

unhardened (un-hard'nd), adj. not 
hardened; not indurated.; as metal; 
not hardened; not made obdurate. 

unharmed (un-harmd'), adj. unhurt; 
uninjured; unimpaired. 

unh armful (un-harm'fool), adj. not 
doing harm; harmless: innoxious. 

unharness (un-har'nes), v.t. to strip 
of harness; to loose from harness or 
gear; to disarm; to divest of armor. 

unhatched (un-hatchf), adj. not 
hatched; not having left the egg; not 
matured and brought to light; not 
disclosed. 

unheal thfui (un-helth'fool), adj. not 
healthful; injurious to health; in- 
salubrious; unwholesome; noxious; 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, n6rth, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


UNHEALTHINESS 


557 


UNIMPRESSIVE 


abounding with sickness or disease; 
sickly. 

unhealthiness (un-helth'i-nes), n. 
want of health; habitual weakness 
or indisposition; unsoundness; want 
of vigor; unfavorableness to health. 

unhealthy (un-helth'i), adj. wanting 
health; wanting a sound and vigor- 
ous state of body; habitually weak 
or indisposed; unsound; wanting 
vigor of growth; sickly; abounding 
with disease; insalubrious; unwhole- 
some; adapted to generate diseases; 
morbid; not indicating health. 

unheard (un-herd'), adj. not heard; 
not perceived by the ear; not ad- 
mitted to audience; not known in 
fame; not celebrated. 

unheated (un-het'ed), adj. not heated; 
not made hot. 

unheeded _(un - hed' ed), adj. not 
heeded; disregarded; neglected. 

unheedful (un-hed'fool), adj. not 
cautious; inattentive; careless. 

unhelmed (un-helmd'j, adj. deprived 
of a helm; having no helm. 

unhelmeted (un-hel'met-ed), adj. de- 
prived or destitute of a helmet. 

unhelpful (un-help'fool), adj. afford- 
ing no aid. 

unheroic (un-he-ro'ik), adj. not heroic; 
not brave. 

unhesitating (un-hez'i-tat-ing), adj. 
not hesitating; not remaining in 
doubt; prompt; ready. 

unhewn (urn-nun'), adj. not hewn; 
rough. 

unhindered (un-hin'derd), adj. not 
hindered; not opposed; exerting it- 
self freely. 

unhinge (un-hinj'), v.t. to take from 
the hinges; to displace; to unfix by 
violence; to loosen; to render un- 
stable or wavering. 

unholy (un-ho'li), adj. not holy; not 
renewed and sanctified; profane; not 
hallowed; not consecrated; common; 
impious; wicked; not ceremonially 
purified. 

unhook (un-hook'), v.t. to loose from 
a hook. 

unhoped (un-hopf), adj. not hoped 
for; not so probable as to excite hope. 

unhorse (un-hors'), v.t. to throw from 
horse; to cause to dismount. 

unhurt (un-hert'), adj. not hurt* not 
harmed; free from wound or injury. 


unicorn (u'ni-korn), n. an animal with 
one horn; the unicorn, in heraldry, 
is the fabulous unicorn, represented 
with the figure of a horse and a single 
horn issuing from its forehead. 

unicycle (u-ni-si'kl), n. an acrobat's 
cycle having but one wheel. 

uniform (u'ni-form), adj. having al- 
ways the same form or manner; not 
variable; of the same form with 
others; consonant; agreeing with 
each other; conforming to one rule 
or mode; having the same degree or 
state. 

uniform, n. a dress of the same kind, 
by which persons are purposely- 
assimilated who belong to the same 
body, whether military, naval, or 
any other. 

uniformity (u-ni-form'i-ti), n. con- 
formity to a pattern or rule; resem- 
blance. 

unify (u'ni-fi), v_.t. to make into one. 

unigeniture (u-ni-jen'i-tur), n. the 
state of being the only begotten. 

unilateral (u-ni-lat'er-al), adj. being 
on one side or party only; having one 
side. 

unimaginable (un-i-maj'i-na-bl), adj. 
not to be imagined; not to be con- 
ceived. 

unimaginative (un-i-maj' i-na-tiv), 
adj. not imaginative^ 

unimagined (un-i-maj 'ind), adj. not- 
imagined; not conceived. 

unimpaired (im-im-pard'), adj. not 
impaired; not diminished; not en- 
feebled by time or injury. 

unimpassioned (un-im-pash'und), 
adj. not endowed with passions; 
calm; not violent. 

unimpeachable (un-im-pech'a-bl), 
adj. that cannot be impeached; that 
cannot be accused; free from stain, 
guilt, or fault. 

unimpeached (un-im-pecht'), adj. 
not impeached; not charged or ac- 
cused; fair. 

unimpeded (un-im-ped'ed), adj. not 
impeded; not hindered. 

unimportant (un-im-por'tant), adj. 
not important; not of great mo- 
ment. 

unimposing (un-im-poz'ing), adj. not 
imposing; not commanding respect. 

unimpressive (un-im-pres'iv), adj* 
not impressive; not forcible; not 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met : mite, mit : note, north, not ; boon, book ;. 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


UNIMPROVED 


558 


UNITE 


adapted to affect or awaken the 
passions. 

unimproved (un-im-proovd'), adj 
not improved; not made better or 
wiser; not advanced in knowledge, 
manners, or excellence. 

unincumbered (un-in-kum'berd), adj. 
not encumbered; not burdened. 

uninfluenced (un-in'flu-ensd), adj. 
not influenced; not persuaded or 
moved by others, or by foreign con- 
siderations; not biased; acting 
freely. 

uninfluential (un-in-flu-en'shal), adj. 
not having influence. 

uninformed (un-in-formd'), adj. not 
informed; not instructed; untaught. 

uninhabited (un-in-hab'i-ted), adj. 
not inhabited by men; having no 
inhabitants. 

uninjured (un-in'jo5rd), adj. not in- 
jured; not hurt; suffering no harm. 

uninspired (un-in-spird'), adj. not 
having received any supernatural 
instruction or illumination. 

uninsured (un-in-shurd'), adj. not 
insured; not assured against lo_ss. 

unintellectual (un-in-tel-ekt 'ti-al) , 
adj. not intellectual. 

unintelligent (un-in-teri-jent), adj. 
not having reason or consciousness; 
not possessing understanding. 

unintelligible (un-in-teri-ji-bl), adj. 
not intelligible; that cannot be un- 
derstood. 

unintended (un-in-tend'ed), adj. not 
intended; not designed. 

unintentional (un-in-ten 'shun-al) , 
adj. not intentional; not designed; 
done or happening without design. 

uninterested (un-in'ter-est-ed), adj. 
not interested; not having any in- 
terest or property in; having nothing 
at stake. 

uninteresting (un-in'ter-est-ing), adj. 
not capable of exciting an interest, 
or of engaging the mind or pas- 
sions. 

uninterrupted (un-in-ter-rupt'ed), 
adj. not interrupted; not broken; 
not disturbed by intrusion or avoca- 
tion. 

uninured (un-in-urd'), adj. not in- 
ured; not hardened by use or prac- 
tice. 

uninvested (un-in-vest'ed), adj. not 
invested; not converted into some 


species of property less fleeting than 
money. 

uninvited (un-in-vit'ed), adj. not in- 
vited; not requested; not solicit- 
ed. 

uninviting (un-in-vlt'ing), adj. not 
inviting. 

union (un'yun), n. the act of joining 
two or more things into one, or the 
junction or coalition of things thus 
united; a trades-union. See trades- 
union. The junction or united 
existence of spirit and matter; among 
painters, a symmetry and agreement 
between the several parts of a paint- 
ing; in architecture, harmony be- 
tween the colors in the materials of 
a building; States united, as the 
United States of America are called 
the Union. In the flag of the United 
States, a square portion at the upper 
left-hand corner, in which the stars 
are united on a blue ground, denoting 
the union of the States. 

unionism (un'yun-izm),?i. see trades- 
unionism. . 

Union-jack (un'yun-jak) , n. the device 
emblematic of union, which in a com- 
plete national flag occupies the upper 
left-hand corner, used alone as a flag. 

unique (u-nekO, adj. sole; unequaled; 
single in its kind or excellence. 
[French.] 

unison (u'ni-sn), n. in music, an ac- 
cordance of sounds proceeding from 
an equality in the number of vibra- 
tions made in a given time by a 
sonorous body. Sounds of very 
different qualities and force may be 
in unison : as the sound of a bell may 
be in unison with a sound of a flute. 
Unison then consists in sameness of 
degree, or similarity in jespect to 
gravity or acuteness 

unit (u'nit), n. one; a word which de- 
notes a single thing % or person; the 
least whole number; in mathematics, 
any known determinate quantity, 
by the constant repetition of which, 
any other quantity of the same kind 
is measured. 

Unitarian (u-ni-ta'ri-an), n. one who 
denies the doctrine of the Trinity, 
and ascribes divinity to God the 
Father only. 

unite (u-nir), v.t. to put together or 
join two or more things, which make 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, nCrth, not ; boon, book ,* 
hue, hut; think, then. 


UNITE 


559 


UNPLACED 


one compound or mixture; to join; 
to connect in a near relation or alli- 
ance. 

unite, v.i. to join in an act; to concur; 
to act in concert; to coalesce; to be 
cemented or consolidated; to com- 
bine; to grow together, as the parts 
of a wound. 

united (u-nlt'ed), adj. joined; made 
to agree; cemented; mixed; attached 
by growth. 

unity (u'ni-ti), n. the state of being 
one; oneness. Unity may consist 
of a simple substance or existing 
being, as the soul; but usually it 
consists in a close junction of parti- 
cles or parts, constituting a Dody 
detached from other bodies. Unity 
is a thing undivided itself, but sep- 
arate from every other thing; con- 
cord; conjunction; agreement; uni- 
formity. 

univalve (u'ni-valv), adj. having only 
one valve or shell: n. a mollusk 
whose shell is composed of a single 
piece. 

universal (u-ni-ver'sal), adj. in logic, 
a universal is complex or incomplex. 
A complex universal is either a uni- 
versal proposition, as "every whole 
is greater than its parts," or what- 
ever raises a manifold conception in 
the mind, as the definition of a rea- 
sonable animal. An incomplex uni- 
versal is what produces one concep- 
tion only in the mind, and is a 
simple thing respecting many. 

universe (u'ni-vers), n. the collective 
name of heaven and earth and all 
that belongs to them; the whole 
system of created things. 

university (u-ni-ver'si-ti), n. an as- 
semblage of colleges established in 
any place, with professors for in- 
structing students in the sciences 
and other branches of learning, and 
where degrees are conferred. A 
university is properly a universal 
school, in which are taught all 
branches of learning in the various 
faculties of theology, medicine, law, 
political science, engineering, and 
the arts. 

unjust (un-jusf), adj. not just; 
partial. 

unkempt (un-kempf) , adj. uncombed; 
rough. 


unkind (un-klnd'), adj. not kind; 
harsh; severe. 

unlawful (un-law'fool), adj. not ac- 
cording to law. 

unlearned (un-lernd'), adj. ignorant; 
illiterate. 

unless (un-les'), conj. except; if not. 

unlike (un-llk'), adj. not like; having 
no resemblance. 

unlikelihood (un-llk'li-hood), ft. im- 
probability. 

unlikely (un-llk'li), adj. not likely; 
improbable. 

unlimited (un-lim'i-ted), adj. not 
limited; boundless. 

unlock (un-lok'), v.t. to unfasten what 
is locked; to open. 

unloose (un-loos'), v.t. to make loose; 
to set free. 

unlucky (un-luk'i), adj. not fortunate; 
ill-omened. 

unman (un-man'), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. un- 
manned, p.pr. unmanning], to de- 
prive of courage or fortitude; emas- 
culate. 

unmanageable (un-man'aj-a-bl), adj. 
not easily controlled or directed. 

unmannerly (un-man'er-li), adj. ill- 
bred. 

unmarried (un-mar'id), adj. not 
married; single. 

unmeaning (un-men'ing), adj. having 
no meaning; senseless. 

unmentionable (un-men'shun-a-bl), 
adj. unworthy of mention. 

unmitigated (un-mit'i-ga-ted), adj. 
not abated' having full force. 

unmoved (un-moovd'), adj. not 
moved; firm; cclm. 

unnatural (un-nat'u-ral), adj. not ac- 
cording to nature. 

unnecessary (un-nes'e-sa-ri), adj. not 
essential; useless. 

unnerve (un-nerv'), v.t. to deprive of 
strength or power; weaken. 

unobj ectionable (un-ob-j ek'shun-a- 
bl), adj. not liable to objection. 

unobservant (un-ob-zer'vant), adj. 
inattentive. 

unobtrusive (un-ob-troo'siv), adj. not 
obtrusive or forward. 

unparalleled (un-par'a-leld), adj. 
without parallel or precedent. 

unplaced (un-plasf), adj. not placed; 
not holding a governmental office; 
not among the first three at the end 
of a race. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut : think, then. 


UNPLEASANT 


560 


UNSETTLE 


unpleasant (un-plez'ant), adj. not 
pleasant; disagreeable. 

unpopular (un-pop'u-lar), adj. dis- 
liked by the people. 

unprecedented (un-pre'se-den-ted) , 
adj. without precedent; unparal- 
leled in the past. 

unprejudiced (un-prej'u-dist), adj. 
not prejudiced; impartial ._ 

unpremeditated (un-pre-med'i-ta- 
ted), adj. not planned before- 
hand. 

unprepared (un-pre-pard'), adj. with- 
out preparation. 

unprepossessing (un-pre-po-zes'ing) , 
adj. not pleasing; not winning. 

unpretentious (un-pre-ten'shus), adj. 
not making pretense; modest. 

unprincipled (un-prin'si-pld), adj. 
without settled principles; unscru- 
pulous. 

unproductive (un-pro-duk'tiv), adj. 
not productive; inefficient. 

unprofessional (un-pro-fesh' un-al), 
adj. haying no profession; exceeding 
professional limits; contrary to the 
rules or ethics of a particular pro- 
fession. 

unprofitable (un-prof'i-ta-bl), adj. 
not profitable; serving no purpose. 

unpropitious (un-pro-pish'us), adj. 
not propitious; inauspicious. 

unprovoked (un-pro-vokf), adj. not 
having received provocation; un- 
called for. 

unpublished (un-pub'lisht), adj. not 
made public: secret. 

unqualified (un-kwol'i-fld), adj. in- 
competent; unrestricted. 

unquenchable (un-kwen'sha-bl), adj. 
that cannot be quenched or extin- 
guished. 

unquestionable (un-kwes'chun-a-bl) , 
adj. not to be questioned. 

unravel (un-rav'l), v.t. to separate; to 
unfold or explain. 

unreadable (un-red'a-bl), adj. not to 
be deciphered; too dull to be read. 

unready (un-red'i), adj. not prepared; 
slow; awkward. 

unreal (un-re'al), adj. not real; illu- 
sive. 

unreasonable (un-re'zn-a-bl), adj. not 
agreeable to reason; exceeding the 
bounds of reason. 

unreconciled (un-rek'n-slld), adj. not 
reconciled; not made consistent. 


unredeemable (un-re-dem'a-bl), adj. 
not capable of being redeemed. 

unregenerate (un-re-jen'er-at), adj. 
not renewed in heart through regen- 
eration. 

unrelenting (un-re-lent'ing), adj. not 
relenting; inflexible; cruel. 

unreliable (un-re-ll'a-bl), adj. not to 
be relied on; untrustworthy. 

unremitting (un-re-mit'ing), adj. not 
remitting; continued; incessant. 

unreserved (un-re-zervd'), adj. not 
restrained; withholding nothing. 

unrest (un-resf), n. want of rest; dis- 
quiet of mind or body. 

unrestrained (un-re-strand'), adj. not 
restrained; licentious. 

unrighteous (un-rlt'yus), adj. wicked; 
unjust. 

unrivalled (un-ri'vald), adj. without 
a rival or competitor; unique. 

unroll (un-rol'), v.t. to roll down; to 
open out: v.i. to become uncoiled or 
opened out. 

unruffled (un-ruf'ld), adj. not ruffled; 
calm. 

unruliness (un-ru'li-nes) , n. the state 
or quality of being unruly. 

unruly (un-ru'li), adj. disregarding re- 
straint or authority; ungovernable; 
turbulent. 

unsaddle (un-sad'l), v.t. to take the 
saddle off; to throw from the sad- 
dle. 

unsafe (un-saf), adj. not safe. 

unsaid (un-sed'j, adj. not said. 

unsatisfactory < (un-sat-is-fak'to-ri), 
adj. not satisfying. 

unsavory (un-sa'vor-i), adj. tasteless; 
unpleasing. 

unscathed (un-skaiM'), adj. not 
harmed or injured. _ 

unschooled (un-skoold'), adj. not 
taught or trained. 

unscrupulous (un-skroo'pu-lus), adj. 
unprincipled. 

unseal (un-sel'), v.t. to remove the 
seal of; to open anything that is 
sealed. 

unseasonable (un-se'zn-a-bl), adj. not 
in the proper season; untimely. 

unseemly (un-sem'li), adj. not seemly; 
not becoming; indecent. 

unseen (un-sen'), adj. not seen; in- 
visible. 

unsettle (un-set'l), v.t. to make un- 
certain: v.i. to become unfixed. 


ate, arm, at, awl; me, merge, met; mite, mit ; note, n6rth, not; boon, book; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


UNSEX 


561 


UP 


unsex (un-seks'). v.t. to deprive of the 

characteristic qualities of a woman. 
unshackle (un-shak'l), v.t. to set free. 
unshaken (un-sha/kn), adj. not sha- 
ken; firm; steady. 
unsheathe (un-sheM'), v.t. to draw 

from the scabbard, as a sword. 
unshod (un-shod'), adj. without shoes; 

barefoot. 
unshorn (un-shorn'), adj. unshaven; 

undipped. 
unsightly (un-sit'li), adj. not pleasing 

to the eye; ugly. 
unskilful (un-skil'fool), adj. wanting 

skill or experience; awkward. 
unsophisticated (un-so-fis'ti-ka-ted) , 

adj. genuine; simple; inexperienced; 

unworldly. 
unsought (un-sawt'), adj. not sought; 

not solicited. 
unsound (un-sound'), adj. not sound; 

dishonest; erroneous. 
unsparing (un-spar'ing), adj. not 

sparing; liberal; unmerciful. 
unspeakable (un-spek'a-bl), adj. not 

capable of being spoken, uttered or 

described. 
unstable (un-sta^bl), adj. not stable; 

infirm; unreliable. 
unsteady (un-sted'i), adj. not steady; 

changeable. § 
unstudied (un-stud'id), adj. done 

without premeditation; natural; 

easy. 
unsuitable (un-su'ta-bl), adj. not 

adequate; not fitting; unbecom- 
ing. 
unsuspected (un-sus-pek'ted), adj. 

not suspected; not known. 
untamable (un-tam'a-bl), adj. not 

capable of being tamed. 
untamed (un-tamd'), adj. not tamed; 

not domesticated. 
untarnished (un-tar'nisht), adj. not 

tarnished or soiled. 
untaught (un-tawf), adj. not taught; 

illiterate. 
untenable (un-ten'a-bl), adj. not 

tenable; not defensible. 
untidy (un-tl'di), adj. not tidy or 

neat. 
until (un-til'), prep, till; to; as far as. 
untimely (un-tmrli), adj. not timely; 

unseasonable. 
untiring (un-tir'ing), adj. unwearied. 
unto (un'too), prep. to. 
untold (un-told'), adj. not told. 


untoward (un-to'erd), adj. not easily 
guided; fro ward; awkward. 

untried (un-trid'), adj. not yet having 
stood trial; not tested. 

untrimmed (un-trimd'), adj. not 
adorned with trimmings. 

untrodden (un-trod'n), adj. not trod- 
den; unfrequented. 

untruth (un'trooth'), n. a falsehood. 

untutored (un-tu'terd) ; adj. unin- 
structed; raw; inexperienced. 

unusual (un-u'zhu-al), adj. strange; 
out of the ordinary ; exceptional. 

unutterable (un-ut'er-a-bl), adj. in- 
capable of being uttered or expressed. 

unvarnished (un-var'nisht), adj. not 
varnished; not embellished; plain. 

unveil (un-vaT), v.t. to remove a veil 
from; to disclose; to reveal. 

unwarranted (un-wor'an-ted), adj. 
without warrant; not guaranteed. 

unwary (un-wa'ri), adj. not wary; not 
cautious. 

unwearied (un-we'rid), adj. not be- 
coming wearied; indefatigable. 

unwelcome (un-wel'kum), adj. not 
welcome; causing unhappiness. 

unwell (un-wel'), adj. not well; not in 
good health. 

unwholesome (un-hol'sum), adj. not 
wholesome; repulsive. 

unwieldy (un-wei'di), adj. not easily 
moved or handled. 

unwilling (un- wiring), adj. not will- 
ing; reluctant. 

unwise (un-wiz'), adj. not wise; in- 
judicious; foolish. 

unwitting (un-wit'ing), adj. not know- 
ing; unaware. 

unwomanly (un-woom'an-li), adj. not 
befitting or becoming a woman. 

unwcnted (un-wun'ted), adj. not ac- 
customed; uncommon. 

unworldly (un-werld'li), adj. above 
worldly or selfish considerations. 

unworthy (un-wer'thi), adj. not 
worthy; unbecoming. 

unwritten (un-rit'n), n. not written; 
not formally recognized ; formally ac- 
cepted as " the unwritten law." 

unyielding (un-yeld'ing), adj. not 
yielding or bending; stiff; obstinate. 

unyoke (un-yok'), v.t. to loose from a 
yoke; to disjoin. 

up (up), adv. on high; above the hori- 
zon; from a lower to a higher posi- 
tion. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, Men. 


UPBRAID 


562 


USHER 


upbraid (up-brad'), v.t. to reproach. 

upbringing (up'bring-ing), n. the pro- 
cess of nourishing and training. 

upbuilding (up-bild'ing), n. the act 
of building up; edification. 

upcast (up'kast), adj. directed up- 
wards: n. the ventilating shaft of a 
mine through which the air passes 
after circulating below. 

upheaval (up-hev'al), n. a lifting from 
below; a lifting of strata by some 
internal force. 

upheave (up-hev'), v.t. to lift up from 
beneath. 

uphold (up-hold'), v.t. to support; 
maintain. 

upholster (up-hol'ster), v.t. to supply 
with house-furnishings. 

upholsterer (up-hol'ster-er) , n. one 
who supplies upholstery. 

upholstery (up-hol'ster-i) , n. the busi- 
ness of an upholsterer; articles of 
house-furnishing. 

uplift (up-liff), v.t. to lift up or raise 
aloft: n. (up'lift), the act of lifting 
up. 

upon (up-on'), prep, on; resting on the 
top or surface; relating to; noting 
assumption, security, or time. 

upper (up'er) , adj. higher in place, 
rank, or dignity. 

uppish (up'ish), adj. arrogant; assum- 
ing. 

upright (up'rit), adj. erect; just; hon- 
est; equitable; elevation of a build- 
ing; timber supporting a rafter. 

uprising (up-rlz'ing), n. the act of 
rising up; ascent; any strong out- 
burst of popular feeling. 

uproar (up'ror), n. noisy disturbance; 
bustle and clamor. 

uproarious (up-ror'i-us), adj. making 
great noise and tumult. 

uproot (up-roof), v.t. to tear up by the 
roots; to destroy. 

upset (up-set'), v.t. to overthrow; put 
out of normal condition: n. (up 'set) 
the act of upsetting. 

upshot (up 'shot), n. final result. 

upstart (up 'start), n. one who < sud- 
denly rises from a humble position to 
wealth or influence. 

uptown (up 'toun), adj. situated in, or 
living in, the upper part of a town. 

upturn (up-tern'), v.t. & v.i. to turn 
up. 

upwards (up'werdz), adv. towards a 


higher place or source. Also up- 
ward. 

uranium (u-ra'ni-um) , n. a metallic 
element. 

urban (er'ban), adj. pertaining to a 
city or town. 

urbane (er-ban'), adj. polite; refined. 

urbanity (er-ban'i-ti), n. politeness; 
refinement. 

urceolus (er-se'6-lus) , n. a small 
graceful urn with oval body. [Lat- 

urchin (er'chin), n. originally a hedge- 
hog; a small boy. 

urea (u're-a), n. the chief solid con- 
stituent of the urine of mammals. 

uremia (u-re'mi-a), n. poisoning of 
the blood by the presence of urea 
and other hurtful substances. 

urge (erj), v.t. to incite; impel; pro- 
voke: v.i. act with earnestness; in- 
sist upon; allege proofs. 

urgency (erj 'en-si), n. pressure of ne- 
cessity; importunity. 

urgent (erj'ent), adj. pressing; calling 
for immediate attention. 

urinal (u'ri-nal), n. a place of conven- 
ience. 

urine (u'rin), n. the excretion from 
the kidneys. 

urn (era), n. a roundish vessel of va- 
rious materials bulging in the mid- 
dle, usually with a foot or pedestal; 
a vessel in which the ashes of the 
dead are preserved. 

ursine (er'sin), adj. pertaining to, or 
resembling, a bear. 

us (us), pron. objective of we. 

usage (u'zaj), n. mode of using; treat- 
ment; habitual or long continued 
use or custom. 

usance (ti'zans), n. the time fixed 
for the payment of a bill of ex- 
change. 

use (us), n. the act of using; applica- 
tion of anything to a particular pur- 
pose; employment; custom or prac- 
tice; treatment: v.t.^ (uz) to make 
use of; employ; avail one's self of; 
possess or enjoy for a time; habitu- 
ate: v.i. to be accustomed. 

useful (us'fool), adj. full of use, profit, 
or advantage; beneficial. 

useless (iis'les), adj. having, or being 
of, no use. 

usher (ush'er), n. a doorkeeper; an 
officer who introduces strangers or 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


USUAL 


563 


UXORIOUS 


walks before persons of rank; as- 
sistant master [English]: v.t. to in- 
troduce or escort (with in or forth). 

usual (u'zhQ-al), adj. habitual; cus- 
tomary. 

usufruct (ii'su-frukt), n. the tempo- 
rary use and enjoyment of lands and 
tenements belonging to another. 

usurer (u'zhur-er), n. one who lends 
money at an exorbitant rate of in- 
terest. 

usurious (u-zhu'ri-us) , adj. practic- 
ing usury. 

usurp (u-serp'), v.t. to take possession 
of by force, or without right; ap- 
plied to seizure and use of office, 
functions, powers, rights, &c. 

usurper (u-serp'er), n. one who usurps. 

usury (u'zhti-ri), n. interest on money 
beyond the current rate of interest; 
practice of lending money at exorbi- 
tant interest. 

utensil (u-ten'sil), n. an implement, 
especially one used for domestic or 
culinary purposes. 

uterine (u'ter-in), adj. pertaining to 
the womb ; born of the same mother, 
but by a different father. 

uterus (ii'ter-us), n. the womb. 

utilitarian (u-til-i-ta'ri-an) , adj. per- 


taining to, or aiming at, utility: n. 
one who holds the doctrine of utili- 
tarianism. 

utility (u-til'i-ti), n. usefulness; in- 
trinsic value. 

utilize (Q'til-Iz), v.t. to make useful or 
profitable. 

utmost (ut'most), adj. in the great- 
est degree; most distant; furthest; 
extreme: n. the extreme limit or ex- 
tent. 

utter (ut'er), adj. entire; absolute; un- 
qualified; total: v.t. to speak; pro- 
nounce; publish abroad; circulate, 
especially counterfeit coins or 
notes. 

utterance (ut'er-ans), n. vocal expres- 
sion; speech; style of speaking. 

uttermost (ut'er-most), adj. extreme; 
in the furthest, greatest, or highest 
degree: n. the furthest extent or de- 
gree. 

uvea (u've-a), n. the posterior, dark 
colored layer of the iris. 

uvula (u'vu-la), n. the fleshy, conical 
body, attached to the soft palate, 
hanging at the back part of the 
tongue. 

uxorious (uk-so'ri-us) , adj. foolishly 
or excessively fond of a wife. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
36 hue, hut ; think, then. 


V 


V, the twenty-second letter of the 
English alphabet. As to its his- 
tory see U. It may be noted that 
most words in English commencing 
with v have a foreign source. As 
a symbol, V in chemistry denotes 
the rare chemical element, vana- 
dium. 

vacancy (va'kan-si), n. [pi. vacan- 
cies (va'kan-siz)], state of being 
vacant or empty; listlessness ; un- 
occupied office; open or unoccupied 
space. 

vacant (va/kant), adj. empty; free 
from thought or reflection; not oc- 
cupied. 

vacate (vaTcat), v.t. to make vacant; 
annul; give up the possession of. 

vacation (va-ka'shun), n. the act of 
vacating ; intermission of a stated 
employment, or judicial proceed- 
ings; school holidays. 

vaccinate (vak'si-nat) , v.t. to inocu- 
late with vaccine matter as a pro- 
tection against smallpox. 

vaccine (vak'sin), adj. pertaining to, 
or obtained from, cows ; caused by the 
cowpox: n. a liquid taken from the 
udder of a cow affected with cow- 
pox. 

vacillate (vas'i-lat), v.i. to fluctuate 
in mind or opinion; be unsteady; 
waver. [Latin.] 

vacuity (va-ku'i-ti), n. emptiness; 
vacant state of mind or expression. 

vacuum (vak'u-um), n. a space devoid 
of all matter; void. 

vagabond (vag'a-bond), adj. without 
fixed habitation; roaming; idle: n. 
a vagrant; scamp. [Latin.] 

vagary (va'ga-ry or va-ga'ri), n. [pi. 
vagaries (va/ga- or va-ga'riz)], a 
wild freak; whim. 

vagina (va-ji'na), n. the canal which 
leads from the external orifice to the 
uterus; sheath. [Latin.] 

vagrancy (va/gran-si) , n. a state of 


wandering without a settled home; 
habits and life of a vagrant. 

vagrant (va'grant), adj. wandering 
from place to place without a settled 
home: n. a tramp. 

vague (vag), adj. indefinite; unsettled. 

vain (van), adj. [comp. vainer, su- 
perl. vainest], empty; unreal; de- 
ceitful; producing no good results; 
conceited; ostentatious. [Latin.] 

valance (varans), n. hanging dra- 
pery for a bed, window, &c. 

vale (val), n. a tract of low land be- 
tween hills; valley. 

valedictory (val-e-dik'to-ri), n. a part- 
ing address: adj. bidding farewell. 

valence # (va'lens), n. the degree of 
combining power of an atom. 

valentine (val'en-tin), n. a, sweet- 
heart chosen on St. Valentine's day; 
love missive sent on February 14th. 

valet (val'a or val'et), n. a servant who 
attends on a gentleman's person: 
v.t. to act as valet to. 

valetudinarian (val-e-tu-di-na'ri-an) , 
adj. sickly; seeking to recover 
health: n. an invalid. [Latin.] 

valiant (val'yant), adj. brave; heroic. 

valid (val'id), adj. having legal force; 
not weak or defective; sound; well- 
grounded. 

validity (va-lid'i-ti) , n. legal force; 
soundness; strength; justness. 

valise (va-les'), n. small portman- 
teau. [French.] 

vallation (val-la'shun), n. a ram- 
part. 

valley (val'i), n. [pi. valleys (val'iz)], a 
tract of land situated between ranges 
of hills or mountains, usually trav- 
ersed by a river. 

valor (val'er), n. bravery; intrepid- 
ly- 
valorous (val'er-us), adj. brave; in- 
trepid. 

valuable (val'u-a-bl), adj. possessing 
useful qualities; having value or 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut; think, then. 


VALUE 


565 


VATICAN 


worth; costly: n. a thing or posses- 
sion of value. [Old French.] 

value (val'u), n. that which renders 
anything useful or estimable; price; 
importance; excellence: v.t. to esti- 
mate the worth of; appraise; es- 
teem. 

valve (valv), n. a lid or cover open- 
ing in one direction and shutting in 
another; one of the divisions of a 
shell. 

vamose (va-mos'e), v.i. to decamp. 
[Spanish.] 

vamp (vamp), n. the upper leather of 
a boot or shoe 

vampire (vam'plr), n. a fabled de- 
mon or ghost that sucks the blood of 
persons asleep; a kind of bat. 

van (van), n. the front of an army or 
fleet; a large covered wagon for 
moving household goods, &c. 

vanadium steel (van-ad 'i-urn stel); n. 
steel containing vanadium. The ef- 
fect of adding' vanadium to low- 
carbon steel is to raise its tensile 
strength. 

vane (van), n. a weather-cock. 

vanguard (van'gard), n. the advance 
guard of an army. 

vanilla (va-nil'a), n. the dried fruit 
of an orchid, used for flavoring. 

vanish (van'ish), v.i. to disappear. < 

vanity (van'i-ti), n. [pi. vanities 
(van'i-tiz)], love of indiscriminate 
admiration; empty pride or conceit; 
fruitless desire or endeavor; idle 
show; emptiness. 

vanquish (vang'kwish) , v.t. to con- 
quer; subdue; refute in argument. 

vantage (van'taj), n. advantage; in 
lawn tennis, the first point ter 
deuce. 

vapid (vap'id), adj. dull; insipid. 

vapor (va'per), n. the gas into which 
most liquids and solids are converted 
by heat; steam; mist; whim: pi. 
hysteria; melancholia: v.i. to pass off 
in vapor; bully. 

vaporize (va'per-Iz), v.t. to convert 
into vapor. 

vaporous (va'per-us), adj. full of, or 
Eke, vapor; unreal. 

variable (va/ri-a-bl) , adj. changeable; 
inconstant; fickle. 

variance (va/ri-ans), n. difference; 
quarrel. 

variant (va'ri-ant), adj. variable; dif- 


ferent: n. a different form of sub- 
stantially the same thing. 

variation (va-ri-a/shun), n. partial 
change; difference; inflection; devia- 
tion of the magnetic needle from the 
true north; tendency in organisms 
produced by the same parents to 
vary slightly. 

varicose (var'i-kos), adj. abnormally 
swollen or enlarged; said of veins. 

varied (va/rid), adj. altered; partially 
changed; various. 

variegate (va'ri-e-gat), v.t. to mark 
with different colors or tints; di- 
versify. 

variety (va-ri'e-ti), n. t [pi. varieties 
(va-ri'e-tiz) ], intermixture or suc- 
cession of different things; variation; 
diversity; change; subdivision or pe- 
culiar form of a species. 

variola (va-ri'o-la), n. smallpox. 

variorum (va-ri-o'rum),. adj. noting 
an edition of a book with the notes 
of various commentators. 

various (va'ri-us), adj. different; sev- 
eral. 

varlet (var'let), n. formerly a serv- 
ant, footman, or page;_ a # scoundrel. 

varnish (var'nish), n. a viscid, resinous 
liquid used for giving a gloss to 
wood or metal work: v.t. to cover 
with varnish ; give a gloss to or over; 
palliate. [French.] 

vary (va'ri), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. varied, 
P-pr. varying], to change; make of 
different kinds; alter: v.i. to under- 
go a change; alternate; swerve; dis- 
agree. 

vas (vas_), n. a vessel or duct. 

vase (vas or vaz), n. a vessel for va- 
rious purposes, especially one of an- 
tique or ornamental pattern. 

vaseline (vas'e-lin), n. petroleum 
jelly. 

vassal (vas'al), n. a dependent; re- 
tainer; bondman: adj. servile. 
[French.] 

vast (vast), adj. of great extent; great 
in number or degree; very spacious; 
immense: n. boundless space; empty 
waste; sea. 

vat (vat), n. a large tub or vessel, es- 
pecially one used for brewing or 
leather making. 

Vatican (vat'i-kan), n. the palace of 
the Pope at Rome; the papal au- 
thority. [Latin.] 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


VAUDEVILLE 


566 


VENGEANCE 


vaudeville (vod'vil), n. a light, gay, 
or topical song; a short drama with 
comic songs. [French.] 

vault (vawlt), n. an arched roof; cel- 
lar; prison; cavern; tomb of ma- 
sonry; sky; leap: v.t. to shape as 
a vault; arch : v.i. to leap, spring, or 
bound; exhibit feats of leaping. 

vaunt (vant or vawnt), v.i. to boast: 
v.t. to brag of; display boastfully: 
n. a boast; vain display. 

veal (vel), n. calf's fleshy 

vector (vek'ter), n. a directive quan- 
tity, as a straight line, force, or ve- 
locity. 

Veda (va'da), n. [pi. vedas (va'daz)], 
one of the four oldest sacred books 
or collection of hymns of the Hin- 
dus, of great antiquity, the basis of 
Brahmanism. 

vedette (ve-det'), n. a mounted senti- 
nel. Also vidette. 

veer (ver), v.i. to change direction, as 
the wind; wear: v.t. to turn; direct 
to a different course. 

vegetable ((yej'e-ta-bl), adj. pertain- 
ing to, having the nature of, pro- 
duced by, or consisting of, plants: 
n. a plant deriving its nourishment 
from the earth by means of roots; 
a plant or root cultivated for the 
table, &c. [Old French.] 

vegetarian (vej-e-ta'ri-an) , n. one who 
abstains from a meat diet and lives 
on fruit, vegetables, or farinaceous 
food: adj. pertaining to vegetarians 
or vegetarianism. 

vegetate (vej'e-tat), v.i. to grow as a 
plant; live a useless, indolent life. 

vegetation (vej-e-ta'shun) , n. plants 
or vegetables collectively. 

vehemence (ve'he-mens), n. impetu- 
osity; violent ardor; animated fer- 
vor. Also vehemency. 

vehement (ve'he-ment), adj. very vio- 
lent or forcible; passionate; ardent; 
energetic. 

vehicle (ve'hi-kl), n. any kind of car- 
riage or conveyance; a medium. 

veil (val), n. a covering more or less 
transparent for the face; curtain or 
covering for concealment: _ v.t.^ to 
cover with, or as with, a veil; hide; 
conceal. 

vein (van), n. one of the vessels which 
convey blood from the arteries to the 
heart; branching rib of a leaf; seam 


of rock rilled with metallic or mineral 
matter; train of thought; particular 
disposition, genius, or style: v.t. to 
fill or cover with, or as with, veins. 

veinous (van'us), adj. full of or pro- 
vided with veins. 

velar (ve'lar), adj. sounds that are 
made by contact of the tongue with 
the soft palate, or velum. 

veldt (velt), n. open country [South 
Africa]. Also veld. 

vellum (vel'um), n. fine parchment. 

velocipede (ve-los'i-ped) , n. a light 
carriage propelled by the feet: the 
original form of the bicycle. 

velocity (ve-los'i-ti) , n. [pi. velocities 
(ve-los'i-tiz)], speed; rate of move- 
ment of a body. 

velum (vel'um), n. the soft palate. 

velvet (vel'vet), n. a silk fabric with 
short, close, soft nap; fine down on 
the horns of young deer. 

velveteen (vel-ve-ten') , n. imitation 
velvet. 

venal (ve'nal), adj. that may be 
bought, # or bribed; mercenary; of or 
pertaining to the veins. 

venation (ve-na/shun), n. the arrange- 
ment of veins in a leaf, or insect's 
wing. 

vend (vend), v.t. to sell; offer for sale. 

vendetta (ven-det'a), n. a kind of 
blood-feud. 

veneer (ve-ner'), v.t. to overlay with 
a thin slice of ornamental or more 
valuable wood: hence give a gloss 
to: n. a thin strip of superior wood 
for overlaying; outside show; pre- 
tense. [French.] 

venerable (ven'er-a-bl), adj. worthy 
of being venerated or reverenced; 
rendered sacred by religious or lofty 
associations; title of an archdea- 
con. 

venerate (ven'er-at), v.t. to esteem as 
sacred; regard with the highest re- 
spect; revere. [Latin.] 

veneration (ven-er-a'shun), n. the 
highest degree of respect and rever- 
ence; respect associated with 
awe. 

venereal (ve-ne're-al), adj. pertain- 
ing to, or arising from, sexual inter- 
course; aphrodisiac. [Latin.] 

vengeance (venj'ans), n. the inflic- 
tion of pain on another for an in- 
jury received. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
*""«, hut ; think, then. 


VENGEFUL 


567 


VERMUTH 


vengeful (venj'fool), adj. vindictive; 
retributive ; 

venial (ve'ni-al), adj. pardonable. 

venison (ven'zn), n. deer's flesh. 

venom (ven'um), n. poison introduced 
into the system by a bite or sting; 
spite. [Old French.] 

venomous ( ven 'um-us ), adj. full of 
venom; poisonous; malignant; spite- 
ful. 

venous (ve'nus), adj. pertaining to, 
contained in, or consisting of, veins. 

vent (vent), n. a small opening for 
the escape of air, &c; chimney-flue; 
outlet; rectum; utterance: v.t. to 
give an opening to. 

ventilate (ven'ti-lat), v.t. to open to 
the free passage of air; expose to 
free discussion. [Latin.] 

ventilation (ven-ti-la'shun), n. the 
act of ventilating; state of being 
ventilated ; . free discussion. 

ventilator (ven'ti-la-ter), n. a contriv- 
ance for regulating the free admis- 
sion of air. 

ventral (ven'tral), adj. pertaining to 
the belly. 

ventricle (ven'tri-kl), n. a small 
cavity in an animal body. 

ventriloquism (ven-tril'6-kwizm), n. 
the act or art of speaking as from 
another source than the voice. 

venture (ven'tur), n. an undertaking 
of chance or danger ; risk ; specula- 
tion: v.t. to risk; send on a venture: 
v.i. to dare. 

venturesome (ven'tur-sum), adj. in- 
trepid; rash. Also venturous. 

venue (yen'u), n. the place where an 
action in law is laid. [French.] 

Venus (ve'nus), n. the daughter of 
Jupiter and Juno; the goddess of 
Beauty and Love. 

veracious (ve-ra/shus) , adj. truth- 
ful; true. 

veracity (ve-ras'i-ti) , n. truthfulness; 
truth. 

veranda (ve-ran'da), n. a kind of cov- 
ered balcony or open portico sup- 
ported by light pillars. Also veran- 
dah. 

verb (verb), n. that part of speech 
which signifies to be, to do, or to 
suffer. 

verbal (verb'al), adj. expressed in 
words; oral; literal: n. a noun de- 
rived from a verb. 


verbatim (ver-ba'tim), adv. word for 
word. 

verbiage (ver'bi-aj), n. verbosity. 

verbose (ver-bos'), adj. wordy; prolix. 

verbosity (ver-bos'i-ti), n. the use of 
more words than are necessary. Also 
verboseness. 

verdant (ver'dant), adj. green; fresh; 
inexperienced; gullible. 

verdict (ver'dikt), n. the finding of a 
jury on a trial; judgment; decision. 

verdigris (ver'di-gres), # n. the blue- 
greeen substance which forms on 
copper or brass: used as a pigment. 

verdure (ver'dur), n. freshness of 
vegetation. 

verge (verj), n. a rod, mace, &c, car- 
ried as an emblem of _ authority ; 
shaft of a column; spindle of a 
watch-balance; border or limit: v.i. 
to approach or come near. 

verger (verj'er), n. a sword or mace 
bearer; an official who has care of 
the interior of an English cathedral. 

verification (ver-i-fi-ka/shun), n. the 
act of proving to be true; confirma- 
tion; state of being verified. 

verify (ver'i-fi), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. veri- 
fied, p.pr. verifying], to prove to be 
true; fulfil. 

verily (ver'i-li), adv. in truth; certain- 
ly. 

verisimilitude (ver-i-si-mil'i-tud), n. 
the appearance of truth; probability. 

veritable (ver'i-ta-bl), adj. true; gen- 
uine. 

verity (ver'i-ti), n. [pi. verities (ver'- 
i-tiz)], agreement with fact; truth; 
reality. 

verjuice (ver'joos), n. # an acid liquor 
expressed from unripe grapes, ap- 
ples, &c: hence sourness; tart- 
ness. 

vermicelli (ver-mi-sel'i), n. the stiff 
paste or dough of fine flour made 
into tubes. 

vermifuge (ver'mi-fuj), n. a medicine 
or substance to expel or destroy 
worms from or in the body. Also 
vermicide. 

vermilion (ver-mil'yun), n. a brilliant 
red pigment: v.t. to color or dye 
with vermilion. 

vermin ( ver'min) , n. noxious small ani- 
mals or insects, as rats, fleas, &c; 
low, despicable persons. 

vermuth (ver'mooth), n. a liqueur of 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


VERNACULAR 


568 


VEXATION 


absinthe, aromatic herbs, &c, for 
creating an appetite. 

vernacular (ver-nak'u-ler) , adj. per- 
taining to, or characteristic of, one's 
native country or language: n. na- 
tive idiom. 

vernal (ver'nal), adj. pertaining to, or 
appearing in, the spring. 

versatile (ver'sa-til), adj. turning with 
ease from one thing, subject, or 
opinion to another; many-sided; va- 
riable. 

versatility (ver-sa-til'i-ti) , n. quality 
of being versatile. 

verse (vers), n. a measured line of 
poetry; stanza; poetry; short di- 
vision of any composition, especially 
of the chapters of the Bible; part of 
an anthem for performance by a 
single voice to each part. 

versed (verst), adj. skilled; convers- 
ant. 

versification (ver-si-fi-ka'shun) , n. 
the art or practice of composing 
metrical verses. 

version (ver'shun), n. a translation 
from one language into another; 
particular account or description. 

verst (verst), n. the Russian mile = 
3,500 English feet. 

versus (ver'sus), prep, against. [Lat- 
in.] 

vertebra (ver'te-bra) , n. [pi. vertebrae 
(ver'te-bre)], a single bone of the 
spinal column. 

vertebral (ver'te-bral) , adj. pertaining 
to, or forming part of, the ver- 
tebrae. 

vertex (ver'teks), n. [pi. vertices (veV- 
ti-sez)], the top, summit, or crown; 
apex; zenith; point in any figure, 
opposite to, and most distant from, 
the base. 

vertical (ver'ti-kal), adj. pertaining to, 
or situated at, the vertex; directly 
overhead ; perpendicular to the plane 
of the horizon. 

vertigo (ver'ti-go), n. giddiness. 

vertu (ver'too), n. artistic skill; hence 
works of art, curios, &c. [Italian.] 

verve (verv), n. the enthusiasm which 
animates a poet or artist; spirit; 
energy. [French.] 

very (ver'i), adj. [comp. verier, superl. 
veriest], real; actual; true: adv. ex- 
tremely. 


vesicle (ves[i-kl), n. a bladder-like ves- 
sel or cavity; cyst; sac. 

vespers (ves'perz), n.pl. the sixth 
hour of the Roman Breviary; eve- 
ning songs or services generally. 

vessel (ves'el), n. a utensil for holding 
something, especially liquids; hollow 
structure made to float on water; 
ship; tube or canal in which the flu- 
ids of a body are contained; instru- 
ment; recipient. 

vest (vest), n. waistcoat; body gar- 
ment, usually with short sleeves: 
v.t. to clothe with, or as with, a gar- 
ment ; invest closely ; give fixed right 
of possession. 

vesta (ves'ta), n. a wax match. 

Vestal (ves'tal), adj. pertaining to, or 
sacred to, the Roman goddess Vesta; 
chaste; pure: n. a virgin; nun. 

vested (ves'ted), adj. clothed; fixed. 

vestibule (ves'ti-bul), n. porch or en- 
trance into a house ; small bony cav- 
ity of the ear. 

vestige (ves'tij), n. a mark left in pass- 
ing; track; remains of something 
pre-existent. 

vestment (vest'ment), n. a garment, 
especially a priestly garment; dress. 

vestry (ves'tri), n. [pi. vestries (ves'- 
triz)], a room in a church where 
ecclesiastical vestments, &c, are 
kept and parochial meetings held; 
meeting of parishioners for parish 
business. 

vesture (ves'tur), n. clothing; cover- 
ing. 

vetch (vech), n. a common name for 
leguminous plants used for green 
fodder, as tares. [English.] 

veteran (vet'er-an), adj. long exer- 
cised or experienced, especially in 
military life: n. one thus expe-, 
rienced. 

veterinary (vet'er-i-na-ri) , adj. per- 
taining to the art of healing the dis- 
eases of domestic animals, as horses, 
&c. 

veto (ve'to), n. [pi. vetoes (ve'toz)], 
the right of stopping or preventing 
the enactment of a law; authorita- 
tive prohibition: v.t. to reject by 
veto; refuse assent to; prohibit. 

vex (veks), v.t. to irritate by small 
annoyances or provocations; harass; 
tease; agitate. 

vexation (veks-a'shun) , n. the act of 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, n6rth, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


VEXATIOUS 


569 


VIGOR 


vexing; state of being vexed; annoy- 
ance; worry. 

vexatious (veks-a'shus), adj. causing 
vexation; annoying; troublesome; 
harassing. 

vexed (vekst), adj. much debated or 
contested, but not settled. 

via (vl'a), adv. by way of. [Latin.] 

viaduct (vi'a-dukt), n. an arched 
structure for conveying a railway, 
road, &c, over low ground. 

vial (vi'al), n. a small glass bottleor 
vessel ; v.t. to put in a vial. Also phial. 

viands (vi'andz), n.pl. dressed meat; 
food. 

viaticum ( vi-at'i-kum) , n. the Eu- 
charist^ administered in the Roman 
Catholic Church to a person in dan- 
ger of death. 

vibrate (vi'brat), v.i. to move back- 
wards and forwards ; oscillate ; shake ; 
quiver; swing; waver: v.t. to cause to 
quiver. 

vibration (vi-bra'shun) , n. the act of 
vibrating; oscillation; resonance. _ 

vibratory (vi'bra-to-ri), adj. consist- 
ing in, or causing, vibrations. 

vicar (vik'er), n. a deputy; incumbent 
of an appropriated benefice, who re- 
ceives the small tithes. 

vicarage (vik'er-aj), n. the benefice, or 
residence, of a vicar. 

vicarious (vi-ka/ri-us) , adj. substi- 
tuted, or performed, in the place of 
another. 

vice (vis), n. a fault, defect, or blem- 
ish; immoral practice or habit; de- 
^pravity; immorality; a vise. 

vice, prefix meaning in place of, second 
in rank. 

vicegerent ( vis- je 'rent), n. one de- 
puted by superior authority to exer- 
cise the functions of another. 

Vice-President (vis-prez'i-dent) , n. 
the officer to succeed the President of 
the United States in case of death or 
incapacity; he is also President of the 
Senate. 

viceregal (vls-re'gal) , adj. pertaining 
to a viceroy. 

viceroy (vis'roi), n. a governor of a 
country ruling in the name and by 
the authority of the sovereign. 

vice versa (vi'se ver'sa), a Latin 
phrase meaning in the reverse order. 

vicinage (vis'i-naj), n. a neighbor- 
hood? 


vicinity (vi-sin'i-ti), n. nearness in 
place; proximity. 

vicious (vish'us), adj. characterized 
by vice or blemish ; faulty ; corrupt 
in moral principles or conduct; un- 
ruly; spiteful. 

vicissitude (vi-sis'i-tud), n. change. 

victim (vik'tim), n. a living being, usu- 
ally some animal, sacrificed to a 
deity; some person or thing de- 
stroyed or injured in the pursuit of 
some object, or by some accident; 
dupe. 

victimize (vik[tim-iz), v.t. to make a 
victim of; swindle. 

victor (vik'ter), n. conqueror; one who 
wins or gains an advantage: Fem- 
inine victoress.^ 

victoria (vik-to'ri-a) , n. a kind of car- 
riage for two persons. 

victorious (yik-to'ri-us), adj. having 

' conquered in battle or contest; em- 
blematic of victory; triumphant. 

victory (yik'to-ri), n. [pi. victories 
(vik'to-riz)], the defeat of an enemy 
in battle, or an antagonist in a con- 
test. 

victual (vit'l),v.t. [p.t. & p.p. vict- 
ualed, p.pr. victualing], to supply or 
store with provisions for food: n.pl. 
food; meat. 

vide (vi'de), v.t. see. [Latin.] 

videlicet (vi-del'i-set) , adv. to wit; 
namely. [Latin.] 

vie (vi), v.i. to strive for superiority; 
rival; endeavor. 

view (vii), v.t. to look upon; see; re- 
gard attentively; survey mentally; 
examine intellectually; consider: n. 
the act of seeing; prospect; survey; 
purpose; mental or intellectual per- 
ception; sketch or picture; judg- 
ment; opinion. 

vigil (vij'il), n. a watching; devotion 
in the usual hours of sleeping; eve 
preceding a feast of the Church. 

vigilance (vij'i-lans), n. watchfulness; 
caution. 

vigilant (vij'i-lant),^. attentive to 
discover and avoid danger; alert; 
cautious. 

vignette (vin-yef), n. a small en- 
graving not enclosed by a definite 
border; a portrait of the head and 
bust only. 

vigor (vig'er), n. physical or mental 
strength and energy; force. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book 
hue, hut; think, then. 


VIGOROUS 


570 


VIRILE 


vigorous (vig'er-us), adj. full of physi- 
cal or mental strength and energy; 
robust; forcible. 

viking (vi'king), n. one of the old 
Scandinavian pirates, who (eighth 
to tenth centuries) ravaged the 
coasts of Europe. 

vile (vll), adj. worthless; despicable; 
morally base or impure; wicked. 

vilify (vil'i-fi), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. vilified, 

S.pr. vilifying], to defame; debase 
y slander. 

villa (vil'a), n. a country seat; subur- 
ban residence. 

village (vil'aj), n. a small assemblage 
of houses, less than a town but larger 
than a hamlet. 

villain (vil'in or vil'an), n. originally a 
serf or feudal tenant of the lowest 
class; scoundrel. 

villainous (vil'an-us), adj. character- 
ized by extreme depravity; vile; 
mean. 

villainy (yil'an-i), n. extreme deprav- 
ity; atrocious wickedness. 

villanage (vil'an-aj), n. the state or 
condition of a serf. Also villeinage. 

villi (vil'i), n.pl. long, straight, soft 
hairs on plants; velvet-like hairs set 
closely together. 

villous (virus), adj. covered with 
long, thin, soft hairs; downy; 
shaggy. 

vim (vim), n. energy; swift use of 
power. [Latin. ]_ 

vinaigrette (vin-a-gref), n. a small 
perforated box of gold, &c, for hold- 
ing aromatic vinegar or smelling- 
salts. [French.] 

vincible (vin'si-bl), adj. capable of 
being conquered or overcome. 

vinculum (ving'ku-lum), n. a bond 
of union; tie; horizontal bar placed 
over several algebraical quantities to 
indicate they are to be treated as one. 

vindicate (vin'di-kat), v.t. to prove 
to be valid; defend successfully; as- 
sert a right to; justify. 

vindication (vin-di-ka/shun), n. justi- 
fication against denial, censure, or 
oppression; defense; support by 
proof. 

vindictive (vin-dik'tiv) , adj. given to, 
or prompted by, revenge. 

vine (vin), n. any woody, climbing 
plant of the genus Vitis, especially 
the common grape. 


vinegar (vin'e-ger), n. an acid ob- 
tained by fermentation from wine, 
beer, &c. : hence anything sour, actu- 
ally or metaphorically. 

vineyard (vin'yard), n. a plantation 
of vines producing grapes. 

vinous (vi'nus), adj. pertaining to, 
having the qualities of, or like, wine. 

vintage (vin'taj), n. the yearly crop 
or produce of the grape; wine pro- 
duced in one season. 

vintner (vint'ner), n. wine merchant. 

viol (vi'ol), n. a four-stringed musical 
instrument played with a bow. 

viola (ve-6'la), n. the tenor violin. 

violate (vi'o-lat), v.t. to transgress; 
break forcibly; injure; ravish; out- 
rage; desecrate; treat with irrever- 
ence; disturb. 

violation (vi-o-la'shun), n. the act of 
violating, infringing, or injuring; 
rape; outrage; act of irreverence or 
profanation. 

violence (vi'o-lens), n. physical or 
moral force; vehemence; unjust 
strength or power; applied to any 
purpose; assault; outrage; crime; 
rape; eagerness; infringement. 

violent (vi'o-lent) , adj. urged or driven 
by force; vehement; impetuous; 
forcible; furious; severe. 

violet (vl'o-let), n. a plant of the genus 
Viola; a color like that of the violet. 

violin (vi-o-lin'), n. a four-stringed 
musical instrument, played with a 
bow. 

violoncello (ve-o-lon-chero) , n. a 
large four-stringed instrument of 
the viol class. 

violone (ve-o-lo'na), n. a double-bass 
viol. [Music] 

viper (vl'per), n. a venomous serpent 
of various species; a crafty, malig- 
nant person. 

virago (vl-ra'go), n. a bold, turbulent 
woman. 

virgin (veVjin), n. a woman who has 
preserved her chastity; maiden; the 
Virgin Mary (with the): adj. per- 
taining to, or becoming, a virgin; 
chaste; modest; pure; new; un- 
mixed. 

virginity (ver-jin'i-ti), n. the state of a 
virgin; maidenhood; virgin purity. 

virile (vir'il), adj. pertaining to, or 
characteristic of, mature manhood; 
masculine ; manly ; procreative. 


ate, arm, at, awl 


me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


north, not; boon, book 


VIRILITY 


571 


VIVACIOUS 


virility (vir-il'i-ti), n. manhood; power 
of procreation. 

virtu, same as vertu. 

virtual (ver'tQ-al), adj. in essence or 
effect, though not in fact ; having the 
efficacy without the material or sen- 
sible part. 

virtue (ver'tu), n. rectitude; strength; 
efficacy; valor; chastity; legal force. 

virtuoso (ver-tu-o'so), n. [pi. virtuosi 
(ver-tu-o'se)], one skilled in the fine 
arts, antiquities, &c. ; a skilled per- 
former on a musical instrument. 

virtuous (ver'tu-us), adj. possessing, 
or exhibiting, virtue ; moral ; 
chaste. 

virulence (vir'u-lens), n. the state or 
quality of being virulent; extreme 
bitterness. 

virulent (vir'u-lent) , adj. very poison- 
ous or venomous; actively injurious 
to life or health; bitter in enmity; 
malignant. 

virus (yi'rus), n. organic, contagious, 
or poisonous matter, by which dis- 
ease or poison is introduced into the 
system; something that acts as a 
moral poison. 

vis (vis), n. power; force. [Latin.] 

visage (viz'aj), n. the countenance. 

vis-a-vis (ve-za-ve'), n. one who is 
face to face with another: adv. face 
to face. [French.] 

viscera (vis'er-a), n.pl. the intestines. 

viscid (vis'id), adj. sticky; glutinous. 

viscount (vi'kount), n. a nobleman 
next in rank below an earl. Fem- 
inine viscountess. [French.] 

viscous (visTois), adj. adhesive or 
glutinous. [Latin.] 

viscus (visTms), n. an entrail. 

vise (vis), n. a two-jawed instrument 
for holding work. 

visible (viz'i-bl), adj. perceptible by 
the eye, in view; oovious; apparent. 

vision (vizh'un), n. the act or sense 
of seeing; sight; object of sight; di- 
vine revelation; apparition; creation 
of the imagination. [French.] 

visionary (vizh'un-a-ri) , adj. existing 
only in the imagination; unreal: n. 
an unpractical schemer. 

visit (viz'it), n. the act of calling to 
see another; brief stay of friendship, 
courtesy, or business ; official inspec- 
tion: v.t. to call upon; inspect offi- 
cially; overtake or chastise: v.i. to 


be in the habit of making calls; 
maintain social intercourse. 

visitant (viz'i-tant), n. a visitor. 

visitation (viz-i-ta'shun), n. the act of 
visiting; official visit; infliction of 
good or evil; retributive affliction. 

visitor (yiz'i-ter), n. one who visits; 
official inspector. 

visor, see vizor. 

vista (yis'ta), n. [pi. vistas (vis'taz)], 
a view, especially through an 
avenue; the trees forming such an 
avenue. 

visual (vizh'u-al), adj. pertaining to, 
or used in, sight. [Old French.] 

visualize (vizh'u-al-iz), v.t. to make 
visible; see in fancy. 

vital (vi'tal), adj. pertaining to, sup- 
porting, or necessary to, life; mor- 
tal; essential. [Latin.] 

vitality (vi-tal'i-ti) , n. vital force. 

vitalize (vi'tal-iz), v.t. to endow with 
life; animate. 

vitals (\i'talz), n.pl. the organs of the 
body essential to life, as the heart, 
lungs, &c. 

vitascope (vi'ta-skop), n. an appa- 
ratus for projecting kinetographic 
pictures in life size upon a canvas. 

vitellus (vi-tel'us), n. the yolk of an 
egg. 

vitiate (vish'i-at), v.t. to render faulty 
or defective; taint; deprave; annul. 

vitreo, a Latin prefix meaning pertain- 
ing to } or like glass, as w7reo-electric, 
exhibiting positive or vitreous elec- 
tricity. 

vitreous (vit're-us), adj. consisting of, 
like, or obtained from, glass. 

vitrescent (vi-tres'ent), adj. capable 
of being turned into or becoming like 
glass. 

vitrif action (vit-ri-fak'shun), n. the 
art or process of vitrifying. 

vitrify (vit'ri-fi), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. vitri- 
fied, p.pr. vitrifying], to convert by 
heat and fusion into glass: v.i. to be 
converted into glass. 

vitriol (vit'ri-ol), n. the popular name 
for sulphuric acid. 

vituperate (vl-tu'per-at) , v.t. to cen- 
sure 'abusively. 

vituperative (vl-tu'per-a-tiv) , m adj. 
characterized by, or containing, 
abuse. 

viva (ve'va), inter j. hurrah! [Italian.] 

vivacious (vi-va'shus), adj. lively; gay. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met : mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, f/ien. 


VIVACITY 


572 


VOLUME 


vivacity (vi-vas'i-ti) , n. liveliness; ani- 
mation. 

viva voce (vi'va vo'se), orally. [Latin.] 

vive (vev), inter j. long life or success to! 
[French.] 

vivid (viv'id), adj. life-like; realistic; 
forming brilliant images. 

vivify (viv'i-fl), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. vivi- 
fied, p.pr. vivifyingj, to endue with 
life; quicken. 

viviparous (vi-vip'a-rus), adj. pro- 
ducing young alive. 

vivisect (viv-i-sekt'), v.t. to dissect 
the living body of. 

vivisection (viy-i-sek'shun) , n. the dis- 
section of a living animal for scien- 
tific study. 

vixen (viks'n), n. a female fox; quar- 
relsome, ill-tempered woman. 

viz. (viz), adv. namely. [From the 
Latin videlicet.] 

vizier (vi-zer'), n. a high officer or 
councilor of state in Mohammedan 
countries. 

vizor (vi'zer), n. the upper movable 
part of a helmet; the fore-piece of a 
cap. 

vocable (vo'ka-bl), n. a word; term. 

vocabulary (vo-kab'ii-la-ri), n. [pi. vo- 
cabularies (vo-kab'ii-la-riz)], a col- 
lection of words of a language, sci- 
ence, &c, arranged alphabetically 
and explained; words used. 

vocal (vo'kal), adj. pertaining to, full 
of, or endowed with, voice or speech; 
oral; having a vowel character; pro- 
duced in the larynx. 

vocalize (vo'kal-iz), v.t. to form into 
voice; utter distinctly. 

vocation (vo-ka'shun) , n. calling; oc- 
cupation. 

vocative (vok'a-tiv), adj. noting the 
case of a noun, adjective, or pro- 
noun in which a person or thing is 
addressed: n. the vocative case. [In 
Latin, the fifth case of the noun.] 

vociferate (vo-sif 'er-at) , v.i. to clamor; 
bawl: v.t. to jitter with a loud voice. 

vociferous (vo-sif 'er-us) , adj. clamor- 
ous; noisy. 

vodka (vod'ka), n. a Russian intoxi- 
cant distilled from rye. 

vogue (vog), n. fashion. 

voice (vois), n. sound uttered by the 
mouth, especially by a human being; 
utterance or mode of utterance: fac- 
ulty of speech; language; expressed 


opinions; vote or suffrage: v.t. to 
give utterance or expression to. 

voiceless (vois'les), adj. without voice; 
speechless. 

void (void), adj. empty; wanting: v.t. 
to nullify; declare vacant; quit; to 
emit or send out: n. a vacuum. 

volant (vo'lant), adj. flying; nimble. 

Volapiik (vo-la-puk'), n. a system of 
universal language for commercial 
intercourse. 

volatile (vol'a-til), adj. easily passing 
into tne aeriform state; diffusing 
freely; lively; sprightly; fickle. 

volatility (vol-a-til'i-ti) , n. the state or 
quality of being volatile. 

volatilize (vol'a-til-Iz), v.t. to render 
volatile; evaporate. 

volcanic (vol-kan'ik) , adj. pertaining 
to, proceeding from, or produced by, 
a volcano. [Italian.] 

volcano_(vol-ka'no), n. [pi. volcanoes 
(vol-ka/noz) ], a conical hill or 
mountain from which the products 
of volcanic action are ejected with 
great heat in the form of lava, &c. 

volition (vo-lish'un) , n. the act^ or 
power of willing or exerting choice. 

volitive (vori-tiv), adj. pertaining to, 
or having the power of, will. 

volley (vol'i), n. [pi. volleys (vol'iz) ], 
the simultaneous discharge of a num- 
ber of small-arms ; explosive burst ; 
return of a ball at tennis before it- 
reaches the ground; bowling a ball 
full to the top of the wicket: v.t. 
[p.t. & p.p. volleyed, p.pr. volley- 
ing], to discharge with, or as with, a 
volley: v.i. to be thrown out at once; 
return a ball before it touches the 
ground. [French.] 

volt (volt), n. the sudden wheeling of a 
horse ; sudden leap to avoid a thrust 
in fencing; standard unit of electro- 
motive force. 

voltaic (vol-ta'ik), adj. pertaining to 
electricity generated by chemical ac- 
tion or galvanism. 

voltameter (vol-tam'e-ter) , n. an in- 
strument for measuring the work of 
a voltaic current. 

volubility (vol-u-bil'i-ti) , n. excessive 
fluency of speech. 

voluble (vol'u-bl), adj. fluent in 
speech. 

volume (vol'um), n. a single book; 
space occupied, measured in cubic 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


VOLUMINOUS 


573 


VULVA 


units; mass or bulk; quantity or full- 
ness of voice or tone: pi. a, great 
deal. 

voluminous (vol-u'mi-nus), adj. ex- 
tensive; copious; consisting of, or 
having produced, many books. 

voluntary (vol'un-ta-ri) , adj. acting 
from choice or free will; spontane- 
ous; designed; gratuitous: n. an 
organ solo played before, during, or 
after, a church service. 

volunteer (vol-un-ter') , n. one who en- 
ters into any service of his own free 
will, especially military service; a 
foreigner who gives his services in 
exchange for board and residence: 
v.i. to offer one's services volunta- 
rily, especially for military service: 
v.t. to offer or bestow without con- 
straint or compulsion. 

voluptuary (vo'lup-tti-a-ri), n. one 
given to sensual enjoyments or lux- 
ury: adj. devoted to luxury or 
pleasure. [Latin.] 

voluptuous (vo-lup'tu-us), adj. given 
to the enjoyment of sensual pleas- 
ures or luxury; sensual; exciting 
sensual desires. 

volute (vo-hif), n. a spiral scroll 
forming the chief feature of the 
Ionic capital. 

vomer (vo'mer), n. the thin, slender 
bone forming the partition between 
the nostrils. 

vomit (vom'it), v.i. to eject the con- 
tents of the stomach by the mouth: 
v.t. to throw up from the stomach; 
discharge with violence: n. matter 
ejected by the stomach; an 
emetic. 

voodoo (voo-d5o'), n. a system of 
magic and superstitious rites, said 
to be accompanied with cannibal- 
ism and human sacrifices, prevalent 
among certain negro races. 

voracious (vo-ra'shus) , adj. greedy 
in eating; ravenous; rapacious. 

voracity (vo-ras'i-ti) , n. the quality of 
being voracious. 

vortex (vor'teks), n. [pi. vortices 
(vor'ti-sez)], the hollow and circular 
form assumed by a liquid when set 
in rotation; whirlpool. 

votary (vo'ta-ri), n. [pi. votaries 
(vo^ta-riz)], one addicted to some 
particular pursuit or condition of 
life; one consecrated by a vow. 


vote (vot), n. an expression of choice 
or preference for candidates. 

voting-machine (vot'ing-ma-shen), n. 
a machine, related in principle of 
operation to the cash-register and 
counting machines, for recording and 
counting automatically the votes at 
an election. It usually has a vertical 
key : board and the voter records his 
choice by pressing a key opposite the 
name of his candidate or party. 

votive (vot'iv) , adj. given, consecrated, 
or promised by vow. 

vouch (vouch), v.t. to attest; guar- 
antee. [Old French.] 

vouchsafe (vouch-saf), v.t. to con- 
descend to grant; concede. 

vow (vou), n. a solemn promise or 
pledge to fulfil some engagement 
hereafter, especially _ one made to 
God; pledge of fidelity or affection; 
v.t. to promise solemnly; consecrate 
to God: v.i. to make a solemn 
promise. 

vowel (vou'el), n. a simple vocal 
sound; a letter representing such a 
sound: adj. vocal. 

voyage (voi'aj), n. a journey by 
water from one country or place to 
another: v.i. to make a voyage: v.t. 
to travel or pass over. 

vulcanize (vul'kan-Iz), v.t. to change 
the properties of (india-rubber) by 
combination with sulphur, white 
ead, and other substances, render- 
ing it hard and non-elastic. m 

vulgar (vul'ger), adj. pertaining to, 
characteristic of, or used by, the 
multitude of common people; com- 
mon; general vernacular; plebeian; 
unrefined; coarse; mean: n. the un- 
educated or unrefined class. 

vulgarism (vul'ger : izm) , n. a vulgar 
phrase or expression. 

vulgarity (vul-gar'i-ti) , n. coarseness 
of manners or language. 

vulnerable (vul'ner-a-bl) , adj. capable 
of being wounded; susceptible of 
wounds or injury. 

vulpine (vul'pin) , adj. pertaining to, 
like, or characteristic of, a fox; cun- 
ning. 

vulture (vul'tur), n. a large, carmvo* 
rous, voracious bird of prey. 

vulva (vul'va), n. an entrance or 
opening; the female generative or- 
gan. [Latin.] 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, nOrth, not ; bo5n, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


w 


W, the twenty-third letter in the 
English alphabet, formed by writ- 
ing two v's or u'a, to transliterate 
the vocalic v in Latin (sounded 
like our w) . Traces of the character 
are found as early as the seventh 
century; and it was generally 
adopted in the thirteenth century. 
As a chemical symbol it stands for 
tungsten, the German name of which 
is Wolframium. 

wabble, same as wobble. 

wad (wod), n. a mass of soft or flex- 
ible material used for stuffing gar- 
ments; small mass of tow, &c, used 
for keeping the powder, &c, in place 
in a gun; a kind of plumbago; a 
slang term for money: v.t. [p.t. & 
p.p. wadded, p.pr. wadding], to form 
into, or stuff with, a wad. 

wadding (wod'ing), n. a soft stuff of 
loose texture used for stuffing gar- 
ments, etc. 

waddle (wod'l), v.i. to move from side 
to side in walking: n. a clumsy, rock- 
ing gait. 

wade (wad), v.i. to walk through any 
substance that yields to the feet, as 
water, snow, etc. : v.t. to ford. 

wafer (wa/fer), n. a small colored 
paste disk for securing letters, etc.; 
small disk of unleavened bread used 
in the Eucharist in the Roman 
Catholic Church. 

waffle (wof'l), n. a soft indented cake, 
baked in an iron utensil over a 
flame or coals. 

waft (waft), v.t. to bear along on a 
buoyant medium: v.i. to float. 

wag (wag), v.i. [p.t. & p.p. wagged, 
p.pr. wagging], to move backwards 
and forwards: v.t. to cause to oscil- 
late: n. the act of wagging; a droll, 
humorous fellow. 

wage (waj), v.t. to engage in, or 
carry on, especially war; venture: 


n. payment for service rendered; 
hire (usually pi.). 

wager (waj'er), n. a subject on which 
bets are laid; something staked on 
an issue: v.t. to hazard to stake: 
v.i. to bet. 

waggery (wag'er-i), n. mischievous 
merriment; tricks of a wag; good- 
humored sarcasm. 

waggish (wag'ish), adj. humorous; 
sportive. 

waggle (wag'l), v.i. & v.t. to move 
from side to side: n. a movement 
from side to side. 

wagon (wag'un), n. a four-wheeled 
heavy vehicle for carrying goods, 
agricultural produce, &c. [Dutch.] 

wagonette (wag-un-ef), n. a light, 
open, four-wheeled pleasure carriage. 

waif (waf), n. anything found with- 
out an owner; a homeless wanderer. 

wail (wal), v.t. to lament: v.i. to ex- 
press sorrow audibly: n. loud lamen- 
tation. Also wailing. 

wain (wan), n. a wagon. 

wainscot (wan'skut), n. paneled wood- 
en lining on walls: v.t. to line with 
paneled boarding. 

wain wright (wan'rit), n. a maker of 
wagons ._ 

waist (wast), n. the narrowest part 
of the body just below the ribs; mid- 
dle part. 

waistcoat (wes'kut), n. a short, 
sleeveless garment for men covering 
the chest and waist. 

wait (wat), v.i. to stay in expecta- 
tion; lie in ambush; watch; remain 
quiet; follow someone; attend: v.t. 
to await; postpone. 

waiter (wafer), n. a servant in attend- 
ance at table; salver or tray. Fem- 
inine waitress. 

waits (watz), n.pl. nocturnal musi- 
cians who perform in the streets of 
an English town at Christmas- 
tide. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


WAIVE 


575 


WARMTH 


waive (wav), v.t. to give up a claim 
to; forego. 

wake (wak), v.i. [v.t. & p.p. waked 
or woke, p.pr. waking], to ue awake; 
be roused from sleep ; cease to sleep ; 
be active: v.t. to rouse from sleep; 
revive; watch: n. a vigil; watching 
of a dead body prior to burial; 
track. 

wakeful (wak'fool), adj. watchful. 

waken (wak'n), same as wake. 

wale (wal), n. a mark left by the 
stroke of a whip, &c; v.t. to mark 
with a wale. 

walk (wawk), v.i. to advance by al- 
ternate steps; go at a moderate 
pace; take exercise; go restlessly 
about; pursue a certain course of 
life or action: v.t. to traverse; cause 
to walk: n. act or manner of walk- 
ing; step or pace; road; place for 
pedestrian exercise; course of life 
or action; deportment; frequented 
track. 

wall (wawl), n. a structure of stone, 
brick, &c; side of a building; ram- 
part; means of protection: v.t. to 
enclose with, or as with, a wall; de- 
fend or protect. 

wallet (wol'et), n. a bag or knap- 
sack; a pocketbook. 

wallop (wol'up), v.i. to /boil with a 
continued bubbling: v.t. to beat 
soundly: n._ablow; gallop. [Scotch.] 

wallow (wol'o), v.i. to roll one's body 
in the mire; tumble or roll in any- 
thing soft; live in vice or filth: n. a 
kind of rolling walk ; a place to which 
an animal resorts to wallow. 

walnut (wawrnut), n. a tree of the 
genus Juglans, yielding an edible 
fruit and valuable wood. 

walrus (wol'rus), n. a large, carniv- 
orous, marine mammal with power- 
ful tusks; called by sailors, "sea- 
hog." 

waltz (wawltz), n. a kind of dance; 
music for such a dance: v.i. to dance 
a waltz. 

wampum (wom'pum), n. beads made 
of shells, used by the North Ameri- 
can Indians as money and for orna- 
mental belts. 

wan (won), adj. pale; sickly. 

wand (wond), n. a long, slender rod; 
staff of authority. 

wander (won'der), v.i. to ramble 


about aimlessly; stroll; depart from; 
be delirious. 

wane (wan), v.i. to grow less; de- 
crease: said of the illuminated part 
of the moon; fail: n. the decrease of 
the illuminated part of the moon. 

want (wawnt), n. absence or scarcity 
of what is needed or desired; defi- 
ciency; necessity; penury: v.t. to be 
destitute of; have need of; desire: 
v.i. to be deficient; not to be pres- 
ent; come short. 

wanton (won'tun), adj. licentious; 
lustful; unrestrained ;' roving ; sport- 
ive; luxurious; trifling: n. a lasciv- 
ious man or woman. 

war (wawr),_ n. a contest between 
states carried on by force; armed 
conflict; state of hostility; enmity: 
v.i. [p.t. & p.p. warred, p.pr. war- 
ring], to make war; fight; strive 
violently. 

warble (wawr'bl), v.t. &v.i. to sing 
in a trilling or quavering manner; 
sing, as birds; utter musically: n. a 
soft, sweet flow of melodious sounds; 
carol. 

warbler (wawr'bler), n. one who war- 
bles; a singing-bird. 

war-cry (wawr'cri), n. a summons to 
battle; in politics, some catching 
phrase that is shouted by the par- 
tisans who approve its sentiments. 

ward (wawrd), v.t. to guard; defend 
from danger ; turn aside (with off) : 
v.i. to be vigilant; act on the de- 
fensive: n. guard; defense; particu- 
lar division of a city or town; cus- 
tody; person entrusted to the care 
of a guardian. 

warden (wawrd'en), n. a guardian; 
keeper; head official; churchwarden. 

wardrobe (wawrd'rob), n. portable 
closet for clothes; wearing apparel. 

warehouse (war'hous), n. a building 
for storing goods: v.t. to deposit in 
a warehouse. 

wares (warz), n. merchandise; goods. 

warfare (wawr'far), n. hostilities; war; 
contest ; military life or service. 

warlock (wawr'lok), n. a wizard. 

warm (wawrm), adj. having heat in 
a moderate degree; subject to heat; 
zealous; excited; passionate; well- 
off: v.t. to make warm; excite: v.i. 
to become warm. 

warmth (wawrm th), n. moderate 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


WARN 


576 


WATERPROOF 


heat; earnestness or irritability; ani- 
mation; glowing effect produced by 
the use of warm colors. 

warn (wawrn), v.t. to give notice of 
possible danger; caution; expostu- 
late; summon by authority. 

warning (wawrn'ing), n. caution 
against danger; previous notice; no- 
tice to quit. 

warp (wawrp), n. the threads which 
extend lengthwise in the loom, and 
are crossed by the woof; towing- 
rope; a twist out of the true shape: 
v.t. to turn or twist out of shape; 
pervert; arrange (yarns) on a warp 
beam ; tow or move (a vessel) with a 
warp attached to some fixed object; 
run, as yarn, off the winches into 
hulks to be tarred: v.i. to swerve or 
deviate. 

warrant (wor'ant), v.t. to guarantee; 
give assurance to; authorize; main- 
tain ; mark as safe ; assure : n. a com- 
mission giving authority; writ for 
arresting a person; voucher; secur- 
ity. 

warranty (wor'an-ti), n. guarantee; 
security. [Old French. 1 

warren (wor'en), n. an enclosure for 
protecting game or animals, espe- 
cially rabbits; fish preserve. 

warrior (wawr'i-er), n. a soldier; 
fighter. [Old French.] 

wart (wawrt), n. a dry excrescence on 
the human skin and certain animals. 

warty (wawrt'i), adj. having warts. 

wary (wa/ri), adj. [comp. warier, su- 
perl. wariest], cautious; circumspect. 

was (waz), v.t. of be. 

wash (wosh), v.t. to cleanse with 
water; cover with water; overlay 
with thin metal; cover with a thin 
coat of color; cleanse from moral 
pollution: v.i. to cleanse by wash- 
ing: n. the act of washing; waste 
liquor; alluvial matter; shallow part 
of an arm of a sea or of a river ; bog 
or marsh; cosmetic lotion. 

washable (wosh'a-bl), adj. that can be 
washed without injury. 

washing (wosh'ing), n. the act of 
cleansing with water ; clothes washed 
at one time. 

wash-out (wosh'out), n. a chasm or 
deep groove made by the rushing of 
water. 

wasp (wosp), n. a winged insect with 


a sharp sting; peevish, irritable per- 
son. 

wassail (wos'el), n. a merry-making 
accompanied with drinking, especial- 
ly at Christmas-time ; liquor of ale, 
apples, and sugar: v.i. to carouse. 

waste (wast), _ v.t. to destroy wan- 
tonly; diminish; squander; impair: 
v.i. to be diminished: adj. lying un- 
used; unproductive; devastated; 
untilled: n. the act of wasting; dissi- 
pation of property; useless expendi- 
ture; uncultivated country; ref- 
use. 

wasteful (wast 'fool), adj. causing 
waste; spending property extrava- 
gantly or uselessly. [Old French.] 

wastrel (wos'trel), n. a waif; a profli- 
gate. 

watch (woch), n. close observation; 
guard; vigilance; sentry; attendance 
without sleep; watchman; division 
of the night; period during which 
part of a crew are on duty on deck 
(4 hours); pocket timepiece: v.i. to 
be or keep awake; keep guard; act 
as an attendant: v.t. to tend; guard; 
keep in view. 

watchful (woch'fool), adj. vigilant; 
wary. 

watchmaker (woch'mak-er), n. one 
who makes clocks and watches, or 
who repairs them. 

watchman (woch'man), n. aman 
employed either by a community or 
by private individuals to watch over 
public or private property. 

watchword (woch'werd), n. a pass- 
word. 

water (waw'ter), n. a colorless, in- 
odorous, transparent fluid, consist- 
ing of 2 volumes of hydrogen to one 
of oxygen ; rain ; sea ; any collection 
of water ; luster of a diamond ; urine : 
v.t. to supply with water; irrigate; 
wet with water; dilute: v.i. to get 
or take in water; have a longing 
desire. 

watercourse (waw'ter-kors), n. a 
course or channel for water. 

waterfall (waw'ter-fawl), n. a body of 
water falling over a precipice; a 
cataract; a cascade. 

watermain (waw'ter-man), n. a great 
underground pipe supplying water 
in cities. 

waterproof (waw'ter-prdof), adj. per- 


f.te, arm, at, awl; me, merge, met ; mite, mit; note, north, not; boon, book; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


WATERSPOUT 


577 


WEAVE 


mitting no water to enter: n. a 
storm-coat. 

waterspout (waw'ter-spout), n. a 
great column of moving spray or 
mist with considerable masses of wa- 
ter in the lower parts, forming a 
whirlwind over the sea. 

watt (wot), n. an electrical unit of 
power. 

wattle (wot'l), n. a twig or flexible rod; 
a hurdle of interwoven rods ; fleshy 
lobe under the throat of a fowl, tur- 
key, &c; kind of acacia: v.t. to twist 
or interweave (twigs or rods) one 
with another: n. bird with wattles. 

waul (wawl), n. the cry of a cat. 

wave (wav), n. the alternate rising 
and falling of water above its nat- 
ural level; undulation; state of vi- 
bration propagated through a sys- 
tem of particles or elastic medium: 
v.i. to move like a wave; undulate: 
v.t. to brandish; beckon. 

waver (wav'er), v.i. to move to and fro; 
vacillate; hesitate or be undeter- 
mined. 

wax (waks), n. beeswax; any tena- 
cious substance like beeswax; ceru- 
men of the ear; rage: v.t. to smear, 
rub, or join, with wax: v.i. to in- 
crease in size; become. 

way (wa), n. a road; route; progres- 
sion; motion; course; length of 
space; distance; relative position or 
motion; tendency; advance in life; 
manner; will; plan. 

wayfarer (wa/far-er), n. one who 
travels on foot. 

waylay (wa'la), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. way- 
laid, p.pr. waylaying], to beset by 
the road or in ambush. 

wayward (wa'werd), adj. perverse; 
fro ward. 

we (we), pron., pi. of I. 

weak (wek), adj. wanting strength, 
vigor, spirit, discernment, or wis- 
dom; feeble; soft; pliant; unforti- 
fied; vacillating. 

weaken (wek'n), v.t. to make weak; 
reduce in quality or strength: v.i. to 
become weak. 

weakflsh (wek'fish), n. an edible 
American fish, silvery, with streaks 
that undulate across the body. 

weakling (wek'ling), n. a person of 
no physical or moral force. 


weal (wel), n. welfare; prosperity; 
mark of a stripe: v.t. to mark with 
stripes. 

weald (weld), n. a wood or forest; 
wold. 

wealth (welth), n. riches; affluence. 

wealthy (welth'i), adj. [comp. 
wealthier, superl. wealthiest], rich; 
affluent. 

wean (wen), v.t. to accustom and 
reconcile to a want or deprivation of 
the breast; alienate the affections 
from any object or habit. 

weapon (wep'n), n. any instrument 
of offense or defense. 

wear (war), v.t. [p.t. wore, p.p. worn, 
p.pr. wearing], to impair or waste by 
time, usage, friction, &c; carry as 
covering on the body; put (a vessel) 
on another tack; bear or carry: v.i. 
to be wasted or worn by friction or 
usage; last under use: n. the act of 
wearing; state of being worn. 

weariness (wer'i-nes), n. the state of 
being wearied. _ 

wearisome (wer'i-sum), adj. fatiguing; 
tedious. 

weary (wer'i), adj. [comp. wearier, su- 
per!, weariest], worn out physically 
or mentally ; having the patience ex- 
hausted; causing weariness; irk- 
some: v.t. [p.t. & p.p. wearied, p.pr. 
wearying], to wear out or make 
weary; harass by something irk- 
some: v.i. to become weary, tired or 
fatigued; become impatient. 

weasand (we'zand), n. the wind- 
pipe. 

weasel (we'zel), n. a small carnivorous 
animal with short legs and a long 
body. 

weather (weth'er),^ n. the state of 
the atmosphere with respect to cold, 
heat, wet, dryness, &c: v.t. to ex- 
pose to, or season by exposure to, 
the air; endure or resist bravely: v.i. 
to undergo change by the action of 
the weather. 

weather-cock (wei/i'er-kok), n. a 
vane. 

weather-gage (we^'er-gaj), n. the 
situation of a vessel when to the 
windward of another. 

weave (wev), v.t. to twist or inter- 
lace, as threads, together; form, as 
cloth, in a loom; compose or fabri- 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


WEAZEN 


578 


WELTER 


cate: v.i. to practice weaving; work 
with a loom. 

weazen (we'zn), n. sharp and thin; 
withered. 

web (web), n. texture of threads, or 
thread-like materials ; anything care- 
fully contrived; tissue or texture; 
large roll of paper for newspapers; 
membrane uniting the fingers and 
toes in many water-birds and am- 
phibians: v.t. [p.t. & p.p. webbed, 
p.pr. webbing], to unite or surround 
with, or as with, a web; entangle. 

wed (wed), v.t. [p.t. & v.p. wedded 
or wed, p.pr. wedding], to marry; 
unite together: v.i. to contract mar- 
riage. 

wedding (wed'ing), n. marriage; nup- 
tial ceremonies or festivities. 

wedge (wej), n. a piece of wood or 
metal, thick at one end and thin at 
the other, used for rending or com- 
pressing, &c; one of the mechanical 
powers; mass of metal: v.t. to 
cleave, force, drive, or fasten, with 
a wedge; press closely. 

wedlock (wed'lok), n. matrimony. 

Wednesday (wenz'da), n. the fourth 
day of the week. 

wee (we), adj. very small. 

weed (wed), n. any plant growing 
uncultivated or noxious to cultivated 
crops; anything useless or trouble- 
some: pi. & widow's mourning gar- 
ments; a cigar or tobacco: v.t. to 
free from weeds, or anything offen- 
sive or hurtful. 

week (wek), n. a period of seven 
days. 

weekday (wek'da), n. any day of the 
week except Sunday. 

weekly (wek'li), adj. continuing for, or 
produced within, or happening in, a 
week: adv. once a week: n. [pi 
weeklies (wek'liz)], a periodical is- 
sued once a week. 

ween (wen), v.i. to think; fancy. 

weep (wep), v.i. to express grief by 
shedding tears: v.t. to lament; pour 
forth. 

weevil (we'vl), n. a small beetle, the 
larvae of which are very destructive 
to grain, &c. 

weft (weft), n. the woof or piling of 
cloth crossing the warp. 

weigh (wa), v.t. to ascertain the 
weight of; examine by the balance; 


reflect on carefully: v.i. to have 
weight; bear heavily: n. a certain 
quantity by weight. 

weight (wat), n. the quality of being 
heavy; gravity; quantity of matter 
as ascertained by the balance; a 
definite mass of metal for ascertain- 
ing the weight of other bodies; 
mass; something oppressive; pres- 
sure ; power ; importance. 

weighty (wat'i), adj. [comp. weightier, 
superl. weightiest], having weight; 
heavy; ponderous; momentous; im- 
portant; serious. 

weir (wer), n. a dam across a stream 
to raise the level of the water; en- 
closure of twigs, &c, for catching fish. 

weird (werd), adj. pertaining to, or 
connected with, fate or destiny; su- 
pernatural; caused by magical influ- 
ence: n. a spell or charm. 

welch (welsh), v.i. to run off from a 
race-course without paying one's 
bets; to cheat out of a wager. Also 
welsh. 

welcome (wel'kum), adj. received 
with gladness or hospitality; pro- 
ducing gladness; free to enjoy gra- 
tuitously: n. kind reception to a 
guest or newcomer: v.t. to salute 
with kindness; receive with hospi- 
tality. 

weld (weld), v.t. to unite together by 
hammering or fusion, as two pieces 
of heated iron. 

welfare (wel'far), n. prosperity; hap- 
piness. 

welkin (wel 'kin), n. the sky. 

well (wel), n. a spring or fountain; 
shaft sunk to reach a supply of 
water or other liquid; something re- 
sembling a well in shape: v.i. to flow 
or issue forth: adv. right; justly; 
suitably ; adequately ; favorably : 
far; not a little: adj. good in condi- 
tion or circumstances; fortunate, 
sound in body; healthy; safe. 

well-spring (wel 'spring), n. a source 
of water that does not fail. 

welt (welt), n. a narrow strip of 
leather around a shoe between the 
upper leather and sole: v.t. to fur- 
nish with a welt. 

welter (welt'er), v.t. to roll in mud or 
foul matter; wallow: v.t. to cause to 
rise and fall, as waves: n. that in 
which any person or animal welters: 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met : mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


WEN 


579 


WHETSTONE 


adj. pertaining to, or noting, the 
most heavily weighted race of a 
meeting. 

wen (wen), n. a fleshy and movable 
tumor. 

wench (wench), n. a young girl or 
maiden: usually in an invidious or 
bad sense; female colored servant. 

wend (wend), v.i. to go; pass: v.t. to 
direct (ones way or course). 

went, p.t. of go. 

wept, p.t. & p.p. of weep. 

were (wer), p.t. pi. of be. 

werewolf (werwoolf), n. a person 
transformed into a wolf in form or 
appetite, either permanently or at 
certain periods. Also werwolf. 

wert (wert), 2 per. sing, of were. 

west (west), n. one of trie four cardinal 
points, exactly opposite the east; 
point where the sun appears to set: 
adj. pertaining to, situated at, lying 
toward, proceeding toward, or com- 
ing from, the west: adv. towards the 
west. 

West, n. the Occident; country or re- 
gion lying west of any particular 
place. 

western (west'ern), adj. tending to, or 
passing toward, the west. 

westward (west'werd), adv. towards 
the west. Also westwards. 

wet (wet), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. wetted or 
wet, p.pr. wetting], to make wet; 
saturate or moisten with water or 
some other liquid: n. water; mois- 
ture; rainy or misty weather; a 
drink: adj. containing, consisting of, 
or soaked with, water or some other 
liquid; very damp; rainy or misty. 

wether (weth'er), n. a castrated ram. 

whack (hwak), n. a smart resounding 
blow; large piece: v.t. to strike with a 
smart resounding blow. 

whale (hwal), n. a large mammal of 
the Cetacea, many species of which 
yield oil and whalebone; a fish of 
great size. 

wharf (hwawrf), n. [pi. wharfs or 
wharves (hwawrfs, hwawrvz)], a 
quay or erection on the shore of a 
harbor, river, &c, for discharging or 
taking in cargoes, passengers, &c. 

what (hwot), pron. that which; the 
thing that; how great; something: 
adj. of what sort, character, &c. 

whatnot (hwot'not), n. an article of 


furniture with shelves for books, or- 
naments, &c. 
wheat (hwet), n. an annual cereal 
grain from which flour is manufac- 
tured. 

wheedle (hwe'dl), v.t. to entice with 
flattering words; cajole; coax. 

wheel (hwel), n. a circular frame or 
solid piece of wood or metal turning 
on its own axis; any wheel-shaped 
mechanical contrivance; an old in- 
strument of torture; a circular re- 
volving firework: v.t. to cause to 
rotate; convey on wheels: v.i. to 
turn on, or as on, an axis. 

wheelbarrow (hweTbar-o), n. a bar- 
row with one or more wheels. 

wheeler (hwel'er), n. one who wheels; 
the horse nearest to the wheels of a 
carriage. 

wheelwright (hweTrit), n. a maker of 
wheels and wheeled carriages. 

wheeze (hwez), v.i. to breathe hard 
and audibly: n. a puffing or blowing, 
as in labored breathing. 

whelm (hwelm), v.t. to overwhelm. 

whelp (hwelp), n. the young of a dog, 
lion, fox, &c; cub: v.i. to bring forth 
young: said of the female of certain 
animals, as the dog. 

when (hwen), adv. at, or after, the 
time that; at what time; although. 

whence (hwens), adv. from what 
place, source, or origin; how. 

where (hwar), adv. at which place or 
places; whither. 

whereabouts (hwar'a-bouts) , adv. 
about where, inter j. or conj.'. n. an 
indefinite place. 

whereas (hwar-az'), adv. when in fact 
or truth; since. 

wherefore (hwar'for), adv. for which or 
what reason; why. 

wherry (hwer'i), n. a light, shallow 
boat, sharp at both ends; small- 
decked fishing-vessel; liquor made 
from the juice of crab-apples after 
the verjuice is expressed. 

whet (hwet), v.t. _ [p.t. & p.p. whet- 
ted, p.pr. whetting], to sharpen, es- 
pecially by rubbing or friction; 
stimulate. 

whether (hwel'er), pron. which of 
two: conj. which of two alterna- 
tives (followed by or). 

whetstone (hwet'st5n), n. a stone for 
sharpening edged tools, &c. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, nCrth, not ; boon, book 
** hue, hut; think, then. 


WHEY 


580 


WHITE 


whey (hwa), n. the thin, sweet, wa- 
tery part of milk, after separation 
from the curd. 

which (hwich), pron. a word of in- 
terrogation in all genders; the rela- 
tive serving as the neuter of who. 

whiff (hwif), n. a sudden breath of air, 
. smoke, &c, as from the mouth; light 
puff; kind of outrigged boat: v.t. to 
puff or emit in whiffs. 

whiffet (hwif'et), n. a useless trifler. 

whiffle (hwif'l), v.i. to veer about like 
the wind; be fickle or unsteady; 
prevaricate. 

whiffletree (hwif '1-tre) , sameasswin- 
gletree. 

while (hwil), n. space of time; dura- 
tion: conj. during the time that: v.t. 
to cause to pass; spend; usually fol- 
lowed by away. 

whilom (hwi'lom), adv. formerly; long 
ago. 

whim (hwim), n. a capricious fancy; 
freak; notion. 

whimper (hwim'per), v.t. to utter in a 
low, whining or crying tone: v.i. to 
cry with a low, whining, broken 
voice. 

whimsical (hwim'zi-kal) , adj. full of 
whims; fantastical; odd in appear- 
ance. 

whin (hwin), n. a wild, prickly plant 
of the genus Ulex; furze. 

whine (hwin), v.i. to express sorrow 
by a plaintive cry; murmur in an 
unmanly manner: n. a plaintive 
tone; mean or affected complaint. 

whinny (hwin'i), v.i. to utter a sound 
like the cry of a horse: n. the act of 
whinnying: adj. abounding in whins 
or furze. 

whip (hwip), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. whipped, 
or whipt, p.pr. whipping], to strike 
or punish with a lash or some other 
instrument of punishment or correc- 
tion; flog; lash with sarcasm; beat 
into a froth; beat out; sew lightly; 
fish in with a rod and artificial fly: 
v.i. to move nimbly; start suddenly 
and run: n. an instrument for 
driving horses or other animals or 
for correction; coachman or driver; 
whipper-in; endless line used for 
saving life in shipwreck; small 
tackle with a single rope for hoist- 
ing; a member of the British Parlia- 
ment whose duty it is to summon 


the members of his party to impor- 
tant divisions; the summons issued. 

whipper-in (hwip-er-in'), n. a hunts- 
man who keeps the hounds in re- 
straint. 

whippoorwill (hwip'per-wil), n. a 
small American bird, named from 
its cry. 

whir (hwer), v.i. [p.t. & p.p. whirred, 
p.pr. whirring], to revolve quickly 
with a whizzing noise: n. a whiz- 
zing noise. 

whirl (hwerl), v.t. to turn round 
rapidly: v.i. to turn or move round 
with velocity; move along swiftly: 
n. a turning with velocity; rapid ro- 
tation or whirling motion. 

whirligig (hwerl'i-gig) , n. a child's 
toy which is whirled or spun round. 

whirlpool (hwerl'pool) , n. a body of 
water moving with a circular mo- 
tion forming a vortex or gulf. 

whirlwind (hwerl'wind) , n. a violent 
wind moving spirally; sudden vio- 
lent rush. 

whisk (hwisk), v.t. to sweep or stir 
rapidly; move, or carry off, nimbly: 
v.i. to move rapidly and nimbly: n. 
the act of whisking; small bundle 
of grass, hair, &c, used as a 'brush; 
small instrument used for beating or 
whisking, especially eggs. 

whiskers (hwisk'erz), n.pl.^ the hair 
on a man's cheeks; the bristly hairs 
on the upper lip of a cat, &c. 

whisky (hwis'ki), n. an intoxicant 
distilled from barley, rye, &c. Also 
whiskey. 

whisper (hwis'per), v.i. to speak in a 
low voice or as not to be overheard: 
v.t. to say under the breath: n. a low, 
soft tone of voice audible only to the 
listener; suggestion or insinua- 
tion. 

whist (hwist), n. a card game: in- 
terj. hush! 

whistle (hwisl), v.i. to make a shrill 
sound by forcing the breath through 
the contracted lips; utter a shrill 
sound: v.t. to call or signal by a 
whistle: n. the shrill noise of one 
who whistles; small wmd-instru- 
ment; throat. 

whit (hwit), n. the smallest particle. 

white (hwit), adj. being without col- 
or or of the hue of pure snow; hence 
pure; innocent 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


WHITE BOOK 


581 


WIGGLE 


white book (hwit book), n. a collec- 
tion of state-papers, so-called from 
the color of the covers, issued by 
a government, as England or Ger- 
many. Those containing the dip- 
lomatic correspondence by these two 
countries relating to the outbreak of 
the European War in 1914 are espe- 
cially notable. 

white-feather (hwit-fetfi'er), n. cow- 
ardice. 

white- swelling (hwit'swel-ing), n. a 
scrofulous inflammation about the 
joints. 

whither (hwith'er) , adv. to what place ; 
to what; how far. 

whiting (hwit'ing), n. pulverized 
chalk cleansed from impurities; an 
edible fish. 

whitlow (hwit'lo), n. a sore about 
the quick: of the nail; felon; a foot 
disease in sheep. 

whittle (hwit'l), v.t. to cut, dress, or 
sharpen with a knife; reduce bit by 
bit, 

whiz (hwiz), v.i. [p.t. & p.p. whizzed, 
p. pr. whizzing], to make a humming 
or hissing noise: n. a humming or 
hissing noise. 

who (hoo), pron. referring to one or 
more persons; used relatively and 
interrogatively. 

whoa (hwo), inter j. a word of com- 
mand addressed to horses or cattle, 
meaning "_stop!" 

whoever (hoo-ev'er), pron. every one 
who; whatever person. 

whole (hoi), adj. containing all; 
complete; not defective; hale and 
sound; unbroken. 

wholesale (hol'sal), n. sale of goods by 
the piece or in large quantity: adj. 
buying or selling in large quanti- 
ties. 

wholesome (hol'sum), adj. sound; pro- 
moting or favoring morals, religion, 
or prosperity; salubrious; salutary. 

wholly (hol'li), adv. entirely; exclu- 
sively. 

whom (hoom), pron. objective of who. 

whoop (hoop), v.i. to utter a loud, 
shrill, and prolonged cry; shout: n. 
a loud shout of, or as of, pursuit or 
attack. 

whooping-cough (hoop'ing-kof), n. a 
violent, convulsive cough, character- 
ized by its whooping sound. 


whop (hwop), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. whopped, 
p.pr. whopping], to thrash or beat: 
v.i. to fall down suddenly: n. a blow 
or fall. 

whopper (hwop'er), n. something un- 
usually large; a monstrous lie. 

whore (hor), n. a female who prosti- 
tutes her body for hire; prostitute; 
adulteress: v.i. to fornicate; prac- 
tice idolatry. 

whorl (hwerl or hworl), n. any set 
of organs or appendages arranged in 
a circle round an axis, as flowers or 
leaves; turn of the spire of a uni- 
valve shell; fly of a spindle. 

whortleberry (hwer'tl-ber-i), n. a 
small shrub and its edible blue fruit. 

whose (hooz), pron. poss. of who or 
which. 

why (hwi), adv. for what cause, rea- 
son, _ or purpose : inter j. used em- 
phatically: n. the reason or cause. 

wick (wik), n. the cotton or sub- 
stance of a candle or lamp which 
supplies the flame. 

wicked (wik'ed), adj. evil in principle 
or practice; sinful; immoral; roguish. 

wickedness (wik'ed-nes), n. sin; crime; 
vice; moral depravity. 

wicker (wik'er), n. a pliant osier: adj. 
made of plaited osiers. 

wicket (wik'et), n. a small gate; the 
three upright stumps in cricket at 
which the ball is bowled. 

wide (wid), adj. extended far each 
way; broad; vast; very capacious; 
failing to hit the mark: adv. to a 
great distance; far apart \ n. a ball 
bowled outside the bowling-crease. 

widow (wid'o), n. a woman bereaved 
of her husband and remaining un- 
married: v.t. to bereave of a husband. 

widower (wid'o-er), n. a man bereaved 
of his wife and remaining unmarried. 

width (width) , _ n. extent of a thing 
from side to side. 

wield (weld), v.t. to use or employ 
with the hand; control or sway; 
handle. 

wife (wif), n. [pi. wives (wivz)], a 
woman united in lawful wedlock to 
a man; woman in some humble em- 
ployment. 

wig (wig), n. false hair worn on the 
head. 

wigging (wig'ing), n. a scolding. 

wiggle, same as wriggle. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


WIGHT 


582 


WING 


wight (wit) , n. a person, usually male. 
The word commonly conveys a 
shade of mirth or contempt. 

wigwag (wig' wag), n. a signaling 
flag: v.t. & v.i. to communicate by 
means of a wigwag; to wave to and 
fro. 

wigwam (wig'wawm), n. an Indian 
hut. 

wild (wild), adj. living in a state of 
nature; untamed; uncultivated; na- 
tive; savage; violent; passionate; 
unreasonable: n. a desert. 

wildcat (wlld'kat), adj. unsafe; spec- 
ulative; running without control: n. 
a small feline carnivorous animal 
somewhat resembling the domestic 
cat. 

wilderness (wil'der-nes) , n. a region 
or tract of land uncultivated and un- 
inhabited; desert. 

wile (wil), n. a sly artifice; trick: v.t. 
to cause to pass pleasantly (with 
away) ; cajole. [Scotch.] 

wilful (wil'fool), adj. governed by the 
will without regard to reason; stub- 
born; inflexible. 

will (wil), n. the faculty of the mind 
by which one chooses or determines ; 
command; pleasure; divine deter- 
mination ; choice ; desire ; feeling tow- 
ards; legal disposition of one's 
property at death: v.i. to exercise 
the will; decree: v.t. to determine in 
the mind; command; direct; be- 
queath. 

will-o'-the-wisp (wil-o-^e-wisp'), n. 
the ignis fatuus; any deceiving per- 
son or thing. 

willow (wil'o), n. a tree of the genus 
Salix. 

wilt, 2 per. sing, of will. 

wily (wi-li), adj. cunning; crafty. 

wimple (wim'pl), n. a kind of silk or 
linen headcovering formerly worn by 
women, and still retained by 
nuns. 

win (win), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. won, p.pr. 
winning], to gain by superiority in 
a contest or competition; gain or 
obtain; bring over to one's party; 
render friendly or favorable: v.i. to 
be successful; triumph. 

wince (wins), v.i. to twist or turn as 
in pain or uneasiness; shrink; kick: 
n. the act of wincing. 

wincey (win'si), n. linsey-woolsey. 


winch (winch), n. the crank ui a 
wheel or axle. 

wind (wind), n. air in perceptible 
motion; lungs; power of respiration; 
breath; flatulence; anything insig- 
nificant or light as wind ; idle words : 
v.t. to ventilate; scent with the 
nose as hounds; render scant of 
breath; allow to rest, as a horse, in 
order to let him recover breath: v.i. 
(wind) to turn round something; 
twist; meander: v.t. to coil or en- 
circle. 

windage (wind'aj), n. the difference 
between the diameter of the bore of 
a gun and of a shot or shell; deflec- 
tion of a missile caused by the wind. 

windfall (wind'fawl), n. fruit blown 
down by the wind; unexpected good 
fortune. 

winding (wlnd'ing), n. turning; twist- 
ing. 

windlass (wind'las), n. a horizontal 
cylinder or roller by means of which 
heavy weights, &c, are raised. 

windmill (wind'mil), n. a sort of tow- 
er containing a grinding apparatus 
or an arrangement for raising water, 
the motive power being furnished by 
the wind which drives enormous sails 
at the top of the tower. 

window (win'do), n. an aperture, usu- 
ally glazed, in a building to admit 
light; frame in such an opening; 
anything resembling a window. 

windpipe (wind'pip), n. the trachea. 

windward (wind'werd), n. the direc- 
tion from which the wind blows: 
adv. toward the wind: adj. on the 
side toward the point from which 
the wind blows. 

windy (wind'i), adj. [comp. windier, su- 
perl. windiest], pertaining to, like, 
or consisting of, wind; boisterous; 
windward; exposed to the wind; 
flatulent; empty. 

wine (win), n. the fermented juice of 
grapes; liquor made from the juice 
of certain fruits; intoxication; wine 
party. 

wing (wing), n. one of the two an- 
terior limbs of a bird, or insect, by 
which it flies ; anything resembling a 
wing; passage by the wing; flight; 
side of a building, army, fleet, &c; 
care or protection: v.t. to furnish 
with, or as with, wings; transport 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


WINK 


583 


WITNESS 


by flight; supply with side-pieces; 
wound in the wing: v.i. to fly. 

win* (wingk), v.i. to close and open 
the eyelids with a quick motion; 
hint by the motion of the eyelids; 
connive; tolerate: n. act of winking; 
hint given. 

winning (win'ing), adj. adapted to 
gain favor; attractive; charming: 
n.pl. money gained in any contest or 
game. 

winnow (win'o), v.t. to separate and 
drive the chaff from (grain) by the 
wind; fan; sift or examine: v.i. to 
separate chaff from grain. 

winsome (win'sum), adj. attractive; 
pretty. 

winter (win'ter), n. the cold season of 
the year; period or condition re- 
sembling winter: v.i. to pass the 
winter; hibernate: v.t. to feed or 
maintain during the winter. 

wipe (wip), v.t. to rub or dust the 
surface of with something soft; dry 
by rubbing; cleanse, as from abuses; 
obliterate (with out) : n. act of 
cleansing by rubbing; blow or crush- 
ing repartee ; the lapwing. 

wire (wir), n. a metallic thread of 
uniform diameter; telegraph wire; 
telegram: v.t. to bind, or snare, with 
wire; telegraph. 

wireless (wir'les), n. a wireless tele- 
gram; a message sent without wires. 

wire-pulling (wir'pool-ing) , n. secret 
influence or intrigue, especially for 
political purposes. 

wiry (wlr'i), adj. made of, or like, wire; 
strong and flexible ; lean and sinewy. 

wisdom (wiz'dom), n. knowledge 
practically applied to the best ends; 
natural sagacity; prudence; skill in 
affairs ; piety. 

wise (wiz), adj. judging correctly from 
experience; possessing wisdom; skil- 
ful; learned; discreet; containing, or 
directed by, wisdom: suffix denoting 
manner or mode of acting. 

wiseacre (wiz'a-ker), n. a would-be 
wise person; pretender to learning. 

wisely (wiz'li), adv. in a wise manner. 

wish (wish), v.i. to have a strong de- 
sire: v.t. to desire or long for; ex- 
press desire for: n. strong or eager 
desire; thing desired. 

wishy-washy (wish'i-wosh'i), adj. fee- 
ble; slovenly; weak (as of tea). 


wisp (wisp), n. a handful or small 
bundle, as of straw or hay. 

wistful (wist'fool), adj. sadly long- 
ing; pensive. 

wit (wit), v.i. to know r : n. knowledge; 
intellect or mental faculties; sagac- 
ity; talent; ingenuity; power of 
combining ideas with ludicrous ef- 
fect; one who possesses wit; humor- 
ist. 

witch (wich), n. a woman supposed 
to have formed a compact with evil 
spirits, by whose means she possessed 
supernatural powers; sorceress; fas- 
cinating young woman: v.t. to be- 
witch; enchant. 

witchcraft (wich'kraft), n. the prac- 
tice of witches; supernatural or 
magical powers. 

witchery (wich'er-i), n. witchcraft; 
fascination. 

witch-hazel (wich'ha-zel), n. a shrub 
or small tree of the genus Hamamelis. 

witching, same as bewitching. 

with (wii/i), prep, denoting nearness 
or connection : prefix meaning oppo- 
sition, departure, privation, as with- 
stand, ivithhold, &c. 

withal (with-a\'), adv. likewise. See 
also. 

withdraw (wi£/i-draw') , v.t. to take 
away, or apart: v.i. to retire. 

withe (with), n. a tough flexible twig, 
especially of willow; band of twigs 
twisted together. 

wither (with'er), v.t. to cause to fade 
and become dry; decay: v.i. to be- 
come sapless. 

withers (with'erz), n.pl. the highest 
part of a horse's back, between the 
shoulder-blades. _ 

withhold (wi^-hold'), v.t. to keep 
back; restrain from action. 

within (with-in'), prep, inside; in 
reach of: adv. inwardly. 

without (with-ouf), prep, outside 
(of); not having: adv. on the outside. 

withstand (wi£/i-stand')>. v.t. [p.t. & 
p.p. withstood, p.pr. withstanding], 
to stand against; to oppose; to resist.' 

withy (with'i), n. a large species of 
willow; twig: adj. flexible and tough. 

witless (wit'les), adj. devoid of wit; 
stupid; dull. 

witness (wit'nes), n. attestation of a 
fact or event; testimony; evidence: 
n. one who sees or has personal 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met : mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


WITTICISM 


584 


WORD-BOOK 


knowledge of anything; one who at- 
tests: v.t. to have direct knowledge 
of; see; give testimony to; see the 
execution of (a document) and sub- 
scribe it: v.i. to give evidence. 

witticism (wit'i-sizm) , n. a witty re- 
mark. 

witty (wit'i), adj. [comp. wittier, su- 
perl. wittiest], smartly or cleverly 
facetious; characterized by, or pos- 
sessed of, wit; satirical. 

wive (wiv), v.t. to provide with a 
wife: v.i. to marry. 

wizard (wiz'erd), n. one supposed to 
possess supernatural powers, usually 
from the Evil One; enchanter; sor- 
cerer; conjurer. 

wizen (wiz'en), adj. dried up; shriv- 
eled: v.i. & v.t. to dry up or shrivel. 

wobble (wob'l), v.i. to sway unsteadily 
from side to side; to rock; to vacil- 
late: n. an unsteady motion. 

woe (w5), n. sorrow; grief; misery. 

woebegone (wo'be-gon), adj. dolor- 
ous; doleful; dreary looking. Also 
wobegone. 

woeful (wo 'fool), adj. full of, or ex- 
pressing, woe; sad; mean. Also 
woful. 

wold (wold), n. a forest or wood; 
plain or open country: pi. a hilly 
district. 

wolf (woolf), n. [pi. wolves (woolvz)], 
a fierce carnivorous animal of the 
dog kind: hence a person noted for 
rapacity or cruelty. 

wolfish (woolf 'ish), adj. like a wolf; 
ravenously hungry. 

woman (woom'an), n. [pi. women 
(wim'en)], an adult person of the 
female sex; female attendant; 
wife. 

womanhood (woom'an-hood), n. the 
state, character, or collective quali- 
ties of a woman. 

woman suffrage (woom'an-suf raj), n. 
the legalized right of women to cast 
a vote. 

womb (woom), n. the uterus of a fe- 
male; place where anything is pro- 
duced; large or deep cavity: v.t. to 
breed in secret. 

won (wun), p.t. & p.p. of win. 

wonder (wun'der), n. the state of 
mind produced by anything new, 
strange, unexpected, or surprising; 
astonishment ; cause of wonder ; mar- 


vel; miracle; prodigy: v.i. to feel 
wonder; be astonished at. 

wonderful (wun'der-f ool) , adj. excit- 
ing wonder ; strange. Also wondrous. 

wont (wunt), adj. used or accus- 
tomed: n. habit or custom. 

wonted (wunt'ed), adj. habitual; 
usual. 

woo (woo), v.t. to solicit in love; in- 
vite with importunity: v.i. to 
court. 

wood (wood), n. a large and thick 
collection of growing trees; solid 
part of trees; trunk of trees sawn 
for use. 

woodbine (wood'bln), n. a woody 
creeper, indigenous in Europe, now 
common in the U. S. where it is 
called (incorrectly) honeysuckle. 

woodchuck (wood'chuk), n. the mar- 
mot or ground-hog. 

woodcock (wood'kok), n. a wild fowl 
allied to the snipe. 

woodcut (wood'kut), n. a block of 
finely grained wood, engraved with 
a picture or design. 

wooden (wood'n), adj. made, or con- 
sisting of, wood; produced as from 
wood; stiff; awkward; expression- 
less. 

woodman (wood'man), n. a forest 
officer; forester; one who fells tim- 
ber; a hunter. 

woodpecker (wood'pek-er) , n. a bird 
that taps the trunks of trees to dis- 
cover insects. 

woof (woof), n. the weft or cross- 
threads in weaving; texture. 

wool (wool), n. the soft fine hair 
whicn covers sheep, goats, &c; fine 
fiber resembling wool; soft, thick 
hair. 

wool-gathering (wool'gai/i-er-ing) , 
adj. indulgence of idle fancies. 

woolsack (wool'sak), n. a sack of wool; 
the Lord Chancellor's seat in the 
British House of Lords. 

word (werd), n. an articulate sound, 
or combination of sounds expressing 
an idea; constituent part of a sen- 
tence; tidings; message or commu- 
nication; declaration; promise: pi. 
language; speech; conversation; dis- 
pute: v.t. to express in words; 
phrase. 

word-book (werd'book) , n. a vocabu- 
lary. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, n6rth, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


WORD-BUILDING 


585 


WOUND 


word- building (werd'bil-ding), n. the 
formation or composition of words. 

wording (werd'ing), n. the manner in 
which anything is expressed in 
words. 

wordless (werd'les), adj. lacking words. 

word-painting (werd'pant-ing), n. 
the description of an event, &c, in 
vivid, realistic language. 

wordy (werd'i), adj. pertaining to, 
consisting of, or containing, many- 
words; verbose. 

wore (wor), p.t. of wear. 

work (werk), n. physical or intellec- 
tual effort directed to some end ; re- 
sult of work; labor; employment; 
duty ; a production of an art or sci- 
ence; causing of motion against a 
resisting body: pi. moving parts of a 
mechanism; industrial manufactur- 
ing establishment; _ structures in 
civil or military engineering; moral 
duties as external to faith: v.i. to be 
occupied in business or labor; per- 
form; act; be in a state of severe 
exertion; ferment: v.t. to make by 
labor; influence or effect; excite; 
manage or carry out; sew or em- 
broider. 

workhouse (werk'hous), n. a poor- 
house; a house where convicts are 
confined to labor. 

workman (werk'man), n. one who 
is engaged in manual labor ; a worker ; 
in a higher sense, an artist. 

world (werld), n. the earth and its 
inhabitants; whole system of created 
things; universe; present state of 
existence; people generally; public 
life or society; secular life; sphere 
or domain; very much. 

worldliness (werld'li-nes), n. the state 
of being addicted to gain and tem- 
poral pleasures. 

worldling (werld'ling) , n. one who ia 
devoted to the pleasures and advan- 
tages of the present. 

worldly (werld'li), adj. pertaining to, 
or devoted to, this life and its en- 
joyments and advantages. 

worm (werm), n. any small creeping 
animal entirely destitute of feet, or 
having very short ones; anything 
that gnaws or torments the mind; 
thread of a screw; spiral pipe in a 
still or condenser; a groveling, de- 
based creature: v.i. to work slowly, 


secretly, and gradually: v.t. to un- 
dermine by slow and secret means. 

wormwood (werm 'wood), n. the bitter 
plant Absinthium, used as a power- 
ful tonic; source of bitterness. 

worn (worn), p.v. of wear. 

worried (wur'id), adj. harassed; 
tired. 

worry (wur'i), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. worried, 
p.pr. worrying], to tear or mangle 
with the teeth; harass with anxiety 
or care; vex or annoy; tease: v.i. to 
feel or express undue anxiety; be 
fretful; fight, as dogs: n. harassing 
trouble; anxiety; perplexity. 

worse (wers), adj. [pomp, of bad]: 
n. loss; defeat; inferior state or con- 
dition: adv. bad in a greater degree. 

worship (wer'ship), n. in England, a 
title of honor used in addressing cer- 
tain magistrates, especially mayors; 
act of paying divine honor to God: 
v.t. to pay divine honors, or religious 
service, to ; reverence with great re- 
spect: v.i. to perform acts of hom- 
age or adoration, especially religious 
service. 

worshipful (wer 'ship-fool), adj. claim- 
ing or worthy of respect or honor; a 
term of respect in England. 

worst (werst), adj. superl. of bad; 
bad or evil in the highest degree; 
most severe or dangerous: adv. 
worse than all others: n. the most 
evil or calamitous state: v.t. to get 
the advantage of in a contest; over- 
throw; defeat. 

worsted (woor'sted), n. twisted thread 
spun out of woolen yarn: adj. made 
of worsted. 

wort (wert), n. the saccharine infu- 
sion of malt which ferments and 
makes beer; an herb. 

worth (werth), n. value; price; moral 
excellence: adj. equal in value to; 
having estate or wealth to the value 
of; deserving of. 

worthless (werth'les), adj. having no 
value, virtue, or excellence; mor- 
ally bad; contemptible. 

worthy (wer'thi), adj. [comp. worthier, 
superl. worthiest], having worth or 
excellence; estimable: n. a man of 
eminent worth. 

would (wood), p.t. of will. 

wound (woond), n. a breach of _ the 
skin and flesh given to an animal 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


WOVE 


586 


WRY 


body by violence; hurt; injury: v.L 
to make a wound in; lacerate; in- 
jure; hurt the feeling of: p.t. & p.p. 
of wind (wound). 

wove (wov), p.t. of weave. 

woven (wov'n), p.p. of weave. 

wrack (rak), n. seaweed cast ashore; 
ruin; destruction; a thin, flying 
cloud. 

wraith (rath), n. the supposed ghost 
of a person in his exact likeness seen 
immediately before, or at the time of, 
his death. [Scotch.] 

wrangle (rang'gl), v.i. to dispute an- 
grily or noisily: n. an angry or noisy 
dispute. 

wrap (rap), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. wrapped 
(wrapt), p.pr. wrapping], to roll or 
wind together; cover with something 
rolled around; involve; conceal by 
enveloping: n. a wrapper, shawl, or 
rug. 

wrath (rath), n. violent anger; in- 
dignation. 

wrathful (rath 'fool), adj. violently 
angry. 

wreak (rek), v.t. to execute in venge- 
ance or passion; inflict. 

wreath (reth), n. anything curled or 
twisted; garland or chaplet. 

wreathe (reth), v.t. to twist into a 
wreath; intertwine: v.i. to be inter- 
woven. 

wreck (rek), n. the destruction of a 
ship by being driven ashore, or on a 
rock, &c; ruins of a ship so de- 
stroyed; remains of anything ru- 
ined; destruction: v.t. to destroy or 
cast away, as a ship, by violence; 
ruin or destroy. 

wrecker (rek'er), n. one who plunders, 
or causes, wrecks; one who re- 
moves the cargo from a wrecked 
vessel. 

wren (ren), n. a small perching bird. 

wrench (rench), v.t. to wring or pull 
with a twist; strain: n. a violent 
twist; sprain; instrument for exert- 
ing a twisting strain. 

wrest (rest), v.t. to twist, wrench, or 
force from by violence; distort; turn 
from its natural meaning; pervert: 
n. violent pulling or twisting; per- 
version. 

wrestle (res'l), v.i. to contend, by 
grappling with, or striving to trip or 
throw down, another ; strive earnest- 


ly*? v.L to contend against in wrest* 
ling: n. the act of one who wrestles; 
struggle. Also wrestling. 

wretch (rech), n. a despicable or 
worthless person; one sunk in the 
deepest woe. 

wretched (rech'ed), adj. miserable; 
unhappy; sunk in deep misery or 
woe; worthless; of miserable qual- 
ity. 

wriggle (rig'l), v.i. to twist to and 
fro: v.t. to move by, or as by, wrig- 
gling: n. a wriggling motion. 
[Dutch.] 

wright (rit), n. one occupied in some 
mechanical operation; artificer; car- 
penter. 

wring (ring), v.t. [p.t. & p.p. wrung, 
p.pr. wringing], to twist; turn and 
strain; force or compress; extort: 
n. a forcible twist. 

wrinkle (ring'kl), n. a small ridge or 
furrow on a smooth surface; crease; 
useful hint or idea: v.t. to form or 
cause wrinkles; crease: v.i. to be- 
come wrinkled. 

wrist (rist), n. the joint uniting the 
hand to the arm. 

writ (rit), n. anything written; a writ- 
ten document to enforce obedience 
to an order of a court of justice. 

write (rit), v.t. [p.t. wrote, p.p. writ- 
ten, p.pr. writing], to form with a 
pen or similar instrument on paper, 
&c; express in writing; engrave; 
produce, as an author: v.i. to form 
letters with the pen; send letters; 
compose books. 

writhe (rith), v.t. to twist with vio- 
lence; pervert: v.i. to contort the 
body. 

wrong (rong), adj. not morally right; 
false; unjust; mistaken; not fit or 
suitable; incorrect: adv. unjustly; 
erroneously. Also wrongly. 

wrongful (rong'fool), adj. contrary to 
moral law or justice; injurious. 

wrote (rot), p.t. of write. 

wroth (rawth), adj. much exasper- 
ated. 

wrought (rawt), p.t. & p.p. of work. 

wrung (rung), p.t. & p.p. of wring. 

wry (ri), adj. distorted; twisted; 
turned to one side; perverted; false; 
showing distaste, disgust, impa- 
tience, &c. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


X 


X, the twenty-fourth letter of the Eng- 
lish alphabet, derived in form from a 
Greek variant of T, which had two 
Bounds. That of the Western Greek 
alphabet had the phonetic value of 
ks, and this was taken into the 
Latin alphabet and ultimately into 
English. It is now of varied sound, 
equivalent to ks, gs, gz {exact). As 
an algebraic symbol, x is the un- 
known variable quantity. In wire- 
less telegraphy, x represents a local 
disturbance causing a false signal. 
In chemistry, x or xi stands for 
xenon (a newly discovered element). 

xanthein (zan'the-in), n. the yellow 
coloring matter of certain plants and 
flowers; a whitish powder, allied to 
uric acid, obtained from urine or 
guano. Also xanthin. 

Xanthippe (zan-tip'e), n. a scolding 
woman; from the termagant wife of 
Socrates. 

zantho, a Greek prefix, meaning 
yellow, as xanf/iocarpous : adj. having 
yellow fruit. 

zanthophyll (zan'tho-fil), n. the yel- 
low coloring matter of withering 
leaves. 

xanthous (zan'thus), adj. yellow; not- 
ing races having brown, flaxen, or 
red hair and blue eyes. 

xebec (ze'bek), n. a small three-masted 
vessel with lateen and square sails. 

senium (ze'ni-um), n. in ancient 
Greece, a present given to a guest 
or foreign ambassador. 

xeno, a Greek prefix meaning a 
stranger, as serogenesis, heterogene- 
sis. 

xenomania (zen-6-ma'ni-a), n. a 
mania for foreign persons or 
things. 

xenon (zen'on), n. the heaviest of the 
five recently discovered elementary 
substances present in gaseous form 
in the atmosphere. 


xerasia (ze-ra'si-a), n. a morbid dry- 
ness of the hair. Also xerosis. 

xeres (sher'i), n. sherry, so-called from 
the town of Xeres in Spain, whence 
it was first exported. [Sp. ha'ris.l 

xeroderma (ze-ro-der'ma), n. a dis- 
ease of the skin characterized by 
dryness. 

X-rays (eks'raz), n. the Roentgen rays 
which have the peculiarity of not be- 
ing refractive when passed through 
water. 

xylene (zi'len), n. a colorless oily 
liquid found in coal and wood tar. 
Also xylol. 

xylite (zi'lit), n. a kind of asbestos. 

xylo, a Greek prefix, meaning 
wood. 

xylograph (zi'lo-graf), n. an engrav- 
ing on wood; an impression from 
such an engraving. 

xylography (zi-log'ra-fi), n. the art or 
process of making prints from the 
natural grain of wood; a kind of 
decorative painting on wood. 

xyloidin (zi-loid'in), n. an explosive 
ccmipound produced by the action of 
nitric acid on starch. 

xylonite (zi'ld-nit), n. a kind of com- 
pressed gun-cotton, resembling 
ivory, used for making various arti- 
cles, as combs, &c. 

xylophone (zi'lo-fon), n. a musical in- 
strument consisting of a graduated 
series of wooden bars, and sounded 
by means of small wooden ham- 
mers. 

Xyris (zl'ris), n. a genus of tropical 
sedge-like plants. 

xyst (zist), n. in Classical Antiquity, a 
hall or covered portico used for 
athletic exercises, chiefly in stormy 
weather. Also xystos and xystus. 

xyster (zis'ter), n. a surgical instru- 
ment for scraping bones. 

xystos (zis'tos), n. in surgery, scraped 
lint. Also xystus. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


Y 


Y, the twenty-fifth letter in the Eng- 
lish alphabet, derived in its form 
from the (capital) Greek letter T 
(ypsilon), which in turn was the 
Phoenician vau. Y was not an orig- 
inal character of the Latin al- 
phabet, but was adopted in trans- 
lating Greek words that contained 
ypsilon, previously represented by 
V. Hence U, V, and W all come 
from a like source. As a symbol in 
chemistry, Y stands for the element 
yttrium. In algebra, y is the second 
of the two variable unknown quan- 
tities, of which x is the first. 

yacare (yak'a-ra), n. a South Amer- 
ican crocodile. 

yacca-wood (yak'a-wood) , n. the 
wood of a tree of Jamaica, used for 
cabinet-work. 

yacht (yot), n. a light, and quick- 
sailing vessel used for pleasure or 
racing: v.i. to sail or cruise about 
in a yacht. 

yachting (yot'ing), adj. pertaining 
to a yacht: n. the practice of sailing 
a yacht. 

yachtsman (yots'man), n. [pi. 
yachtsmen (yot s 'men)], the owner or 
sailer of a yacht. 

yager, same as jager. 

yahoo (ya-hoo'), n. a savage: from a 
race of brutes in "Gulliver's Travels." 
Any loathsome creature ; man-shaped. 

yak (yak), n. a species of ox found in 
Central Asia, with long silky hair 
fringing the shoulders, sides and tail. 
[Tibetan.] 

yak- lace (yak'las), n. a coarse lace. 

yaksha (yak'sha), n. a Hindu gnome. 

yam (yam), n. a large edible tuber of 
various climbing plants of the genus 
Dioscorea. 

yank (yangk), v.t. to jerk or twist: 
'v.i. to work cleverly and pushingly: 
n. a jerk or twist. 

Yankee (yank'e), n. the popular name 


of New England Americans: used 
generally for citizens of the United 


States: adj. pertaining to, or charac- 
teristic 

States. 


: aaj. 
j of, 


citizens of the United 


Yankee-Doodle (yank'e-doo'dl), n. 
a popular melody of the United 
States, derived, however, from a 
rustic English ditty, first sung in 
Yorkshire about 1625. 

Yankeeism (yank'e-izm) , n. a Yankee 
idiom, practice, or custom. 

yanking (yank'ing), adj. active; push- 
ing. 

yanolite (yan'6-lit), n. a kind of gar- 
net. 

yaourt (yourt), n. a fermented liquor 
prepared from milk, similar to kou- 
miss. 

yap (yap), v.i. [p.t. & p.p. yapped, 
p.pr. yapping], to yelp or bark, as a 
dog: n. a yelp or bark; a foolish 
noisy person. 

yapock (yap'uk), n. a South Ameri- 
can aquatic opossum. 

yapon (yaw'pun), n. a kind of holly, 
the leaves of which are used as tea. 
South Sea tea. 

yard (yard), n. a standard measure 
of length = 3 ft.; a long piece of 
timber on a mast for spreading 
square sails; an enclosure adjoining 
or attached to a house, or where 
some manufacture is carried on. 

yard-arm (yard'arm), n. either end 
of a ship's yard. 

yardstick (yard'stik), n. a stick three 
feet in length, used for measuring. 

yarn (yarn), n. spun thread; one of 
the threads of a rope; a sailor's 
story, especially one of doubtful ve- 
racity: v.i. to tell a story. 

yashmak (yash'mak), n. the double 
veil worn by Moslem women in pub- 
lic. [Arabian.] 

yataghan (yat'a-gan), n. a dagger- 
like, double-curved saber. [Turkish. 1 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


YAUP 


YODEL 


yaup (yawp), n. the blue titmouse. 

yaw (yaw), v.i. to steer wildly; devi- 
ate from the right course: said of a 
ship; rise in blisters or white froth. 

yawl (yawl), n. a light, decked, two- 
masted boat; jolly-boat: v.i. to 
howl. [Dutch.] 

yawn (yawn), n. an involuntary open- 
ing of the jaws through drowsiness, 
&c: v.i. to gape involuntarily. 

yawning (yawn'ing), adj. gaping; 
drowsy. 

yawp (yawp), n. a loud boisterous 
hoot as uttered by a vagabond 
or person of bad manners. 

yaws (yawz), n. a contagious skin 
disease prevalent in tropical coun- 
tries. 

yclad (e-klad'), adj. clothed. 

ycleped (e-klepf), adj. called. Also 
yclept. 

ye (ye), pron.; nom. pi. of thou. 

yea (ya), adv. yes; truly. 

yean (yen), v.t. & v.i. to lamb. 

yeanling (yen'ling), n. a lamb. 

year (yer) , n. the period during which 
the earth makes one complete rev- 
olution round the sun (365 ^ days): 
pi. age; old age. 

yearbook] (yer 'book), n. a book which 
is practically an annual cyclopedia, 
giving information for the previous 
year. 

yearling (yer'ling), n. a young ani- 
mal (colt or calf) more than one 
year and less than two years old. 

yearly (yer'li), adv. happening every 
year; lasting a year. 

yearn (yern), v.i. to feel an earnest 
desire; be filled with eager longing 
or desire. 

yeast (yest), n. the barm or ferment 
of beer or other liquor in fermenta- 
tion; froth; any preparation for 
raising dough. 

yeastiness (yest'i-nes), n. the state or 
quality of being yeasty. 

yeggman (yeg'man), n. a desperate 
burglar; a safe breaker. 

yelk, same as yolk. 

yell (yel), n. a sharp, discordant cry, 
as of agony: v.t. to scream: v.i. to 
utter a sharp, discordant cry. 

yellow (yel'o), adj. of a bright, pure 
color resembling gold; jaundiced. 

yellow book (yel'5-book), n. a collec- 
tion of diplomatic documents issued 


by the French government, in par- 
ticular the correspondence relating 
to the outbreak of the European War 
in 1914, so called from the color of 
the covers. 

yelp (yelp), v.i. to utter a sharp 
bark : n. a sharp bark. 

yeoman (yo'man), n. [pi. yeomen 
(yo'men)], in England, a man pos- 
sessed of a small landed estate; 
farmer; freeholder; an officer of the 
Royal household; in the United 
States navy, a petty officer in charge 
of stores. 

yeomanry (yo'man-ri), n. yeomen 
collectively; volunteer cavalry. 

yerba (yer'ba), n. an herb of the 
pepper family, said to be a remedy 
for rheumatism. The original name 
of San Francisco was Yerba Buena. 
[Spanish.] 

yerk (yerk), v.t. to jerk; thrust sud- 
denly; lash [Scotch]: v.i. to kick: 
n. a sudden, smart thrust. 

yes (yes), adv. yea: opposed to no. 

yesterday (yes'ter-da), n. the day last 
past; recent time: adv. on the day 
last past. 

yet (yet), adv. in addition; still; 
moreover: conj. nevertheless; how- 
ever. 

yew (yoo), n. a large evergreen tree 
of the genus Taxus: adj. pertaining 
to yew trees. 

yewen (yoo'en), adj. made of yew. 

Yiddish (yid'ish), n. a kind of com- 
posite m language spoken by foreign 
Jews in England and the # U. S. 
It is a jargon made up chiefly of 
Hebrew and German, but often 
with a marked strain of Russian 
and Polish. 

yield (yeld), v.t. to submit; produce; 
concede: v.i. to assent; comply; give 
way; cease opposition; give a return 
or produce: n. product; return. 

yielder (yeld'er), n. one who yields. 

yielding (yeld'ing), adj. inclined to 
give way or comply; accommodat- 
ing: n. the act of producing; sub- 
mission; compliance. 

yl, a Greek suffix, meaning basis: used 
as a # characteristic termination of 
chemical radicals. 

Y-level (wi'lev-el), n. an instrument 
for measuring heights and distances. 

yodel (yo'del), yodle, v.t. and v.i. to 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


YOGI 


590 


YUTU 


sing, changing quickly from a natu- 
ral tone to falsetto and back, as in 
the Tyrolese melodies: n. a song or 
refrain, sung in this manner to mean- 
ingless syllables or merely vocalized. 

yogi (yo'ge), n. an ascetic who follows 
the Yoka philosophy and in India 
is supposed to have power of heal- 
ing. [Sanskrit.] 

yojan (yo'jan), n. in the East Indies, 
a measure of length = five miles. 

yoke (yok), n. a piece of hollowed 
timber for connecting two draught 
oxen together; a frame of wood fitted 
to a person's shoulders for carrying 
a pail, &c, suspended to each end; 
bond, tie, or link; pair or couple; 
service; mark of slavery; bar at- 
tached to the rudder-head to which 
the steering lines are fastened: v.t. 
to join together; couple; place a 
yoke upon; enslave; confine. 

yokel (yo'kl), n. a rustic. 

yolk (yok), n. yellow part of an egg; 
vitellus, the oily secretion from the 
skin of a sheep which renders the 
wool soft and pliable. 

yonder (yon'der), adj. at a distance, 
but in view: adj. being at a distance, 
but in view. Also yon. 

yore (yor), adv. in old time; long ago. 

you (u), pron. nom. & obj.pl. of thou: 
now used for thou and thee. 

young (yung), adj. being in the early 
part of life or growth; inexperi- 
enced; not matured; raw; vigorous; 
fresh; pertaining to youth; of youth- 
ful appearance: n. offspring collec- 
tively. 

youngish (yung'ish), adj. somewhat 
young. 

youngster (yung'ster), n. a young 
person; lad. 

younker (yung'ker), n. a young fel- 
low; stripling. 

your (yoor), pron. poss. pi. of thou or 
you. Also yours. 

yourself (yoor-self ') , pron. [pi. your- 
selves (yoor-selvz')], you in your own 
person. 

yourts (yoorts), n. the underground 
dwellings of the Eskimaux. 

youth (yooth), n. [pi. youths (yooths)], 
early life; a young person; young 


persons collectively; condition of 
being young. 

youthful (yooth'fool), adj. pertaining 
to youth or the early part of life; 
fresh; vigorous. 

youthfully (yooth 'foo-li), adv. in a 
youthful manner. 

yowl (youl), n. a howl as of a dog or 
wolf: v.i. to howl or yell._ 

yponomeutidae (i-pon-o-mu'ti-de), n. 
pi. ermine moths. 

ypsiliform (ip-sil'i-f orm) , adj. formed 
like the Greek capital letter upsilon, 
T. 

ytterbium (i-ter'bi-um), n. a rare 
chemical element discovered by the 
spectroscope. 

yttria (it'ri-a), n. the oxide of yttri- 
um. 

yttrium (it'ri-um), n. the metallic 
base of yttria ; an element discovered 
by Gadolin in 1794. It is a metal, 
usually in the form of a grayish 
powder. 

yttrocerite (it-ro-se'rit), n. a mineral 
of violet-blue color. 

yucca (yuk'a), n. a sub-or apical Amer- 
ican plant characterized by its stiff 
lanceolate leaves; Adam's needle. 

yuck (yuk), v.t. to snatch forcibly; 
to scratch: to itch. 

yucker (yuk'er), n. the flicker bird. 

yufts (yufts), n. a kind of Russian 
leather. 

yuga (yoo'ga), n. one of the Hindu 
ages of the world. Also yug. [San- 
skrit.] 

yulan (yoo'lan), n. a Chinese mag- 
nolia with snow-white flowers. 

Yule (yool), n. Christmas. 

Yule-log (yool 'log), n. a large block of 
wood formerly put upon the hearth 
on Christmas eve to form the basis 
of the Christmas fire. 

Yule-tide (yool'tid), n. Christmas- 
tide. 

yunx (yunx), n. a wryneck bird. 

yurga (yur'ga), n. the Afghan yabu, 
or ambling mountain pony. 

Yurucari (yu'ru-ca'ri), n. a linguis- 
tic stock of South American In- 
dians. 

yutu (yu'tu), n. the Peruvian tina- 
mou bird. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut; think, then. 


z 


Z, the twenty-sixth and last letter of 
the English alphabet, sometimes 
called zed [English rustic]. It is 
in form, and nearly in sound, the 
Greek zeta (Z). The Romans bor- 
rowed it, as they did T, and in 
English, as an initial letter it usually 
indicates a foreign origin. In alge- 
bra it denotes the third unknown 
quantity. 

zaffre (zaf'er), n. impure oxide of co- 
balt, of jan intensely blue color, used in 
enameling, pottery, &c. Also zaffer. 

zamouse (za-moos'), n. a West Afri- 
can buffalo, with hair-fringed ears 
and without a dewlap. 

zander (tsan'der), n. the European 
pike-perch. [German.] 

zanella (tsa-nel'a), n. a mixed twilled 
fabric for covering umbrellas. 

zany (za'ni), n. a buffoon; merry- 
andrew. 

zaptiah (zap'ti-a), n. a Turkish po- 
liceman. 

zariba (za-re'ba), n. a stockade such 
as is constructed in the Soudan; a 
fortified camp. 

zeal (zel), n. intense interest; 
enthusiasm for a cause. 

zealot (zel'ot), n. an enthusiast; fa- 
natic. [Greek.] 

Zealot, n. one of a fanatical sect of 
Jews which carried on a desperate 
struggle with the Romans until the 
fall of Jerusalem (70 A. D.). 

zealous (zel'us), adj. ardent in the pur- 
suit of an object; enthusiastic. 

zebec, same as xebec. 

zebra (ze'bra), n. a wild animal of 
Africa of the genus Equus, with 
black and white stripes; a wood 
much used in cabinet-making. 

zebu (ze'bti), n. the Indian ox or cow, 
with long pendulous ears, and large 
prominent hump on the shoulders. 

Zeitgeist (tslt'glst), n. the spirit of the 
age ; the drift of thought. [German.] 

Zemstvo (zems'tvo), n. a Russian 


provincial assembly, elective, and 
composed of landed proprietors, the 
artisans and traders. 

zenana (ze-na'na), n. in India, the 
women's apartments; the East- 
Indian harem. 

Zend (zend), n. the Iranian language 
of ancient Persia. [Old Persian.] 

Zend-Avesta (zend-a-ves'ta), n. the 
sacred writings of the Zoroastrians, 
ascribed to Zoroaster. 

zendik (zen'dik), n. in the East, a 
name for an unbeliever. 

zenith (ze'nith), n. the point in the 
heavens directly over the head of the 
spectator; greatest height. 

zeolite (ze'o : lit), n. an extensive 
group of minerals, consisting of hy- 
drated silicates: so called from their 
frothing when under the blowpipe. 

zephyr (zef'er), n. the west wind; 
soft, gentle breeze. [Greek.] 

Zeppelin (zep'pe-lin), n. a type of Ger- 
man dirigible balloon invented by 
Count Zeppelin. 

zero (ze'ro), n. a cipher; nothing; 
neutral point (°) between any as- 
cending or descending scale or series. 

zest (zest), n. relish; keen enjoyment. 

zeugma (ztig'ma), n. a figure in 
grammar by which a verb, adjective, 
or other part of speech, relating to 
one noun, is referred to another. 

Zeus (zus), n. the same as Jupiter. 
m [Greek.] _ 

zibeline (zib'e-lin), adj. pertaining to 
the sable: n. the fur of the sable. 

zigzag (zig'zag), adj. having short, 
sharp turns: n. something with 
short, sharp turns. 

zillah (zil'a), n. a governmental dis- 
trict in India. [Hindu.] 

zinc (zingk), n. a bluish-white 
metal. 

zincode (zingk'od), n. the negative 
pole of a voltaic battery. 

zincograph (zingk'o-graf ) , n. an im- ' 
pression from a zinc plate. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


ZINCOID 


592 


ZYMOGEN 


zincoid (zingk'oid) , adj. zinc-like. 

Zingaro (thing-ga'ro), n. a Gipsy. 
[Spanish.] 

Zion (zi'un), n. a hill in Jerusalem, 
the royal residence of King David 
and his successors : hence the Church 
of God. 

zircon (zer'kon), n. a heavy, hard, 
sparkling mineraj. 

zirconium (zer-ko'ni-um), n. a rare 
metallic element. 

zither (zith'er), n. a stringed musical 
instrument, consisting of a sounding 
box and 28 to 31 strings. _ 

zoanthropy (zo-an'thro-pi), n. a kind 
of mania, in which the patient be- 
lieves himself to be transformed into 
an animal. [Greek.] 

zodiac (zo'di-ak), n. an imaginary 
broad belt in the heavens, containing 
the twelve constellations or signs of 
the zodiac which the sun traverses 
annually. 

zoetic (zo-et'ik), adj. vital. 

zoetrope (zo'e-trop), n. an optical in- 
strument by means of which figures, 
&c, on a circular card appear to 
be in active motion when viewed 
through slots in the upper side. 

zollverein (tsol'fer-in), n. the Ger- 
man customs union, formed 1827 
and further extended in 1867 to 
establish uniform rates; a customs 
union ._ 

zone (zon), n. one of the five great 
belts into which the surface of the 
earth is divided with respect to lati- 
tude and temperature; that belt or 
district within which certain animal 
or plant forms of life are confined; a 
girdle or belt: v.t. to encircle with, 
or as with, a zone. 

zoo, a Greek prefix meaning animal, as 
zoo-chemistry, animal chemistry. 

zoo (zoo), n. a park or other large in- 
closure in which live animals are 
kept for public exhibition ; zoological 
garden. 

zoogeography (zo-o-je-og'ra-fi), n. the 
study of the geographical distribu- 
tion of animals. 

zoqgraphy (zo-og'ra-fi) , n. the descrip- 
tion of animals, their forms and habits. 

zooid (zo'oid), n. an animal in one of 
its inferior stages of development; 
an individual of a compound or co- 
lonial animal organization. 


zoolatry (zo-ol'a-tri), n. animal-wor- 
ship. 

zoological (zo-o-loj'i-kal), adj. pertain- 
ing to zoology. 

zoology (zo-ol'o-ji), n. that part of bi- 
ology that treats of animals, their 
structure, classification, habits, and 
distribution. 

zobmorphism (zo-o-mor'fizm), n. the 
representation of a deity in the form, 
or with_the attributes, of an animal. 

zoon (zo'on), n. an animal which is the 
sole product of a single ovum. 

zoopathy (zo-op'a-thi), n. animal 
pathology. 

zoophilist (zo-of'i-list), n. a lover of 
animals. 

zoophysiology (zo-o-fiz-i-ol/o-gi) , n. 
physiology _of the lower animals. 

zoophyte (zo'o-flt), n. an animal of 
low organization, bearing some ex- 
ternal resemblance to a plant. 

zoosperm (zo'o-sperm), n. the male 
seed-cell. _ 

zoospore (zo'o-spor), n. theactivespores 
of certain algae endowed with motion 
by means _of ciliated processes. 

zootomy (zo-ot'o-mi), n. the dissection 
or anatomy of animals. 

Zoroastrianism (zo-ro-as'tri-an-izm) , 
n. the religious system, contained in 
the Zend-Avesta, said to have been 
founded by Zoroaster (Zarathustra) , 
the legislator and prophet of ancient 
Persia. 

zouave (zoo-av'), n. a soldier of a light 
infantry corps of the French army, 
wearing an Arab dress. 

Zulu (zoo'loo), n. one of a warlike 
tribe o_f_ Kaffirs, north of Natal. 

Zuni (zoo'nye), n. one of a tribe of 
Pueblo Indians of New Mexico. 

Zweibund (tsvl-boont}, n. a dual alli- 
ance; the sympathetic union of two 
nations, as of France and Russia in 
1897 and later. 

zygoma (zig-o'ma), n. the cheek-bone. 

zygosis (zig-o'sis), < n. coalescence; 
junction ; conjugation. 

zygospore (zig'o-spor), n. the conju- 
gated spore of two gametes. 

zyme (zim), n. the germ supposed to 
be the poisonous cause of zymotic 
diseases. 

zymic (zim'ik), adj. produced by fer- 
mentation. 

zymogen (zl'mo-jen), n. any sub- 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book 
hue, hut ; think, then. 


ZYMOLOGY 


593 


ZYTHUM 


stance that by internal changes gives 
rise to a ferment. Also zymo- 
gene. 

zymology (zl-mol'6-ji), n. the doc- 
trine of fermentation. Also zu- 
mology. 

zymometer (zi-mom'e-ter), n. an in- 
strument for ascertaining the degree 
of fermentation in different liquids. 
Also zymosimeter. 

zymophyte (zi'mo-fit), n. a bacteroid 
ferment. 

zymoscope (zi'mo-scop), n. an instru- 
ment invented by Zenneck to meas- 


ure the degrees of fermenting 
power. 

zymosis (zl-mo'sis), n. a fermentation. 

zymotic (zl-mot'ik), adj. producing 
fermentation, or a disease in which a 
virus works through the body like a 
ferment, as cholera. 

zymurgy (zi'mer-ji), n. that branch 
of industrial chemistry which deals 
with the processes of fermentation 
in brewing, wine-making, &c. 

zythum (zi'thum), n. an ancient bev- 
erage resembling beer, made from 
malt and wheat. 


ate, arm, at, awl ; me, merge, met ; mite, mit ; note, north, not ; boon, book ; 
hue, hut ; think, then. 





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ELECTRIC LOCOMOTIVES 


A REFERENCE 
LIBRARY 


Containing 
A Veritable Treasury of Often-sought-for Facts 



For Table of Contents, See Next Page 


TABLE OF CONTENTS 


Synonyms and Antonyms 

Foreign Words, Phrases, Maxims and Quotations 

A Dictionary of Commercial and Legal Terms 

Glossary of Aviation Terms 

Glossary of Automobile Terms 

The Wealth of the World 

Money in Circulation in the United States 

Electoral Vote 

Time Difference 

The Armies of the World 

The Armies of the United States 

The Navies of the World 

"National Insurance" 

Warship Tonnage, Various Nations 

American (Volunteer) System Military Service 

Business Men's Camps 

Students' Camps 

Boy Scouts Movement in the United States 

United States Naval Advisory Board 

The Swiss System Military Service 

The German System Military Service 

The Australian System 

Boy Scouts in Foreign Countries 

Presidents of the United States 

The Names of the States and Their Meanings 

The Nicknames of the States and the Reason 

Nicknames of Famous Personages 

The Decisive Battles of the World and their Result 

Metric System of Weights and Measures 

Value of Foreign Coins 

Facts about the Earth 

Wedding Anniversaries 

Legal Holidays in the Various States 

United States Census 


SYNONYMS AND ANTONYMS 


Collected and Arranged 
By LILIAN H. DU BOIS 

Instructor in the Wharton Combined School, Philadelphia 


Over Twelve Thousand Words of Similar and Contrasted Meanings 


IN order to make use of the English 
Language with exactness and at the 
same time with variety, one should 
be thoroughly acquainted, not merely 
with words which compose its vo- 
cabulary, but also with the words in 
groups which show the likeness and un- 
likeness of both sets. Words of simi- 
lar meaning, though of entirely dif- 
ferent form, are called Synonyms; their 
direct opposites, which contain ideas 
contrasted with the others, are called 
Antonyms, and when used to bring out 
the vivid antithesis, they admit of 
very striking figures of speech. m 

No people ever studied their own 
language so minutely as the French. 
From their earliest school-days, French 
children are taught to speak and write 
with the most careful choice of words, 
so that when they grow older they be- 
come familiar with the most delicate 
shades of meaning, and the most 
exquisite variations between one word 
and another. Gustave Flaubert, the 


great novelist and scholar, claimed that 
for every thought there was some 
special word which exactly gave the 
meaning as no other word could do; 
and he would spend hours, when he 
wrote, in searching for such a word 
which he styled le mot juste, the unique 
expression of the idea in its relation to 
the rest of the sentence. This is so 
true, as to give weight to the French 
proverb: "What is not clear is not 
French." 

The English language deserves to 
be studied with the same minuteness 
as the French, since it is a far richer 
language, and one to which the whole 
world has contributed. Therefore, 
a collection of Synonyms and Anto- 
nyms gives one who masters it, felicity 
and facility of diction, and opens up 
a whole vista of collateral ideas. The 
following collection of contrasted words, 
while not exhaustive, is comprehensive; 
and by cross-reference it will be found 
to answer almost all requirements. 


abandon, leave, forsake, desert, re- 
nounce, relinquish, quit, forego, let 
go, waive. (Keep, cherish.) 

abandoned, deserted, forsaken, wick- 
ed, reprobate, dissolute, profligate, 
flagitious, corrupt, depraved, vicious. 
(Cherished, virtuous, upright.) 

abandonment, leaving, desertion, 
dereliction, renunciation, defection. 
(Protection, maintenance, support.) 

abasement, degradation, fall, degen- 
eracy, humiliation, abjection, debase- 
ment, servility. (Honor, exaltation.) 

abash, bewilder, disconcert, discom- 
pose, confound, confuse, shame. 
(Embolden, encourage, hearten.) 


abbreviate, shorten, abridge, curtail, 
contract, condense, reduce. (Extend, 
expand, enlarge, amplify.) 

abdicate, give up, resign, renounce, 
abandon, forsaken, relinquish, quit, 
forego. (Persist, persevere.) 

abet, help, encourage, instigate, in- 
cite, stimulate, aid, assist. (Resist, 
oppose, hinder.) 

abettor, assistant, accessory, accom- 
plice, promoter, instigator, particeps 
criminis, coadjutor, associate, com- 
panion, co-operator. (Opponent, 
antagonist.) 

abhor, dislike intensely, view with 
horror, hate, detest, abominate, 
loathe, nauseate. (Love, like, adore.) 


SYNONYMS AND ANTONYMS 


ability, capability, talent, faculty, 
capacity, qualification, aptitude, apt- 
ness, expertness, skill, efficiency, ac- 
complishment, attainment. (Incom- 
petency, inefficiency, helplessness.) 

abject, groveling, low, mean, base, ig- 
noble, worthless, despicable, servile, 
vile, contemptible. (Noble, high, 
worthy.) 

abjure, recant, forswear, disclaim, 
recall, revoke, retract, renounce. 
(Maintain, hold.) 

able, strong, powerful, muscular, stal- 
wart, vigorous, athletic, robust, 
brawny, skillful, adroit, competent, 
efficient, capable, clever, self-quali- 
fied, telling, fitted. (Weak, feck- 
less, futile, feeble.) 

abode, residence, habitation, dwelling, 
domicile, home, quarters, lodging. 

abolish, quash, destroy, revoke, abro- 
gate, annul, cancel, annihilate, exr 
tinguish, vitiate, invalidate, nullify. 
(Establish, enforce.) 

abominable, hateful, detestable, odi- 
ous, vile, execrable. (Lovable, ami- 
able, gracious, delightful, pleasing.) 

abortive, fruitless, ineffectual, idle, 
inoperative, vain, futile. (Effect- 
ual, competent.) 

about, concerning, regarding, relative 
to, with regard to, as to, respecting, 
with respect to, referring to, around, 
nearly, approximately. (Irrelevant, 
not pertinent.) 

abscond, run off, steal away, decamp, 
bolt. (Remain.) 

absent, a., inattentive, abstracted, not 
attending to, listless, dreamy. (Pres- 
ent, alert, attentive.) 

absolute, entire, complete^ uncondi- 
tional, unqualified, unrestricted, des- 
potic, arbitrary, tyrannous, imper- 
ative, authoritative, imperious. 
(Limited, controlled.) 

absorb, engross, swallow up, engulf, 
imbibe, consume, merge. (Eject.) 

absurd, silly, foolish, preposterous, 
ridiculous, irrational, unreasonable, 
nonsensical, inconsistent. m (Wise, 
dignified, weighty, impressive.) 

abuse, v., asperse, revile, vilify, re- 
proach, calumniate, detame, slander, 
scandalize, malign, traduce, dispar- 
age, depreciate, ill-use. (Praise, 
eulogize.) 

abuse, n., scurrility, ribaldry, con- 
tumely, obloquy, opprobrium, foul 
invective, vituperation, ill-usage. 
(Praise, eulogy.) 


accede, assent to, consent, acquiesce, 
comply with, agree, coincide, con- 
cur, approve. (Protest, oppose.) 

accelerate, hasten, hurry, expedite, 
forward, quicken, despatch. (Re- 
tard, hinder, block.) 

accept, receive, take, admit. (Re- 
fuse, reject.) 

acceptable, agreeable, pleasing, grat- 
ifying, pleasurable, welcome. (Dis- 
pleasing, undesirable.) 

accident, casualty, incident, contin- 
gency, adventure, chance. (Plan, 
design.) 

accommodate, serve, oblige, adapt, 
adjust, fit, suit. (Disoblige, impede.) 

accomplice, confederate, accessory, 
abettor, coadjutor, assistant, ally, 
associate, particeps criminis. (Ad- 
versary, opponent, enemy.) 

accomplish, do, effect, finish, exe- 
cute, achieve, complete, perfect, con- 
summate. (Baffle, defeat, destroy, 
frustrate, mar, ruin, spoil.) 

accomplishment, attainment, qual- 
ification, acquirement. (Defect, dis- 
ability.) 

accord, grant, allow, admit, concede. 
(Deny, refuse.) 

accost, salute, address, speak to, stop, 
greet. (Cut, snub.) 

account, narrative, description, nar- 
ration, relation, detail, recital, mon- 
eys, reckoning, bill, charge. 

accountable, punishable, answerable, 
amenable, responsible, liable. (Ir- 
responsible, unreliable.) 

accumulate, bring together, amass, 
collect, gather. (Scatter, dissi- 
pate.) 

accumulation, collection, store, 
mass, congeries, concentration. 

accurate, correct, exact, precise, 
nice, truthful. (Erroneous, care- 
less, faulty, slip-shod.) 

achieve, do, accomplish, effect, fulfill, 
execute, gain, win. (Fail, lose.) 

achievement, feat, exploit, accom- 
plishment, attainment, performance, 
acquirement, gain. _ (Failure, fiasco.) 

acknowledge, admit, confess, own, 
avow, grant, recognize, allow, con- 
cede. (Deny.) 

acquaint, inform, enlighten, apprise, 
make aware, make known, notify, 
communicate. (Deceive, delude.) 

acquaintance, familiarity, intimacy, 
cognizance, fellowship, companion- 
ship, knowledge. (Unfamiliarity, 
ignorance.) 


SYNONYMS AND ANTONYMS 

acquiesce, agree, accede, assent, com- alternating, intermittent, inter- 
ply, consent, give way, coincide with. rupted. (Continual, constant.) 
(Protest, resist, oppose.) ambassador, envoy, plenipotentiary, 

acquit, pardon, forgive, discharge, set minister. 

free, clear, absolve. (Condemn, con- amend, improve, correct, better, 
vict.) mend. (Impair, injure.) 

act, do, operate, make, perform, play, anger, ire, wrath, indignation, resent- 
enact. ment. (Good nature, poise, self- 

action, deed, achievement, feat, ex- control.) 

ploit, accomplishment, battle, en- appropriate, assume, ascribe, arro- 
gagement, agency, instrumentality. gate, usurp. (Yield, render, sur- 
( Inaction.) _ render.) 

active, lively, sprightly, alert, agile, argue, debate, dispute, reason upon, 
nimble, brisk, quick, supple, prompt, arise, flow-, emanate, spring, proceed, 
vigilant, laborious, industrious. rise, issue. (Sink, fall.) 
(Lazy, passive, indolent.) artful, disingenuous, sly, tricky, in- 

actual, real, positive, genuine, cer- sincere. (Candid, straight-forward, 
tain. (Fictitious, imaginary.) frank, sincere.) 

acute, shrewd, intelligent, penetrat- artifice, trick, stratagem, finesse, 
ing, piercing, keen. (Dull, obtuse, association, combination, company, 
stupid.) partnership, society. 

adapt, accommodate, suit, fit, con- attack, assail, assault, encounter, 
form. (Defend, protect.) 

addicted, devoted, wedded, attached, audacity, boldness, effrontery, hardi- 
given up to, dedicated. (Free, de- hood. (Meekness, humility.) 
tached, untrammeled.) austere, rigid, rigorous, severe, stern. 

addition, increase, accession, aug- (Dissolute, dissipated.) 

mentation, reinforcement. (Subtrac- avaricious, niggardly, miserly, parsi- 
tion, separation.) monious. (Generous, free-handed.) 

address, speech, discourse, appeal, aversion, antipathy, dislike, hatred, 
oration, tact, skill, ability, dexter- repugnance. (Affection.) 
ity, deportment, demeanor. (Clum- awe, dread, fear, reverence. (Famil- 
siness, gaucherie.) iarity.) 

adhesion, adherence, attachment, fi- awkward, clumsy. (Graceful.) 

delity, devotion. (Aversion, antip- axiom, adage, aphorism, apothegm, 
athy, alienation, aloofness.) byword, maxim, proverb, saying, 

adjacent, near to, adjoining, contig- saw. (Fallacy.) 
uous, conterminous, bordering, neigh- 
boring. (Distant, remote.) 

adjourn, defer, prorogue, postpone. B 

(Continue.) 

adjunct, appendage, appurtenance, babble, chatter, prattle, prate. 

appendency, dependency. (Au- bad, wicked, evil. (Good, excellent.) 
tonomy.) baffle, confound, defeat, disconcert. 

adjust, set right, fit, accommodate, (Aid, abet.) 

adapt, arrange, settle, regulate, or- base, vile, mean. (Noble, worthy.) 
ganize. (Confuse, disorganize.) battle, action, combat, engagement. 

admirable, striking, surprising, won- bear, carry, convey, transport, 
derful, astonishing. (Detestable, bear, endure, suffer, support, 
abominable, horrible, hideous.) beastly, brutal, sensual, bestial. (Hu- 

admit, allow, permit, suffer, tolerate. mane, kindly, gentle.) 

(Deny, prohibit.) beat, defeat, overpower, overthrow, 

advantageous, beneficial. (Hurtful, rout. 

noxious, harmful.) beautiful, fine, handsome, pretty. 

affection, love. (Aversion, distaste, (Homely, ugly, unsightly.) 

hatred.) becoming, decent, fit t> seemly, suit- 

affectionate, fond, kind. (Harsh, able. (Incongruous, improper.) 
cold, unfeeling.) beg, beseech, crave, entreat, implore, 

agreeable, pleasant, pleasing, charm- solicit, supplicate. (Give, confer, 
ing. (Rude, curt, gruff, unpleasant.) donate.) 


SYNONYMS AND ANTONYMS 


behavior, carriage, conduct, deport- 
ment, demeanor. 

belief, credit, faith, trust. (Doubt.) 

beneficent, bountiful, generous, libe- 
ral, munificent. (Covetous, mis- 
erly.) See avaricious. 

benefit, favor, advantage, kindness, 
civility. (Injury, harm.) 

benevolence, beneficence, benignity, 
humanity, kindness, tenderness. 
(Malevolence, malignity, brutality, 
inhumanity.) 

blame, censure, condemn, reprove, re- 
proach, upbraid. (Praise, laud, eu- 
logize.) 

blemish, flaw, speck, spot, stain. 
(Ornament, adornment, embellish- 
ment.) 

blind, sightless, heedless. (Far-sight- 
ed, prudent.) 

blot, cancel, efface, expunge, erase, 
obliterate. 

bold, brave, daring, fearless, intrepid, 
undaunted. (Timid, fearful.) 

border, brim, brink, edge, margin, rim, 
verge, boundary, confine, frontier. 

bound, circumscribe, confine, limit, 
restrict. (Free, liberated.) 

brave, dare, defy. (Cringe, cower.) 

bravery, courage, valor. (Coward- 
ice.) 

break, bruise, crush, pound, squeeze. 
(Mend, restore.) 

breeze, blast, gale, gust, hurricane, 
storm, tempest. 

bright, clear, radiant, shining, brilliant. 
(Dull, muggy, murky, stupid.) 

brittle, fragile, breakable. (Solid, 
strong.) 

burial, interment, sepulture. (Res- 
urrection.) 

business, vocation, employment, en- 
gagement, occupation, art, profes- 
sion, trade. (Avocation.) 

bustle, stir, tumult, fuss. (Quiet, re- 
pose.) 


calamity, disaster, misfortune, mis- 
chance, mishap. (Good fortune, 
wind-fall, luck.) 

calm, collected, composed, placid, se- 
rene. (Stormy, unsettled.) 

capable, able, competent. (Incom- 
petent, shiftless.) 

captious, fretful, cross, peevish, pet- 
ulant. (Equable, well-balanced.) 

care, anxiety, concern, solicitude, 
heed, attention. (Heedlessness, neg- 
ligence, indifference.) 


caress, kiss, embrace. (Spurn, buf- 
fet, rebuff.) 

carnage, butchery, massacre, slaugh- 
ter. 

cause, motive, reason. (Effect, con- 
sequence.) 

cease, discontinue, leave off, end. 
(Continue.) 

censure, animadvert, criticise. 
(Praise, approve, commend.) 

certain, secure, sure. (Doubtful, hes- 
itating.) 

cessation, intermission, rest, stop. 
(Continuance.) 

chance, fate, fortune. (Design, plan.) 

change, barter, exchange, substitute. 

changeable, fickle, inconstant, muta- 
ble, variable. (Steadfast, depend- 
able.) 

character, reputation, repute, stand- 
ing. 

charm, captivate, enchant, enrapture, 
fascinate. (Repel, disgust.) 

chastity, purity, continence, virtue. 
(Lewdness, immorality.) 

cheap, inexpensive, inferior, common. 
(Dear, expensive, costly.) 

cheerful, gay, merry, sprightly. 
(Mournful, sad, doleful.) 

chief, chieftain, head, leader. (Sub- 
ordinate.) 

circumstance, fact, happening, inci- 
dent. 

class, degree, order, rank, caste. 

clear, bright, lucid, vivid, transparent. 
(Opaque.) 

clever, adroit, dexterous, expert, skill- 
ful. (Stupid, unskilled.) 

clothed, clad, dressed. (Naked.) 

coarse, rude, rough, unpolished. 
(Fine, well-bred, high-minded.) 

coax, cajole, fawn, wheedle. 

cold, frigid, wintry, unfeeling, stoical. 
(Hot, fiery, impetuous, impulsive.) 

color, dye, stain, tinge. 

colorable, ostensible, plausible, spe- 
cious. 

combination, cabal, conspiracy, plot. 

command, injunction, order, precept. 

commodity, goods, merchandise, 
ware. 

common, mean, ordinary, vulgar. 
(Exceptional, extraordinary.) 

compassion, sympathy, pity, clem- 
ency. (Cruelty, severity.) 

compel, force, oblige, necessitate. 
(Coax, lead, induce.) 

compendium, compend, abridgment, 
abstract. (Enlargement.) 

compensation, amends, recompense, 


SYNONYMS AND ANTONYMS 


remuneration, requital, reward. (In- 
jury, loss.) 

complain, lament, murmur, regret, 
repine. (Rejoice.) 

comply, accede, conform, submit, 
yield. (Refuse, reject, oppose.) 

compound, complex. (Simple, un- 
mixed.) 

comprehend, comprise, include, em- 
brace, grasp, understand, perceive. 
(Exclude, mistake.) 

comprise, comprehend, contain, em- 
brace, include. (Exclude.) 

conceal, hide, secrete. (Uncover, re- 
veal, divulge.) 

conceive, comprehend, understand. 

conclusion, inference, deduction. 

condemn, censure, blame, disapprove. 
(Justify, exonerate.) 

conduct, direct, guide, lead, govern, 
regulate, manage. 

confirm, corroborate, approve, attest, 
(Contradict, combat.) 

conflict, combat, contest, contention, 
struggle. (Peace, quiet.) 

confute, disprove, refute, oppugn, 
impeach. (Approve, second.) 

conquer, overcome, subdue, sur- 
mount, vanquish, defeat. (Cede, 
fly, resign, retire, surrender, yield.) 

consequence, effect, event, issue, re- 
sult. (See cause.) 

consider, reflect, ponder, weigh. (Dis- 
regard, forget, ignore, neglect.) 

consistent, constant, compatible. 
(Inconsistent, shifting, self-contra- 
dictory.) 

console, comfort, solace. (Harrow, 
worry, harass.) 

constancy, firmness, stability, stead- 
iness. (Fickleness, flight iness.) 

contaminate, corrupt, defile, pollute, 
taint. (Purify, ennoble.) 

contemn, despise, disdain, scorn. 
(Esteem, honor.) _ * 

contemplate, meditate, muse. 

contemptible, despicable, paltry, pit- 
iful, vile, mean. (Noble, worthy.) 

contend, contest, dispute, strive, 
struggle, combat. (Succumb.) 

continual, constant, continuous, per- 
petual, incessant. (Intermittent.) 

continuance, continuation, duration, 
(Cessation, pause.) 

continue, persist, persevere, pursue, 
prosecute. (Cease, stop, halt.) 

contradict, deny, gainsay, oppose. 
(Confirm, strengthen.) 

cool, collected, tranquil. (Warm, dis- 
turbed.) 


correct, rectify, reform. (Muddle.) 

cost, charge, expense, price. 

covetousness, avarice, cupidity. (Be- 
neficence.) 

cowardice, fear, timidity, pusillan- 
imity. (Courage, intrepidity.) 

crime, sin, vice, misdemeanor. (Vir- 
tue, rectitude.) 

criminal, convict, culprit, felon, male- 
factor. (Benefactor.) 

crooked, bent, curved, oblique. 
(Straight, direct, upright.) 

cruel, barbarous, brutal, inhuman, 
savage. (Kind, gentle, humane.) 

cultivation, culture, refinement. 
(Barbarism, boorishness.) 

cursory, desultory, hasty, slight, 
(Thorough, painstaking.) 

custom, fashion, manner, practice, 
habit. (Unconventionality.) 


danger, hazard, peril. (Safety, se- 
curity.) 

dark, dismal, opaque, obscure, dim. 
(Light, bright, clear.) 

deadly, _ fatal, _ destructive, mortal. 
(Life-giving, immortal.) 

dear, beloved, precious, costly, ex- 
pensive. (Despised, cheap.) 

death, departure, decease, demise. 
(Life.) 

decay, decline, consumption. (Growth, 
increase.) 

deceit, cheat, imposition, trick, delu- 
sion, guile, beguilement, treachery, 
sham. (Truthfulness, sincerity, can- 
dor.) 

deceive, delude, impose upon, over- 
reach, gull, dupe, cheat. (Enlight- 
en, inform.) 

decide, determine, settle, adjudicate, 
terminate, resolve. (Vacillate.waver.) 

decipher, read, spell, interpret, 
solve. 

decision, determination, conclusion, 
resolution, firmness. (Vacillation.) 

declamation, oratory, elocution, ha- 
rangue, effusion, debate. 

declaration, avowal, manifestation, 
statement, profession. 

decrease, diminish, lessen, wane, de- 
cline, retrench, curtail, reduce. 
(Grow, increase, expand, wax.) 

dedicate, devote, consecrate, offer, 
set, apportion. 

deed, act, action, commission, achieve- 
ment, instrument, document. 


SYNONYMS AND ANTONYMS 


deem, judge, estimate, consider, think, 
suppose, conceive. 

deep, profound, subterranean, sub- 
merged, designing, abstruse, learned. 
(Shallow, superficial.) 

deface, mar, spoil, injure, disfigure. 
(Beautify, improve.) 

default, lapse, forfeit, omission, ab- 
sence, want, failure, neglect. (At- 
tention, assiduity, diligence, effort.) 

defect, imperfection, flaw, fault, blem- 
ish. (Beauty, perfection.) 

defend, guard, protect, justify. (Be- 
tray, abandon.) 

defense, excuse, plea, vindication, 
bulwark, rampart. (Desertion.) 

defer, delay, postpone, put off, pro- 
rogue, adjourn. (Hasten, expedite.) 

deficient, short, wanting, inadequate, 
scanty, incomplete. (Complete, ade- 
quate, sufficient.) 

defile, pollute, corrupt, sully, con- 
taminate, spoil, stain. (Purify, 
cleanse, hallow, sanctify.) 

define, fix, settle, determine, limit, 
circumscribe. (Dilate, distend.) 

defray, meet, liquidate, pay, dis- 
charge. (Repudiate.) 

degree, grade, extent, measure. 

deliberate, v., consider, meditate, 
consult, ponder, debate. 

deliberate, adj., purposed, intentional, 
designed, determined. (Hasty, rash, 
ill-considered.) 

delicacy, nicety, daintiness, refine- 
ment, tact, softness, modesty. (Boor- 
ishness, indecency.) 

delicate, tender, fragile, dainty, re- 
fined. (Coarse, rough, clownish.) 

delicious, sweet, palatable. (Nau- 
seous.) 

delight, enjoyment, pleasure, happi- 
ness, transport, ecstasy, gladness, 
rapture, bliss. (Annoyance.) 

deliver, liberate, free, rescue, pro- 
nounce, give, hand over. (Retain, 
hold.) 

demonstrate, prove, show, exhibit, 
illustrate. (Hide, conceal, obscure.) 

depart, leave, quit, decamp, retire, 
withdraw, vanish, levant. (Remain, 
abide, stay.) 

deprive, strip, bereave, despoil, rob, 
divest. (Endow, donate, bestow.) 

depute, appoint, commission, charge, 
intrust, delegate, authorize, accredit. 

derision, scorn, contempt, contumely, 
disrespect. (Respect, deference.) 

derivation, origin, source, beginning, 
cause, etymology, root. 


describe, delineate, portray, explain, 
illustrate, define, picture. 

desecrate, profane, secularize, mis- 
use, abuse, pollute. (Consecrate, 
sanctify.) See defile. 

deserve, merit, earn, justify, win. 

design, delineation, sketch, draw- 
ing, cunning, artfulness, contriv- 
ance. (Chance, accident.) 

desirable, expedient, advisable, valu- 
able, acceptable, proper, judicious, 
beneficial, profitable, good. (De- 
testable, obnoxious.) 

desire, n., longing, affection, craving. 
(Aversion.) 

desist, cease, stop, discontinue, drop, 
abstain, forbear. (Continue, per- 
sist, persevere.) 

desolate, bereaved, forlorn, forsaken, 
deserted, wild, waste, bare, bleak, 
lonely. (Contented, happy, fre- 
quented.) 

desperate, wild, daring, audacious, 
determined, reckless. (Calm, un- 
moved.) 

despised, degraded, worthless. (Ad- 
mired.) 

destiny, fate, decree, doom, end. 

destructive, detrimental, hurtful, 
noxious, injurious, deleterious, bale- 
ful, baneful, subversive. (Creative.) 

desuetude, disuse, discontinuance. 
(Continuance.) _ 

desultory, rambling, discursive, loose, 
unmethodical, superficial, unsettled, 
erratic, fitful. (Thorough, pains- 
taking, systematic.) 

detail, n., particular, specification, 
minutiae. (Generalities.) 

detail, v., particularize, enumerate, 
specify. (Generalize.) 

deter, warn, stop, dissuade, terrify, 
scare, dishearten. (Encourage.) 

detriment, loss, harm, injury, dete- 
rioration. (Benefit, help.) 

develop, unfold, amplify, expand, en- 
large. (Stunt, dwarf, stultify.) 

device, artifice, expedient, contriv- 
ance. 

devoid, void, wanting, destitute, un- 
endowed, unprovided. (Full, com- 
plete.) 

devoted, attached, fond, absorbed, 
dedicated. (Indifferent.) 

dictate, prompt, suggest, enjoin, or- 
der, command. 

dictatorial, imperative, imperious, 
domineering, arbitrary, tyrannical, 
overbearing. (Submissive, meek.) 

die, expire, depart, perish, decline, 


SYNONYMS AND ANTONYMS 

languish, wane, sink, fade, decay, disgrace, v., debase, degrade, defame, 

(Live, grow, flourish.) discredit. (Exalt.) 

diet, food, victuals, nourishment, nu- disgust, dislike, distaste, loathing, 

triment, sustenance, fare. abomination, abhorrence. (Admira- 

diflerence, separation, disagreement, tion.) 

discord, dissent, estrangement, vari- dishonest, unjust, fraudulent, unfair, 

ety. (Consonance, agreement, har- deceitful, cheating, deceptive, wrong- 

mony.) ful. (Honest, upright.) 

different, various, manifold, diverse, dismay, v., terrify, frighten, scare, 

unlike, separate, distinct. (Similar, daunt, appal, dishearten. (Encour- 

like, congruous.) age.) 

difficult, hard, intricate, involved, dismay, n., terror, dread, fear, fright, 

perplexing, obscure, unmanageable. (Assurance, confidence.) 

(Easy, simple, plain, clear.) dismiss, send off, discharge, discard, 

diffuse, discursive, prolix, diluted, co- banish. (Retain, keep.) 

pious. (Concise, condensed.) _ dispel, scatter, drive away, disperse, 

dignify, aggrandize, elevate, invest, dissipate. (Collect, gather.) 

exalt, advance, promote, honor, display, show, spread out, exhibit, 

(Degrade, dishonor.) expose. (Hide, conceal.) 

dilate, stretch, widen, expand, swell, dispose, arrange, array, place, order, 

distend, enlarge, descant, expatiate. (Confuse, disarrange.) 

(Contract, shrink.) # dispute, v., argue, contest, contend, 

dilatory, tardy, procrastinating, be- question, impugn. (Assent.) 

hindhand, lagging, dawdling, linger- dispute, n., argument, debate, con- 
ing, slack. (Prompt, nimble, quick, troversy, quarrel, disagreement, 
precipitate, swift, headlong.) (Harmony, agreement.) 

diligence, care, assiduity, attention, dissent, disagree, differ, vary. (As- 

heed, industry. (Negligence.) sent.) 

diminish, lessen, reduce, contract, distinct, clear, plain, obvious, dif- 

curtail, retrench. (Increase.) ferent, separate. (Dim, obscure.) 

disability, _ unfitness, incapacity, distinguish, perceive, discern, mark 

(Power, ability, fitness.) out, divide, discriminate. See discern. 

discern, descry, observe, recognize, distinguished, famous, glorious, far- 
see, discriminate, separate, perceive. famed, noted, illustrious, eminent, 
(Confuse, blend, mingle, confound, celebrated. (Obscure, unknown, or- 
involve.) dinary.) 

discipline, _ order, _ strictness, train- distract, perplex, bewilder. (Calm, 

ing, coercion, punishment, organiza- soothe, reassure.) 

tion. (Confusion, demoralization.) distribute, allot, share, dispense, ap- 

discover, make known, find, invent, portion, deal. (Collect.) 

contrive, expose, reveal. (Conceal, disturb, derange, discompose, agitate, 

cover, secrete, lose, miss.) _ rouse, interrupt, confuse, trouble, 

discreditable, shameful, disgraceful, annoy, vex, worry. (Pacify, 

scandalous, disreputable. (Honor- quiet.) 

able, creditable.) disuse, discontinuance, abolition, des- 

discreet, cautious, prudent, wary, ju- uetude. (Use.) 

dicious, considerate, politic, provi- divide, part, separate, distribute, deal 

dent. (Foolish, thoughtless, un- out, sever, sunder. (Unite, combine, 

wary.) m _ associate.) 

discrepancy, disagreement, differ- divine, godlike, holy, heavenly, sacred, 

ence, variance. (Agreement, con- (Fiendish, diabolical, devilish.)- 

sonance, similarity.) _ do, effect, make, perform, accomplish, 

discrimination, acuteness, discern- finish, transact. 

ment, judgment, caution. (Ob- docile, tractable, teachable, compliant, 

tuseness, gullibility.) tame. (Stubborn, mulish, unruly, 

disease, complaint, malady, disorder, intractable, pig-headed.) 

ailment, sickness. (Health, whole- doctrine, tenet, article of belief, creed, 

someness.) _ dogma, teaching. (Action, conduct, 

disgrace, n., disrepute, reproach, dis- deed, performance, practice.) 

honor, shame, odium. (Honor.) doleful, dolorous, woebegone, rueful, 


SYNONYMS AND ANTONYMS 


dismal, piteous. (Joyous, happy, 
cheerful, merry.) 

doom, sentence, verdict, judgment, 
fate, lot, destiny. (Salvation, ac- 
quittal.) 

doubt, uncertainty, suspense, hes- 
itation, scruple, ambiguity. (Cer- 
tainty, belief, faith.) 

draw, pull, haul, drag, attract, inhale. 
(Repel, exhale.) 

dread, n., fear, horror, terror, alarm, 
dismay, awe. (Boldness, assurance, 
confidence.) 

dreadful, fearful, frightful, shocking, 
awful, horrible, horrid, terrific. (At- 
tractive, pleasing, desirable.) 

dress, n., clothing, attire, apparel, 
garments, costume, garb, livery. 
(Nakedness, nudity.) 

drift, purpose, meaning, scope, aim, 
tendency, direction, intent. 

droll, funny, laughable, comic, whim- 
sical, queer, amusing. (Solemn, 
grave, mirthless.) 

drown, inundate, swamp, submerge, 
overwhelm, engulf. (Emerge, float.) 

dry, a., arid, parched, lifeless, dull, te- 
dious, uninteresting, tiresome. (Wet, 
moist, damp, juicy.) 

due, owing to, attributable to, Just, 
fair, proper. (Exorbitant, unjust.) 

dull, stupid, gloomy, sad, dismal, com- 
monplace. (Bright, interesting, en- 
tertaining.) 

dunce, simpleton, fool, ninny, idiot. 
(Sage, philosopher.) 

durable, lasting, permanent, abiding, 
continuing. (Ephemeral, perishable.) 

dwell, stay, stop, abide, sojourn, lin- 
ger, tarry. (Stray, wander.) 

dwindle, pine, waste, diminish, de- 
crease, fall off. (Grow, increase, 
augment.) 

E 

eager, hot, ardent, impassioned, for- 
ward, impatient. (Diffident, list- 
less, indifferent, detached.) 

earn, acquire, obtain, win, gain, 
achieve. (Lose, forfeit.) 

earnest, a., ardent, serious; grave, 
warm. (Trifling, flippant, frivolous.) 

earnest, n., pledge, pawn. 
ise, n., comfort, rest. (Worry, dis- 
comfort, unrest.) 

ise, v., calm, alleviate, allay, miti- 
gate, appease, assuage, pacify, dis- 
burden, rid. (Annoy, worry, dis- 
turb, vex.) 


easy, light comfortable, unconstrained. 
(Difficult, hard.) 

eccentric, irregular, anomalous, sin- 
gular, odd, abnormal, wayward, 
meticulous, fussy, strange. (Regu- 
lar, ordinary, normal.) 

economical, sparing, saving, provi- 
dent, thrifty, frugal, careful. (Waste- 
ful, prodigal, lavish.) 

edge, border, brink, rim, brim, mar- 
gin, verge. (Middle, centre.) 

efface, blot out, expunge, obliterate, 
wipe out, cancel, erase. (Preserve, 
insert.) 

effect, n., consequence, result, issue, 
event, execution, operation. (Cause, 
origin, source.) 

effect, v., accomplish, fulfill, realize, 
achieve, execute, operate, complete. 
(Fail, fall short, yield.) 

effective, efficient, operative, service- 
able. (Vain ; ineffectual, footless.) 

efficacy, efficiency, energy, agency, 
instrumentality. (Futility.) 

efficient, effectual, effective, compe- 
tent, capable, able, fitted. (Futile, 
feckless, inefficient.) 

eliminate, drive out, expel, thrust 
out, eject, cast out, oust, dislodge, 
banish, proscribe. (Invite, wel- 
come.) 

eloquence, oratory, rhetoric, declama- 
tion. 

elucidate, make plain, explain, clear 
up, illustrate. (Muddle, perplex, 
confuse.) 

elude, evade, escape, avoid, shun. 
(Encounter, confront.) 

embarrass, perplex, entangle, abash, 
distress, trouble. (Assist, help.) 

embellish, adorn, decorate, bedeck, 
beautify, deck. (Disfigure, deface, 
mar.) 

embolden, inspirit, animate, encour- 
age, cheer, urge, impel, stimulate. 
(Discourage, dishearten, deter.) 

eminent, distinguished, signal, con- 
spicuous, noted, prominent, elevated, 
renowned, famous, glorious, illustri- 
ous. (Low, obscure, unknown, un- 
important). 

emit, give out, throw out, exhale, dis- 
charge, vent. (Admit, inhale.) > 

emotion, perturbation, agitation, 
trepidation, tremor, mental conflict. 
(Poise, repose, calm.) 

employ, occupy, busy, use, engross. 
(Dismiss, discharge.) 

employment, business, vocation, en- 
gagement, office, function, trade, 


SYNONYMS AND ANTONYMS 


profession, occupation, calling. (Lei- 
sure, idleness.). 

encompass, encircle, surround, gird, 
beset. (Avoid, withdraw.) 

encounter, attack, conflict, combat, 
assault, onset, engagement, battle, 
action. (Retreat, flight.) 

encourage, countenance, sanction, 
support, foster, cherish, inspirit, em- 
bolden, animate, cheer, incite, urge, 
impel, stimulate. (Daunt, deject, 
depress.) See embolden. 

end, n., aim, object, purpose, result, 
conclusion, upshot, close, expiration, 
termination extremity, sequel. (Be- 
ginning, commencement, introduc- 
tion, incipiency.) 

endeavor, attempt, try, essay, strive, 
aim. (Relax, shirk.) 

endurance, fortitude, patience, resig- 
nation. (Weakness, cowardice.) 

endure, v., last, continue, support, 
bear, sustain, suffer, brook, submit 
to, undergo. (Perish, succumb.) 

enemy, foe, antagonist, adversary, 
opponent.. (Friend, comrade.) 

energetic, industrious, effectual, effi- 
cacious, powerful, forcible, nervous. 
(Lazy, idle, indolent, passive, slug- 
gish, slothful.) 

engross, absorb, take up, occupy, en- 
gage, monopolize. (See engulf.) 

engulf, swallow up, absorb, imbibe, 
drown, submerge, bury, entomb, 
overwhelm. (Cast out, disgorge, dis- 
perse, dissipate, eject, emit, exude.) 

enjoin, order, ordain, appoint, pre- 
scribe. (Accept, follow, obey, yield, 
submit.) 

enjoyment, pleasure, gratification. 
(Pain, sorrow, sadness.) 

enlarge, increase, extend, augment, 
broaden, swell. (Diminish, con- 
tract.) 

enlighten, illumine, illuminate, in- 
struct, inform. (Obscure, perplex, 
confuse.) 

enliven, cheer, vivify, stir up, ani- 
mate, inspire, exhilarate. (Deaden, 
benumb, dispirit.) 

enmity, animosity, hostility, ill-will, 
maliciousness. (Friendliness, good- 
will.) 

enormous, gigantic, colossal, huge, 
vast, immense, prodigious. (Insig- 
nificant, little, small, petty.) 

enough, sufficient, plenty, abundance. 
(Want, lack, paucity, poverty.) 

enrage, infuriate, madden. (Pacify, 
soothe, quiet.) 


enrapture, enchant, fascinate, charm, 
captivate, bewitch. (Repel, revolt.) 

enroll, enlist, list, register, record. 
(Disrate, disqualify.) 

enterprise, undertaking, endeavor, 
venture. 

enthusiasm, earnestness, devotion, 
zeal, ardor, fervor, intensity, ve- 
hemence. (Ennui, indifference, cau- 
tion, coldness, wariness.) 

enthusiast, fanatic, visionary. (In- 
differentist.) 

equal, same, even, like, alike, uniform. 
(Disparate, dissimilar, different.) 

eradicate, root out, extirpate, exter- 
minate, annihilate. (Implant, incul- 
cate, instil.) 

erroneous, incorrect, inaccurate, 
faulty, inexact. (Exact, correct.) 

error, 'blunder, mistake. (Accuracy, 
precision.) 

especially, chiefly, particularly, prin- 
cipally^ (Generally.) 

essay, dissertation, tract, treatise. 

establish, build up, confirm, strength- 
en. (Overthrow, demolish, destroy.) 

esteem, regard, respect, deference. 
(Contempt, scorn.) 

estimate, appraise, compute, rate. 

estrangement, _ abstraction, aliena- 
tion. (Reconciliation.) 

eternal, endless, everlasting. (Finite, 
limited.) _ 

evade, equivocate, prevaricate, elude, 
baffle. (Confront, meet, encounter.) 

even, level, plane, smooth. (Uneven, 
rough, jagged.) 

event, accident, adventure, incident, 
occurrence. 

evil, ill, harm, mischief, misfortune. 
(Good.). 

exact, nice, particular, punctual. 
(Careless, slip-shod.) 

exalt, ennoble, dignify, raise. (Hum- 
ble, debase, degrade.) 

examination, investigation, inquiry, 
research, search, scrutiny. 

exceed, excel, outdo, surpass, tran- 
scend. (Fall short.) 

exceptional, uncommon, rare, ex- 
traordinary. (Usual, commonplace.) 

excite, awaken, provoke, rouse, stir 
up. (Lull ; quiet, soothe.) 

excursion, jaunt, ramble, tour, trip. 

execute, fulfill, perform. (See effect.) 

exempt, free, cleared. (Subject, in- 
culpated, incriminated.) 

exercise, practice. 

exhaustive, thorough, complete. (Cur- 
sory, superficial.) 


SYNONYMS AND ANTONYMS 


exigency, emergency. 

experiment, proof, trial, test. 

explain, expound, interpret, illustrate, 
elucidate. (See elucidate.) 

express, declare, signify, utter, tell. 

extend, stretch, elongate. (Abridge, 
abbreviate, shorten.) 

extravagant, lavish, profuse, prodigal. 
(Parsimonious, economical, niggard- 
ly-) 


fable, apologue, novel, romance, tale. 

face, visage, countenance. 

facetious, pleasant, jocular, jocose, 
witty. (Serious, grave.) 

factor, agent. 

fail, to fall short, be deficient. (Suc- 
ceed, accomplish.) 

faint, feeble, languid. (Forcible, 
strong.) 

fair, clear. (Stormy.) 

fair, equitable, honest, reasonable. 
(Unfair, dishonest.) 

faith, creed, orthodoxy. (Disbelief, 
infidelity, heterodoxy.) 

faithful, true, loyal, constant. (Faith- 
less, treacherous, perfidious.) 

fall, drop, droop, sink, tumble. (Rise.) 

fame, renown, reputation. (Ignominy, 
disgrace.) 

famous, celebrated, renowned, illus- 
trious. (Obscure, unknown, incon- 
spicuous.) 

fanciful, capricious, fantastical, whim- 
sical. (Practical, unimaginative.) 

fancy, imagination. (Common-sense.) 

fast, rapid, quick, fleet, expeditious. 
(Slow, sluggish.) 

fatigue, weariness, lassitude. (Vivac- 
ity.) 

fear, timidity, timorousness. (Bravery, 
courage.) 

feeling, sensibility, susceptibility. (In- 
sensibility.) 

ferocious, fierce, savage, wild, bar- 
barous. (Mild, gentle, tame.) 

fertile, fruitful, prolific, plenteous, 
productive. (Sterile, barren.) 

fiction, falsehood, fabrication. (Fact, 
truth.) 

figure, allegory, emblem, metaphor, 
symbol, picture, type. 

find, descry, discover, espy. (Lose, 
overlook.) 

fine, a., delicate, nice. (Coarse.) 

fine, n., forfeit, forfeiture, mulct, pen- 
alty. (Gift, donation.) 

fire, glow, heat, warmth. (Cold.) 


firm, constant, solid, steadfast, fixed, 

stable. (Weak, yielding.) 
first, foremost, chief, earliest, para- 
mount. (Last, subordinate.) 

fit, accommodate, adapt, adjust, suit. 

fix, determine, establish, settle, limit. 

flame, blaze, flare, flash, glare. 

flat, level, even. (Hilly, rugged.) 

flexible, j>liant, pliable, ductile, sup- 
ple. (Rigid, inelastic, stiff, unbend- 
ing.) 

flourish, prosper, thrive. (Decay, 
decline, cfegenerate.) 

fluctuating, wavering, hesitating, 
oscillating, vacillating, changing. 
(Firm, steadfast, decided, resolute, 
stable.) 

fluent, flowing, glib, voluble, unem- 
barrassed, ready. (Hesitating, halt- 
ing.) 

folks, persons, people, individuals. 

follow, succeed, ensue, imitate, copy, 
pursue. (Precede, originate, create.) 

follower, partisan, disciple, adherent, 
retainer, pursuer, successor. (Pre- 
decessor, leader, superior.) 

folly, silliness, foolishness, imbecility, 
weakness. (Wisdom, sanity, reason- 
ableness.) 

fond, enamored, attached, affection- 
ate, loving, tender, devoted. (Dis- 
tant, irresponsive.) 

fondness, affection, attachment, kind- 
ness, love. (Aversion, dislike, hate.) 

foolhardy, venturesome, incautious, 
hasty, adventurous, rash. (Cau- 
tious, careful, provident.) 

foolish, simple, silly, irrational, brain- 
less, imbecile, crazy, absurd, pre- 
posterous, ridiculous, nonsensical. 
(Wise, discreet, sensible.) 

fop, dandy, dude, beau, coxcomb, pup- 
py, jackanapes. (Gentleman.) 

forbear, abstain, refrain, _ withhold. 

force, n., strength, vigor, dint, might, 
energy, power, violence. (Weak- 
ness, feebleness.) 

force, v., compel. (Persuade.) 

forecast, forethought, foresight, pre- 
meditation, prognostication. (After- 
thought.) 

forego, quit, relinquish, let go, waive. 
(Insist.) 

foregoing, antecedent, anterior, pre- 
ceding, previous, prior, former. (Fol- 
lowing, succeeding, latter.) 

forerunner, herald, harbinger, pre- 
cursor. (Successor.) 

forge, coin, invent, frame, feign, fab- 
ricate, counterfeit. 


SYNONYMS AND ANTONYMS 


forgive, pardon, condone, remit, ab- 
solve, acquit, excuse, except. (Con- 
demn, accuse, punish.) 

forlorn, forsaken, abandoned, de- 
serted; desolate, lone, lonesome. 
(Cherished, beloved.) 

form, n., ceremony, solemnity, observ- 
ance, rite, figure, shape, conforma- 
tion, fashion, appearance, represen- 
tation, semblance. (Vagueness.) 

form, v.j make, create, produce, con- 
stitute, arrange, fashion, mould. 
(Destroy, demolish.) 

formal, ceremonious, precise, exact, 
stiff, methodical, affected. (Informal, 
natural, unconventional, careless.) 

forthwith, immediately, directly, in- 
stantly, instantaneously. (Anon, 
bye and bye, presently.) 

fortitude, endurance, resolution, fear- 
lessness, dauntlessness, strength, 
courage. (Weakness.) 

fortunate, lucky, happy, auspicious, 
prosperous, successful. (Unfortu- 
nate, luckless.) 

fortune, chance, fate, luck, doom, 
destiny, property, possession, riches. 
(Misfortune, poverty.) 

foster, cherish, nurse, tend, harbor, 
nurture. (Neglect, disregard.) 

foul, impure, nasty, filthy, dirty, un- 
clean, defiled. (Pure, clean.) 

fractious, cross, captious, petulant, 
touchy, testy, peevish, fretful, splen- 
etic. (Tractable, gentle, submissive, 
pliant.) 

fragile, brittle, frail, delicate, feeble. 
(Strong, sturdy, solid.) 

fragments, pieces, scraps, chips, 
leavings, remains, remnants. (Enti- 
ties, wholes, solids, masses. ) 

frailty, weakness, failing, foible, im- 
perfection, fault, blemish. (Strength, 
perfection.) 

frame, construct, invent, coin, fabri- 
cate, forge, mold, feign, make, 
compose. (Sunder, destroy, dis- 
solve, rend.) 

franchise, right, exemption, immu- 
nity, privilege, freedom, suffrage. 

frank, artless, candid, sincere, free, 
easy, familiar, open, ingenuous, 
plam. (Tricky, insincere, wily, 
shifty.) 

frantic, distracted, mad, furious, rav- 
ing, frenzied. (Quiet, subdued, calm, 
peaceful, sane, normal.) 

fraud, deceit, deception, duplicity, 
guile, cheat, imposition. (Honesty, 
straight-forwardness, fairness.) 


freak, fancy, humor, vagary, whim, 
caprice, crotchet. (Purpose, resolu- 
tion, consistency.) 

free, a., liberal, generous, bountiful, 
bounteous, munificent, frank, art- 
less, candid, familiar, open, inde- 
pendent, unconfined, unreserved, un- 
restricted, exempt, clear, loose, easy, 
careless. (Bound, slavish, stingy, 
artful.) 

free, v., release, set free, deliver, 
rescue, liberate, enfranchise, af- 
franchise, emancipate, exempt. (En- 
slave, bind, imprison.) 

freedom, liberty, independence, un- 
restraint, familiarity, license, fran- 
chise, exemption, privilege. (Slav- 
ery, bondage, serfdom.) 

frequent, often, common, usual, gen- 
eral. (Rare, unique, exceptional.) 

fret, gall" chafe, agitate, irritate, vex. 
(Please, appease, soothe.) 

friendly, amicable, social, sociable. 
(Distant, reserved., cool.) 

frightful, fearful, dreadful, dire, dire- 
ful, terrific, awful, horrible, horrid. 
(Pleasing, gentle.) _ 

frivolous, trifling, trivial, petty. (Seri- 
ous, earnest.) 

frugal, provident, economical, saving. 
(Wasteful, extravagant, prodigal.) 

fruitful, fertile, prolific, productive, 
abundant, plentiful, plenteous. (Bar- 
ren, sterile 

fruitless, vain, useless, idle, abortive, 
bootless, unavailing, without avail. 
(Fruitful, profitable, valuable, suc- 
cessful.) 

frustrate, defeat, foil, balk, disap- 
point. (Assist, help, satisfy.) 

fulfill, accomplish, effect, complete. 
(Bungle, fail.) 

fully, completely, abundantly, per- 
fectly. (Partially, partly.) 

fulsome, coarse, gross, sickening, of- 
fensive, rank. (Moderate.) 

furious, violent, boisterous, vehe- 
ment, dashing, sweeping, rolling, im- 
petuous, frantic, distracted, stormy, 
angry, raging, fierce. (Calm, re- 
strained, placid^ quiet. ) # 

futile, trifling, trivial, frivolous, use- 
less. (Effective, < apable.) 

G 

gain, n., profit, emolument, advan- 
tage, benefit, winnings, earnings. 
(Loss, failure.) 


SYNONYMS AND ANTONYMS 

gain, v., get, acquire, obtain, attain, (Steady, reliable, poised, well-bal- 

procure, earn, win, achieve, reap, anced, dependable.) 

realize, reach. (Lose, fail.) gift, donation, benefaction, grant, 

gallant, brave, bold, courageous, gay, alms, gratuity, boon, present, facul- 

fine, showy, intrepid^ heroic, fear- ty, talent. (Purchase.) 

less. (Cowardly, timid, shrinking, gigantic, cplossal, # huge, enormous, 

fearful, timorous.) vast, prodigious, immense. (Dimin- 

galling, chafing, irritating, vexing. utive, little, tiny, small, wee.) 

(Soothing.) give, grant, bestow, confer, yield, im- 

game, play, pastime, diversion, sport, part. (Take, absorb.) 

amusement. (Work, toil, drudgery.) glad, pleased, cheerful, joyful, glad- 
gang, band, horde, company, troop, some, gratified, cheering. (Sad, de- 
crew. (Individual.) spondent, melancholy, depressed.) 

gap, breach, chasm, hollow, cavity, gleam, glimmer, glance, glitter, shine, 

cleft, crevice, rift, chink. flash. 

garnish, embellish, adorn, beautify, glee, gayety, merriment, mirth, jovial- 
deck, decorate. (Pollute, deface, ity, joy, hilarity. (Sorrow, despon- 
defile.) dency, sadness.) 

gather, pick, cull, assemble, muster, glide, slip, slide, run, roll on. 

infer, collect. (Scatter, disperse.) glimmer, v., gleam, flicker, glitter. 

gaudy, showy, flashy, tawdry, gay, glimpse, glance, look, glint. 

glittering ; bespangled. (Sombre, glitter, gleam, shine, glisten, glister, 

dark, plain.) e radiate. 

gaunt, emaciated, scraggy, skinny, gloom, cloud, darkness, dimness, 

meagre, lank, attenuated, spare, blackness, dullness, sadness. (Light, 

lean, thin. (Well-fed, plump, stout.) brightness, joy.) 

gay, cheerful, merry, lively, jolly, gloomy, lowering, lurid, dim, dusky, 

sprightly, blithe. (Solemn, funereal, sad, glum. (Bright, clear, gay, 

doleful, dismal.) merry.) 

generate, form, make, beget, produce, glorify, magnify, celebrate, adore, ex- 
generation, formation, race, breed, alt. (Debase, overthrow, ruin, dis- 
stock, kind, age, era. honor, disgrace.) 

generous, beneficent, noble, honor- glorious, famous, renowned, distin- 

able, bountiful, liberal, free. _ (Nig- guished, noble, exalted. (Infamous.) 

gardly, close, parsimonious, miserly.) glory, honor, fame, renown, splendor, 

genial, cordial, hearty, festive, joy- grandeur. (Infamy, shame, dishonor, 

ous. (Distant, cold.) ' disgrace.) 

genius, intellect, invention, talent, glut, gorge, stuff, cram, cloy, satiate, 

taste, nature, character, adept. (Dul- block up. (Starve, empty.) 

ness, stupidity, imbecility.) < go, m depart, proceed, move, budge, 

genteel, refined, polished, fashion- stir. 

able, polite, well-bred. (Boorish, God, Creator, Lord, Almighty, Jeho- 

clownish, rude, uncultivated.) vah, Omnipotence, Providence. (Beel- 

gentle, placid, mild, bland, meek, zebub, Lucifer, Satan, the Devil.) 

tame, docile. (Rough, uncouth, boi- godly, righteous, devout, holy, pious, 

sterous, obstreperous.) m religious. (Wicked, godless, impi- 

genuine, real, true, unaffected, sin- ous.) 

cere. (False, deceptive.) good, benefit, weal, advantage, profit. 

gesture, attitude, action, posture. boon. (Evil, mischief, harm, loss.) 

get, obtain, earn, gain, attain, pro- good, a., virtuous, righteous, upright, 

cure, achieve. (Lose, fail.) just, true. (Wicked, bad.) 

ghastly, pallid, wan, hideous, grim, gorge, glut, fill, cram, stuff, satiate, 

shocking. (Florid, high-colored, hec- (Empty, starve.) 

tic, radiant.) gorgeous, superb, grand, magnificent, 

ghost, spectre, sprite, apparition, splendid. (Mean, squalid.) 

shade, pnantom. govern, rule, direct, manage, com- 

gibe, scoff, sneer, flout, jeer, mock, mand, mold, rule, sway. (Comply, 

taunt, deride. (Cheer, encourage, obey, submit, yield.) 

applaud, approve.) government, rule, state, control, 

giddy, unsteady, flighty, thoughtless. sway. (Anarchy.) 


SYNONYMS AND ANTONYMS 


graceful, becoming, comely, elegant, 
beautiful. (Awkward, ungainly, 
clumsy.) 

gracious, merciful, kindly, beneficent. 
(Haughty, disdainful^ curt.) 

gradual, slow, progressive. (Sudden.) 

grand, majestic, stately, dignified, 
lofty, elevated, exalted., splendid, 
gorgeous, superb, magnificent, sub- 
lime, pompous. (Shabby, poor, 
mean.) 

grant, bestow, impart, s give, yield, 
cede, allow, confer, invest. (Ab- 
sorb, assume, engross, take.) 

grant, gift, boon, donation. 

graphic, forcible, telling, picturesque, 
vivid, pictorial. (Vague, maunder- 
ing, illusive.) 

grasp, catch, seize, gripe, clasp, grap- 
ple. (Loose, let go, surrender.) 

grateful, agreeable, pleasing, welcome, 
thankful. (Harsh, ungrateful, thank- 
less.) 

gratification, enjoyment, pleasure, 
delight, reward. (Disappointment.) 

grave, a., serious, sedate, solemn, 
sober, pressing, heavy. (Giddy, friv- 
olous, nighty.) 

grave, n., tomb, sepulchre, vault. 

great, big, huge, large, majestic, vast, 
grand, noble, august. (Small, petty, 
unimportant.) 

greediness, avidity, eagerness, vorac- 
ity. (Generosity.) 

grief, affliction, sorrow, trial, woe, 
tribulation. (Joy, gladness, mirth, 
pleasure.) 

grieve, mourn, lament, sorrow, pain, 
hurt, wound., bewail ._ (Rejoice.) 

grievous, painful, afflicting, heavy, 
baleful, unhappy. (Pleasant, de- 
lightful, enjoyable.) 

grind, crush, oppress, grate, harass, 
afflict. (Bless, help.) 

grisly, terrible, hideous, grim, ghastly, 
dreadful. (Pleasing, beautiful.) 

gross, coarse ; outrageous, unseemly, 
shameful, indelicate. (Delicate, 

fine.) 

group, assembly-, cluster, collection, 
clump, order, class. 

grovel, crawl, cringe, fawn, sneak. 

grow, increase, expand, advance. (De- 
cay, diminish, decrease, shrink.) 

growl, grumble, snarl, complain, 
croak, find fault, murmur, repine. 
(Approve, applaud, rejoice.) 

grudge, malice, rancor, spite, pique, 
hatred, aversion. 

gruff, rough, rugged, blunt, rude, 


harsh, surly, bearish. (Pleasant, 
agreeable ; amiable, polite.) 
guile, deceit, fraud. (Candor.) 
guiltless, harmless, innocent. (Guilty, 
harmful, sinful, criminal, noxious.) 


habit, custom, practice. 

hail, accost, address, greet, salute, 
welcome. (Cut, snub.) 

happiness, beatitude, blessedness, 
bliss, felicity. (Unhappiness, sad- 
ness, sorrow.) 

harbor, haven, port.^ 

hard, firm, solid. (Soft, yielding.) 

hard, arduous, difficult. (Easy.) 

harm, injury, hurt, wrong, infliction. 
(Benefit, favour, kindness. )_ 

harmless, safe, innocuous, innocent. 
(Hurtful, noxious, poisonous.) 

harsh, rough, rigorous, severe, gruff, 
morose. (Gentle, mild.) 

hasten, accelerate, dispatch, expedite, 
speed. (Delay, hinder, impede.) 

hasty, hurried," ill-advised. (Delib- 
erate, slow.) 

hateful, odious, detestable. (Lov- 
able.) 

hatred, enmity, ill-will, rancor. 
(Friendship, love.) 

haughtiness, arrogance, pride. (Mod- 
esty, meekness, humility.) 

haughty, arrogant, disdainful, super- 
cilious, proud. (Meek, humble.) 

hazard, risk, venture, chance, con- 
tingency, fortuity, peril. (Certainty, 
assurance, security, safety.) 

healthy, salubrious, salutary, whole- 
some. (Lnhealthy, injurious.) 

heap, accumulate/ amass, pile up. 
(Disperse, scatter.) 

hearty, a., cordial, sincere, warm. 
(Insincere, cool.) 

heavy, burdensome, ponderous, 
weighty. (Light.) 

heed, care, attention. (Heedlessness, 
unconcern.) 

heighten, enhance, exalt, elevate, 
raise. (Debase, lower.) 

heinous, atrocious, flagitious, flagrant. 
(Venial, trifling.) 

help, aid, assist, relieve, succor. 
(Hinder, block, check, counteract, 
embarrass, impede, retard.) 

heretic, sectary, sectarian, schismatic, 
dissenter, non-conformist. 

hesitate, falter, stammer, stutter. 

hideous, grim, ghastly, grisly, fright- 


SYNONYMS AND ANTONYMS 

ful. (Beautiful, lovely, entranc- illegal, unlawful, illicit, contraband, 

ing.) illegitimate. (Legal, legitimate.) 

high, lofty, tall, elevated. (Deep.) illimitable, boundless, immeasurable, 
hinder, impede, obstruct, prevent. unlimited, infinite. (Limited, fin- 

(See help.) ite.) 

hint, allude, refer, suggest, intimate, illiterate, unlette ed, unlearned, un- 

insinuate. m _ taught, uninstructed. (Learned, ed- 

hold, detain, keep, retain. (Let ucated.) 

go.) ill-tempered, crabbed, sour, surly, 

holiness, sanctity, piety, sacredness. acrimonious. (Good-natured, ami- 

(Wickedness, impiety.) able.) 

holy, devout, pious, religious, saintly, illusion, fallacy, deception, phan- 

blessed, sacred. (Cursed, impure, tasm. 

polluted, abominable, worldly.) illusory, imaginary, chimerical, vision- 

homely, plain, ugly, coarse. (Beauti- ary. (Real, actual, tenable.) 

ful.) illustrate, explain, elucidate, clear. 

honesty, integrity, probity, upright- (See elucidate.) 

ness. (Dishonesty, fraud.) illustrious, celebrated, noble, cmi- 

honor, respect, reverence, e teem. nent, famou , renowned. (Obscure, 

(Dishonor, ignominy.) unknown.) 

hope, confidence, expectation, trust, ill-will, enmity, hatred, antipathy. 

(Despair.) # # (Good-will, benevolence.) 

hopeless, desperate, pessimistic, image, likeness, picture, representa- 

(Buoyant, hopeful, optimistic.) tion, effigy. 

hot, ardent, burning, fiery. (Cold.) imaginary, ideal, fanciful, illusory. 
however, nevertheless, notwithstand- (Real, actual, tangible.) 

ing, yet. imagine, conceive, fancy, apprehend, 

humble, modest, _ submissive, plain, think, presume. 

unostentatious, simple. (Haughty, imbecility, silliness, senility, dotage. 

overbearing, supercilious.) imitate, copy, ape, mimic, mock, 

humble, degrade, humiliate, mortify, counterfeit. (Originate, invent.) 

abase. (Exalt, promote, raise.) ' immaculate, unspotted, spotless, un- 
humor, mood, temper. sullied, stainless. (Soiled, spotted, 

hunt, seek, chase. defiled, bedraggled.) 

hurtful, noxious, pernicious. (Bene- immediate, pressing, instant, next, 

ficial.) proximate, contiguous. (Distant, 

husbandry, cultivation, tillage. far, future, remote.) 

hypocrite, dissembler, imposter, can- immediately, instantly, forthwith, 

ter. directly, presently. 

hypothesis, theory, supposition. immense, vast, enormous, huge, pro- 

digious, monstrous. (Tiny, diminu- 
tive.) 
I immunity, privilege, prerogative, ex- 

emption. m (Responsibility.) 
idea, thought, imagination. impair, injure, diminish, decrease. 

ideal, imaginary, fancied. (Actual, (Increase, build up, perfect.) 

real.) impart, reveal, divulge, disclose, dis- 

idle, indolent, lazy. (Industrious, cover, bestow, afford. 

busy.) impartial, just, equitable, unbiased. 

ignominious, shameful, scandalous. (Partial, prejudiced, interested.) 

infamous. ( rT onorable, noble.) impassioned, glowing, burning, fiery, 

ignominy, shame, disgrace, obloquy, vehement, intense. (Cool, unre- 

infamy, reproach. (See honor.) ' sponsive.) 

Ignorant, unlearned, illiterate, unin- impeach, accuse, charge, arraign, 

formed, uneducated. (Learned, censure. (Acquit, condone, dis- 

erudite, well-informed.) charge, excuse, forgive, overlook, 

111, n., evil, wickedness, misfortune, pardon, release.) 

mischief, harm.. (Good, blessing.) impede, hinder, retard, obstruct, pre- 
ill, a., sick, indisposed, unwell, dis- vent. (Help, aid, assist.) 

eased. (Well, sound, healthy.) impediment, obstruction, hindrance, 


SYNONYMS AND ANTONYMS 


obstacle, barrier. (Aid, assist 
ance.) 

Impel, animate, induce, incite, insti- 
gate, embolden. (Retard, check.) 

Impending, imminent, threatening. 
(Distant, remote.) 

imperative, commanding, despotic, 
authoritative, dogmatic^ domineer- 
ing, overbearing. (Complaisant, 
compliant, docile, mild, submissive, 
yielding.) 

imperfection, fault, blemish, defect, 
vice. (Beauty, perfection.) 

imperil, endanger, hazard, jeopardize. 
(Rescue, save, deliver.) 

imperious, commanding, dictatorial, 
authoritative, imperative, lordly, 
domineering, overbearing. (See im- 
perative.) 

impertinent, intrusive, meddling, of- 
ficious, rude, saucy, impudent, inso- 
lent. (Courteous, suave, polite.^ 

impetuous, violent, impulsive, bois- 
terous, furious, vehement. (Calm, 
temperate, sell-controlled.) 

impious, profane, irreligious, godless. 
(Reverent, pious.) 

implicate, involve, entangle, embar- 
rass, compromise. (Exonerate, 
clear, exculpate.) 

imply, involve, comprise, infold, im- 
port, denote, signify. 

importance, signification, signifi- 
cance, avail, consequence, weight, 
gravity, moment. (Insignificance, 
triviality, pettiness.) 

imposing, impressive, striking, ma- 
jestic, august, noble, grand. (In- 
significant, trivial.) 

impotence, weakness, incapacity, in- 
firmity, frailty, feebleness. (Power, 
strength, vigor.) 

impotent, weak, feeble, helpless, en- 
feebled, nerveless, infirm. (Strong, 
capable, effectual.) 

impressive, stirring, forcible, exciting, 
affecting, moving. (See imposing.) 

imprison, incarcerate, shut up, im- 
mure, confine. (Liberate, set free.) 

imprisonment, captivity, durance. 
(Freedom, liberty.) 

improve, amend, better, mend, re- 
form, rectify, ameliorate, apply, use, 
employ. _ (Deteriorate, aggravate, 
corrupt, impair, injure, mar, vitiate.) 

improvident, careless, incautious, im- 
prudent, prodigal, wasteful, reckless, 
rash. (Thrifty, careful, prudent, 
provident.) 

Impudence, assurance, impertinence, 


confidence, insolence, rudeness. (Po- 
liteness, good breeding.) 

impudent, saucy, brazen, bold, im- 
pertinent, forward, rude, insolent, 
immodest, shameless, aggressive. 
(Gentle, polite, decorous.) 

impulse, incentive, incitement, mo- 
tive, instigation. 

impulsive, rash, hasty, forcible, vio- 
lent. (Deliberate.) 

imputation, blame, censure, reproach, 
cnarge, accusation. 

inadvertency, error, oversight, blun- 
der, inattention, carelessness, negli- 
gence. 

incentive, motive, inducement, im- 
pulse. (Deterrent.) 

incite, instigate, excite, provoke, stim- 
ulate, encourage, urge, impel. (Deter, 
dishearten, discourage.) 

inclination, leaning, slope, disposi- 
tion, tendency, bent, bias, affection, 
attachment, wish, liking, desire. 
(Aversion, distaste, dislike, repug- 
nance.) 

incline, v., slope, lean, slant, tend, 
bend, turn, bias, dispose. 

inclose, surround, shut in, fence in. 
cover, wrap. (Exclude, debar, eject.) 

include, comprehend^ comprise, con- 
tain, embrace, take in. (See inclose.) 

incommode, annoy, plague, molest, 
disturb, inconvenience, trouble. (Ac- 
commodate.) 

incompetent, incapable, unable, in- 
adequate, insufficient. (Competent, 
capable, effective.) 

increase, v., extend, enlarge, aug- 
ment, dilate, expand, amplify, raise, 
enhance, aggravate, magnify, grow. 
(Diminish, dwindle, shrink.) 

increase, n., augmentation, accession, 
addition, enlargement, extension. 
(Decrease, diminution, shrinkage.) 

incumbent, obligatory. 

indefinite, vague, uncertain, unset- 
tled, loose, lax. (Definite, precise, 
exact, fixed.) 

indicate, point out, show, mark. 

indifference, apathy, carelessness, 
listlessness, insensibility. (Applica- 
tion, assiduity.) 

indigence, want, neediness, penury, 

Eoverty, destitution, privation. (Af- 
uence, wealth, plenty.) 
indignation, anger, wrath, ire, re- 
sentment. 
indignity, insult, affront, outrage, 
obloquy, opprobrium, reproach, ig- 
nominy. (See honor.) 


SYNONYMS AND ANTONYMS 


indiscriminate, promiscuous, indis- 
tinct, chance, confused. (Select, 
chosen, picked.) 

indispensable, essential, necessary, 
requisite, expedient. (Unnecessary, 
supernumerary.) 

indisputable, undeniable, undoubted, 
incontestable, > indubitable^ unques- 
tionable, sure, infallible. (Uncertain, 
questionable, erroneous, mistaken.) 

indorse, ratify, confirm, superscribe. 
(Repudiate, abandon, abjure.) 

indulge, foster, cherish, fondle. 
(Deny, refuse.) 

ineffectual, vain, useless, unavailing, 
fruitless, abortive, inoperative. (Ef- 
fective.) 

inequality, disparity, disproportion, 
dissimilarity, _ unevenness. (Equal- 
ity, purity/ similarity.) 

inevitable, unavoidable, certain. 
(Doubtful, unlikely.) 

infamous, scandalous, shameful, ig- 
nominious, opprobrious, disgraceful. 
(Honorable, noble.) 

inference, deduction, corollary, con- 
clusion, consequence. 

infernal, diabolical, fiendish, devilish, 
hellish. (Saintly, heavenly.) 

infest, annoy, plague, harass, disturb, 
haunt, beset. 

infirm, weak, feeble, enfeebled. (Ro- 
bust, sturdy, vigorous, strong.) 

inflame, anger, i.ritate, enrage, chafe, 
incense, nettle, aggravate embitter, 
exasperate. (Allay, soothe.) 

influence, v., bias, sway, prejudice, 
prepossess. 

influence, n., credit, favor, reputa- 
tion, character weight, authority, 
sway, ascendency. 

infringe, invade, intrude, contravene, 
break, transgress, violate. 

ingenuous, artless, candid, generous, 
open, frank, plain, sincere. (Crafty, 
sly, cunning.) 

inhuman, cruel, brutal, savage, bar- 
barous, ruthless, merciless, ferocious. 
(Humane, kind, gentle.) 

iniquity, injustice, wrong, griev- 
ance. 

injure, damage, hurt, deteriorate, 
wrong, aggrieve, harm, spoil, mar, 
sully. (Benefit, help.) 

injurious, hurtful, baneful, perni- 
cious, deleterious, noxious, prejudi- 
cial, wrongful, damaging. (Benefi- 
cial, helpful.) 

injustice, wrong, iniquity, grievance. 
(Right, probity, righteousness.) 


innocent, guiltless, sinless, harmless, 
inoffensive, innoxious. (Guilty.) 

innocuous, harmless, safe, innocent. 
(Hurtful, injurious.) 

inordinate, intemperate, irregular, 
disorderly, excessive, immoderate. 
(Moderate, temperate, orderly.) 

inquiry, investigation, examination, 
research, scrutiny, disquisition, ques- 
tion, query, interrogation. 

inquisitive, prying, peeping, curious, 
peering. 

insane, mad, deranged, delirious, de- 
mented. (Seme, healthy, sound, 
normal.) 

insanity, madness, mental aberra- 
tion, lunacy, delirium. (Sanity.) 

insinuate, hint, intimate, suggest, in- 
fuse, introduce, ingratiate. 

insipid, dull, flat, mawkish, tasteless, 
vapid, inanimate, lifeless. (Bright, 
sparkling.) 

insolent, rude, saucy, pert, imperti- 
nent, abusive, scurrilous, opprobri- 
ous, insulting, offensive. (Courteous.) 

inspire, animate, exhilarate, enliven, 
cheer, breathe, inhale. (Depress.) 

instability, ut ability, fickleness, 
ir.utableness, wavering. (Stability, 
firmness.) 

instigate, stir up, persuade, animate, 
incite, _ urge, stimulate, encourage. 
(Abstain, depress, dishearten.) 

instil, implant, inculcate, infuse, insin- 
uate. (Deter, uproot, deaden, dull.) 

instruct, inform, teach, educate, en- 
lighten, initiate. 

instrumental, _ conducive, assistant, 
helping, ministerial. (Hindering, 
impedimental.) 

insufficiency, inadequacy, incompe- 
tency, incapability, deficiency, lack. 

insult, affront, outrage, indignity, 
blasphemy. (Honor, respect, es- 
teem.) 
insulting, insolent, rude, saucy, im- 
pertinent, abusive. (Polite, well- 
mannered, gentle.) 
integrity, uprightness, honesty, pro- 
bity, entirety, entireness, complete- 
ness, rectitude, purity. (Dishon- 

intellect, understanding, sense, brains, 
mind, intelligence, ability, talent, 
genius. (Body, brute force, matter, 
sense.) 

intellectual, mental, ideal, meta- 
physical. (Physical, real, actual.) 

intelligible, clear, obvious, plain, 
distinct. (Abstruse.) 


SYNONYMS AND ANTONYMS 


intemperate, immoderate, excessive, 
drunken, nimious, inordinate. (Tem- 
perate, moderate.) 

intense, ardent, earnest, glowing, fer- 
vid, burning, vehement. (Indiffer- 
ent, cold, inert, uninterested.) 

intent, design, purpose, intention, 
drift, view, aim, purport, meaning. 

intercourse, commerce, connection, 
intimacy, acquaintance. (Isolation, 
separation, aloofness, detachment.) 

interdict, forbid, prohibit, inhibit, 
proscribe, debar, restrain from. 
(Allow, permit.) 

interfere, meddle, intermeddle, inter- 
pose. (Avoid, retire, stand off, 
withdraw.) 

interminable, endless, interminate, 
infinite, unlimited, illimitable, 
boundless, limitless. (Brief, con- 
cise, limited.) 

interpose, intercede, arbitrate, medi- 
tate, interfere, meddle. (See inter- 
fere.) 

interpret, explain, expound, eluci- 
date, unfold, decipher. (Confuse, 
distort, involve, misinterpret, per- 
plex.) 

intimate, hint, suggest, insinuate, ex- 
press, signify, impart, toll. 

intimidate, dishearten, alarm, fright- 
en, scare, appal, daunt, cow, brow- 
beat. (Encourage, cheer, counte- 
nance, embolden, inspire, promote.) 

intolerable, insufferable, unbearable, 
insupportable, unendurable. (Bear- 
able, supportable, tolerable.) 

intrepid, bold, brave, daring, fear- 
less, dauntless, undaunted, coura- 
geous, valorous, valiant, heroic, gal- 
lant, chivalrous, doughty. (Cow- 
ardly, faint-hearted.) 

Intrigue, plot, cabal, conspiracy, 
combination, artifice, ruse, amour. 

intrinsic, real, true, genuine, sterl- 
ing, native, natural. (Extrinsic.) 

invalidate, quash, cancel, overthrow, 
vacate, nullify, annul. (Confirm, 
sustain, strengthen.) 

Invasion, incursion, irruption, in- 
road, aggression, raid, fray. 

invective, abuse, reproach, railing, 
censure, sarcasm, satire. (Praise, 
encouragement, eulogy.) 

invent, devise, contrive, frame, find 
out, discover, design. (See discover.) 

investigation, examination, search, 
inquiry, research, scrutiny. 

inveterate, confirmed, chronic, malig- 
nant. (Inchoate, incipient.) 


invidious, envious, hateful, odious, 
malignant. (Benevolent, charitable, 
generous, kindly, humane.) 

invigorate, brace, harden, nerve, 
strengthen, fortify. (Enervate, weak- 
en, enfeeble.) 

invincible, unconquerable, impregna- 
ble, insurmountable. (Weak, vul- 
nerable.) 

invisible, unseen, imperceptible, im- 
palpable, unperceivable. (Visible, 
tangible, actual.) 

invite, ask, call, bid, request, allure, 
attract, solicit. (Cut, discard, expel, 
ignore, repel.) 

invoke, invocate, call upon, appeal, 
refer, implore, beseech. (Avoid, 
dodge, elude, shun.) 

involve, implicate, entangle, compro- 
mise, envelop. (Disconnect, dis- 
entangle, remove, separate.) 

irksome, wearisome, tiresome, tedious, 
annoying. (Pleasant, delightful.) 

irony, sarcasm, satire, ridicule, rail- 
lery. 

irrational, foolish, silly, imbecile, 
brutish, absurd, ridiculous. (Ra- 
tional, sensible, sane, sound.) 

irregular, eccentric, anomalous, in- 
ordinate, intemperate. (Regular, es- 
tablished, fixed, formal, methodical.) 

irreligious, profane, godless, impi- 
ous, sacrilegious, desecrating. (Holy, 
pious, saintly, godly.) 

irreproachable, blameless, spotless, 
irreprovable. (Blame-worthy, cul- 
pable, faulty.) 

irresistible, resistless, irrepressible. 
(See imperative.) 

irresolute, wavering^ undetermined, 
undecided, vacillating. (Deter- 

mined, firm, persistent, resolute.) 

irritable, excitable, irascible, sus- 
ceptible. (Calm, omposed, placid.) 

irritate, aggravate, worry, embitter, 
madden, exasperate. (Soothe, com- 
fort.) 

issue, v., emerge, rise, proceed, flow, 
spring, emanate. 

issue, n., end, upshot, effect, result, 
offspring, progeny. 


jade, harass, weary, tire, worry. 

(Cheer, relieve, soothe, help.) 
jangle, wrangle, conflict, disagree. 

(Quiet, agree, assuage.) 
jarring, conflicting, discordant, in- 


SYNONYMS AND ANTONYMS 


consonant, inconsistent. (Harmoni- 
ous, consistent.) 

jaunt, ramble, excursion, trip. 

Jealousy, suspicion, envy. (Confi- 
dence, trust.) 

jeopard, hazard, peril, endanger. 
(Safeguard, protect.) 

jest, joke, sport, diversion. (Gravity, 
seriousness, sobriety.) 

journey, travel, tour, passage. 

joy, gladness, mirth, delight. (Grief, 
sadness, sorrow.) 

joyful, glad, rejoicing, exultant. 
(Mournful, sorrowful, despondent.) 

judge, justice, referee, arbitrator. 

judgment, discernment, discrimina- 
tion, understanding. 

justice, equity, right. Justice is right 
as established by law ; equity accord- 
ing to the circumstances of each par- 
ticular case. (Injustice, wrong.) 

justness, accuracy, correctness. (Er- 
ror, fallacy.) 


keep, preserve, save. (Abandon.) 

Mil, assassinate, murder, slay. (Save, 
protect.) 

kindred, affinity, consanguinity, rela- 
tionship. (Alien, foreign.) 

knowledge, erudition, learning, sci- 
ence. (Ignorance, folly.) 


labor, toil, work, effort, drudgery. 
(Idleness, indolence, rest, leisure.) 

lack, need, deficiency, scarcity, insuf- 
ficiency. (Plenty, abundance.) 

lament, mourn, grieve, weep. (Re- 
joice, exult, triumph.) 

language, dialect, idiom, speech, 
tongue. 

lascivious, loose, unchaste, lustful, 
lewd, lecherous. (Chaste, modest.) 

last, final, latest, ultimate. (First.) 

laudable, commendable, praiseworthy. 
(Blamable.) 

laughable, comical, droll, ludicrous. 
(Serious, grave. )_ 

lawful, legal, legitimate, licit. (Il- 
legal, lawless, ungovernable, in- 
equitable.) 

lead, conduct, guide. (Follow.) 

lean, meager. (Fat.) 

learned, erudite, scholarly. (Igno- 
rant.) 

leave, v., quit, relinquish, abandon. 


(Cherish, shelter, nurture, harbor, 
foster, entertain.) 

leave, r?., liberty, permission, license. 
(Prohibition.) 

life, existence, animation, spirit, vi- 
^ vacity. (Death.) _ 

lifeless, dead, inanimate, inert, slug- 
m gish. (Vigorous, lively, animated.) 

lift, erect, elevate, exalt, raise. 
(Lower, depress.) 

light, clear, bright. (Dark.) 

lightness, flightiness, frivolity, giddi- 
ness, levity, volatility. (Seriousness, 
gravity.) 

likeness, resemblance, similarity, sim- 
ilitude. (Difference, variation, un- 
likeness.) 

linger, lag, loiter, tarry, saunter. 
(Hasten, expedite, urge, quicken.) 

little, diminutive, small. (Great.) 

livelihood, living, maintenance, sub- 
sistence, support. 

lively, jocund, merry, sportive, 
sprightly, vivacious. (Slow, lan- 
guid, sluggish.) 

long, extended, extensive. (Short, 
brief, concise.) 

look, appear, seem, behold, scan, sur- 
vey, watch, view, regard. 

lose, miss, forfeit. (Gain, obtain, se- 
cure, achieve.) 

loss, detriment, damage, deprivation. 
(Gain, advantage, profit.) m 

loud, clamorous, high-sounding, noisy. 
(Low, quiet, subdued.) 

love, affection. (Hatred.) 

low, abject, mean. (High, lofty, 
noble.) 

lunacy, derangement, insanity, mania, 
madness. (Sanity.) 

luster, brightness, brilliancy, splendor. 
(Dullness, gloom.) 

luxuriant, exuberant. (Sparse, mea- 
ger.) 

M 

machination, plot, intrigue, cabal, 
conspiracy. (Artlessness, directness, 
candor.) 

mad, crazy, delirious, insane, rabid, 
violent, frantic. (Sane, rational, 
quiet.) 

madness, insanity, fury, rage, fren- 
zy. (Sanity.) 

magisterial, august, dignified, ma- 
jestic, pompous, stately. (Pitiful, 
wretched.) 

make, form, cause, constitute, con- 
struct, create, establish, execute, 


SYNONYMS AND ANTONYMS 


fashion, frame, produce, shape. 
(Annihilate, abolish, break, demol- 
ish, destroy.) 

malediction, anathema, curse, im- 
precation, execration. (Benedic- 
tion, blessing.) 

malevolent, malicious, virulent, ma- 
lignant. (Benevolent, kindly.) 

malice, spite, rancor, ill-feeling, 
grudge, animosity, ill-will. (Be- 
nignity, good- will.) 

malicious. See malevolent. 

manacle, shackle, fetter, chain. 
(Free, liberate.) 

manage, contrive, concert, direct. 
(See govern.) 

management, direction, superinten- 
dence, care, economy. (Neglect, 
remissness.) 

mangle, tear, lacerate, mutilate, crip- 
ple, maim, rend. (Heal, mend, se- 
cure, unite, weld.) 

mania, madness, insanity, lunacy. 
(Sanity.) 

manifest, a., clear, plain, evident, 
open, apparent, visible. (Hidden, 
occult.) 

manifold, several, sundry, various, 
divers, numerous, complex, many. 
(Homogeneous, plain, simple, un- 
combined, uniform.) 

manly, masculine, vigorous, coura- 
geous, brave, heroic. (Effeminate, 
weak.) 

manner, habit, custom, way, air, look, 
appearance. 

manners, morals, habits, behavior, 
carriage, 

mar, injure, spoil, ruin, disfigure. 
(Ameliorate, improve.) 

march, tramp, tread, walk, step, 
pace. (Halt, stop.) 

margin, edge, rim, border, brink, 
verge. (Middle, centre.) 

mark, n. } sign, note, symptom, token, 
indication, trace, vestige, track, 
badge, brand. (Avoidance, neglect.) 

mark, v., impress, print, stamp, en- 
grave, note, designate. 

marriage, wedding, nuptials, matri- 
mony, wedlock. (Divorce.) 

martial, military, warlike, soldier 
like. (Peaceful, civil.) 

marvel, wonderful, miracle, prodigy. 

marvelous, wondrous, wonderful, 
amazing, miraculous. (Common- 
place, usual.) 

massive, bulky, heavy, weighty, pon- 
derous, solid, substantial. (Flimsy, 
light.) 


mastery, dominion, rule, sway, as- 
cendancy, supremacy. 

matchless, unrivaled, unequaled, un- 
paralleled, peerless, incomparable, 
inimitable, surpassing. (Common, 
ordinary, usual.) 

material, a., corporeal, bodily, physi- 
cal, temporal, momentous, impor- 
tant. (Spiritual, immaterial, ethe- 
real.) 

maxim, adage, apothegm, dictum, 
proverb, saying, by-word, saw, tru- 
ism. (Absurdity, demonstration, 
paradox, sophism.) 

meager, poor, lank, emaciated, bar- 
ren, dry, uninteresting. (Rich, abun- 
dant, fruitful.) 

mean, adj., stingy, niggardly, low, ab- 
ject, vile, ignoble, degraded, con- 
temptible, vulgar, despicable. (Gen- 
erous, not>le.) 

mean, v., design, purpose, intend, 
contemplate, signify, denote, indi- 
cate. 

meaning, drift, signification, import, 
acceptation, sense, purport. 

medium, organ, channel, instrument, 
means. 

medley, hodge-podge, mixture, vari- 
ety, diversity, miscellany. 

meek, unassuming, mild, gentle. 
(Proud, haughty, arrogant.) 

melancholy, low-spirited, dispirited, 
dreamy, sad. (Jolly, buoyant.) 

mellow, ripe, mature, soft. (Imma- 
ture, unripe.) 

melodious, tuneful, musical, silver, 
dulcet, sweet. (Discordant, deson- 
ant, grating, harsh.) 

memorable, signal, distinguished, 
marked. (Unimportant, insignifi- 
cant.) 

memorial, annals, archives, monu- 
ment, memento, commemoration. 

memory, remembrance, recollection. 
(Forgetfulness, oblivion.) 

menace, n., threat. 

mend, repair, amend, correct, better, 
ameliorate, improve, rectify. (See 
improve.) 

mention, tell, name, communicate, 
impart, divulge, reveal, disclose, in- 
form, acquaint. 

merciful, compassionate, lenient, cle- 
ment, tender, gracious, kind. (Cruel, 
brutal, unfeeling, merciless.) 

merciless, hard-hearted, cruel, un- 
merciful, pitiless, remorseless, unre- 
lenting. (See preceding. 1 ) 

merriment, mirth, joviality, jollity, 


SYNONYMS AND ANTONYMS 


hilarity. (Sorrow, sadness, melan- 
choly.) 

merry, cheerful, mirthful, joyous, 
gay, lively, sprightly, hilarious, jo- 
vial, blithe, blithesome, sportive, 
jolly. (Sad, mournful, morose.) 

metaphorical, figurative, allegorical, 
symbolical, tropical. 

method, way, manner, mode, process, 
order, rule, regularity, system. 
(Chaos, confusion, disorder, irregu- 
larity.) 

mien, air, behavior, look, manner, 
aspect, appearance. 

migratory, roving, strolling, wander- 
ing, vagrant. (Settled, sedate, per- 
manent, fixed, stationary.) 

mimic, imitate, ape, mock. (Change, 
distort, transform, vary.) 

mindful, observant, attentive, heed- 
ful, careful, thoughtful. (Heedless, 
inattentive, careless.) 

miscellaneous, promiscuous, indis- 
criminate, mixed. (Homogeneous.) 

mischief, injury, harm, damage, evil, 
hurt, ill. (Advantage, benefit, bless- 
ing, boon, remedy, service, utility.) 

miscreant, caitiff, villain, ruffian. 
(Benefactor, philanthropist.) 

miserable, unhappy, wretched, dis- 
tressed, afflicted. (Happy, gay.) 

miserly, stingy, niggardly, avaricious, 
gripping. (Generous, open handed.) 

misery, wretchedness, woe, destitu- 
tion, penury, privation, beggary. 
(Happiness, good fortune.) 

misfortune, calamity, disaster, mis- 
hap, catastrophe. (Good luck, wind- 
fall.) 

miss, omit, lose, fail, miscarry. (Grasp, 
accomplish, understand.) 

mitigate, alleviate, relieve, diminish, 
abate. (Aggravate, increase.) 

moderate, temperate, abstemious, 
sober, abstinent. (Immoderate, reck- 
less.) 

modest, chaste, virtuous, bashful, re- 
served. (Immodest, bold, forward, 
impudent.) 

moist, wet, damp, dank, fertile, 
humid, marshy, swampy. (Arid, 
dry, parched.) 

monotonous, unvaried, dull, undiver- 
sified, tiresome. (Diverse, va- 
ried.) 

monstrous, flagrant, shocking, dread- 
ful, horrible, huge, immense. (Ex- 
cellent, superior, transcendent.) 

monument, memorial, record, remem- 
brancer, cenotaph. 


mood, humor, disposition, vein, tem- 
per. 

morbid, sick, ailing, sickly, diseased, 
corrupted. (Normal, sound, healthy.) 

morose, gloomy, sullen, surly, fretful, 
crabbed, crusty. (Joyous, merry, 
gay.) 

mortal, deadly, fatal, human. (Im- 
mortal, eternal, everlasting.) 

motion, proposition, proposal, move- 
ment. (Quiescence, quiet, repose, 
rest, stillness.) 

motionless, still, stationary, torpid, 
stagnant. (Active, moving.) 

mount, arise, rise, ascend, soar, tower, 
climb, scale. (Descend, fall.) 

mournful, sad, sorrowful, lugubrious, 
grievous, doleful, heavy. (Happy, 
joyous, hilarious.) 

move, actuate, impel, induce, prompt, 
instigate, persuade, stir, agitate, pro- 
pel, push. (Arrest, halt, stop.) 

multitude, crowd, throng, host, mob, 
swarm. (Few, handfuL) 

murder, v., kill, assassinate, slay, 
massacre, dispatch. 

muse, v., meditate, contemplate, re- 
flect, think, cogitate, ponder. 

music, harmony, melody, symphony. 
(Discord, noise.) 

musical, tuneful, melodious, harmo- 
nious, dulcet, sweet. (Discordant, 
noisy, harsh.) 

musty, stale, sour, fetid. (Fresh, 
sweet.) 

mute, dumb, silent, speechless. (Lo- 
quacious, talkative.) 

mutilate, maim, cripple, disable, dis- 
figure. 

mutinous, insurgent, seditious, tu- 
multuous, turbulent, riotous. (Obe- 
dient, orderly.) 

mutual, reciprocal, interchanged, cor- 
relative. (Disconnected, separate, 
unrequited, unshared.) 

mysterious, dark, obscure, hidden, 
secret, dim, mystic, enigmatical, un- 
accountable. (Open, clear, plain.) 

mystify, confuse, perplex, puzzle. 
(Clear, explain.) 


naked, nude, bare, uncovered, rude, 
unclothed, rough, simple. (Covered, 
clad, clothed.) 

name, v., denominate, entitle, style, 
designate, term, call, christen. 

name, n., appellation, designation, 


SYNONYMS AND ANTONYMS 

denomination, title, cognomen, repu- noble, exalted, elevated, illustrious, 
tation, character, fame, credit, re- great, grand, lofty. (Low, mean, 
pute. vile.) 

narrate, tell, relate, detail, recount, noise, cry, outcry, clamor, row, din, 
describe, enumerate, rehearse, re- uproar, tumult. (Quiet, silence.) 
cite. (Deny, hide, hush up, suppress, nonsensical, irrational, absurd, silly, 
withhold.) foolish. (Sensible, rational, sane.) 

nasty, filthy, foul, dirty, unclean, in- notable, plain, evident, remarkable, 
decent, impure, gross, vile. (Pure, signal, striking, rare. (Obscure, in- 
good, proper, seemly.) significant.) 
nation, people, community, realm, note, token, symbol, mark, sign, 

state. indication, remark, comment. 

native, indigenous, inborn, vernacu- noted, distinguished, remarkable, re- 
lar. (Foreign, alien.) nowned, eminent. (Obscure, un- 

natural, original, regular, normal, known.) 

spontaneous, bastard. (Unnatural, notice, n : , advice, notification, intelli- 
forced.) m m gence, information. (Disregard, ig- 

near, nigh, neighboring, close, adja- nore, overlook, slight.) 

cent, contiguous, intimate. (Dis- notice, v., mark, note, observe, at- 
tant, remote.) tend to, regard, heed. 

necessary, needful, expedient, essen- notify, publish, acquaint, apprise, 
tial, requisite, indispensable. (Abor- inform, declare. (Bury, conceal, 
tive, bootless, futile, ineffectual, hide, suppress, withhold.) 
nugatory, vain, valueless, worth- notion, conception, idea, belief, opin- 
less.) ion, sentiment. 

necessitate, compel, force, oblige, notorious, open, obvious, ill-famed. 
(Dissuade, hinder, impede, inhibit, (Mysterious, secret, unknown.) 
prevent, restrain.) nourish, nurture, cherish, foster, sup- 

necessity, need, occasion, exigency, ply. (Starve, famish.) 

emergency, urgency, requisite, nourishment, food, diet, sustenance, 
(Choice ? fortuity, option, possibility, nutrition. 

uncertainty.) > _ novel, modern, new, fresh, recent, un- 

need, n., necessity, distress, poverty, used, strange, rare. (Old, ancient, 
indigence, want, penury. (See pre- old-fashioned.) 

ceding.) noxious, hurtful, deadly, poisonous, 

need, v., require, want, lack. deleterious, baneful. (Beneficial, 

neglect, v., disregard, slight, omit, helpful, advantageous.) 

overlook. (Cherish, nourish, foster.) nullify, annul, vacate, invalidate, re- 
neglect, n., omission, failure, default, peal, quash, cancel. (Confirm, estab- 
negligence, remissness, carelessness, lish.) 

slight. (Care, watchfulness.) nutrition, food, diet, nutriment, 

neighborhood, environs, vicinity, ad- nourishment, 
jacency, nearness, proximity. (Dis- q 

tance, remoteness.) 
nervous, timid, timorous, shaky. (Con- obdurate, hard, callous, hardened, 
fident, brave.) unfeeling, insensible. (Yielding, 

new, fresh, recent, novel. (Old, trite, tractable, docile.) 

worn-out.) < obedient, compliant, submissive, duti- 

news, tidings, intelligence, informa- ful, respectful. (Obstinate, stub- 

tion. born, disobedient.) 

nice, exact, accurate, good, particular, obese, corpulent, fat, fleshy. (Attenu- 
precise, fine, delicate. (Careless, ated, slender, thin.) 
coarse, unpleasant.) . obey, conform, comply, submit, yield. 

nimble, active, brisk, lively, alert, (Rebel, disobey.) 

quick, agile, prompt. (Clumsy, dil- object, n., aim, end, purpose, design, 
atory, heavy, inert, sluggish, un- mark, butt. (Heedlessness, neglect, 
ready.) negligence, oversight.) 

nobility, aristocracy, greatness, gran- object, v., oppose, except to, contra- 
deur, peerage. (Smallness, mean- vene, impeach, deprecate. (Assent, 
" "•) agree, uphold.) 


SYNONYMS AND ANTONYMS 


obnoxious, offensive, objectionable. 
(Agreeable, pleasant.) 

obscure, undistinguished, unknown. 
(Distinguished.) 

obstinate, contumacious, headstrong, 
stubborn, obdurate. (Yielding.) 

occasion, opportunity. 

offense, affront, misdeed, misdemea- 
nor, transgression, trespass. (See 
antonyms of umbrage.) 

offensive, insolent, abusive, obnoxious. 
(Admirable, beautiful, charming, 
sweet, worthy.) 

office, charge, function, place. 

offspring, issue, progeny. 

old, aged, superannuated, ancient, an- 
tique, antiquated, obsolete, old- 
fashioned. (Young, new, modern.) 

omen, presage, prognostic. 

opaque, dark. (Bright, transparent.) 

open, candid, unreserved, clear, fair. 
(Hidden, dark.) 

opinion, notion, view, judgment, be- 
lief, sentiment. 

opinionated, conceited, egotistical. 
(Decorous, modest, unassuming, un- 
pretentious.) 

oppose, resist, withstand, thwart. 
(Give way, yield, succumb.) 

option, choice. (See necessity.) 

order, method, rule, system, regular- 
ity. (Disorder, misrule, anarchy.) 

origin, cause, occasion, source, begin- 
ning. (Conclusion, end.) 

outlive, survive. 

outward, external, outside, exterior. 
(Inner, interior, internal.) 

over, above. (Under, beneath.) 

overbalance, outweigh, preponderate. 

overbear, bear down, overwhelm, 
overpower, subdue. 

overbearing, haughty, proud, arro- 
gant. (Gentle.) 

overflow, inundation, deluge. 

overrule, supersede, suppress. 

overspread, overrun, ravage. 

overturn, invert, overthrow, reverse, 
subvert. (Establish, fortify.) 

overwhelm, crush, defeat, vanquish. 
(Extricate, maintain, raise, rescue, 
restore, support, uphold.) 


pain, suffering, qualm, pang, agony, 
anguish. (Amusement, comfort, 
happiness, pleasure.) 

pallid, pale, wan. (Florid, rubicund, 
flushed.) 


part, division, portion, share, fraction. 
(Aggregate, amount, entirety, mass, 
sum, total, whole.) 

particular, exact, distinct, singular, 
odd, strange. (General.) 

patient, passive, submissive, meek. 
(Hasty, irascible.) 

peace, calm, quiet, tranquillity. (War, 
riot, trouble, turbulence.) 

peaceable, pacific, peaceful, quiet. 
(Troublesome, riotous.) 

penetrate, bore, enter, pierce, per- 
forate, stab, transfix. (Depart, 
leave, issue, vacate.) 

penetration, acuteness, sagacity. 
(Dullness, stupidity.) 

people, nation, clan, tribe, race. 

perceive, note, observe, discern, dis- 
tinguish. (Ignore, lose, misappre- 
hend, miss, overlook.) 

perception, conception, notion, 
idea. 

perfume, fragrance. (Reek, stench.) 

peril, danger, pitfall, snare. (Safety.) 

permit, allow, tolerate. (Forbid, in- 
terdict.) 

persuade, allure, entice, prevail upon. 
(Deter, discourage, dissuade, re- 
strain.) 

physical, corporeal, bodily, material. 
(Mental, spiritual.) 

picture, engraving, print, representa- 
tion, illustration, image. 

piteous, doleful, woeful, rueful. 
(Cheerful, gay, genial, happy, joy- 
ous, merry, mirthful.) 

pitiless, see merciless. 

pity, compassion, sympathy. (Cruel- 
ty, brutality.) 

place, n., spot, site, position, post, 
situation, station. 

place, v., arrange, order, dispose. 
(Confuse, derange, mislay, perturb, 
unsettle.) 

plain, open, manifest, evident, overt. 
(Secret, hidden.) 

play, game, sport, amusement. (Work, 
toil, drudgery.) 

please, gratify, pacify. (Displease.) 

pleasure, charm, delight, joy. (Pain.) 

plentiful, abundant, ample, copious, 
plenteous. (Rare, scanty, scarce.) 

poise, balance, equilibrium, equipoise. 
(Instability.) 

positive, absolute, peremptory, de- 
cided, certain. (Negative.) 

possessor, owner, proprietor. 

possible, practical, practicable. (Im- 
possible, visionary.) 

poverty, penury, indigence, need, 


SYNONYMS AND ANTONYMS 

want. (Wealth, plenty, abundance, prominent, eminent, marked, impor- 

riches, affluence.) tant, conspicuous, leading. (Obscure, 

power, authority, force, strength, do- inconspicuous.) 

minion. (Weakness, futility.) promiscuous, mixed, unarranged, het- 

powerful, mighty, potent. (Futile, erogeneous, indiscriminate, mingled, 

trivial, useless, weak.) (Select, choice, exclusive.) 

praise, commend, extol, laud. (Blame.) prompt. See punctual. 

prayer, entreaty, petition, request, suit, prop, bolster, orace, buttress, main- 
pretense, n., pretext, subterfuge. tain, sustain, support, stay. 

(Actuality, candor, openness, reality, propagate, spread, circulate, diffuse, 

fact, truth.) disseminate, extend, breed, increase. 

prevailing, predominant, prevalent, (Suppress, decrease.) 

general. (Isolated, sporadic.) proper, legitimate, right, just, fair, 

prevent, obviate, preclude. equitable, honest, suitable, fit, de~ 

previous, antecedent, introductory, cent, meet, becoming, benefitting, 

preparatory, preliminary. (Subse- adapted, pertinent, appropriate, 

quent, following.) # _ (Wrong, unseemly.) 

pride, vanity, conceit. (Humility, prosper, flourish, succeed, grow rich, 

meekness.) thrive, advance. (Fail, lose.) 

principally, chiefly, mainly, essen- prosperity, well-being, weal, welfare, 

tially. (Secondarily.) happiness, good luck. (Poverty, 

principle, ground, reason, motive, failure.) 

impulse, maxim, rule, rectitude, in- proxy, agent, representative, substi- 

tegrity. (See doctrine.) tute, delegate, deputy. 

privilege, immunity, advantage, favor, prudence, carefulness, judgment, dis- 

prerogative, exemption, right, claim. cretion, wisdom. (Indiscretion, reck- 

(Damage, detriment, drawback, loss, lessness, heedlessness.) 

obstacle, obstruction.) prurient, itching, craving, hankering, 

probity, rectitude, uprightness, hon- longing. (Pure-minded.) 

esty, integrity, sincerity, soundness, puerile, youthful, juvenile, boyish, 

(Dishonesty, fraud, deceit.) childish, infantile, trifling, weak, 

problematical, uncertain, doubtful, silly. (Mature, strong, vigorous.) 

dubious, questionable, disputable, punctilious, nice, particular, formal, 

suspicious. (Certain, sure, undoubt- precise. (Negligent, careless.) 

ed, proven.) punctual, exact, precise, nice, p°rtic- 

prodigious, huge, enormous, vast, ular, prompt, timely. (Dilatory, 

amazing, astonishing, remarkable, tardy.) 

astounding, surprising, wonderful, putrefy, rot, decompose, corrupt, de- 

(Insignificant, small.) cay. (Disinfect, embalm, freshen, 

profession, business, trade, occupa- preserve, purify.) 

tion, vocation, offiee, employment, puzzle, perplex, confound, embar- 

engagement, avowal. rass, bewilder, confuse, pose, mys- 

proffer, volunteer, offer, propose, ten- tify. (Enlighten, explain, clarify.) 
der. (Obey, submit, yield.) 

profligate, abandoned, dissolute, de- 
praved, vicious, degenerate, corrupt, Q 
demoralized. (Virtuous, good, up- 
right, honorable.) quack, imposter, pretender, fakir, 

profound, deep, fathomless, penetra- charlatan, empiric, mountebank, 

ting, solemn, abstruse, recondite. (Adept, expert, master, savant.) 

(Shallow, slight, superficial.) quaint, artful, curious, far-fetched, 

profuse, extravagant, prodigal, lav- fanciful, odd, singular. (Conven- 

ish, improvident, excessive, copious, tional, customary, usual.) 

plentiful. (Miserly, niggardly, eco- qualified, competent, fitted, adapted, 

nomical.) (Incompetent, ineligible.) 

prolific, productive, generative, fertile, quality, attribute, rank, distinction, 

fruitful, teeming. (Barren, sterile.) (Being, essence, nature, substance.) 

prolix, diffuse, long, prolonged, te- querulous, doubting, complaining, re- 

dious, tiresome, wordy, verbose, pro- pining, fretting. (Long-suffering, 

saic. (Concise, brief, succinct.) patient, resigned.) 


SYNONYMS AND ANTONYMS 


question, query, inquiry, interroga- 
tory. (Answer, reply.) 

quibble, cavil, evade, equivocate, pre- 
varicate, shuffle. 

quick, lively, brisk, expeditious, im- 
petuous, adroit, fleet, rapid, swift, 
sweeping, dashing, clever, sharp, 
ready, prompt, alert, nimble, agile, 
active. (Deliberate, slow.) 

quote, note, repeat, cite, adduce. 


rabid, mad, furious, raging, frantic. 
(Rational, sane, reasonable.) 

race, course, match, pursuit, career, 
family, cl n, house, ancestry, line- 
age, pedigree. 

rack, agonize, wring, torture, excru- 
ciate, distress, harass. (Soothe, com- 
fort, console.) 

racy, spicy, pungent, smart, spirited, 
lively, vivacious. (Dull, insipid.) 

radiance, splendor, brightness, bril- 
liance, brilliancy, lustre, glare. (Dull- 
ness, obscurity.) 

radical, organic, innate, fundamental, 
uncompromising, original, constitu- 
tional, inherent, complete, entire. 
(Superficial, conservative, moderate.) 

rancid, fetid, rank, stinking, sour, 
tainted, reasty. (Fresh, sweet.) 

rancor, malignity, hatred, hostility, 
antipathy, animosity, enmity, ill- 
will, spite. (Forgiveness, gentleness, 
mildness, clemency.) 

rank, order, degree, dignity, nobility, 
consideration. 

ransack, rummage, pillage, overhaul, 
explore, plunder. 

ransom, emancipate, free, unfetter. 
(Imprison, chain, fetter.) 

rant, oombast, fustian, cant. (Sin- 
cerity, truth.) 

rapacious, ravenous, greedy, vora- 
cious, grasping. (Generous.) 

rapt, ecstatic, transported, ravished, 
entranced, charmed. (Distracted.) 

rapture, ecstasy, transport, delight, 
bliss. (Dejection, despair.) 

rare, scarce, singular, uncommon, 
unique. (Common, ordinary, usual.) 

rascal, scoundrel, rogue, knave, vaga- 
bond, scamp. 

rash, hasty, precipitate, foolhardy, 
adventurous, needless, reckless, care- 
less. (Deliberate, reasoned.) 

rate, value, compute, appraise, esti- 
mate, chide, abuse. 


ratify, confirm, establish, substan- 
tiate, sanction. (Protest, oppose.) 
rational, reasonable, sagacious, judi- 
cious, wise, sensible, sound. (Un- 
reasonable, mad, insane.) 
ravage, overrun, overspread, desolate, 
despoil, destroy. (Beautify, improve, 
build up.) 
ravish, enrapture, enchant, captivate, 
charm, delight. (Disenchant, dis- 
gust, nauseate, repel.) 
raze, demolish, destroy, overthrow, 
ruin, dismantle. (Build up, strength- 
en.) 
reach, touch, stretch, attain, gain, 

arrive at. (Miss, fall short.) 
ready, prepared, ripe, apt, prompt, 

adroit, handy. (Slow, dilatory.) 
real, actual, literal, practical, posi- 
tive, certain, genuine, true. (Un- 
real, imaginary, mythical.) 
realize, accomplish, achieve, effect, 
gain, get, acquire, comprehend. (See 
antonyms of accomplish.) 
reap, gain, get, acquire, obtain. (Sow, 

scatter.) 
reason, n., motive, design, end, proof, 

cause, ground, purpose. 
reason, v., deduce, draw from, trace, 

infer, conclude. 
reasonable, rational, wise, honest, 
fair, right, just. (Unreasonable, 
foolish, perverse.) 
rebellion, anarchy, insurrection, re- 
volt. (Authority, control, domina- 
tion, government, law, order, or- 
ganization, rule, sovereignty.) 
recant, recall, abjure, retract, revoke. 
recede, retire, retreat, withdraw, ebb. 

(Advance, uphold.) 
receive, accept, take, admit, enter- 
tain. (Give, bestow.) 
reception, receiving, levee, m receipt, 
admission. (Egress, exclusion, exit, 
repulse.) 
recess, alcove, retreat, depth, niche, 
vacation, intermission. (Advance- 
ment, projection.) 
recreation, sport, pastime, amuse- 
ment, play, game, fun. (Work, vo- 
cation.) 
redeem, ransom, recover, rescue, de- 
liver, save, free. (Condemn, be- 
tray.) 
redress, remedy, repair, remission, 
abatement, relief, cure. (Oppression, 
injury.) 
reduce, abate, lessen, decrease, lower, 
shorten, conquer. (Increase, en- 
large, amplify, lengthen.) 


SYNONYMS AND ANTONYMS 


refined, polite, courtly, polished, cul- 
tured, genteel, purinea. (Boorish, 
ill-bred, bourgeois.) 

reflect, consider, cogitate, think, pon- 
der, muse, censure. (See antonyms 
of consider.) 

refo m, amend, correct, better, re- 
store, improve. (Corrupt, de- 
base.) 

reformation, improvement, reform, 
amendment. (Corruption, ruin.) 

refuge, asylum, protection, harbor, 
shelter, retreat. 

refuse, v., deny, reject, repudiate, de- 
cline, withhold. (Accept, avow, 
acknowledge.) 

refuse, n., dregs, dross, scum, rub- 
bish, leavings, remains. 

refute, disprove, falsify, negative. 
(Affirm, accept.) 

regard, v., mind, heed, notice, behold, 
view, consider, respect. (Disregard, 
slight.) 

regret, n., grief, sorrow, lamentation, 
repentance, remorse. (Satisfaction, 
complacency, delight.) 

regular, orderly, uniform, customary, 
ordinary, stated. (Irregular, dis- 
orderly, confused.) 

regulate, methodize, arrange, adjust, 
organize, govern, rule. (Disorder, 
confuse.) 

reimburse, refund, repay, satisfy, in- 
demnify. 

relevant, fit, proper, suitable, appro- 
priate, pertinent, apt. (Irrelevant.) 

reliance, trust, hope, # dependence, 
confidence. (Suspicion, distrust, 
doubt.) 

relief, succor, aid, help, redress, alle- 
viation. (Injury, hurt, harm.) 

relinquish, give up, forsake, resign, 
surrender, quit, leave, forego. (Re- 
tain.) 

remedy, help, relief, redress, cure, 
specific, reparation. (Embarrass- 
ment, hindrance, interference, ob- 
struction, opposition.) 

remorseless, pitiless, relentless, mer- 
ciless, cruel, ruthless, barbarous. 
(Merciful, humane.) 

remote, distant, far, secluded, indi- 
rect. (Near, adjacent, approximate.) 

reproduce, propagate, imitate, repre- 
sent, copy. t 

repudiate, disown, discard, disavow, 
renounce, disclaim. (Acknowledge, 
avow, admit.) 

repugnant, antagonistic, distasteful. 
(Agreeable, acceptable.) 


repulsive, forbidding, odious, ugly, 
disagreeable, revolting. (Attractive, 
charming.) 

respite, reprieve, interval, stop. (Com- 
pletion, consummation, execution, 
performance.) 

revenge, vengeance, retaliation, re- 
quital, retribution. (Forgiveness.) 

revenue, produce, income, proceeds, 
fruits, wealth, assets. (Liabilities, 
debts, outgo.) 

reverence, n., honor, respect, awe, 
veneration, deference, homage, wor- 
ship. (Execration.) 

revise, review, reconsider. (Reject, 
turn down.) 

revive, refresh, renew, renovate, ani- 
mate, resuscitate, vivify, cheer, com- 
fort. (Depress, dishearten.) 

rich, wealthy, affluent, opulent, copi- 
ous, ample, abundant, exuberant, 
plentiful, fertile, fruitful, superb, 
gorgeous. (Poor, needy, destitute.) 

rival, antagonist, opponent, com- 
petitor. (Accomplice, ally, friend,, 
helper, supporter.) 

road, way, highway, route, course, 
path, pathway, anchorage. 

roam, ramble, rove, stray, wander, 
stroll. (Abide, remain.) 

robust, strong, lusty, vigorous, sin- 
ewy, stout, sturdy, stalwart, able- 
bodied. (Puny, weak.) 

rout, discomfit, beat, defeat, over- 
throw, scatter. (See antonyms of 
conquer.) 

route, road, course, march, way, path, 
journey, direction. 

rude, rugged, rough, uncouth, unpol- 
ished, harsh, gruff, impertinent, im- 
pudent, saucy ; flippant, insolent, 
churlish. (Polished, polite, well- 
bred, gentle.) 

rule, sway, method, system, law, max- 
im, precept, guide, formula, regula- 
tion, government, standard, test. 
(See rebellion.) 

rumor, hearsay, talk, fame, report, 
bruit. 

ruthless, cruel, savage, barbarous,, 
inhuman, merciless, remorseless, re- 
lentless, unrelenting. (Considerate, 
kind, merciful.) 


S 

sacred, holy, hallowed, divine, conse- 
crated, dedicated, devoted. (Pro- 


fane, secuiar.) 


SYNONYMS AND ANTONYMS 


safe, secure, harmless, trustworthy, 
reliable. (Perilous, dangerous.) 

sanction, confirm, countenance, en- 
courage, support, ratify, authorize. 
(Disapprove, oppose.) 

sane, sooer, lucid, sound, rational. 
(Crazy, mad, insane.) 

saucy, "impertinent, rude, impudent, 
insolent, flippant, . forward. (Mod- 
est, respectful, polite.) 

scandalize, shock, disgust, offend. 
(Please, commend one's self.) 

scanty, bare, pinched, insufficient, 
slender, meager. (Ample, sufficient, 
adequate.) 

scatter, strew, spread, disseminate, 
disperse, dissipate, dispel. (Col- 
lect, gather, unite.) 

secret, clandestine, concealed, hidden, 
sly, underhand, latent, private. 
(Open, public.) 

seduce, allure, attract, decoy, entice, 
abduct, inveigle, deprave. (Save, 
convert.) 

sense, discernment, appreciation, per- 
ception, view, opinion, feeling, sen- 
sibility, susceptibility, thought, sig- 
nification, jucfgment, import, signifi- 
cance, meaning, purport, wisdom. 
(Folly, thoughtlessness, nonsense.) 

sensible, wise, intelligent, reasonable, 
sober, sound, conscious, aware. 
(Foolish, stupid, senseless.) 

settle, arrange, adjust, regulate, con- 
clude, determine. (Disarrange, up- 
set.) 

several, sundry, divers, many, vari- 
ous. (Analogous, homogeneous, 
same, similar.) 

severe, harsh, stern, stringent, un- 
mitigated, rough, unyielding. (Len- 
ient, gentle, mild.) 

shake, tremble, shudder, shiver, quiv- 
er, quake. (Calm, compose, pacify, 
quiet, soothe.) 

shallow, superficial, flimsy, slight. 
(Deep, thorough.) 

shame, disgrace, dishonor. (Honor.) 

shameful, degrading, scandalous, dis- 
graceful, outrageous. (Honorable, 
noble, upright.) 

shameless, immodest, impudent, in- 
decent, indelicate, brazen. (Be- 
coming, seemly, fitting.) 

shape, form, fashion, mold, model. 

share, portion, lot, division, quantity, 
quota, contingent. (See antonyms 
of part.) 

sharp, acute, keen. (Dull, obtuse.) 

shine, glare, glitter, radiate, sparkle. 


short, brief, concise, succinct, sum- 
mary. (Long, diffuse.) 

show, indicate, mark, point out, 
exhibit, display. (Hide, conceal.) 

sick, diseased, sickly, unhealthy, mor- 
bid . (Healthy, well, normal , sound . ) 

sickness, illness, indisposition, dis- 
ease, disorder. (Health, soundness.) 

significant, expressive, material, im- 
portant. (Insignificant, slight, negli- 
gible.) 

signification, import, sense, meaning. 

silence, speechlessness, dumbness. 
(Noise, clamor, outcry.) 

silent, dumb, mute, speechless. (Talk- 
ative, noisy.) 

simile, comparison, similitude. 

simple, single, uncompounded, plain, 
artless. (Complex, compound, ab- 
struse.) 

simulate, dissimulate, dissemble, pre- 
tend. _ (Exhibit, expose, manifest, 
proclaim, show, vaunt.) 

sincere, candid, hearty, honest, pure, 
genuine, real. (Insincere, affected.) 

situation, condition, plight, predica- 
ment, state, position. 

size, bulk, greatness, magnitude, di- 
mension. (Littleness, pettiness.) 

slander, v., calumniate, vilify, malign, 
traduce, defame, vilipend. (Com- 
mend, eulogize, extol, flatter, glorify, 
honor.) 

slander, n., calumny, libel, vilification, 
defamation. (Praise, commenda- 
tion, applause.) 

slavery, servitude, enthrallment, 
thralldom. (Freedom, liberty.) 

sleep, doze, drowse, nap, slumber. 
(Toil, wake, watch, work.) 

sleepy, somnolent. (Vigilant, wake- 
ful.) 

slow, dilatory, tardy. (Fast, rapid.) 

smell, odor, scent. 

smooth, even, level, mild. (Rough.) 

soak, drench, imbrue, steep. (Desic- 
cate, drain, dry.)^ 

social, sociable, friend.y, hospitable, 
communicative. (Hostile, inimical, 
unkind, unsocial.) 

soft, gentle, meek, mild. (Cruel, 
exacting, flinty, hardened, harsh, 
obdurate, unyielding.) 

solicit, importune, urge. 

solitary, sole, only, single. (Manifold, 
multitudinous, many, numerous.) 

sorry, grieved, poor, paltry, insignifi- 
cant. (Glad, respectable.) 

soul, mind, spirit. (Soul is opposed 
to body, mind to matter.) 


SYNONYMS AND ANTONYMS 


sound, a., healthy, sane. (Diseased, 
rotten.) 

sound, n., tone, noise. (Silence.) 

space, place, room, site, station. 

sparse, scanty, thin. (Luxuriant, 
abundant.) 

speak, converse, talk, say, tell, con- 
fer. 

special, particular, specific. (Gene- 
ral.) 

spend, expend, exhaust, consume, dis- 
sipate, waste, squander. (Save.) 

sporadic, isolated, rare. (General, 
prevalent.) 

spread, disperse, diffuse, e pand, dis- 
seminate, scatter. (Check, con- 
dense, confine, restrain.) 

spring, fountain, source. 

staff, prop, support, stay. 

stagger, reel, totter. 

stain, soiL discolor, spot, sully, tar- 
nish. (See antonyms of blemish.) 

state, commonwealth, realm. 

sterile, barren, unfruitful. (Fertile.) 

stifle, choke, suffocate, smother. 

stormy, rough, boisterous, tempestu- 
ous. (Calm, peaceful, tranquil.) 

straight, direct, right. (Crooked.) 

strait, a., narrow, confined. (Broad.) 

stranger, alien, foreigner. (Friend, 
comrade, associate.) 

strengthen, confirm, fortify, invig^ 
orate. (Abrogate, annul, cancel, 
destroy, weaken.) 

strong, robust, sturdy, powerful. 
(Brittle, delicate, feeble, tender, 
weak.) 

stupid, dull, foolish, obtuse, witless. 
(Clever, intelligent.) 

subject, adj., exposed to, liable, ob- 
noxious. (Exempt, immune.) 

subject, n., inferior, subordinate. 
(Superior.) 

subsequent, succeeding, following. 
(Previous, preceding, antecedent.) 

substantial, solid, durable. (Un- 
substantial, flimsy.) 

suit, accord, pgree. (Disagree.) 

superficial, flimsy, shallow, untrust- 
worthy. (Thorough.) 

superfluous, unnecessary, excessive. 
(Necessary, essential.) 

surround, embrace, encircle, encom- 
pass, environ. (Exclude, shut out.) 

sustain, maintain, support. 

symmetry, proportion. (Deformity, 
disproportion, shapelessness.) 

sympathy, commiseration, compas- 
sion, condolence. (See antonyms of 
benevolence.) 


system, method, plan, order. 
systematic, orderly, regular, method- 
ical. (Chaotic, confused.) 


take, accept, receive. (Give, bestow,, 
donate.) 

talkative, garrulous, communicative, 
loquacious. (Silent, taciturn.) 

taste, flavor, relish, savor. (Taste- 
lessness, insipidity.) 

tax, custom, duty, impost, excise, toll. 

tax, assessment, rate. 

tease, taunt, tantalize, torment, vex. 
(Comfort, soothe.) 

temporary, a., fleeting, transient, 
transitory. (Permanent, lasting, 
stable.) 

tenacious, cohesive, pertinacious, 
retentive. (See antonyms of 
strong.) 

tendency, aim, drift, scope. 

tenet, position, view, conviction, be- 
lief. 

term, boundary, limit, period, time. 

territory, dominion, domain. 

thankful, grateful, obliged. (See be- 
low.) < . 

thankless, ungracious, profitless, un- 
grateful, unthankful. 

thaw, melt, dissolve, liquefy. (Freeze, 
congeal.) 

theatrical, dramatic, showy, cere- 
monious, meretricious. 

theft, robbery, depredation, spolia- 
tion. 

theme, subject, topic, text, essay. 

theory, speculation, scheme, plea, hy- 
pothesis, conjecture. 

therefore, accordingly, consequently,, 
hence. 

thick, dense, close, compact, solid, co- 
agulated, muddy, turbid, misty, fog- 
gy; vaporous. (See following.) 

thin, gaunt, meagre, slim, slender,, 
slight, flimsy, attenuated, lean,, 
scraggy. _ (Fat, obese, rotund.) 

think, cogitate, consider, reflect, pon- 
der, contemplate, meditate, muse, 
conceive, fancy, imagine, apprehend, 
hold, esteem, reckon, consider, re- 
gard, deem, believe, opine. 

thorough, accurate, correct, trust- 
worthy, reliable, complete. (Super- 
ficial, inaccurate. 

thought, idea, conception, imagina- 
tion, fancy, conceit, notion 2 supposi- 
tion, care, provision, consideration, 


SYNONYMS AND ANTONYMS 

opinion, view, sentiment, reflection, veritable, real, veracious, authentic, 

deliberation. exact, accurate, correct. (False, un- 

thoughtful, considerate, careful, re- founded, dubious.) 

fleet ive, cautious, heedful, contem- tumultous, turbulent, riotous, dis- 

plative, provident, pensive, dreamy. orderly, disturbed, confused, unruly. 

(See following.) (Orderly, peaceful, quiet, reposeful, 

thoughtless, inconsiderate, rash, im- tranquil.) 

provident, precipitate, heedless. tune, tone, air, melody, strain. 

tie, v., bind, restrain, restrict, oblige, turbid, foul, thick, muddy, impure, 

secure, unite, join. (Free, loose, un- unsettled. (Limpid, clear, pure.) 

bind, untie.) type, emblem, symbol, figure, sign, let- 
tie, n., band, ligament, ligature. ter, sort, kind. 
time, duration, season, period, era, tyro, novice, beginner, learner. 

age, date, span, spell. (Eternity.) (Adept.) 

tolerate, allow, admit, receive, suffer, tt 

permit, let ; endure, abide. (Dis- 

allow, forbid, prohibit, refuse.) ugly, unsightly, plain, homely, ill- 
top, summit, apex, head, crown, sur- favored, hideous. (Beautiful, at- 

face. (Bottom, base, foundation.) tractive.) 

torrid, burning, hot, parching, scorch- umbrage, offense, dissatisfaction, dis- 

ing, sultry. (Icy, freezing.) pleasure, resentment. (Acknowl- 

tortuous, twisted, winding, crooked, edgment, confession, defense, excuse, 

indirect. (Straight, direct.) justification, plea, vindication.) 

torture, torment, anguish, agony, umpire, referee, arbitrator, judge, ar- 

(See antonyms of pain.) biter. 

touching, tender, affecting, moving, unanimity, accord, agreement, unity, 

pathetic. (See antonyms of piteous.) concord. (Discord.) 

tractable, docile, manageable, amen- unanimous, agreeing, like-minded. 

able. (Obstinate, stubborn.) (Dissentient, disagreeing.) 

trade, traffic, commerce, dealing, oc- unbridled, wanton, licentious, disso- 

cupation, employment, office. lute, loose, lax. (Self-controlled, re- 
traditional, apocryphal, oral, un- strained.) 

certain, legendary, transmitted, un- uncertain, doubtful, dubious, ques- 

verified. (Certainty, fact, history, tionable, fitful, equivocal, ambigu- 

truth, verity.) ous, indistinct, variable, fluctuating. 

traffic, trade, exchange, commerce, in- (Certain, dependable.) 

tercourse. uncivil, discourteous, disrespectful, 

trammel, fetter, shatter, clog, bond, disobliging, rude. (Civil, well-be- 

chain, impediment, hindrance. haved, courteous.) 

tranquil, still, unruffled, peaceful, unclean, dirty, foul, filthy, sullied. 

quiet, hushed. (Noisy, boisterous.) (Clean, immaculate, spotless.) 

transaction, negotiation, occurrence, uncommon, rare, strange, scarce, 

proceeding, affair. singular, choice. (Common, ordi- 

trash, nonsense, twaddle, trifles. nary.) . 

travel, trip, ramble, peregrination, ex- unconcerned, careless, mdinerent, 

cursion, journey, tour, voyage. apathetic. (Anxious.) 

treacherous, traitorous, treasonable, uncouth, strange, odd, clumsy, un- 

disloyal, faithless, false-hearted, per- gainly. (Graceful.) m 

fidious, sly, false. (Trustworthy, uncover, reveal, strip, expose, lay 

faithful, true.) bare, divest. (Hide, conceal.) 

trite, stale, old, ordinary, common- under, below, underneath, beneath, 

place, hackneyed. (Novel, unusual.) subordinate, lower, inferior. (Above, 

triumph, achievement, ovation, vie- over, superior.) . 

tory, conquest, jubilation. (Failure, understanding, knowledge, intellect, 

defeat.) intelligence, faculty, comprehension, 

trivial, trifling, petty, small, frivo- mind, reason, brains. (Body, mate- 

lous, unimportant, insignificant. (Im- rial, matter, substance.) 

portant, weighty.) undertake, engage in, embark in, 

true, genuine, actual, sincere, true- agree, promise. (Abandon, dismiss, 

hearted, unaffected, honest, upright, drop, neglect, omit.) 


SYNONYMS AND ANTONYMS 


undo, annul, frustrate, untie, unfasten, 
destroy. (Unite, bind.) 

uneasy, restless, disturbed, unquiet, 
stiff, awkward. (Quiet, composed, 
equable, calm.) 

unequal, uneven, not alike, irregular, 
insufficient. (Equal, even.) 

unequaled, matchless, unique, novel, 
new, unheard of. (Common, habit- 
ual, normal.) 

unfair, wrongful, dishonest, unjust. 
(Fair, right, equitable.) 

unfit, adj., improper, unsuitable, in- 
consistent, untimely, incompetent. 
(Fit, seemly, proper.) 

unfit, v., disable, disqualify, incapaci- 
tate. (Fit, enable, qualify.) 

unfortunate, calamitous, ill-fated, 
unlucky, wretched, unhappy, miser- 
able. (Fortunate, happy.) 

ungainly, clumsy, awkward, lumber- 
ing, uncouth. (Pretty, graceful.) 

unhappy, miserable, wretched, dis- 
tressed, afflicted, painful, disastrous, 
drear, dismal. (Happy, fortunate.) 

uniform, regular, symmetrical, even, 
equal, alike, unvaried. (Irregular, 
varied, unlike.) 

uninterrupted, continuous, perpet- 
ual, unceasing, incessant, endless. 
(Intermittent, recurrent.) 

union, junction, combination, alli- 
ance, confederacy, league, coalition, 
agreement, concert. (Disunion, sep- 
aration.) 

unique, unequal, uncommon, rare, 
choice, matchless. (Common, ordi- 
nary.) 

unite, join, conjoin, combine, concert, 
add, attach, incorporate, embody, 
clench, merge. (Separate, disrupt, 
sunder.) 

universal, general, ail, entire, total, 
catholic. (Sectional, limited.) 

unlimi ted, absolute, boundless, un- 
defined, infinite. (Limited, finite.) 

unreasonable, foolish, silly, absurd, 
immoderate. (Certain, logical, ra- 
tional, sagacious, undeniable, wise.) 

unrivaled, unequaled, unique, unex- 
ampled, incomparable, matchless. 
(Mediocre.) 

unroll, unfold, open, discover. (See 
antonyms of discover.) 

unruly, ungovernable, unmanageable, 
refractory. (Tractable, docile.) 

unusual, rare, unwonted, singular, 
uncommon, remarkable, strange, ex- 
traordinary. (Common, usual.) 

uphold, maintain, defend, sustain, 


support, vindicate. (Desert, aban- 
don.) 

upright, vertical, perpendicular, just, 
erect, equitable, fair, pure, honor- 
able. (Prone, horizontal, iniqui- 
tous.) 

uprightness, honesty, integrity, fair- 
ness, goodness, probity, honor, vir- 
tue. (Dishonesty, vice.) 

urge, incite, impel, push, drive, insti- 
gate, stimulate, press, solicit, in- 
duce. (Impede, hold back, discour- 
age.) 

urgent, cogent, pressing, important, 
imperative, immediate, serious, 
wanted. (Feeble, inconclusive, pow- 
erless, weak.) 

usage, custom, fashion, practice, pre- 
scription. (Anomaly, exception.) 

use, n., usage, practice, habit, custom, 
avail, advantage, utility, benefit, ap- 
plication. (Disuse, desuetude.) 

use, v., employ, exercise, occupy, ac- 
custom, practice, inure. (Abuse.) 

useful, advantageous, serviceable, 
available, helpful, beneficial, good. 
(Bootless, futile, null, unavailing, un- 
serviceable, vain, worthless.) 

useless, unserviceable, fruitless, idle, 
profitless. (See above.) 

usual, ordinary, common, accustomed, 
habitual, wonted, customary, gen- 
eral, (unusual, exceptional.) 

usurp, arrogate, seize, appropriate, 
assume. (See antonyms of appro- 
priate.) 

utmost, farthest, remotest, uttermost, 
greatest. (Nearest, next.) 

utter, adj., extreme, excessive, sheer, 
mere, pure. (Moderate, palliative, 
partial, superficial.) 

utter, v. speak, articulate, express, 
pronounce, issue. (Conceal, hide.) 

utterly, totally, completely, wholly, 
quite, altogether, entirely. (Incom- 
pletely, partially.) 


vacant, empty, unfilled, unoccupied, 
thoughtless, unthinking. (Occupied, 
tenanted.) 

vagrant, wanderer, beggar, tramp, 
vagabond, rogue. 

vague, unsettled, undetermined, un- 
certain, pointless, indefinite. (Def- 
inite, precise.) 

vain, useless, fruitless, empty, worth- 
less, inflated, proud, conceited, un- 


SYNONYMS AND ANTONYMS 

real, unavailing, vapid. (Effectual, guilt, iniquity, crime. (GoocL_. 

humble, real.) holiness, integrity, morality, virtue.)' 

valiant, brave, bold, valorous, cour- vicious, corrupt, depraved, debased, 

ageous, gallant. (Cowardly, cring- malicious, bad, contrary, unruly, de- 

ing, timorous.) moralized, profligate, faulty. (Vir- 

valid, weighty, strong, powerful, ef- tuous, good, pure.) 

ficient, sound, binding. (Invalid, victim, sacrifice, food, prey, sufferer, 

void.) dupe, gull. 

valor, courage, gallantry, boldness, victuals, viands, bread, meat, repast, 

bravery, heroism. (Cowardice.) provisions, fare, food. 

value, appraise, assess^ reckon, ap- view, prospect, survey. (Oversight.) 

preciate, estimate, prize, treasure, violent, boisterous, furio^, impetu- 

esteem. (Despise, scorn, contemn.) ous, vehement. (Gentle, quiet.) 

vanish, disappear, fade, melt, dis- virtuous, upright, honest, moral. 

solve. (Appear, emerge.) (See vicious.) 

vanity, emptiness, conceit, self con- vision, apparition, dream, ghost, phan- 

ceit. affectedness. (Fullness, humil- torn, specter. (Fact, reality, realiza- 

ity.) tion, verity.) 

vapid, dull, flat, insipid, stale, tame, voluptuary, epicure, sensualist. (Stoic, 

(Sparkling, brilliant.) moralist.) 

vapor, fume, smoke, mist, fog, steam, vote, suffrage, voice. 

variable, changeable, unsteady, shift- vouch, affirm, asseverate, aver, as- 

ing, inconstant, wavering, fickle, fit- sure. (Deny.) 

ful, restless. (Constant, changeless, TO 

stable.) w 

variety, difference, diversity, change, wag, humorist, jester, joker, wit, 

diversification, mixture, medley, mis- (Dullard, butt.) 

cellany. (Sameness, monotony.) wages, pay, salary, hire, compensation, 

vast, spacious, boundless, mighty, im- stipend, earnings. 

mense, enormous, colossal, gigantic, wait, await, expect, look for, wait for. 

huge, prodigious. (Confined, lim- (Abandon, avoid, reject, shun.) 

ited.) m wakeful, sleepless, vigilant, wary, 

vaunt, boast, brag, display, flaunt, watchful. (Drowsy, dreamy, sleepy, 

puff, hawk, advertise, flourish, par- somnolent.) 

ade. (Cover, entomb, overwhelm.) wander, range, ramble, roam, rove, 

venerable, grave, sage, wise, old, rev- stroll. 

erend. (Frivolous, flighty, fool- want, lack, need. (Abundance, plenty.) 

ish.) warlike, bellicose, hostile, inimical, 

venial, pardonable, excusable, justifi- military. (Friendly, peaceful.) 

able. (Grave, serious.) > wary, circumspect, cautious. (Fool- 
venom, poison, virus, spite, malice, hardy, reckless, intrepid.) 

malignity. (Antidote, corrective, wash, clean, rinse, wet, moisten, tint, 

cure, remedy.) stain. 

venture, n., speculation, chance, peril, waste, v., squander, dissipate, lavish, 

stake. (See antonyms of hazard.) destroy, decay, dwindle, wither. 

venture, v., dare, adventure, risk, (Horde, save, accumulate.) 

hazard, jeopardize. wasteful, # extravagant, profligate. 

veracity, truth, truthfulness, credi- (Economical, frugal.) 

bility, accuracy. (Falsehood, fraud, wave, breaker, billow, surge. 

lie, untruth.) waver, fluctuate, flicker, quiver, flut- 

verbal, oral, spoken, literal, parole, ter, vacillate. (Abide, hold fast, 

unwritten. (Written.) stay, stick.) 

verdict, judgment, finding, decision, way, method, plan, system, means, 

answer. manner, mode, form, fashion, course, 

vexation, chagrin, mortification. process, road, route, track, path, 

(Pleasure, gratification.) habit, practice. 

vibrate, oscillate, swing, sway, wave, weak, feeble, infirm. (Strong, sturdy, 

undulate, thrill. able, efficient.) 

vice, vileness, corruption, depravity, weaken, debilitate, enfeeble, enervate, 

pollution, immorality, wickedness, invalidate. (Strengthen, confirm.) 


SYNONYMS AND ANTONYMS 


weariness, exhaustion, languor, lassi- 
tude, fatigue. (Buoyancy, vigor.) 

wearisome, tedious, tiresome. (In- 
teresting, entertaining.) 

weary, harass, jade, tire, fatigue. 
(Refresh, inspire.) 

weight, gravity, heaviness, burden, 
load. (Lightness.) 

welcome, acceptable, agreeable, grati- 
fying, pleasant, satisfying. (Dis- 
appointing, distressing, hateful, 
rrelancholy, mournful, painful, woe- 
ful, wretched.) 

well-being, happiness, prosperity, wel- 
fare. (Adversity, poverty.) _ 

whole, entire, complete, total, integral. 
(Part.) 

wicked, iniquitous, nefarious. (Vir- 
tuous.) 

will, determination, resolution, voli- 
tion, wish, desire. 

willingly, spontaneously, voluntarily. 
(Unwillingly , grudgingly.) 

win, get, obtain, gain, procure, effect, 
realize, accomplish, achieve. (Lose, 
fail.) 

winning, attractive, charming, fasci- 
nating, bewitching, enchanting, daz- 
zling, brilliant. (Disagreeable, hate- 
ful, repulsive, unlovely.) 

wisdom, prudence, foresight, sagacity, 
far-sightedness. (Foolishness, im- 
providence, ignorance.) 

wit, humor, satire, fun, raillery. (Dull- 
ness, solemnity, stolidity, stupidity.) 

wonder, v., admire, amaze, astonish, 
surprise. 

wonder, n., marvel, miracle, prodigy. 
(Common-place, truism.) 

word, n., expression, term. 

work, achievement, action, business, 
drudgery, employment, labor, oc- 
cupation, performance, task, toil. 
(Ease, idleness, leisure, play, recrea- 
tion, repose, rest.) 

worship, adore, honor, revere. (Curse, 
execrate.) 

worthless, abject, base, cheap, cor- 
rupt, degraded, ignoble, low, mean, 
vile. (Esteemed, exalted, honorable, 
honored, noble, pure, worthy.) 

writer, amanuensis, author, clerk, 
penman, scribe, secretary. 

written, penned ? inscribed, tran- 
scribed. (Traditional, verbal.) 

wrong, dishonesty, injustice, injury, 


partiality, unfairness, untruth. 
(Equity, fairness, integrity, law, 
justice, rectitude, right, truth, 
virtue.) 
wry, askew, crooked, distorted, twisted. 
(Straight, true.) 


yawn, gape, open wide. (Close, snap.) 

yearn, hanker after, long for, desire, 
crave. (Avoid, turn from.) 

yell, bellow, cry out, scream. 

yellow, golden, saffron-like. 

yelp, bark, sharp cry. howl. 

yeoman, farmer, freeholder, com- 
moner. (Esquire, gentleman.) 

yet, besides, nevertheless, however, ul- 
timately, notwithstanding, still, at 
last, so far, thus far. 

yield, bear, give, afford, impart, com- 
municate, confer, bestow, abdicate, 
resign, cede, surrender, relinquish, 
relax, quit, forego, give up, let go, 
waive, comply, accede, assent, ac- 
quiesce, succumb, submit. (Decline, 
demur, object, oppose, protest, re- 
fuse.) 

yielding, supple, pliant, bending, un- 
resisting, compliant, submissive. 
(Obstinate, resolute, stubborn.) 

yoke, associate, couple, join, link, con- 
nect, unite. (Alienate, detach, discon- 
nect, disjoin, divide, part, separate, 
sever.) 

yore, long ago, long since. (Now.) 

young, juvenile, inexperienced, igno- 
rant, youthful. (Old, ancient, tried.) 

youth, boy, lad, minority, adolescence, 
juvenility. (Majority, senility, age.) 

youthful, young, juvenile, boyish, 
girlish, puerile. (Old, senile.) 


zeal, energy, fervor, ardor, earnest- 
ness, enthusiasm, eagerness. (In- 
difference, detachment, apathy.) 

zealous, warm, ardent, fervent, en- 
thusiastic, anxious. (Careless, in- 
different, unconcerned.) _ 

zenith, top, apex, summit, pinnacle, 
climax. (Bottom, nadir.) 

zest, relish, gusto, flavor. (Disgust, 
distaste, dislike.) 


FOREIGN 


WORDS, PHRASES, MAXIMS AND QUOTATIONS 

FREQUENTLY OCCURRING IN 

LITERATURE AND CONVERSATION, 


WITH THEIR 


ENGLISH EQUIVALENTS. 

COLLECTED AND REVISED BT 

FREDERIC TABER COOPER, LL.B., Ph.D. 

Note.— L. Latin; Fr. French; Ger. German; It. Italian; Sp. Spanish; Gr. Greek. 


a bas. [Fr.] Down; down with; a 
bas le traitre, down with the 
traitor. 

a cheval. [Fr.] On horseback. 

a centre coeur. [Fr.] Unwillingly. 

a fortiori. [L.] With stronger rea- 
son. 

a la bonne heure. [Fr.] At the 
lucky moment, good, well timed. 

a la Francaise, l'Anglaise, l'Alle- 
mande, 1'Italienne, etc. [Fr.] In 
the French, English, German, Italian 
manner, etc. 

a la mode. [Fr.] In fashion. 

a la lettre. [Fr.] To the letter, lit- 
erally. 

a mensa et toro. [L.] From bed 
and board; legal formula of divorce. 

a merveille. [Fr.] Wonderfully, to 
perfection. 

a outrance. [Fr.] To the bitter 
end. 

a posteriori. [L.] From the effect 
to the cause. 

a priori. [L.] From the cause to 
the effect. 

a propos. [Fr.] To the point, a 
propos de bottes, apropos of noth- 
ing, by the way, to change the sub- 
ject. 

a rebours. [Fr.] To the right 
about. 

a vinculo matrimonii. [L.] From 
the bond of marriage. 


a votre sante. [Fr.] To your good 

health. 
ab initio. [L.] From the beginning. 
ab ovo usque ad mala. [L.] From 

the egg to the apples; from begin- 
ning to end. 
ab uno disce omnes. [L.] From 

one learn all; from a single case infer 

the whole. 
absente reo. [L.] In the absence of 

the defendant. 
absit omen. [L.] May this bring no 

evil omen. 
abusus non tollit usum. [L.] Abuse 

is no argument against the proper 

use of anything. 
ad astra per ardua. [L.] To the 

stars through difficulties; to achieve 

fame in spite of obstacles. 
ad infinitum. [L.] To infinity. 
ad interim. [L.] In the meanwhile. 
ad Kalendas Graecas. [L.] At the 

Greek Kalends; never (the Greeks 

having no Kalends). 
ad libitum. [L.] At pleasure. 
ad majorem Dei gratiam. [L.] 

For the greater glory of God. 
ad nauseam. [L.] To the point of 

disgust. 
ad valorem. [L.] According to 

value. 
adscriptus glebae. [L.] Attached by 

law to the soil; after the manner of 

aequo animo. [L.] With equanim- 
ity. 


FOREIGN WORDS, PHRASES, PROVERBS 


affaire <T amour. [Fr.] A love 
affair. 

affaire d'honneur. [Fr.] An affair 
of honor, a duel. 

Agnus Dei. [L.] The Lamb of God. 

ale a jacta est. [L.] The die is cast 
(The words of Julius Caesar after 
crossing the Rubicon). 

al fresco. [It.] In the open air. 

alis volat propriis. [L.] She flies 
with her own wings (the motto of 
Oregon). 

alibi. [L.] Elsewhere; in law, a plea 
that the defendant was in some place 
other than that named in the charge. 

allegro. [It.] Sprightly, lively; title 
of a poem by Milton. 

all ons. [Fr.] Come on; let us be 
going. 

alma mater. [L.] Foster mother; 
name given by graduates to their 
own college or university. 

alter ego. [L.] Another self. 

alto rilievo. [It.] High relief; sculp- 
ture in which the figures stand out 
from the plain surface. 

amende honorable. [Fr.] A satis- 
factory apology; reparation. 

amour-propre. [Fr.] Self-esteem. 

ancien regime. [Fr.] The old order 
of things; the rulers of the ante- 
Revolution period. 

anno Christi. [L.] In the year of 
Christ. 

anno Domini. [L.] In the year of 
our Lord. 

anno mundi. [L.] In the year of 
the world. 

anno urbis conditae. [L.] In the 
year after the founding of Rome. 

ante bellum. [L.] Before the war. 

ante meridiem. [L.] Before noon. 

apres nous le deluge. [Fr.] After 
us the deluge (attributed to Madame 
de Pompadour, in reference to signs 
of an approaching revolution). 

aqua fortis. [L.] Nitric acid (strong 
water). 

aqua regia. [L.] Nitric and muriatic 
acid mixed; "regal water," so called 
because it dissolves gold and plati- 
num. 

aqua vitae. [L.] Brandy; spirits; 
alcohol. 

arbiter elegantiarum. [L.] An au- 
thority on matters of good taste. 

argot. [Fr.] The slang of the street; 
thieves' jargon. 

argumentum ad absurdum. [L.] 
An argument intended to prove the 


absurdity of an opponent's argu- 
ment. 

argumentum ad hominem. [L.] 
An argument deriving its force from 
the situation of one's opponent. 

argumentum ad ignorantiam. [L.] 
An argument founded on the op- 
ponent s ignorance of the facts. 

argumentum ad verecundiam. [L.] 
An argument appealing to one's 
sense of decency. 

arriere pensee. [Fr.] A mental 
reservation. 

artium magister. [L.] Master of 
Arts. 

au contraire. [Fr.] On the con- 
trary. 

au courant. [Fr.] Fully acquainted 
with the circumstances. 

au fait. [Fr.] Well informed ; master 
of. 

au fond. [Fr.] To the bottom, thor- 
oughly. 

au grand serieux. [Fr.] In deadly 
earnest. 

au jour le jour. [Fr.] From hand 
to mouth. 

au revoir. [Fr.] Good-bye until our 
next meeting. 

au secours! [Fr.] Help! To the 
rescue! 

auf wiedersehen. [Ger.] Au revoir; 
to our next meeting. 

aurea mediocritas. [L.] The golden 
mean. 

auri sacra fames. [L.] Accursed 
greed for gold. 

aut Caesar aut nullus. [L.] The 
ambition to be either Caesar or no- 
body. 

avanti. [It.] Come in. 

avant-propos. [Fr.] Prelude; pro- 
logue. 


bagatelle. [Ft.] A trifle. 

bambino. [It.] A little boy; more 
especially, the Christ-child. 

bas-bleu. [Fr.] A bluestocking. 

basso rilievo. [It.] Low relief; sculp- 
ture in which the figures stand out 
very slightly from the ground. 

battre la campagne. [Fr.] To scour 
the country; to go on a fool's errand. 

beau monde. [Fr.] The world of 
fashion. 

beaute du diable. [Fr.] That tran- 
sient type of beauty doomed to 
fade early with loss of the glow of 
youth. 


FOREIGN WORDS, PHRASES, PROVERBS 


beaux esprits. [Fr.] Men of wit 
and humor. 

beaux yeux. [Fr.] Pretty eyes; fem- 
inine charms. 

beaux yeux de sa cassette. [Fr.] 
Her money is her attraction. 

bel esprit. [Fr.] A brilliant mind. 

bella donna. [It.] A pretty woman. 

belles-lettres. [Fr.] Refined litera- 
ture. 

ben trovato. [It.] Well discovered; 
a happy thought. 

bersaglieri. [It.] Italian light infan- 
try; sharpshooters. 

bete noire. [Fr.] A bugbear; a spe- 
cial abomination. 

bewahre Gott! [Ger.] God forbid! 

bien entendu. [Fr.] It is under- 
stood; certainly; of course. 

billet doux. [Fr.] A love letter. 

bis dat qui cito dat. [L.] He gives 
twice who gives quickly. 

bis pueri senes. [L.] Old men are 
twice children. 

bitte, bitte sehr. [Ger.] If you 
please. 

blague. [Fr.] Boastful talk; an in- 
credible story. 

blase. [Fr.] Surfeited; world-weary. 

blut und eisen. [Ger.] Blood and 
iron. 

bona fide. [L.] In good faith. 

bon gre, mal gre. [Fr.] Whether 
you will or no. 

bon chien chasse de race. [Fr.] A 
good dog hunts from instincts; blood 
will tell 

bonhomie. [Fr.] Good nature; cre- 
dulity. 

bon marche. [Fr.] A bargain. 

bon mot. [Fr.] A witticism; a pun. 

bonne- houche. [Fr.] A dainty mor- 
sel; a tit-bit. 

bonnet- de-nuit. [Fr.] A nightcap. 

bon ton. [Fr.] The dictates of fash- 
ion. 

bon voyage! [Fr.] A pleasant jour- 
ney to you! 

bordereau. [Fr.] A marginal note; 
a mermorandum. 

bouillabaisse. [Fr.] A kind of fish 
chowder for which Marseilles is 
famous. 

Boul'-Mich'. [Fr.] A familiar cor- 
ruption of the Boulevard St. Michel, 
a famous street in. the Latin Quarter 
of Paris. 

bourgeoisie. [Fr.] The substantial 
body of citizens; the shopkeeping 
class. 


brochure. [Fr.] A pamphlet. 
bruler ses vaisseaux. [Fr.] To burn 

one's ships. 
bummelzug. [Ger.] A way train. 


cacoethes. [L.] An evil habit; i. e., 
loquendi, scribendi, a rage for 
speaking, for scribbling. 

caetera desunt. [L.] The remainder 
is wanting. 

caeteris paribus. [L.] Other things 
being equal. 

calembour. [Fr.] A pun. 

ca m'est egal. [Fr.] It is all the 
same to me. 

canaille. [Fr.] The rabble. 

canard. [Fr.] A false story; a hoax. 

capias. [L.] You may take: a writ 
for arresting a debtor. 

carpe diem. [L.] Enjoy the present 
day. 

carte blanche. [Fr.] Full powers. 

casus belli. [L.] The cause or 
justification of a war. 

caveat emptor. [L ] Let the pur- 
chaser buy at his twn risk. 

cause celebre. [Fr.] A court trial 
of wide popular interest. 

cave canem! [L.] Beware of the 
dog! 

cela saute aux yeux. [Fr.] That is 
self-evident. 

cela va sans dire. [Fr.] That goes 
without saying; it is obvious. 

certiorari. [L.] To be made more 
certain; i. e., a writ to call up the 
records of an inferior court. 

chacun a son gout. [Fr.] Every 
man to his own taste. 

chapeau has! [Fr.] Hats off! 

charge d'affaires. [Fr.] One en- 
trusted with state affairs at a for- 
eign court; especially, one acting as 
substitute for an absent ambassador 
or minister. 

chateaux en espagne. [Fr.] Castles 
in the air. 

chef-d'oeuvre. [Fr.] Masterpiece. 

cherchez la femme. [Fr.] Look 
for the woman; a woman is usually 
at the bottom of a scandal. 

chere amie. [Fr.] A dear friend; a 

chevalier d'industrie. [Fr.] An 

adventurer; a swindler. 
chic. [Fr.] Modish, smart, up-to- 
date. 


FOREIGN WORDS, PHRASES, PROVERBS 


chronlque scandaleuse. [IV.] A 

scandalous story. 

ci-git. [Fr.] Here lies buried. 

claqueur. [Fr.] One paid for ap- 
plauding at a theatre. 

comme il faut. [Fr.] Just as one 
should be; in good taste. 

commune bonum. [L.] The com- 
mon good. 

componere lites. [L.] To settle dis- 
putes. 

compos mentis. [L.] In possession 
of one's faculties. 

comte rendu. [Fr.] An account 
rendered. 

con amore. [It.] With love; earn- 
estly; zealously. 

concordat. [L.] An agreement made 
between the Pope and a reigning 
sovereign. 

confrere. [Fr.] A colleague. 

contretemps. [Fr.] An awkward mis- 
chance. 

contra bonos mores. [L.] Contrary 
to the moral law. 

coram nobis. [L.] Before the court. 

coram non judice. [L.] Before an 
irregular tribunal. 

coram populo. [L.] Publicly. 

corps-de-garde. [Fr.] A guard- 
room. 

corpus delicti. [L.] The substance 
or foundation of an offense. 

corrigenda. [L.] Typographical er- 
rors to be corrected. 

coup d'etat. [Fr.] A stroke of policy 
in affairs of state. 

coup de grace. [Fr.] A finishing 
stroke. 

coup de maitre. [Fr.] A master 
stroke. 

coup de soleil. [Fr.] A sun-stroke. 

coup de theatre. [Fr.] An unex- 
pected event; a startling surprise. 

coute que coute. [Fr.] At any cost. 

creme de la creme. [Fr.] The pink 
of perfection. 

crescite et multiplicamini. [L.] 
Increase and multiply; the motto 
of Maryland. 

crimen falsi. [L.] The charge of 
perjury. 

crimen laesae majestatis. [L.] 
The charge of high treason. 

crux criticorum. [L.] The puzzle 
of critics. 

cui bono? [L.] For whose benefit? 
Coloquially but inaccurately, What 
good will it do? 

cul-de-sac. [Fr.] A blind alley. 


cum grano sails. [L.] With a 
grain of salt; with reservations. 

cum privilegio. [L.] With privilege. 

currente calamo. [L.] With a 
rapid or fluent pen. 


d'accord. [Fr.] In harmony; agreed. 

da capo. [It.] Repeat from the be- 
ginning. 

dal segno. [It.] Repeat from the 
sign. 

danser sur un volcan. [Fr.] To 
dance on a volcano; to be blind to 
the danger of one's position. 

damnum absque injuria. [L.] Los3 
without legal injury. 

de bon augure. [Fr.] _ Propitious. 

de facto. [L.] In fact, in reality. 

de gustibus non est disputandum. 
[L.] There is no disputing about 
tastes. 

de jure. [L.] By right of law. 

de mortuis nil nisi bonum. [L.] 
Let nothing but good be said about 
the dead. 

de nihilo nihil fit. [L.] Nothing 
comes from nothing. 

de novo. [L.] Anew, afresh. 

de profundis. [L.] Out of the 
depths. 

de trop. [Fr.] Superfluous; in the 
way; one too many. 

dehors. [Fr.] Outside. 

Dei gratia. [L.] By the grace of 
God. 

dejeuner a la fourchette. [Fr.] 
Breakfast with a fork, i. e., substan- 
tial midday breakfast. 

delenda est Carthago. [L.] Car- 
thage must be destroyed. 

demi-bouteille. [Fr.] A pint bottle. 

demi-monde. [Fr.] m The "half- 
world;" women outside the social 
pale. 

demi-solde. [Fr.] Half pay. 

demi-tasse. [Fr.] An after-dinner 
cup of black coffee. 

Deo gratias. [L.] God be thanked. 

Deo favente. [L.] With the help of 
God. 

Deo volente. [L.] God willing. 

dernier cri. [Fr.] The latest fash- 
ionable fad. 

dernier ressort. [Fr.] The last re- 
source. 

desipere in loco. [L.] To unbend 
on occasion. 


FOREIGN WORDS, PHRASES, PROVERBS 


desunt caetera. [L.] The rest is 
wanting; the citation is incomplete. 

Deus ex machina. [L.] The God 
from the machine; the person who 
unexpectedly saves the situation. 

dies faustus. [L.] A lucky day. 

dies infaustus. [L.] An unlucky 
day. 

dies irae. [L.] The day of wrath; 
the opening words of a well known 
Latin hymn. 

dies non. [L.] A day on which the 
juages do not sit. 

Dieu et mon droit. [Fr.] God and 
my right; the motto of English sov- 
ereigns. 

dirigo. [L.] I direct or guide; the 
motto of Maine. 

distingue. [Fr.] Distinguished; emi- 
nent. 

distrait. [Fr.] Absent-minded. 

dolce far niente. [It.] The pleas- 
ure of idleness. 

Dominus vobiscum. [L.] The Lord 
be with you. 

dos-a-dos. [Fr.] Back to back. 

double entente. [Fr.] A double 
meaning. 

dossier. [Fr.] A packet of papers; 
the documents in a legal case. 

douceur. [Fr.] Sweetness; a bribe; 
a fee. 

dramatis personae. [L.] The char- 
acters in a play. 

doux yeux. [Fr.] Soft glances. 

drole de corps. [Fr.] A drole of 
odd fellow. 

dulce et decorum est pro patria 
mori [L.] It is sweet and honor- 
able to die for one's country. 

dum spiro, spero. [L.] While I 
live I hope. (Part of motto of South 
Carolina.) 

dum vivimus, vivamus. [L.] While 
we live let us enjoy life. 

dummkopf. [Ger.] A blockhead. 

durante beneplacito. [L.] During 
your good pleasure. 

durante vita. [L.] During life. 

dux femina facti. [L.] The leader 
of the deed a woman. 


e pluribus unum. [L.] One out 

of many. 
eau de vie. [Fr.] Water of life; 

brandy. 
ecce Homo. [L.] Behold the Man; 


applied chiefly to paintings of 
Christ wearing the crown of thorns. 

ecce signum. [L.] Behold the sign. 

editio princeps. [L.] A first edi- 
tion. 

edition d'amateur. [Fr.] A spe- 
cial, or "de luxe" edition. 

egalite. [Fr.] Equality. 

ein Mann, ein Wort. [Ger.] An 
honest man's word is his bond. 

eisenbahn. [Ger.] A railway. 

elixir vitae. [L.] Elixir of life. 

eloignement. [Fr.] Estrangement. 

embarras de richesse. [Fr.] Over- 
supply of material. 

embonpoint. [Fr.] Plumpness; 
stoutness ; corpulence. 

emeute. [Fr.] A riot. 

empressement. [Fr.] Eagerness. 

en arriere. [Fr.] In the rear, back- 
ward. 

en avant. [Fr.] Forward. 

en bon train. [Fr.] In a fair way, 
on the road to success. 

en deshabille. [Fr.] In undress. 

en eflet. [Fr.] In effect; just so; 
really. 

en famille. [Fr.] Within the family 
circle; without ceremony. 

en grande tenue. [Fr.] In full 
dress. 

en masse. [Fr.] In a body. 

en passant. [Fr.] In passing. 

en plein jour. [Fr.] In broad day- 
light. 

en rapport. [Fr.] In touch; well 
versed in a subject. 

en regie. [Fr.] According to rule. 

en route. [Fr.] On the way. 

enceinte. [Fr.] Pregnant. 

enfant gate. [Fr.] A spoiled child. 

enfants perdus. [Fr.] A forlorn 
hope. 

enfant terrible. [Fr.] A child that 
is always making inopportune and 
embarrassing remarks. 

enfln. [Fr.] At last. 

ennui. [Fr.] Boredom. 

Ense petit placidam sub libertate 
quietam. [L.] With the sword 
sne seeks quiet peace under lib- 
erty. (Motto of Massachusetts.) 

entente cordiale. [Fr.] A cordial 
and complete understanding: ex- 
pressions of mutual good will ex- 
changed between the sovereigns of 
two countries. 

entr'acte. [Fr.] Between the acts. 

entre nous. [Fr.] Between our- 
selves. 


FOREIGN WORDS, PHRASES, PROVERBS 


entremet. [Fr.] A dainty side dish. 

entrepot. [Fr.] A warehouse. 

ergo. [L.] Therefore. 

erinnerung. [Ger.] A remembrance, 
a souvenir. 

esprit de corps. [Fr.] Loyalty to 
one's comrades; the spirit of solidar- 
ity. 

esprit des lois. [Fr.] The spirit of 
the law. 

est modus in rebus. [L.] There 
is moderation in all things. 

et caetera. [L.] And so forth. 

et id genus omne. [L.] And every- 
thing of the sort. 

et tu, Brute! [L.] And thou also, 
Brutus! 

etat d'ame. [Fr.] A state of mind. 

etat- major. [Fr.] Officers forming 
the general's council. 

etourderie. [Fr.] Giddy conduct; 
an imprudent caprice. 

eureka. [Gr.] I have found it. (The 
motto of California.) 

ex animo. [L.] Heartily. 

ex cathedra. [L.] From the bench; 
with authority. 

ex officio. [L.] By virtue of one's 
office. 

ex parte. [L.] One one side only. 

ex pede Herculem. [L.] To judge 
of the whole from a part. 

ex post facto. [L.] After the deed 
is done; a retroactive law. 

ex tempore. [L.] Without prepara- 
tion; off-hand. 

Excelsior. [L.] Higher; the motto of 
New York. 

excerpta. [L.] Extracts. 

exempli gratia. [L.] By way of 
example. 

exeunt, exeunt omnes. [L.] They 
go out, they all go out (stage direc- 
tions). 

experto crede. [L.] Trust one who 
has had experience. 


F 


facade. [Fr.] The front of a build- 
ing. 

facon de parlor. [Fr.] A manner of 
speaking. 

facile princeps. [L.] Easily the 
first: the acknowledged leader. 

faire bonne mine. [Fr.] To put a 
good face on a thing. 

faire la noce. [Fr.] To have a gay 
time; to make a night of it. 


fait accompli. [Fr.] An accom- 
plished fact; something over and 
done with. 

faites vos jeux. [Fr.] Place your 
stakes (at roulette, etc.). 

far fiasco. [It.] To make a failure. 

faux pas. [Fr.] A false step, a 
blunder. 

faubourg. [Fr.] A suburb. 

fauteuil. [Fr.] An easy chair; an 
orchestra seat. 

fayete Unguis. [L.] Avoid uttering 
ill-omened words; maintain silence. 

felo de se. [L.] A suicide. 

femme couverte. [Fr.] A married 
woman. 

femme de chambre. [Fr.] A cham- 
bermaid. 

ferae naturae. [L.] Of a wild na- 
ture. 

festina lente. [L.] Make haste 
slowly. 

f Ste champetre. [Fr.] A rural festi- 
val. 

feu de joie. [Fr.] A bonfire; fire- 
works. 

feuilleton. [Fr.] The lower part of 
the page in French newspapers, 
devoted to fiction j the continued 
story itself, occupying this space. 

fiacre. [Fr.] A public hack. 

fiat justitia, ruat coelum. [L.J 
Let justice be done though the 
heavens fall. 

fides Punica. [L.] Carthaginian 
faith; i. e., treachery. 

fidus Achates. [L.] Faithful Acha- 
tes; i. e., a true friend. 

fieri facias. [L.] Cause it to be done; 
a writ empowering the sheriff to 
levy execution on a debtor's goods. 

Alius nullius. [L.] The son of no- 
body; illegitimate. 

Alius terrae. [L.] A son of the soil; 
of low birth. 

fllle de chambre. [Fr.] A cham- 
bermaid. 

fille de joie. [Fr.] A prostitute. 

fin de siecle. [Fr.] The end of the 
century; a phrase much used in the 
year 1900, to express what was ex- 
tremely up to date. 

flagrante bello. [L.] During hos- 
tilities. 

flagrante delicto. [L.] While com- 
mitting the crime; caught in the act. 

flaneur. [Fr.] A lounger. 

fleur de lis. [Fr.] The lily; arms of 
the French monarchy. 

flitterwoch. [Ger.] A honeymoon.^ 


FOREIGN WORDS, PHRASES, PROVERBS 


forsan et haec olim memlnlsse 
juvabit. [L.l Perhaps sometime 
it will be pleasant to remember 
even these things. 

f ortiter in re. [L.] With firmness 
in action. 

franco. [It.] Post free. 

fuit Ilium. [L.] Troy once stood; 
i. e., Troy is no more. 

functus officio. [L.] Having per- 
formed his office; his official service 
being ended. 

fusillade. [Fr.] The simultaneous 
discharge of fire-arms. 


gaiant'uomo. [It.] A man of hon- 
or; a gentleman. 

gallice. [L.] In French. 

garcon. [Fr.] A boy; a waiter. 

gasconnade. [Fr.] A boastful, brag- 
ging speech. 

garde de corps. [Fr.] A body 

guard. 

genius loci. [L.] The genius of the 
place; the guardian spirit. 

genus irritabile vatum. [L.] The 
irritable race of poets. 

germanice. [L.] In German. 

Gesundheit! [Ger.] Your health. 

gloria in excelsis Deo. [L.] Glory 
to God in the highest. 

gluckliche Reise. [Ger.] A pleasant 
journey; bon voyage. 

gnothi seauton. [Gr.] Know thy- 
self. 

gosse. [Fr.] Street slang for "child," 
"infant." Compare "kid," "kid- 
die," and the Irish "gossoon." 

Gott mit uns. [Ger.] God with us; 
the motto of Prussia. 

Gott sei dank! [Ger.] Thank 
God! 

grisette. [Fr.] A young working 
girl. 

guet-a-pens. [Fr.] An ambush. 

gutta cavat lap idem non vi sed 
saepe cadendo. [L.] Constant drop- 
ping wears away the stone; per- 
sistence will accomplish more than 
force. 


hacienda. [Sp.] A country estate. 
haricots- verts. [Fr.] String beans. 
hausfrau. [Ger.] Lady of the house; 
a housewife; a home body. 


haud passibus aequis. [L.] With 
unequal steps. 

haute nouveaute. [Fr.] The latest 
novelty. 

helm web.. [Ger.] Homesickness. 

herein. [Ger.] Come in. 

hie jacet. [L.] Here lies. 

hoc tempore. [L.] At this time. 

hoch soil er leben! [Ger.] Long 
life to him! 

homme d' esprit. [Fr.] A man of 
talent or wit. 

homme de lettres. [Fr.] A man 
of letters. 

honi soit <mi mal y pense. [Fr.] 
Evil to him who evil thinks; motto 
of the Order of the Garter. 

hors de combat. [Fr.] Disabled; 
out of condition to fight. 

hors de concours. [Fr.] Not en- 
tered for competition. 

hors de propos. [Fr.] Not to the 
purpose; irrelevant. 

hors-d'oeuvres. [Fr.] A side dish, 
a relish. 

hotel garni. [Fr.] Furnished lodg- 
ings. 

hotel de ville. [Fr.] Town hall. 

hotel Dieu. [Fr.] A hospital. 

humanum est errare. [L.] To err 
is human. 


Ich dien. [Ger.] I serve; motto of 

the Prince of Wales. 
id est. [L.] That is. 
id genus omne. [L.] All of that 

sort. 
ignorantia legis neminem excusat 

[L.] Ignorance of the law is no ex 

cuse. 
ignis fatuus. [L.] Will-o'-the-wisp 
imprimatur. [L.] Let it be printed 

i. e., a license to print a book, etc. 
improwisatore, improvvisatrice 

[It.] An impromptu poet or poetess 
in aeternum. [L.] Forever. 
in articulo mortis. [L.] At the 

point of death. 
in curia. [L.] In court. 
in esse. [L.] In a state of being. 
In extenso. [L.] In full; unabridged. 
in extremis. [L.] In extreme diffi- 
culties; at the last gasp. 
in hoc signo vinces. IL.] In this 

sign, or under this standard thou 

shalt conquer. 
In loco parentis. [L.] In the place 

of a parent. 


FOREIGN WORDS, PHRASES, PROVERBS 


In medias res. [L.] Into the midst 

of things. 
In memoriam. [L.] In memory of. 
In perpetuum. [L.] Forever. 
In propria persona. [L.] In per- 

son. 
In purls naturalibus. [L.] In a 

state of nudity. 
In re. [L.] In the matter (or estate) 

of. 
In situ. [L.] In its original situation. 
in statu quo. [L.] In the former 

state. 
in toto. [L.] As a whole ; entirely. 
in transitu. [L.] During transit. 
in vacuo. [L.] In a vacuum. 
in vino Veritas. [L.] In wine there 

is truth; a drunkard tells the truth. 
Infanta. [Sp.] A princess of the 

blood royal in Spain or Portugal. 
infra dignitatem. [L.] Beneath 

one's dignity. 
insouciance. [Fr.] Unconcern, in- 
difference. 
inter alia. [L.] Among other things. 
inter nos. [L.] Between ourselves. 
inter pocula. [L.] Between drinks; 

over a glass. 
ipse dixit. [L.] He, the master, said 

it; an authoritative assertion. 
ipso facto. [L.] In the fact itself; 

obvious from the facts of the case. 
Ipso jure. [L.] By unquestioned 

right. 
ite missa est. [L.] Go, the service 

is finished; the Mass has been cele- 
brated. 


jacta est alea. [L.] The die is cast. 

jar din des plantes. [Fr.] Botani- 
cal garden. 

je ne sals quoi. [Fr.] I don't know 
what; i. e., indeterminate, indescrib- 
able. 

jettatura. [It.] The possession of 
the "evil eye;" the power of exerting 
a malign influence over an enemy. 

jeu de mots. [Fr.] A play on 
words; a pun. 

jeu d'esprit. [Fr.] A witticism. 

jeunesse doree. [Fr.] Gilded youth. 

jus divinum. [L.] Divine law. 

jus civile. [L.] Civil law. 

jus gentium. [L.] Law of nations. 

juste milieu. [Fr.] The golden 


j'y suis, j'y reste. [Fr.] Here I am, 
here I stay; attributed to Marshal 
McMahon in the Crimean Redan. 


kellner. [Ger.] Waiter. 


labor omnia vincit. [L.J Labor 

conquers all things. 
lacrima Chris ti. [L.] Tears of 

Christ; a famous Neapolitan wine. 
laissez faire. [Fr.] Let matters 

alone; the policy of non-interference. 
lapsus linguae. [L.] A slip of the 

tongue. 
lasciate ogni speranza, vol ch'en- 

trate. [It.] Who enter here, leave all 

hope behind. (The inscription over 

the gate of Dante's Inferno.) 
latet anguis in herba. [L.] A 

snake lurks in the grass. 
laudator temporis acti. [L.] One 

who praises bygone times. 
laus Deo. [L.] Praise be to God. 
lese-majeste. [Fr.] High treason. 
le roi est mort, vive le roi! [Fr.] 

The king is dead, long live the 

king. 
l'etat, c'est moi. [Fr.] The state, 

I am the state; a saying attributed 

to Louis XIV. 
l'etoile du nord. [Fr.] The north 

star. (Motto of Minnesota.) 
les affaires sont les affaires. [Fr.] 

Business is business. 
lettre de cachet. [Fr.] A sealed 

letter; a warrant of arrest. 
lettre de marque. [Fr.] A letter, 

or warrant of reprisal. 
lex non scripta. [L.] The common, 

or unwritten law. 
lex scripta. [L.] Statute law. 
lex talionis. [L.] The law of re- 
prisal. 
Thomme propose, et Dieu dispose. 

[Fr.] Man proposes, and God dis- 
poses. 
liaison. [Fr.] An illicit attachment. 
lingua Toscana in bocca Romana. 

[It.] The Tuscan speech on Roman 

lips; i. e., the most correct Italian. 
lite pendente. [L.] During trial. 
loco citato. [L.] In the place cited. 
locum tenens. [L.] One holding 

another's place; a deputy, a proxy. 
lucus a non lucendo. [L.] A false 

etymology, assuming that lucus, a 

dark grove, is so called because of 

the absence of lux, light; any false 

or illogical deduction. 


FOREIGN WORDS, PHRASES, PROVERBS 


lune-de-mlel. [Fr.] Honey-moon. 

lustspiel. [Ger.] Comedy. 

lusus naturae. [L.] A freak of 

nature. 
lupus in fabula. [L.] The wolf in 

the fable; long looked for, come at 

last. 


macte vlrtute. [L.] Increase in vir- 
tue. 

ma foil [Fr.] On my faith! bless me! 

magnum opus. [L.J A great work. 

maison de sante. [Fr.] A lunatic 
asylum. 

maitre d'hotel. [Fr.] A house 
steward. 

Majestatsbeleidigung. [Ger.] High 
treason. 

mal a propos. [Fr.] Ill-times; out 
of place. 

mal de mer. [Fr.] Sea-sickness. 

mala fide. [L.] In bad faith. 

mal'occhio. [It.] The evil eye. 

malade imaginaire. [Fr.] One who 
fancies himself sick; a Hypochondriac. 

maladie du pays. [Fr.] Home-sick- 
ness. 

malgre sol. [Fr.] In spite of oneself. 

malum in se. [L.] A thing in- 
herently wrong. 

malum prohibitum. [L.] A thing 
prohibited by law, although not 
necessarily wrong morally. 

mandamus. [L.] "We command;" 
a writ from a superior to an inferior 
court. 

mare clausum. [L.] A sea closed 
to commerce. 

materia medica. [L.] Collectively, 
substances used in the art of healing. 

mauvais gout. [Fr.] Bad taste. 

mauvaise quart d'heure. [Fr.] A 
bad quarter of an hour; an awkward 
or uncomfortable experience. 

mauvais sujet. [Fr.] A rascal. 

mauvaise honte. [Fr.] False shame. 

memento mori. [L.] Remember 
death. 

mens sana in corpore sano. [L.] 
A sound mind in a sound body. 

mesalliance. [Fr.] A marriage with 
one of lower station. 

mirabile dictu. [L.] Wonderful to 
relate. 

mise en scene. [Fr.] A stage set- 
ting; a scenic effect. 

mieuz vaut tard que jamais. [Fr.] 
Better late than never. 


mittimus. [L.] "We send;" a war- 
rant of commitment to prison. 

modus operandi. [L.] A method of 
working. 

modus vivendi. [L.] A method of 
living; a compromise agreement be- 
tween two or more disputants, to 
secure at least temporary harmony. 

montani semper liberi. [L.] Moun- 
taineers are always freemen. (Motto 
of West Virginia.) 

multum in parvo. [L.] Much in 
little. 

mutatis mutandis. [L.] The neces- 
sary changes being made. 

mutato nomine. [L.l The name 
being changed. 


naivete. [Fr.] Native simplicity. 

neglige. [Fr.] Undress. 

ne plus ultra. [L.] Nothing fur- 
ther. 

nee. [Fr.] Born so-and-so: i. e., her 
maiden name being so-and-so. 

necessitas non habet legem. [L.] 
Necessity knows no laws. 

nemo me impune lacessit. [L.] No 
one wounds me with impunity; the 
motto of Scotland. 

nil admirari. [L.] To be disturbed at 
nothing. 

nil desperandum. [L.] Never de- 
spair. 

n'importe. [Fr.] It does not matter. 

noblesse oblige. [Fr.] Noble birth 
imposes the obligation of noble con- 
duct. 

nolens volens. [L.] Whether he will 
or no. 

noli me tangere. [L.] Do not 
touch me. 

nolle prosequi. [L.] To be unwill- 
ing to prosecute; discontinuance of 
an action by plaintiff or the State. 

nom de guerre. [Fr.] An assumed 
name; a pen name. 

non compos mentis. [L.] Of un- 
sound mind. 

non constat. [L.] It has not been 
shown; no evidence is before the 
Court. 

non omnia possumus omnes. [L.] 
We cannot all do all things. 

non omuls moriar. [L.] I shall not 
wholly die. 

non sequitur. [L.] It does not fol- 
low. 

nosce telpsum. [L.] Know thyself. 


FOREIGN WORDS, PHRASES, PROVERBS 


nota bene. [L.] Mark well. 

nudum pactum. [L.j An agree- 
ment lacking a consideration; an in- 
valid contract. 

nuit blanche. [Fr.] A sleepless 
night. 

nunc aut nunquam. [L.] Now or 
never. 

nulla dies sine linea. [L.] No day 
without a line. 


obiit. [L.] He, or she, died. 

obiter dictum. [L.] A passing re- 
mark; such part of a judge's opinion 
as is aside from or beyond the point 
at issue, and therefore not binding 
as a precedent. 

oeil de boeuf. [Fr.] A bull's eye. 

omnia vincit amor. [L.] Love con- 
quers all things. 

on dit. [Fr.] They say; it is rumored. 

onus proband!. [L.] The burden of 
proof. 

oraesempre. [It.] Now and always. 

ora pro nobis. [L.] Pray for us. 

otium cum dignitate. [L.] Ease 
with dignity. 

oubliette. [Fr.] A dungeon. 

oui dire. [Fr.] Hearsay. 

outre. [Fr.] Extravagant, in bad 
taste. 

ou sont les neiges d' an tan? [Fr.] 
Where are the snows of yesteryear? 


papier mache. [Fr.] A hard sub- 
stance made from a pulp of rags or 
paper. 

par exemple. [Fr.] For example; 
for instance. 

par excellence. [Fr.] Eminently; 
the very ideal. 

pari passu. [L.] With equal pace; 
side by side. 

Paris vaut bien une messe. [Ft.] 
Paris is well worth a mass ; attributed 
to Henry IV. 

parole d'honneur. [Fr.] Word of 
honor. 

particeps criminis. [L.] An ac- 
complice. 

partie carree. [Fr.] A party of four, 
consisting of two men and two 
women. 

parvenu. [Fr.] A person of low 
origin; an upstart. 


pas a pas. [Fr.] Step by step. 

pas seul. [Fr.] A dance performed 
by one person. 

passe. [Pr.] Out of date, faded, worn 
out. 

passe-partout. [Fr.] A master-key. 

Pater noster. [L.] Our Father; the 
Lord's prayer. 

pater patriae. [L.] The father of 
his country. 

pax vobiscum. [L.] Peace be with 
you. 

Pays de Cocagne. .[Fr.] The land 
of Cockayne, an imaginary coun- 
try in which everything is to be had 
in abundance and without labor. 

pays latin. [Fr.] The Latin country, 
a name given to the students' quar- 
ter in Paris, in the neighborhood of 
the Sorbonne. 

peccavi. [L.] I have sinned. 

pendente lite. [L.] Pending the 
suit. 

per annum. [L.] By the year. 

per capita. [L.] By the head. 

per centum. [L.] By the hundred. 

per diem. [L.] By the day. 

persiflage. [Fr.] Chaff, banter. 

persona grata. [L.] A person in 
favor; a welcome guest. 

personnel. [Fr.] The staff of an 
establishment. 

petit bleu. [Fr.] Blue folding slips 
used in Paris for sending messages 
through pneumatic tubes. 

petit- maitre. [Fr.] A dandy; a fop. 

peu de chose. [Fr.] A trifle. 

piece de resistance. [Fr.] The prin- 
cipal course of a dinner. 

pioupiou. [Fr.] A private soldier; 
the French "Tommy Atkins." 

pis aller. [Fr.] A last resort. 

pleno jure. [L.] With full power. 

place aux dames. [Fr.] Make way 
for the ladies. 

poeta nascitur, non fit. [L.] A 
poet is born, not made. 

point d'appui. [Fr.] The point of 
support. 

polisson. [Fr.] A rascal. 

pollice verso. [L.] With thumb 
turned down ; the decree of death in 
the Roman gladiatorial contests. 

pons asinorum. [L.] The bridge of 
asses; the fifth proposition in Euclid. 

posse comitatus. [L.] The power 
of the county; a body of men ap- 
pointed by the sheriff for special 
service. 

post mortem. [L.] After death. 


FOREIGN WORDS, PHRASES, PROVERBS 


post obit. [L.] A bond payable 

after death. 
poste restante. [Fr.] Department 

in a post-office where letters are held 

until called for. 
pot au feu. [Fr.] A vegetable soup, 

a staple food of the French peas- 
antry. 
pot-pourri, [Fr.] A hotch-potch, a 

medley. 
pour encourager les autres. [Fr.] 

To encourage the others; Voltaire's 

comment on the motives of the Eng- 
lish in executing Admiral Byng for 

cowardice. 
prima facie. [L.] At first sight, on 

first consideration. 
pro bono publico. [L.] For the 

public good. 
pro forma. [L.] For the sake of 

form. 
pro rata. [L.] In proportion. 
pro tempore. [L.f For the time; 

temporarily. 
proces verbal. [Fr.] A summary 

of the charge and evidence against 

an accused. 
profanum vulgus. [L.] The vulgar 

crowd. 
prosit! [Ger.] Good luck to you! 
prosit neu jahr! [Ger.] Happy New 

Year! 
punica fides. [L.] Carthaginian faith, 

treachery. 


quantum libet. [L.] As much as 

you please. 
quantum sumcit. [L.] As much 

as suffices. 
quelque chose. [Fr.] Something, a 

trifle. 
quid pro quo. [L.] One thing for 

another; an equivalent; tit for tat. 
qu'importe? [Fr.] What does it 

matter? 
qui s'excuse, s'accuse. [Fr.] He 

who excuses himself, accuses him- 
self. 
qui transtulit, sustinet. [L.] He 

who transplanted, still sustains. 

(Motto of Connecticut.) 
qui vive? [Fr.] Who goes there? 

hence, on the qui vive, on the alert. 
qui vivra, verra. [Fr.] Who lives 

will see. 
quo animo? [L.] With what mind 

or intention? 
quo jure? [L.] By what right? 


quod erat demonstrandum. [L.] 

Which was to be demonstrated. 
quod erat faciendum. [L.] Which 

was to be done. 
quod vide. [L.] WTiich see. 
quos Deus vult perdere, prius de- 

memtat. [L.] Those whom God 

wishes to destroy, he first makes 

mad. 


raison d'etre. [Fr.] Reason for 
existence. 

ranz des vaches. [Fr.] Swiss mel- 
odies played as cow-calls. 

rara avis. [L.] A rare bird, a strange 
prodigy. ' 

rathhaus. [Ger.] A town hall. 

recueil. [Fr.] A collection. 

redacteur (en chef). [Fr.] An edi- 
tor (in chief). 

reductio ad absurdum. [L] Re- 
ducing an argument to an absurdity. 

regnant populi. [L.] The people 
reign. (Motto of Arkansas.) 

re infecta. [L.] The business being 
unfinished. 

rendez-vous. JFr.] A place of meet- 
ing, an appointment. 

renommee. [Fr.] Fame, renown. 

requiescat in pace. [L.] May he 
rest in peace. 

respice finem, [L.] Look to the 
end. 

resume. [Fr.] A summing up. 

resurgam. [L.] I shall rise again. 

ricordo. [It.] A souvenir, a keep- 
sake. 

rien ne va plus. [Fr.] The betting 
is closed. 

robe de chambre. [Fr.] A dress- 
ing-gown. 

revenons a nos moutons. [Fr.] Let 
us return to our sheep; i. e., to the 
point at issue. 

rus in urbe. [L.] The country in 
town. 


S 


salle-a-manger. [Ft.] A dining 

room. 
Salus populi suprema est lex. [L.] 

The welfare of the people is the 
supreme law. (Motto of Missouri.) 

sanctum sanctorum. [L.] The holy 
of holies. 

sang-froid. [Fr.] Cold blood; self- 
possession; indifference. 


FOREIGN WORDS, PHRASES, PROVERBS 


sans ceremonie. [Fr.] Without cere- 
mony. 

sans culottes. [Fr.] Ragged men; 
the lower classes during the French 
revolution. 

sans facon. [Fr.] Without cere- 
mony.' 

sans gene. [Fr.] Without embar- 
rassment. 

sans peur et sans reproche. [Fr.] 
Without fear and without reproach. 

sartor resartus. [L.] The tailor 
retailored. 

sauve qui peut. [Fr.] Let him save 
himself who can. 

savoir faire. [Fr.] Ability, skill. 

savoir vivre. [Fr.] Good, breeding. 

schlafen Sie wohl! [Ger.] Sleep 
well! 

schnellzug. [Ger.] Express train. 

scire facias. [L.] Cause it to be 
known. 

semper fidelis. [L.] Always faith- 

semper paratus. [L.] Always pre- 
pared. 

sesquipedalia verba. [L.] Words a 
foot and a half long. 

sic itur ad astra. [L.] Such is the 
way to immortality. 

Sic semper tyrannis. [L.] So al- 
ways to tyrants. (The motto of Vir- 
ginia.) 

sic transit gloria mundi. [L.] So 
passes away earthly glory. 

sic vos non vobis. [L.]. Thus you 
do not labor for yourselves. 

similia similibus curantur. [L.] 
Like things are cured by like. 

sine die. [L.] Without an appointed 
day. 

sine qua non. [L.] An indispen- 
sable condition. 

si quaeris peninsulam amoenam, 
circumspice. [L.] If thou seekest a 
beautiful peninsula, behold it here; 
motto of Michigan. 

si non e vero, e ben trovato. [It.] 
If it is not true, it is very ingenious. 

siste viator! [L.] Halt, traveller! — 
a frequent inscription on graves. 

sit tibi terra levis. [L.] May the 
earth rest lightly on you. 

sobriquet. [Fr.] A nickname. 

souvent femme varie, bien fol est 
qui s'y fie. [Fr.] Woman often 
changes, and very foolish is he who 
trusts her. 

statu quo ante. [L.] Tn the same 
state as before. 


stet. [L.] Let it stand. 
sub judice. [L.] Under considera- 
tion. 
sturm und drang. [Ger.] Storm 

and stress. 
sub rosa. [L.] Under the rose; 

secretly. 
succes d'estime. [Fr.] A success 

only in the eyes of the enlightened 

few. 
sui generis. [L.] Of its own kind. 
sui juris. [L.] In one's own right. 
summum bonum. [L] The chief 

good. 
sur le tapis. [Fr.] On the carpet; 

under consideration. 


table d'hote. [Fr.] The regular 

course dinner. 
tabula rasa. [L.] A blank tablet. 
tant pis. [Fr.] So much the worse. 
tant soit peu. [Fr.] Never so little. 
tempora mutantur, et nos muta- 

mur in illis. [L.] The times are 

changed, and we are changed with 

them. 
tempus edas rerum. [L.] Time, 

the devourer of all things. 
tempus fugit. [L.] Time flies. 
terrae films. [L.] A son of the soil. 
terra cotta. [It. 

kind of pottery. 
terra firma. [L.] Solid earth; a 

safe footing. 
terra incognita. [L.] An unknown 

country. 
tertium quid. [L.] A third some- 
thing; the result of the union or 

collision between two opposing 

forces. 
tete-a-tete. [Fr.] Head to head; i. e., 

a conversation between two people. 
tiers-etat. [Fr.] The third estate; 

commons, commonalty. 
to kalon'. [Gr.j The beautiful; the 

chief good. 


Baked clay; a 


to ties quo ties. [L.] As often as. 

tour de force. _ [Fr.] A feat of 
strength; a piece of sheer clever- 
ness. 

toujours perdrix. [Fr.] Always par- 
tridge; i. e., everlastingly the same 
thing. 

tout- a- fait. [Fr.] Entirely; alto- 
gether. 

tout-a-1'heure. [Fr.] Presently. 

tout au contraire. [Fr.] Quite the 
contrary. 


FOREIGN WORDS, PHRASES, PROVERBS 


tout d© memo. [Fr.] All the same. 

tout ensemble. [Fr.] The whole 
taken together. 

trauerspiel. [Ger.l A tragedy. 

traumerei. [Ger.] Reverie, day- 
dreams. 

trink-geld. [Ger.] A gratuity, a 
pourboire. 

U 

ubi supra. [L.] Where above-men- 
tioned. 
ultima ratio regum. [L.] The last 

argument of kings; i. e., war. 
ultima thule. [L.] The furthest 

land or limit. 
ultra vires. [L.] In excess of one's 

legal powers. 
una voce. [L.] With once voice; 

unanimously. 
unter den linden. [Ger.] Under 

the lime-trees, a famous street in 

Berlin. 
unter vier augen. [Ger.] Between 

four eyes; i. e., tete-a-tete, 
usque ad aras. [L.] To the very 

altars; to the last extremity. 
usque ad nauseam. [L.] To the 

point of disgust. 
ut infra. [L.j As below. 
ut supra. [L.] As above. 


vade mecum. [L.] "Go with me;" 
i. e., a guide or handbook, indis- 
pensable to the traveller. 

vae victis. [L.] Woe to the con- 
quered. 

rale. [L.] Farewell. 

venl, vidi, vici. [L.] I came, I saw, 
I conquered. 

ventre-a-terre. [Fr.l At full gallop; 
at break-neck speed. 

verbum sat sapient!. [L.] A word 
to the wise is sufficient. 


vetturino. [It.] A hackman. 

via media. [L.] A middle course. 

vice versa. [L.] The terms being 
exchanged; the reverse. 

vide ut supra. [L.] See what is 
stated above. 

vient de paraitre. [Fr.] Just pub- 
lished, or, just out. 

vi et armis. [L.] By force and 
arms; by main force. 

villegiatura. [It.] A summer vaca- 
tion. 

vedi Napoli e poi mori. [It.] See 
Naples and then die. 

vincit omnia Veritas. [L.] Truth 
conquers all things. 

vinculum matrimonii. [L.] The 
bond of matrimony. 

vis-a-vis. [Fr.] Opposite; face to 
face. 

vive la bagatelle! [Fr.] Success to 
trifles! Trifling forever! 

vogue la galere. [Fr.] Let come 
what may. 

voila tout. [Fr.] That is all. 

voir rouge. [Fr.] To see red; to be 
in an ungovernable rage. 


W 


wagon-lit. [Fr.] A sleeping-car. 
wanderjahr. [Ger.] A wander-year; 

a year of travel. 
wanderlust. [Ger.] The love of 

travel; the nomadic instinct. 
Wacht am Rhein. [Ger.] The Watch 

on the Rhine. 
wie gewohnlich. [Ger.] As usual. 
wohlgeboren. [Ger.] Well born; of 

good birth. 


zeit 1st geld. [Ger.] Time is money. 
zeltung. [Ger.] Newspaper. 


A Dictionary of Commercial and 
Legal Terms. 


Edited by 

ROBERT ARROWSMITH, PhJX 

Formerly Professor in Teachers' College, Columbia University. 


A 

A. On endorsements = Audited, Ac- 
cepted, or Approved. 
a, @. == at • as 5 yds. @ 24 cts. 

Ai. Originally a symbol used by 
Lloyd's Register of British Shipping, 
in which the hull is rated by letters, 
the equipment by figures. 

Abandonment. In marine insurance, 
the giving up to the insurers of prop- 
erty partly destroyed, with the pur- 
pose of claiming full insurance. 

Abatement. An amount deducted; a 
discount; removal of a nuisance. 

Abeyance. Suspense, as an unsettled 
estate held in abeyance. 

Abrogate. To repeal, annul; abolish; 
destroy. 

Abstract. Abridgment or summary of 
a document. 

Acceptance. Agreement to terms 
proposed; engagement to pay, made 
by the person on whom a draft, bill 
of exchange, or other order is drawn. 
The order when it has been accepted. 

Acceptance supra Protest or for 
Honor. Agreement to pay a note 
or bill protested to preserve the 
honor of the maker or endorser. 

Acceptor. The one who accepts a 
draft, bill of exchange or other order. 

Accession. Acquiring. 

Accessory. One who instigates, abets, 
or aids the offense of another. 

Accident Insurance. Insurance 
against personal injury by accident. 

Accommodation Endorser. One 
who endorses accommodation 
paper. 

Accommodation Paper. Commer- 
cial paper not founded on an actual 


trade transaction but drawn in order 
to be discounted for the benefit of 
one or all of the drawers, acceptors 
or endorsers. 

Accord and Satisfaction. Settle- 
ment of a claim by agreement to ac- 
cept one thing in place of the origin- 
ally claimed. 

Account (Acct., qfc). A statement of 
business dealings between individ- 
uals or firms. 

Account Current. A running ac- 
count; a statement of transactions 
between firms or individuals, gener- 
ally in the form of a summary of 
debits and credits. 

Account Sales. The itemized state- 
ment of a broker or commission 
agent to his principal, showing the 
quantity of goods sold, prices, 
charges, commissions and net pro- 
ceeds. 

Accountant. An expert examiner or 
adjuster of accounts. 

Accroach. To attempt to use power 
without authority. 

Accrue. To increase; be due. 

Acknowledge. To admit the receipt 
of correspondence, remittance or 
order. 

Acknowledgment. A receipt. A 
formal declaration made before a 
competent officer by one who exe- 
cutes an instrument that it is his 
voluntary act. 

Acquittance. A written receipt or 
discharge from all claims in full. 

Act. A formal writing expressing what 
has been done. The enactment by a 
legislative body or court. 

Act of God. A physical cause of in- 
jury which cannot be prevented by 


COMMERCIAL AND LEGAL TERMS 


human means, such as tempest, 
lightning, earthquake, etc. 

Action. A suit or process at law. 

Adjudicate. To settle by legal pro- 
cess. 

Adjustment. Settlement of legal 
claims and disputed accounts. 

Ad Litem. [Lat.] For a law suit. 
A term applied to a guardian or rep- 
resentative of a widow or other per- 
son not competent to appear per- 
sonally before a court. 

Administer. To settle an estate. 

Administrator (Admr.), Adminis- 
tratis (Admx.). An officer ap- 
pointed by the court to settle the 
estate of an intestate or in the ab- 
sence of a qualified executor. 

Admiralty Court. A court having 
jurisdiction in maritime questions. 

Ad Valorem. [Lat.] According to 
value. Ad Valorem duties are esti- 
mated on the basis of the value of 
the imported article, not according 
to weight, measure, etc. (specific 
duties). 

Advance. Rise in value. To pay or 
furnish money before it is due. 

Adventure. A speculation. The 
shipment of goods on shipper's own 
account. 

Adventure, Bill of. A declaration 
signed by the master of a ship which 
carries goods at the owner's risk. 

Adventure in Co. Shipment of goods 
at joint risk of shipper and consignee. 

Adverse Possession. The holding of 
real property contrary to the claim 
of another. 

Advice. Commercial notice sent by 
letter, called Letter of Advice. 

Affiant. One who makes an affidavit. 

Affidavit. A written declaration un- 
der oath. 

Affiliation. The determining of the 
paternity of a child. 

Affinity. Relationship by marriage. 

Affreightment. The hiring a ship for 
transportation of goods. 

Age of Consent. The age at which 
minors may enter into a valid con- 
tract of marriage. 

Agency. The relation to his principal 
of one authorized to act for another. 

Agent. One who acts for another. 

Aggravation. A circumstance which 
enhances crime or increases danger. 

Agio. [Ital.] Difference in value be- 
tween current and standard moneys, 
as between bank notes and gold. 


Agiotage. Speculation on the fluctua- 
tion of public securities. 

Agrarian. Relating to land or its 
tenure. 

Agreement. A contract or bargain. 

Alias. [Lat.] Otherwise. An as- 
sumed name. 

Alien. One of foreign birth not natu- 
ralized in the country of his residence 
and owing allegiance to a foreign 
power. 

Alienate. To transfer property. 

Alienation. Conveyance of title. 

Alienation Clause. In fire insurance 
policies, a clause rendering the policy 
void if the property insured is sold 
or transferred. 

Alimony. In divorce law, a provision 
made by the court from her hus- 
band's income or estate for the sup- 
port of a wife. 

Aliquot Part. A number contained 
an exact number of times in a larger 
number. 

Allegation. A statement of what a 
party undertakes to prove. The 
charge undertaken to be proved. 

Allegiance. The obligation due from 
a citizen to his government. 

Allonge. [Fr.] A slip of paper at- 
tached to a note or bill of exchange 
to allow space for more endorse- 
ments. 

Allotment Ticket. An order for the 
payment of a specific portion of a 
seaman's wages to his family at 
stated intervals during a voyage. 

Allow. To concede, discount, deduct. 

Allowance. Deduction from weight 
or amount. Sailor's rations. 

Alloy. [Fr.] Baser metal compounded 
with a finer. The union of different 
metals. In coinage, gold is alloyed 
with silver or copper; silver with 
nickel, brass or copper. 

Alluvium. The gradual increase of 
the shore of a stream formed by de- 
posits carried by the water. 

Amotion. A turning away or re- 
moval. 

Amount Gross. The sum total or 
aggregate. 

Amount Net. The sum total less de- 
ductions for expenses, discount, or 
charges. 

Ancestor. In law the term includes 
collaterals as well as lineals. 

Anchorage. A spot where ships may 
anchor safely. A toll or fee for 
anchoring. 


COMMERCIAL AND LEGAL TERMS 


Ancillary. Auxiliary. 

Anker. A foreign liquid measure of 
about ten gallons. 

Annex. To take for permanent hold- 
ing* fixtures are annexed to the 
realty. 

Annuity. A sum of money paid 
yearly or at fixed intervals. 

Annul. To make void. 

Answer. To reply; be responsible for. 
In law, a reply to a charge. 

Antedate. To date] before the true 
time. 

Appeal. In law, to apply for a review 
of a cause. 

Appearance. In law, the coming into 
court or formal submitting to a 
court's jurisdiction by a person sum- 
moned. 

Appellate Court. A court having 
power to review the decisions of 
lower courts. 

Apply. To dispose of, as to apply 
funds in payment of a note. 

Appraise. To place a value on prop- 
erty. 

Appraiser. One who appraises. A 
government officer who fixes the 
value of dutiable articles. 

Appreciate. To increase in value. 

Apprentice. One legally bound out 
to another to learn a trade. 

Appropriation. A government grant 
of money for a specific purpose. 

Approval. A sale on approval is con- 
ditional on the approval of the pur- 
chaser, who may return the goods if 
not satisfactory. 

Appurtenance. In law, a thing or 
right that goes with the land, as a 
right of way. 

Arbitration. The adjustment of dis- 
puted points by disinterested per- 
sons chosen by the contending par- 
ties. 

Arbitration of Exchange. Compu- 
tation of the difference in rates of 
exchange among bankers in three or 
more countries, to discover whether 
it is more profitable to forward 
money directly or indirectly. 

Arrest. To take a person or property 
into legal custody. 

Arson. The malicious burning of a 
building or of a ship. 

Article. A single piece of goods. A 
written agreement or contract, as 
articles of co-partnership. Division 
of a document. 

Articles of War. A code of rules and 
41 


regulations for the government of 
army and navy. 

Assault. A civil and criminal offense, 
consisting in the attempt or offer to 
do bodily hurt. 

Assay. To test the proportion of alloy 
in metals. 

Assess. To value; to fix a rate; to levy 
a tax or share of expenses. 

Assets. Resources available for the 
payment of debts; opposed to liabil- 
ities. 

Assign. To transfer or make over 
property or rights to another. 

Assignee. One to whom an assign- 
ment is made. A trustee for £he 
creditors of a bankrupt estate or in- 
solvent debtor. 

Assignment. A transfer of property 
to an assignee. 

Assignor. One who assigns property. 

Assizes. [Eng.] The sessions of a 
court for jury trials held periodically 
in the various counties of England. 

Association. A body of men. A busi- 
ness or stock company. 

Assortment. A quantity of goods 
varying in quality. 

Assumpsit. _ An undertaking based 
on a consideration. An action to 
recover damages for breach of con- 
tract. 

Assurance. See insurance. 

Attachment. A seizure made by 
order of a court to bring property 
or a person into its custody. 

Attest. To certify, witness by sig- 
nature. 

Attorn. To agree to become tenant 
to one not the original landlord but 
who claims the reversion. 

Attorney. An agent legally appointed 
by another. An officer of the court. 
A counselor. 

Attorney, Power of. Written au- 
thority empowering one person to 
act for another. 

Attorney General. The chief law 
officer of the government. 

Attorney in Fact. One acting under 
power of attorney. 

Auction. Public sale of property to 
the highest bidder. 

Audit. To examine and certify ac- 
counts and vouchers. 

Auditor. One authorized to examine 
accounts. An officer of the United 
States Treasury. 

Aver. To declare or assert formally. 

Average. Mean value or quality. A 


COMMERCIAL AND LEGAL TERMS 


fair sample. Equitable distribution 
of expense or loss. Formerly a 
charge in addition to freight paid 

- by the shipper to the ship's master 
for care of the goods. 

Average, General. In marine in- 
surance, a proportionate charge on 
ship and goods to cover the necessary 
sacrifice of a part. 

Average, Particular. The loss sus- 
tained by partial damage of ship 
alone, or of cargo alone, arising from 
ordinary wear and tear or mishaps 
and not involving the general safety. 

Average, Petty. Small charges, such 
as pilotage, port charges, and the 
like, borne in part by ship and in part 
by cargo. 

Average of Payments. The method 
of determining the time when the 
payment of one sum may be made of 
several sums due at different dates 
without loss to either party. 

Avoid. In law, to nullify, annul. 

AvulsSon. Lands removed by the 
suci4en action of water from one 
estate and added to another. 

Award. A decision by arbitration. 


Bail. To set free by becoming surety 

for the appearance in court of the 

person to be tried. The amount 

pledged. 
Bailee. One to whom goods are de- 
livered under a contract of bailment. 
Bailment. The delivery of goods to 

another in trust for some purpose. 
Bailor. One who delivers goods under 

a contract of bailment. 
Balance (Bal.). Difference necessary 

to make the two sides of an account 

equal. Weighing scales. 
Balance Account. An account made 

up of balances of different accounts. 

A brief summary of the condition of 

a business. 
Balance Sheet. A paper showing a 

summary of open accounts. 
Balance of Trade. The difference in 

value between the total exports and 

imports of a country. 
Ballast. Weight used to steady a ship. 

To load with ballast instead of cargo. 
Bale. A corded package of goods for 

transportation. 
Banco. In some parts of Europe, the 

difference between bank value and 


depreciated current value of 
money. 

Bank. An institution for the deposit, 
discount and circulation of money. 

Bankable. Receivable at par at a 
bank. 

Bank Bill or Note. A promissory note 
printed by the government and is- 
sued by national banks, used as 
money, and payable on demand. 

Bankbook. Passbook of a bank in 
which deposits are recorded and paid 
checks entered. 

Bank Draft. A bill of exchange drawn 
by one bank on another bank. 

Bank Hours. Usually from 9 or 10 
A.M. to 3 P.M. 

Bankrupt. One unable to pay his 
debts. One who fails in business. 

Bankruptcy. The condition of being 
adjudged oankrupt by the court. 

Bank Stock. Shares in a banking 
company. Paid up capital of a bank 
divided into shares. 

Bar. A final defense. A plea defeat- 
ing an action. The whole body of 
licensed lawyers. The legal profes- 
sion. 

Bargain. A stipulation. An agree- 
ment of sale. 

Barratry. In maritime law, breach of 
duty or trust by master or crew, as 
against owners or insurers. In com- 
mon law, the malicious encourage- 
ment of litigation. 

Barrel. A measure of capacity, con- 
taining 313^2 gallons, wine measure; 
30 gallons, beer measure; 32 gallons, 
ale measure; 196 pounds of flour; 224 
pounds of butter; 200 pounds of pork 
or beef. The dry barrel is not a 
legalized measure. 

Barrel Bulk. In freight measurement, 
5 cubic feet. 

Barrister. The title of a lawyer prac- 
ticing in the higher courts of England 
and Ireland. 

Barter. To exchange goods for 
another kind of goods instead of 
money. 

Base Court. An inferior court, not 
one of record. 

Battery. The actual doing of the 
personal hurt attempted by assault. 

Bear. A speculator who strives to 
depress the price of stocks. 

Bearer. One who holds and presents 
a note, bill, check or draft for pay- 
ment. Negotiable paper drawn pay- 
able to bearer need not be endorsed. 


COMMERCIAL AND LEGAL TERMS 


Bench. The seat for judges. The 
court. The whole body of judges as 
distinguished from the bar. 

Bench Warrant. A warrant issued 
by a superior court judge. 

Beneficiary. The person to whom a 
life insurance policy is made pay- 
able. The person for whose benefit 
another holds title to real estate. 

Bequeath. To give by will. 

Bequest. The act of giving by will. 
The thing given by will. 

Bill. A statement of accounts due. 
A general term for negotiable paper. 
In law, the statement of particulars. 

Bill Book. An account kept in book- 
keeping of notes, drafts, and bills of 
exchange. 

Billhead. A printed form of bills, 
with business address. 

Bill of Discovery. Application to a 
court of equity to compel a party to 
an action to disclose facts or docu- 
ments in his possession. 

Bill of Entry. An account of goods 
entered at the custom-house for im- 
portation or exportation. 

Bill of Exceptions. A written state- 
ment of exceptions to the decision 
of a court. 

Bill of Exchange. A written order 
for the payment of money, usually 
drawn on a person living in a foreign 
country. 

Bill, Domestic or Inland. A bill of 
exchange payable in the country 
where drawn; usually termed draft. 

Bill of Lading. A written statement 
of goods received for transportation. 
signed by the carrier's agent, and 
given to the shipper. 

Bill of Parcels. An account given 
by seller to buyer of the value of 
goods bought. Sometimes used for 
invoice. 

Bill of Particulars. A document de- 
tailing the demands for which an 
action is brought. 

Bill of Sale (B/S). A written agree- 
ment under seal transferring owner- 
ship of personal propertv. 

Bills Payable. Bills Receivable. 
Commercial paper called bills receiv- 
able by the holder, and bills payable 
by the one who is to pay them. 

Blackmail. Extortion of money by 
threats. 

Blank- Credit. Authorization to draw 
money on account without limita- 
tion of the amount. 


Blank Endorsement. Endorsement 
which does not specify the person to 
whom payment is to be made. 

Blockade. To obstruct an enemy's 
port. 

Board of Trade. An association of 
business men for the regulation and 
advancement of commercial in- 
terests. 

Bona Fide. [Lat.] In good faith. 

Bond. A legal document by which a 
person binds himself to pay money 
or perform a certain > act under 
penalty of paying a specified sum. 

Bond Creditor. A creditor whose 
debt is secured by a bond. 

Bond Debt. A debt contracted under 
obligation of a bond. 

Bonded Goods. Goods stored in 
bonded warehouses or bonded cars, 
on which bonds instead of cash have- 
been given for import duties or in- 
ternal revenue. 

Bonded Warehouse. A building 
owned by approved persons who 
have given bonds or guarantee for 
the strict observance of the revenue 
laws; used for storing dutiable mer- 
chandise until the duties are paid 
or the goods re-shipped without 
entry. 

Bondsman. One who gives security 
for another. 

Bonus. A premium given on a loan 
or for a favor shown. 

Book Debts. Accounts charged on 
the books. 

Bookkeeper. One in charge of mer- 
cantile accounts. 

Bookkeeping, Single Entry. A sim- 
ple system of bookkeeping which 
requires only one entry for a single 
transaction. Used chiefly in retail 
business. 

Bookkeeping, Double Entry. The 
system of bookkeeping which re- 
quires for every transaction two- 
entries, one on the debit and one on 
the credit side. 

Borough. An incorporated village or 
town not a city. 

Bottomry. The act of pledging a 
vessel for sums advanced for the use 
of the ship. If the ship is lost, the 
lender loses the whole amount of his 
loan. 

Bought and Sold Notes. Memo- 
randa given by a broker to his prin- 
cipal announcing particulars of the 
purchase or sale of commodities for 


COMMERCIAL AND LEGAL TERMS 


the account of the principal. m 

Bounty. A bonus or premium given 
to encourage a special industry or as 
an inducement to enter public ser- 
vice. 

Brand. A mark of designation; a 
trade-mark, device, or name; a par- 
ticular class of goods. 

Breach. Violation of an agreement- 

Breadstuffs. Any kind of grain, 
corn or meal from which bread is 
made. 

Breakage. The allowance made by a 
shipper for loss caused by the de- 
struction of fragile wares. 

Breaking Bulk. _ Opening packages 

of goods in transit- 
Breaking in. In law, any violent act 
technically constituting burglary. 

Brief. A concise legal summary or 
statement of a client's case, or of a 
law argument. 

Broker. An agent or factor; a middle- 
man paid by commission. 

Bull. A speculator who strives to 
raise the value of stocks. 

Bullion. Uncoined gold or silver. 

Burden of Proof. The obligation 
resting on a person asserting a fact 
to prove it. 

Burglary. Breaking into a house at 
night with felonious intent. 

Bushel. A dry measure, 183^ inches 
in diameter and 8 inches deep inside; 
its' capacity is 2,150.42 cubic 
inches. 

By-Bidder. In auctions, one em- 
ployed to make bids in order to 
raise the price of articles to be sold. 

By-Laws. Private regulations made 
by a corporation or municipality for 
its government. 


Cabinet. The advisory council of a 
sovereign or president. The body of 
ministers who direct the govern- 
ment. 

Calculate. To determine by reckon- 
ing. 

Call. A demand for payment of instal- 
ments due on stock or unpaid con- 
tributions. A request to holders 
of bonds drawn for redemption to 
present them for payment on a cer- 
tain date, after which interest ceases. 
In the Stock Exchange, the privi- 
lege to claim delivery of a specified 


amount of stock at a time and price 
fixed. 

Cancel. To cross out, obliterate any- 
thing written (often by stamp or 
punch) ; to annul, set aside. 

Canon. A rule of ecclesiastical law. 

Capias. [Lat.] A writ commanding 
an officer of the law to take into 
custody the person named in the 
writ- 
Capital. Money or property invested 
in business; amount of assets. 

Capitalist. One having property to 
invest ; a man of wealth. 

Capital Offense. An offense punish- 
able by death. 

Capital Stock. The aggregate a- 
mount of funds or property invested 
in a corporation. The total value 
of stock at par. 

Capitation. A poll tax. 

Carat, Karat. A measure of weight 
( = 3^5 grains) for gold and precious 
stones. The measure of the pro- 
portionate fineness of gold, pure 
gold being rated at 24 carats. 

Cargo. Merchandise laden on a ship 
for transportation. 

Carrier. One who transports goods 
or persons for hire. 

Cartage. The amount paid for cart- 
ing goods. 

Carte Blanche. [Fr.] Free or un- 
limited powers. 

Case. A box for holding goods or 
merchandise ; the amount of its con- 
tents. In law, an action or suit. 

Case, Action on the. A general com- 
mon law form of action. 

Cash. Ready money; gold, silver, 
bank-notes, usually including checks 
and drafts. 

Cash Book. _ A book registering 
money paid in and out. 

Cash Sales. Sales for cash in dis- 
tinction to sales on credit. 

Cashier. One in charge of the money 
of a business house or bank. 

Cassation. [Fr.] Annulling, reversal. 

Casualty Insurance. Accident in- 
surance. 

Caveat. [Lat.] A legal notice filed 
to prevent a proceeding except after 
notice. In patent law a^ caveat en- 
titles an inventor to notice of com- 
peting applications for patents dur- 
ing one year. 

Caveat Emptor. [Lat.] Let the 
buyer beware. A phrase embodying 
the principle that a purchaser buys 


COMMERCIAL AND LEGAL TERMS 


at his own risk, except for the ordi- 
nary legal protection. 

Certificate. A writing testifying to 
some fact. A voucher, as, a cer- 
tificate of deposit, a certificate of 
stock. 

Certified Check. A check accepted 
as valid by the bank on which it is 
drawn. The amount represented 
by a certified check is withdrawn 
from the depositor's account and 
held to meet payment of the check. 

Cestui que Trust. [Fr.] One having 
the equitable interest in property 
legally held by a trustee. 

Challenge. An objection made by 
the defense or plaintiff to a juror. 

Chamber of Commerce. An asso- 
ciation of merchants for the en- 
couragement of commercial interests. 

Champerty. An agreement on the 
part of a person to aid in carrying 
on a suit in which he has no legal 
interest in return for a share in the 
thing sued for. 

Chancellor. A judge of a Court of 
Chancery. 

Chancery. In England, a court of 
equity forming a division of the 
High Court of Justice. In the United 
States, a Court of Equity. 

Charge. A statement by a judge to a 
jury instructing them in regard to 
the legal principles involved in the 
case. 

Charter. A government grant em- 
powering a corporation to do busi- 
ness and defining its rights and 
privileges. The letting or hiring of 
a vessel. 

Charter Party. A written contract 
for the hire of a vessel for a given 
voyage. 

Chattel. Any kind of property except 
real estate. 

Chattel Mortgage. A mortgage of 
property other than real property 
to secure a payment. 

Check, Cheque. An order on a bank 
by a depositor for payment of money. 

Check Book. A printed book of 
blank checks. 

Check Clerk. One who examines ac- 
counts of other clerks. A bank 
clerk who enters up checks. 

Chose. In law, personal property. 

Chose in Action. Personal property 
to which one has a right enforceable 
by legal process, but not actual pos- 
session. 


Chose in Possession. Personal prop- 
erty of which one has actual pos- 
session. 

Circuit. A judicial district for the 
administration of law by visiting 
judges. 

Circuit Court. A court sitting suc- 
cessively in different places in its 
circuit. 

Circular. An advertising notice. 

Circular Note. A note or letter of 
credit issued by bankers for the ac- 
commodation of travelers, request- 
ing correspondents at different places 
to pay money on demand. 

Circumstantial Evidence. Evidence 
establishing facts which in common 
experience tend to prove another 
fact indirectly. 

Civil Action. One involving private 
rights, not a criminal proceeding. 

Civil Court. A court for the trial of 
civil actions. 

Civil Death. The legal status of a 
living person who has by law for- 
feited his civil rights, as a convict. 

Civil Law. The body of law of a state 
regulating the civil rights and rela- 
tions of citizens, as distinguished 
from military law. The whole sys- 
tem of Roman law. The body of 
private law developed from the 
Roman law. 

Civil Marriage. One performed by a 
civil officer, and not by a clergyman. 

Civil Rights Act. An act of Congress 
in 1875 providing for equal enjoy- 
ment by all persons, without regard 
to race, of hotels, public convey- 
ances, etc. 

Civil Rights Bill. A bill passed by 
Congress in 1866 securing equal civil 
and political rights to all citizens, 
irrespective of race and previous 
condition of slavery. 

Civil Service. That performed for a 
state, other than military, naval, 
legislative and judicial. 

Civil Service Act. An act of 1871 
under which the President has power 
to fix qualifications and rules for 
entering the civil service. 

Civil Service Commission. A com- 
mission of three members appointed 
by the President to control appoint- 
ments to the civil service. 

Claims, Court of. A court for the 
settlement of claims against the 
state. 

Clearance. A Custom House cer- 


COMMERCIAL AND LEGAL TERMS 


tificate that a ship has been 
cleared. 

Clearing. Entering a ship at the 
Custom House and obtaining per- 
mission to sail, and the necessary- 
legal papers. In banking, exchange 
of checks and settling balances. 

Clearing House. A banking ex- 
change for the convenience of daily 
settlements. Drafts and checks are 
exchanged without presentation at 
each of the banks represented and a 
balance is struck, which alone is 
paid in cash. 

Closed Shop. One in which non- 
union workers are not employed. 

C. O. D. Cash or collect on delivery; 
a method of payment for goods not 
paid for when purchased. 

Code. A systematized body of statute 
law, as the civil code, penal code. 
A system of signals or abbreviations. 

Collateral. Of the same ancestry but 
not in lineal descent. A grandson is 
of lineal, a nephew of collateral 
descent. 

Collateral Security, or Collateral. 
Pledges of stock, notes, or chattels, 
as security for payment of indebt- 
edness. 

Collector. One authorized to receive 
money for another. The chief officer 
of a Custom House. _ 

Commerce, The business of exchang- 
ing commodities. Mercantile busi- 
ness in general. In a restricted sense, 
the shipping belonging to a country. 

Commerce, Court of. A court es- 
tablished # in 1910 to adjudicate 
causes arising from the action of the 
Interstate Commerce Commission. 

Commercial Law. The body of law 
relating to commerce. 

Commercial Paper. Bills of ex- 
change, drafts, and notes given in the 
course of trades. 

Commission. A percentage given 
for the sale or purchase of goods, or 
for the transaction of business. The 
authority by which one person 
transacts business for another. The 
certificate conferring military or 
naval rank. A body of men author- 
ized to perform a certain work. 

Commission Broker. An agent who 
buys or sells on commission. 

Commissioner. One holding a com- 
mission. 

Commissioner of Deeds. An attor- 
ney or notary authorized to take 


acknowledgment and administer 
oaths. 

Commitment. Sending to prison. 
The court order directing the im- 
prisonment of a person. 

Common Carrier. One who, as a 
business, conveys goods or passen- 
gers. 

Common Law. The ordinary law of 
a community. Unwritten law, based 
upon the precedent of usage, as dis- 
tinguished from written or statute 
law. 

Common Law Marriage. One en- 
tered into by consent of a man and 
woman without civil or ecclesiastical 
sanction. 

Common Pleas, Court of . In some 
states, a court having jurisdiction in 
ordinary civil suits. 

Common Stock. Ordinary stock not 
participating in the special advan- 
tages of preferred stock. 

Company. An association in business. 
A joint stock concern. A term used 
in a firm name to designate other 
partners not specifically named. 

Competency. In law, fitness to be 
heard in court. Authority of a legal 
officer. 

Complaint. A formal statement of 
charges in a legal action. 

Composition Adjustment. Settle- 
ment of a debt by payment of a cer- 
tain percentage. 

Compound. To settle a claim by re- 
ceiving or paying only part of the 
amount. To undertake, for a con- 
sideration, not to prosecute an 
offender. 

Compound Interest. Interest on 
principal and accrued interest. 

Compromise. To agree upon a set- 
tlement based on mutual concessions. 

Condition Prece'dent. In law, a pro- 
vision to be fulfilled before an in- 
strument takes effect. 

Condition Subsequent. A provision 
contemplating the extinguishment 
of a right established in an instru- 
ment because of some possible future 
event. 

Consideration. Value received; an 
equivalent for the act of another. 

Consign. To send goods to another 
for sale or for his own use, or to be 
cared for. 

Consignee. One to whom goods are 
sent. 

Consignment. Goods sent to another- 


COMMERCIAL AND LEGAL TERMS 


Consignor. One who sends goods to 
another. 

Consols. The funded government 
securities of England. 

Constitution. A document embody- 
ing the principles and fundamental 
rules of a nation, state, or society. 

Constitutional Law. The body of 
law concerned with the interpreta- 
tion of constitutions. 

Consul. A government agent of one 
country residing in a city of a foreign 
country to guard trade interests and 
the rights of citizens of his country. 

Contempt of Court. Disobedience 
to the rules or orders of a court. 
Disrespect of court. 

Contra. [Lat.] On the opposite side. 

Contraband. Prohibited goods or 
merchandise. Smuggled. t 

Contraband of War. Articles which 
by international law may not be pro- 
vided to belligerents, as munitions 
or arms. 

Contract. An enforceable agreement. 
A bargain. 

Contractor. One who engages to do 
certain work or furnish goods at 
fixed rates. A public supply agent. 

Contributory Negligence. In law, 
such negligence on the part of one 
injured as to form part of the cause 
of injury. 

Conversion. In law, appropriation or 
unauthorized assumption of rights 
over another's property. The change 
from real to personal or personal to 
real property. 

Conveyance. Transference of prop- 
erty. The written instrument by 
which property is transferred. 

Cooperage. Charge for cooper's work 
on casks or barrels. 

Copartnership. The same as part- 
nership. 

Copyright. The right granted by 
government to an author to control 
the publication of his work. 

Corner. The buying up of a large 
quantity of a commodity to raise the 
price. 

Coroner. A municipal or county offi- 
cial charged with the investigation 
of deaths apparently due to violence. 

Corporation. A group of persons 
considered in law as a single individ- 
ual. 

Costs. Expenses of litigation imposed 
by the court, usually on the losing 
party to a suit. 


Counsel. A legal adviser in charge 
of the conduct of a case. 

Count. An individual complete charge 
in a pleading. 

Counter Claim. A claim introduced 
by the defendant as an offset to the 
claim of the plaintiff. 

Counter Entry. An entry in a con- 
trary sense. 

Counterfeit. A forgery. A spurious 
bank bill. 

County Court. A court having juris- 
diction within the limits of a county. 

Coupon. [Fr.] A certificate of in- 
terest attached to bonds or stock, 
to be detached when due. 

Course of Exchange. The sums paid 
by merchants for bills of exchange 
in order to make remittances to 
another country. 

Court Martial. A court of officers for 
the trial of military or naval offenses. 

Covenant. A promise contained in a 
sealed instrument. 

Coverture. The legal status of a 
married woman. 

Credentials. Testimonials giving au- 
thority. 

Credit (Cr.). Trust. The reputation 
for reliability in meeting obligations; 
financial standing. The time given 
for payment for purchases made on 
trust. In accounts, acknowledgment 
of value received or transferred, the 
opposite of debit. 

Creditor (Cr.). One to whom money 
or value is owed. One giving credit. 

Criminal Law. m The body of law re- 
lating to criminal cases, as opposed 
to Civil Law. 

The Curbstone (or Curb). A place 
where brokers who have not seats 
in the Stock Exchange transact their 
business in the open street. 

Curbstone Broker. A broker who is 
not a member of the regular Stock 
Exchange. 

Currency. The circulating medium 
of a country; that which passes for 
money. 

Current. Of money, circulating freely. 
Of accounts, now running. 

Curtesy. The estate of a husband in 
the lands of his deceased wife if a 
living child has been born to them. 

Custom House. A building where 
duties are paid and ships entered 
and cleared. 

Customs. Duties imposed on goods 
exported or imported. 


COMMERCIAL AND LEGAL TERMS 


Damages. Money compensation for 
injury received. 

Date. Day of the month and year. 

Day book. A book for recording daily 
transactions. 

Days of Grace. The time, usually 
three days, allowed for payment of 
notes or bills after the time specified 
has elapsed. 

Debase. To lessen in value; as, a 
debased coinage. 

Debenture. A Custom House certifi- 
cate entitling an exporter to a draw- 
back on duties paid. 

Debit (Dr.). To make debtor. The 
opposite of credit. A charge entered. 

Debtor (Dr.). One who owes; the 
opposite of creditor. 

Declaration. In law, the full state- 
ment of the plaintiff's claim. A 
statement accepted from a witness 
instead of an oath. 

Declare. To announce (a dividend). 
To make a statement of dutiable or 
taxable property. 

Decline. To decrease in value. 

Decree. A decision or judgment given 
by a court of equity, probate, divorce 
or admiralty. 

Deed. A sealed legal instrument, 
transferring property, usually land. 

De Facto. [Lat.]. In fact; actual. 

Defalcation. Misappropriation of 
money; embezzlement. 

Default. Failure to pay a debt. Fail- 
ure to appear in court when called. 
Judgment by default may be entered 
against a defendant who neglects to 
appear. 

Defeasance. A condition the fulfill- 
ment of which renders a contract 
void. 

Defendant. The one against whom a 
suit or action is made. 

Defense. The defendant's answer to 
the plaintiff's action. 

Deficiency Bill. A legislative act pro- 
viding funds to meet a deficiency. 

Deficit. [Lat.] A lack of funds to 
balance accounts. A falling short. 

De Jure. [Lat.] By right or legal 
title, as distinguished from de 
facto. 

Del Credere. [Ital.] An extra com- 
mission given an agent in considera- 
tion of his guaranteeing the solvency 
of those with whom he deals on 
credit. 


Delivery. The act of putting prop- 
erty legally in another's possession. 

De Lunatico Inquirendo. [Lat.] A 
writ providing for the investigation 
of the mental condition of one al- 
leged to be mentally unsound. 

Demand. Presentation of a claim for 
payment. 

Demise. To convey an estate in real 
property by will or lease. 

Denial. In law, the contradiction of 
the allegations of the opposing party. 

Demurrage. Detention of a vessel 
beyond the time allowed by a 
charter party. The payment made 
by the shipper for such detention. 

Demurrer. In law, a pleading which 
grants the truth of the facts alleged, 
but denies that they are sufficient, or 
alleges some defect. 

Deponent. One who makes oath as 
to the truth of a written statement. 

Deposit. To place in the care of an- 
other, especially to leave money 
with a bank subject to order. Pay- 
ment on account. 

Deposition. Testimony, especially 
in written form, under oath, to be 
used in place of oral testimony. 

Depot. A place of storage. A ware- 
house for goods, etc. . A railway sta- 
tion. 

Depreciate. To decrease in value. 

Derelict. Property, especially a ship 
or cargo, abandoned by the owner. 

Deteriorate. To decrease in value. 

Deviation. The voluntary departure 
without necessity of a ship from the 
regular course of the voyage insured. 

Devise. To grant by will, especially 
of real estate. 

Direct Evidence. Evidence which 
proves a fact directly, as the testi- 
mony of an eye-witness. 

Director. One of the managers of a 
company or corporation. 

Disability. Lack of qualification. 
Incapacity to perform a legal act. 

Disaffirmance. Canceling a voidable 
contract. 

Discharge. To execute or perform a 
duty. To pay a debt. To unload a 
ship. 

Discontinuance. The abandonment 
of a legal proceeding by the plaintiff 
or through his neglect. 

Discount. A deduction from or allow- 
ance on a price or account. Payment 
of interest in advance. Bank dis- 
count is the interest on the face of 


COMMERCIAL AND LEGAL TERMS 


a bill or note from the date of dis- 
count until maturity. True dis- 
count is the interest which added to 
the present worth equals the face 
value. 

Discount Broker. One who dis- 
counts commercial paper. 

Discount Day. The special day of 
the week appointed by a bank for 
discounting notes. 

Disfranchise. To deprive of citizen's 
rights. To dispossess a member of a 
corporation. 

Dishonor. Failure to pay a draft or 
obligation when due. 

Dissolution. Breaking up of a part- 
nership. 

Dissolve. In law, to discharge, re- 
lease, annul. 

Distrain. To levy a distress. 

Distress. The seizing of personal 
property to enforce payment of an 
obligation. 

District Court. A subordinate court 
with jurisdiction in special cases. 

Dividend. Proportional payment of 
profits to a stockholder. Payment 
to creditors out of a bankrupt 
estate. 

Divisible Contract. One in which 
certain _ agreements are valid and 
others invalid. 

Divorce. The legal separation of hus- 
band and wife. 

Dockage. Charges for the use of a 
dock. Docking facilities. 

Docket. A digest or abstract. A list 
of cases before a court. 

Domestic. Not foreign. Of home 
production. 

Domicile. A place of permanent and 
legal residence. 

Dormant. Suspended, not acted on, 
as a title. 

Double-Eagle, a twenty-dollar gold 
piece. 

Dower. The right of a widow to a 
life interest in one-third of all real 
estate owned by her husband at any 
time after marriage. 

Draft. An order to pay money. A 
rough copy. A deduction from gross 
weight. The number of feet a ship 
sinks in the water. 

Draw. To make a draft. To call for 
funds. 

Drawback. An allowance or return 
of money paid, especially of duties. 

Drawee. The one on whom a draft or 
bill is drawn. 


Drawer. The maker of a draft or bill 
of exchange. 

Drayage. Cartage. 

Drummer. A traveling salesman; 
commercial traveler. 

Dry Goods. Textile fabrics. 

Due. Owing. 

Due Bill. A written acknowledgment 
of debt, not negotiable. 

Dun. To press for payment. 

Dunnage. Loose material laid on the 
fopttom of a ship's hold or stowed be- 
tween barrels and cases to prevent 
injury to cargo. 

Duplicate. A copy. A second article 
of the same kind. In law, a repro- 
duction of an instrument having the 
validity of an original. 

Duress. Personal restraint, compul- 
sion, confinement. 

Duty. Government tax on exports or 
imports. 

E 

Eagle. A ten dollar gold piece. 

Earnest. A payment made by the 
buyer to bind a bargain. 

Easement. The right to the use of 
another's land. 

E. & O. E. Abbreviation for "Errors 
and Omissions Excepted." 

Effects. Personal property. 

Ejectment. Dispossession, eviction. 
An action to recover possession of 
real property. 

Emancipation Proclamation. The 
proclamation issued on Jan. 1, 1863, 
by President Lincoln declaring the 
freedom of slaves within the terri- 
tory in rebellion. 

Embargo. An order of a government 
forbidding ships to enter or leave its 
ports. 

Embezzle. To appropriate fraudu- 
lently money entrusted to one's 
care. 

Emblements. Growing crops which 
have been sown or planted, and their 
profits. 

Eminent Domain. The right of a 
government to take private prop- 
erty for public use, with compen- 
sation to the owner. 

Employer's Liability Insurance. 
Insurance against loss caused by in- 
jury to an employee. 

Emporium. A place of trade, com- 
mercial centre. 

Enabling Act. A statute making law- 
ful an act otherwise not lawful. 


COMMERCIAL AND LEGAL TERMS 


Enact. To make valid as a law. 

Endorse, Indorse. To sign one's 
name on the back of a commercial 
or legal paper for the purpose of 
certifying, guaranteeing, or trans- 
ferring. 

Endorsee. One in whose favor en- 
dorsement is made. 

Endorsement in Blank. See Blank 
Endorsement. 

Endorsement in Full. See Full En- 
dorsement. 

Endowment. Property or funds set- 
tled on an institution for its support. 

Endowment Insurance. A form of 
life insurance under which a fixed 
sum is paid after a specified term. 

Engross. To copy in manuscript. 

Engrosser. One who obtains con- 
trol of the market in a commodity 
by purchasing the whole or a large 
part of the supply. 

Enjoin. To forbid by judicial order. 

Entail. To limit the succession of real 
property to certain descendants. 

Entire Contract. One under which 
all the agreements must be per- 
formed to fulfill the contract. 

Entrepot. A place where goods in 
transit are deposited without paying 
duty. 

Entry. Making a record. An item. 
Taking legal possession of real prop- 
erty. Entering feloniously, which, 
with breaking, constitutes burglary. 
Depositing a ship's papers with the 
Custom House. 

Equitable Estate. Interest in prop- 
erty legally held by trustees. 

Equity. A branch of jurisprudence, 
supplementing the common law. 
The interest retained by a mortgagor 
in property mortgaged by him. An 
equitable right. 

Equity of Redemption. The right 
of a mortgagor to redeem forfeited 
property within a given time. 

Escheat. The lapsing of lands to the 
state in default of legal heirs. 

Escrow. A deed or bond given to a 
third person to be delivered to the 
grantee when a certain condition 
has been fulfilled. 

Estate. An interest in property. 

Estoppel. A rule of law barring the 
assertion of a fact or the performance 
of an act inconsistent with previous 
acts or declarations. 

Evict. To eject legally. 

Evidence. Testimony submitted in a 


legal investigation and accepted as a 
proper means of ascertaining a 
fact. 

Examiner. A Custom House officer 
who compares goods with invoices. 

Exchange. The process of remitting 
money values by means of bills and 
drafts. The discount or premium 
arising from the purchase or sale of 
different classes of values. A place 
where merchants meet to transact 
business. 

Exchange Broker. One who deals in 
bills of exchange. 

Exchequer. A treasury. Finances. 

Excise. Internal revenue tax. 

Execution. Finishing. Signing and 
sealing a legal instrument. A writ- 
ten direction given to an officer 
authorizing him to enforce a judg- 
ment. 

Executor, fern. Executrix. A person 
appointed in a will to carry out its 
provisions. 

Executory. To be performed in the 
future. 

Exhibit. A voucher or document pre- 
sented in court and marked to be 
used as evidence. 

Ex parte. [Lat.] In legal proceedings, 
on one side only. In the absence of 
one party, or without his knowledge. 

Export. To send goods abroad in the 
course of trade. 

Exports. Goods exported. 

Ex post facto. [Lat.] Retroactive. 
An ex post facto law is one which 
makes criminal an act performed 
previously and which was innocent 
when performed. In the United 
States such laws are unconstitu- 
tional. 

Express. Definitely stated; not im- 
plied. 

Express. The business of transport- 
ing goods and money by a common 
carrier with greater care and rapidity 
than by freight. 

Extension. A further allowance of 
time given by a creditor to a debtor 
for payment. 

Extradition. The delivery by one 
government or authority of a per- 
son accused of crime to another hav- 
ing jurisdiction over him. 


Face. The amount for which a note 

is drawn. 
Fac-simile. [Lat.] An exact copy. 


COMMERCIAL AND LEGAL TERMS 


Fact, Question of. In law, a ques- 
tion of the reality of any occurrence 
or condition, usually left to the jury, 
in distinction to questions of law, 
decided by the court. 

Factor. A mercantile agent; a com- 
mission merchant; a consignee. 

Factorage. The commission of a 
factor. 

Facture. An invoice or bill of goods. 

Fail. To become bankrupt; to sus- 
pend payment. 

Fall. Decrease in value. 

False Imprisonment. Interference 
with personal liberty contrary to 
law. 

False Pretenses. Misstatements in 
regard to past facts made with intent 
to defraud. 

Fancy Goods. Light fabrics, ribbons, 
laces, etc. 

Farthing. The fourth part of an 
English penny, worth half a cent. 

Fee. An estate in the inheritance of 
land. A charge legally fixed for the 
services of a public official. Charge 
of a professional man. 

Fee Simple. Absolute ownership of 
real estate. 

Fee Tail. An estate in land limited 
to specified heirs. 

Felony. An offense graver than a mis- 
demeanor, as burglary, homicide, 
rape, etc. 

Fidelity Insurance. Insurance 
against loss by the dishonesty of 
an employee. 

Fiduciary. Holding in trust. A 
trustee. 

File. A collection of papers arranged 
in an orderly manner. To deliver 
any paper to a legal officer. To 
place on file. 

Finance. Funds. Public money. 
Revenue. 

Financier. One skilled in money 
matters. 

Fire Insurance. Insurance of fire 
risks. 

Firm. The title under which two or 
more persons carry on business. A 
partnership. 

First Mortgage. The first of two or 
more mortgages on the same prop- 
erty, constituting a lien that must 
be satisfied before a second mort- 
gage is. 

Fiscal. Pertaining to the public 
treasury or revenue, or to finances 
in general. The fiscal year is the 


year by which accounts are reck- 
oned. 

Five-Forties. United States Bonds, 
issued during the Civil War, re- 
deemable at any time after five years, 
payable at not more than forty 
years after date, bearing 6 per cent, 
interest. 

Five- Twenties. United States Bonds, 
redeemable any time after five years, 
payable twenty years from date, 
bearing 6 per cent, interest. 

Fixture. Anything of an accessory 
nature annexed to real estate. Any- 
thing forming a legal part of real 
estate. 

Flat. Inactive; depressed; dull. 

Flat Value. Value without interest or 
discount. 

Floating Debt. An unfunded debt. 

Flotsam. Wreckage or goods found 
floating on the sea. 

F. O. B. "Free on board"; delivered 
free to a carrier, but not including 
transportation and shipping charges. 

Folio. A page number. In book- 
keeping, a page of an account book. 
An established number of words, in 
the United States generally 100, 
taken as a unit of measurement or 
reference. 

Footing. The amount of a column of 
figures. 

Force majeure. [Fr.] Superior force. 
An inevitable accident. 

Forced Sale. A compulsory fore- 
closure or sale of property. 

Foreclose. To take possession of 
property under the conditions of a 
mortgage. 

Foreclosure. The act of foreclosing. 

Foreign Bill. A bill of exchange 
drawn in one country and payable 
in another. 

Forfeiture. Loss of property, etc., as 
a punishment for negligence or an 
unlawful act. 

Forge. To imitate, counterfeit, or 
fraudulently fabricate, especially a 
signature or writing. 

Forwarder. One who transmits or 
forwards goods. 

Fractional. Of an amount smaller 
than the unit. 

Fractional Currency. Coin or paper 
money worth less than the monetary 
unit. 

Franc. The French monetary unit, 
containing 100 centimes; value 19.3 
cents. 


COMMERCIAL AND LEGAL TERMS 


Franchise. A statutory right. A 
right or privilege enforced by gov- 
ernment grant. 

Franking. The privilege of sending 
letters free of charge. 

Fraud. In law, any intentional de- 
ception or concealment by which 
another is legally damaged. 

Free Goods. Goods admitted without 
an import tax. 

Freehold. An estate of inheritance or 
life estate in real property. 

Free Port. A port where ships may 
load and unload free from duties, 
or where the duties are the same for 
all nations. 

Free Trade. Trade not restricted by 
tariff duties or regulations. 

Freight. Payment for transportation 
of goods or hire of a ship; the goods 
carried. 

Full Endorsement. One which speci- 
fies the person to whom payment 
is to be made. 

Fund. To make a short time-loan or 
several loans into a permanent loan 
bearing interest. 

Fundible. Interchangeable. That 
may be substituted for equal a- 
mounts of another thing, as money, 
grain, etc. 

Funds. Ready money; resources. 
Public securities. 


Garble. Dust, filth, or refuse removed 
from spices, drugs, etc. 

Garnishee. One on whom a writ of 
garnishment is served. 

Garnishment. A legal notice at- 
taching the property of one person 
in the hands of another. 

Gauge (gaj) . To measure the capacity 
or contents of a cask; a measure 
or standard. 

General Agent. One whose powers 
are defined by the general nature of 
his business. 

General Average. See Average. 

General Court. In Massachusetts 
and New Hampshire, the legisla- 
ture. 

General Delivery. Delivery of mail 
at a post-office when called for. 

General Endorsement. Blank En- 
dorsement. 

General Order Store. A place of 
storage for foreign goods not de- 


livered to a consignee within a 
specified time. 

General Ship. A vessel carrying 
freight on a particular voyage for 
any one who may apply. 

Good Consideration. One involving 
only natural love or affection, as 
opposed to valuable consideration. 

Goods. Merchandise. Movable prop- 
erty. 

Good Will. The reputation and pat- 
ronage of an established business. 

Grace. See Days of Grace. 

Grain. The collective name for 
cereals. 

Grand Jury. A body of citizens sum- 
moned to inquire into violations of 
law and to determine whether the 
evidence is sufficient to warrant an 
indictment. 

Grant. A written conveyance of prop- 
erty. The land or other value so 
conveyed. 

Grantee. One to whom a grant is 
made. 

Grantor. One who makes a grant. 

Great Gross. Twelve gross; 1,728 
articles. 

Greenbacks. Non - interest - bearing 
United States notes, as distinct from 
national bank notes. 

Gross. Total, entire, without de- 
ductions, as opposed to net. Twelve 
dozen. 

Gross Profit. The gross receipts after 
deducting expenses of manufacture 
or purchase. 

Gross Ton. 2,240 pounds. 

Gross Weight. The weight of mer- 
chandise including case or wrapping. 

Guarantee. To become responsible 
for, to answer for. A security. The 
one to whom a guaranty is made. 

Guarantor. One who makes a guar- 
anty. 

Guaranty. Security. Surety. An 
undertaking for the payment of 
money to another or for the fulfill- 
ment of a contract. 

Guardian. One who has by nature or 
by legal appointment the custody 
of the person or property of another 
who is actually or legally incom- 
petent to act for himself, as a minor 
or insane person. 

Gunny Bag. A coarse jute sack used 
for coffee, etc. 


COMMERCIAL AND LEGAL TERMS 


Habeas Corpus. [Lat.] A writ call- 
ing for the production of a person in 
court, particularly for the purpose of 
inquiring into the lawfulness of im- 
prisonment. 

Habendum. [Lat.] The clause in a 
deed defining the grantee's estate in 
the property granted. 

Hague Tribunal. A court of arbitra- 
tion for the settlement of inter- 
national disputes established at The 
Hague in 1899. 

Harbor Dues. Charges made for use 
of a harbor. 

Harbor Master. An officer respon- 
sible for the execution of harbor 
regulations. 

Health Insurance. Insurance in- 
demnifying the insured for loss by 
sickness. 

Hogshead. A large cask, of variable 
capacity. 

Hold. To be in possession of. 

Holder. One in possession of a note or 
bill. 

Holding Company. One holding 
securities of other companies. 

Holdings. Any kind of property 
owned, but particularly stocks and 
bonds. 

Hollow Ware. The trade name for 
hollow metal or china vessels. 

Homestead. Real estate occupied by 
the owner as a home. 

Homestead Act. An act of 1862 un- 
der which a settler may occupy not 
more than 160 acres of public land 
and acquire title in five years upon 
the fulfillment of certain condi- 
tions. 

Homestead Law. A state law ex- 
empting the whole or a portion of a 
homestead from seizure for debt. 

Homicide. The killing of a human 
being. Felonious homicide embraces 
murder and manslaughter; justifiable 
and excusable homicide include kill- 
ing in defense of life, by accident, or 
from necessity. 

Honor. To accept or pay a note, 
draft, or bill. 

Husbandage. The compensation of a 
ship's husband. 

Hypothecate. To pledge as security 
without transfer of title. 


Immovables. Land, houses, and fix- 
tures; real estate. 

Impanel. To select a body of persons 
to serve as jurors. 

Implied. Inferred, not expressed. 

Import. To bring in merchandise 
from another country, especially in 
the course of trade. 

Importer. One who imports goods. 

Imports. Goods brought from a for- 
eign country. 

Impost. The government tax on 
imports. To classify imports for 
the purpose of assigning the duty. 

Inchoate. Incomplete. 

Income. Total amount of receipts 
from all sources; yearly gains. 

Income Tax. _ A tax on the whole in- 
come of individuals or corporations, 
or on the portion in excess of a cer- 
tain amount. 

Incompetent. Not legally qualified. 

Incorporate. To form into a corpora- 
tion. 

Indemnify. To make good a loss; to 
secure against damages. 

Indemnity. Exemption from loss; 
immunity from punishment; free- 
dom; compensation for loss or 
damages. 

Indenture. A mutual agreement or 
contract between two or more 
parties. An official document. 

Index. An alphabetical list of titles 
or accounts. 

Indictment. The formal accusation 
of a criminal offense made by a 
grand jury. 

Indorse. See Endorse, etc. 

Indulgence. Extension of time for 
payment or performance of an act 
granted as a favor. 

Infant. One not of full age; a minor. 

Information. A criminal charge 
made usually by a prosecuting offi- 
cer, not by a grand jury. 

Infringe. To trespass upon, violate, 
make unlawful use of. 

Injunction. The act of enjoining. 
A writ or process requiring a person 
to do, or restraining him from doing, 
a specified act. 

Inland Bill. One drawn on a person 
in the same state or country. 

Inquest. A judicial inquiry, par- 
ticularly one made by a jury, as a 
coroner's inquest. 

Inquiry, Court of. A court for the 


COMMERCIAL AND LEGAL TERMS 


investigation of charges against 
officers or privates of the army. 

Inquisition. An inquiry made before 
a jury to ascertain facts or fix re- 
sponsibility. 

In re. [Lat.] In the matter of. 

Insolvent. Unable to pay outstand- 
ing liabilities; bankrupt. 

Installment. A part payment of a 
sum divided into portions. A part 
delivery of goods. 

Instant (Inst.). Of the present 
month, as, the 12th inst. 

In statu quo. [Lat.] In the same 
state (as before). 

Instrument. A legal document ex- 
pressing some act, as a deed or con- 
tract. 

Insurable Interest. An interest in 
the thing insured which would suffer 
damage if the event insured against 
should occur. 

Insurance (Ins.). A contract in 
which one party agrees to pay a 
specified sum on the death of the 
insured, or to indemnify him for loss 
by fire, marine risks, or other 
causes. 

Insurance Broker. One who secures 
insurance for another. 

Interest (Int.). A rate per cent, of 
money paid for the use of money; a 
right or share in the ownership of a 
thing. 

Interest Account. In bookkeeping, 
an account of sums paid and received 
as interest. 

Interlocutory. Intermediate, pre- 
liminary, not final, as an interlocu- 
tory decree. 

Internal Revenue. Government rev- 
enue derived from domestic 
sources. 

International Code. A code of sig- 
nals by means of 26 flags and a 
pennant adopted in 1902 for com- 
munication between vessels at 
sea. 

International Law. The system of 
laws governing the relations of na- 
tions. 

International Peace Conference. 
A conference held in 1899 at The 
Hague, resulting in the establish- 
ment of the Hague Tribunal. 

Interstate Commerce Act. An act 
of Congress passed on Feb. 4, 1887, 
for the regulation of commerce car- 
ried on by railroads between differ- 
ent states. 


Interstate Commerce Commission. 

A commission of seven members ap- 
pointed by the President, empowered 
to call for information from carriers, 
to fix rates, and to prosecute for vio- 
lations of the law. 

Intestate. Not having made a valid 
will; not disposed of by a valid will. 
One who dies without a will. 

In Transitu (In trans.). [Lat.] In 
transit; on the road. 

Invalid. Without legal force. 

Inventory. A schedule of goods or 
assets with values. An itemized 
enumeration of articles; annual ac- 
count of stock. 

Investment. The placing of money 
in business or securities for the pur- 
pose of obtaining profit. 

Invoice (Inv.). An account of mer- 
chandise shipped to a consignee with 
prices and charges. The merchan- 
dise so sent. 

Invoice Book. A book for entering 
copies of invoices. 

Involuntary Bankrupt. One who 
has been adjudged bankrupt on the 
petition of his creditors. 

Involved. Embarrassed by debt. 

I. O. U. (I owe you). An acknowl- 
edgment of indebtedness. 

Irrelevant. In law, without bearing 
on the question. 

Issue. The first delivery of a negoti- 
able instrument. The quantity sent 
forth. A legal point to be decided. 
Offspring, descendant. 


J/A. Joint account. 

Jetsam. Goods thrown into the sea 
to^lighten a vessel in distress. 

Jettison. Throwing goods overboard 
to save a vessel in distress. 

Jobber. A wholesaler who buys from 
importers or manufacturers and sells 
to retailers; a middleman. 

Job- lot. An odd assortment of left 
over goods. 

Joint. Shared by two or more per- 
sons, as a joint account, joint note, 
joint estate. 

Joint Stock. That held in company; 
stock formed by the union of several 
companies. 

Joint Stock Company. A form of 
partnership under which each share- 
holder may transfer his stock with- 
out the consent of the others. 


COMMERCIAL AND LEGAL TERMS 


Joint Tenant. One who has unity 
of possession, title, or interest with 
others. The survivor takes the 
whole. 

Journal. A book intermediate be- 
tween Day-Book and Ledger, con- 
taining a condensed statement of 
daily accounts. 

Judgment. A judicial decree or de- 
cision. 

Judgment Debtor. A debtor against 
whom a judgment has been ob- 
tained. 

Judgment Note. One on which the 
holder is empowered to enter judg- 
ment without notification to the 
maker. 

Jurat. A certificate added to an affi- 
davit stating when and before whom 
it was acknowledged. 

Jurisdiction. Power to exercise judi- 
cial authority. 

Jury. A body of men sworn to try a 
question of fact and render a ver- 
dict. 


Lame Duck. Stock-brokers' slang 
for one unable to meet his liabilities. 

Landlord. One who leases land or 
buildings to a tenant. 

Law Merchant. The body of rules 
and principles relating to commer- 
cial usages. Commercial law. 

Lay Days. Days allowed in a charter- 
party for unloading and loading a 
vessel. 

Lay Down. The total cost of mer- 
chandise, including charges and 
freight to place of shipment. 

Leakage. A percentage allowance for 
waste by leaking of casks. 

Lease. An agreement for letting lands 
or other property for a specified term 
or at will. 

Legacy. A gift of property by will. 
A bequest. 

Legal Tender. Currency or coin 
authorized by a government for 
payment of debts. 

Legal Tender Bond. A bond payable 
in any kind of legal tender. 

Legatee. One to whom a legacy is 
bequeathed. 

Lessee. One to whom a lease is made. 

Lessor. One who makes a lease. 

Letter of Advice. A letter giving 
notice of a business transaction. 

Letter of Credit (L/C). A letter, 


usually addressed to foreign bank- 
ing houses, authorizing the holder 
to receive credit to a certain amount. 

Letter of License. A writing by 
which creditors extend the period for 
payment of a debtor's obligations. 

Letter of Marque. A commission 
given by a government to a private 
vessel to seize ships and property of 
the enemy. 

Letters of Administration. The 
authority under which an adminis- 
trator acts. 

Letters Patent. An instrument 
granting power and authority to do 
some act or enjoy some right. 

Letters Testamentary. An instru- 
ment authorizing a person to act as 
executor of an estate. 

Levy. To collect, exact, or impose. 
To seize by legal authority. Legal 
seizure of property to satisfy an 
execution. 

Levy Court. In some states a board 
of officers corresponding to county 
commissioners, supervisors, etc. 

Liability. Debts; pecuniary obliga- 
tions. 

Libel. The unjustified publication of 
a derogatory or defamatory state- 
ment or representation concerning 
another. The plaintiff's statement 
in writing of his cause of complaint. 

License. A formal permission to 
carry on a trade or perform an act. 

Lien. The right to hold or detain 
another's property to secure pay- 
ment of a debt. A legal charge on 
property. 

Life Estate. An estate continuing 
only for the term of the holder's life. 

Life Insurance. Insurance against 
loss by the death of another. 

Lighterage. Payment for unloading 
ships by lighters. 

Limitation. See Statute of Limita- 
tions. 

Limited Liability Company. One 
in which each stockholder's liability 
is limited to the amount of his stock 
or to a guaranteed amount. 

Liquidation. Legal determination 
of claims. Settlement or adjustment 
of liabilities. 

List Price. The published price. 

Litigation. Carrying on a judicial 
contest. A suit at law. 

Lloyds'. A corporation of English 
marine underwriters, so named from 
its former meeting place, Lloyds' 


COMMERCIAL AND LEGAL TERMS 


Coffee House in London. The com- 
pany possesses complete records of 
everything pertaining to marine 
matters. To rate on Lloyds' books 
as Al is accepted as conclusive 
evidence of excellence. 

Lloyds' Register. A yearly register 
of tonnage, age. build, character, 
and condition 61 ships of over 200 
tons, issued by the Lloyds. 

Loan. Property especially furnished 
for temporary use. 

Loan Office. An office where loans 
are negotiated. 

Log Book or Log. A book in which 
the daily progress of a vessel, weather 
notes, and all incidents are re- 
corded. 

Long. Having a supply of. Expect- 
ing an advance in the market. 

Long Price. The full retail price with- 
out discounts. 

Longshoremen. Laborers who load 
and unload vessels. 

L. S. [Lat., locus sigilli], the place of 


M 

Maintenance. Intermeddling in a 
suit between other persons, and as- 
sisting either party with means to 
carry on the suit. See Champerty. 

Maker. The signer of a note. 

Majority. The age at which a person 
is permitted to exercise the rights of 
citizenship, usually twenty-one years. 

Malfeasance. The doing of an illegal 
or wrongful act. See Misfeasance. 

Malice. The state of intending to 
commit an illegal act. 

Malice Aforethought or Prepense. 
The state of intending to commit an 
illegal act without a justifying or 
extenuating cause. 

Malicious Mischief. Injury done to 
another's property wantonly or from 
malice. 

Malicious Prosecution. A prosecu- 
tion undertaken maliciously, without 
probable cause. An action for dam- 
ages by the person so prosecuted. 

Mandamus. [Lat.] A writ issued by 
a superior to an inferior court, or to 
a person, commanding the perform- 
ance of some act. 

Manifest. A schedule or invoice of a 
ship's cargo and passengers. 

Manslaughter. The unlawful kill- 
ing, without previous malice, of a 


human being, done intentionally un- 
der stress of passion (voluntary 
manslaughter), or unintentionally 
in the commission of an unlawful act 
or through negligence (involuntary 
manslaughter). 

Manufactures. Articles made from 
raw materials by some process, usu- 
ally by machinery. 

Marine Insurance. Insurance against 
loss of vessels and cargo. 

Mark. A letter, figure, or device by 
which goods and prices are dis- 
tinguished. 

Market. A public place of sale for 
commodities. A body of persons 
dealing in values, or in readiness to 
deal at a certain price. On the 
market for sale. 

Maturity. The date fixed for pay- 
ment of commercial paper. Be- 
coming due. 

Maximum. The highest price or 
quantity. 

Measurement Goods. Goods of 
large bulk and small weight on which 
freight is charged by measurement. 

Memorandum. An informal note, 
statement, or communication. A 
brief legal instrument. 

Mercantile Agency. A commercial 
agency. A concern which procures 
and furnishes information as to the 
financial standing and credit of busi- 
ness firms. 

Mercantile Paper. Negotiable notes 
or bills issued by merchants for 
goods bought or consigned. 

Merchandise. All goods dealt in by 
merchants. 

Merchant. One who buys and sells 
commodities; generally applied to 
wholesalers or large dealers. 

Merchantable. Fit for market; in 
sound condition. 

Merger. Absorption of a smaller by 
a greater estate, obligation, or of- 
fence. The control of a number of 
corporations by a single corporation 
through the issue of stock of the 
controlling corporation in lieu of a 
majority of stock of the corporations 
merged. 

Metric System. A decimal system 
of weights and measures, first estab- 
lished in France; now required in 
Europe, and permitted in English- 
speaking countries. 

Minimum. Lowest price. Least 
quantity possible. 


COMMERCIAL AND LEGAL TERMS 


Minor. Same as Infant. 

Mint. A place for coining money, 
usually under government authority. 

Misdemeanor. An indictable offence 
of a lower degree than felony. 

Misfeasance. The doing of a lawful 
act or exercise of lawful authority 
in an unlawful manner. 

Misrepresentation. A false state- 
ment knowingly made by a party 
to a contract. 

Misuser. The abuse or unlawful use 
of a right. 

Mitigation. Reduction of a penalty 
or fine; that which in part excuses. 

Mittimus. [Lat.] A warrant com- 
mitting a person to prison. 

Mixed Fabrics. Those composed of 
more than one kind of fibre, as wool 
and cotton. 

Money. The measure of value and 
medium of exchange; especially 
metal coined by a government. 
Bank notes and checks. 

Money Broker. A money changer. 
One who deals in loans. 

Money Market. The general market 
for capital. The exchange of differ- 
ent kinds of currency. 

Money Order. An order, not trans- 
ferable, requesting one person to 
pay money to another. A post- 
office order. 

Monopoly. The exclusive power of 
dealing in certain classes of goods. 
Exclusive control. 

Moot Court. A mock court, for 
practice in legal procedure. 

Moral Hazard. In fire insurance, the 
risk involved in the honesty or dis- 
honesty of the person insured. 

Mortgage. A conditional conveyance 
of property, to become void upon 
fulfillment of the condition. 

Mortgage Deed. A deed of the nature 
of a mortgage. 

Mortgagee. One to whom property 
is mortgaged. 

Mortgagor. One who gives a mort- 
gage. 

Mortuary Tables. In life insurance, 
tabulations of the average length of 
life, for the determination of the 
amounts of premiums. 

Movables. Personal property. Prop- 
erty not fixed. 

Municipal Court. A court having 
civil or criminal jurisdiction within 
the limits of a municipality. 

Municipal Law. The body of laws 
42 


regulating the relations of a state 
with those under its jurisdiction, 
and of its members among them- 
selves. 

Murder. Intentional killing of an- 
other by a sane person with malice 
aforethought. 

Mutual Insurance. That in which 
policy holders form the insuring 
company. 

N 

National Banks. _ Banks organized 
under the conditions of an Act of 
Congress with power to issue bank 
notes only to the amount of United 
States Bonds deposited in the United 
States Treasury. 

National Debt. The debt, especially 
the funded debt, of a nation to indi- 
viduals. 

Natural Guardian. A guardian by 
right of relationship. 

Natural Rights. Rights belonging 
to a person by the law of nature, as 
the right to life, liberty, and prop- 
erty. 

Naturalization. The act of confer- 
ring the rights of citizenship on an 
alien. 

Negotiable Paper. Commercial pa- 
per which may be transferred by 
endorsement or delivery. 

Negotiate. To confer with a view of 
agreeing upon a transaction. 

Net. Clear of all charges and deduc- 
tions. To gain as clear profit. 

Net Proceeds. The proceeds of a sale 
or business after deduction of all 
expenses. 

Net Profit. Clear Profit, after deduct- 
ing losses and all incidental charges. 

Net Weight. The weight of mer- 
chandise without the container. 

Nisi. [Lat.] Unless. A decree nisi 
becomes effective at a specified time 
unless modified. 

Nisi Prius. [Lat.] Unless before. A 
phrase applied to a trial of a civil 
action before a judge and jury. 

Nolle Prosequi. [Lat.] To be un- 
willing to prosecute. A declaration 
by the plaintiff or, in criminal cases, 
by the prosecutor, that he will not 
prosecute the case or some part of it. 

Nolo Contendere. [Lat.] I will not 
contend. A plea in criminal law 
subjecting the defendant to the pun- 
ishment without admitting the truth 


COMMERCIAL AND LEGAL TERMS 


of the charge. Usually Non Vult 
when the plea is entered by counsel. 

Nominal. In name only; very small; 
as, a nominal price. 

Nominal Damages. Damages given 
when no actual loss has resulted from 
the violation of a right. 

Non-delivery. Failure to deliver. 

Non-disclosure. Suppression of a 
material known fact. 

Non-feasance. Failure to do what 
ought to be done. 

Non- suit. A judgment against a 
plaintiff who fails to establish his 
suit. 

Non- user. Failure to use a right or 
privilege. 

Non Vult. See Nolo Contendere. 

Notary, or Notary Public. A public 
officer, appointed by the governor 
of the state, who attests or certifies 
to acknowledgment of deeds and 
other papers, takes affidavits, pro- 
tests notes and bills, etc. 

Notarial. Of or done by a notary 
public. 

Note. A written undertaking to pay 
(promissory note, note of hand). A 
bank note. 

Note Book. A book in which notes of 
hand are recorded. 

Notice of Protest. A notice given 
by the holder to the drawer or en- 
dorser of a note that the notice has 
been protested for non-payment or 
non-acceptance. 

Nuisance. Anything that legally 
damages a person by disturbing him 
in the enjoyment of his property or 
rights. 


policy which covers varying risks, 
each object insured being endorsee! 
on the policy as the shipments are 
made. 

Open Shop. One in which no dis- 
crimination is made between union 
and non-union workers. 

Option. The privilege of demanding 
fulfillment of a contract within a 
specified time, at a given price. 

Oral. Spoken, not written. 

Order. Any command of a court. A 
commission to buy, selL or deliver 
goods or pay money. On commer- 
cial paper, the direction by which 
the person to whom payment is to 
be made is indicated. 

Order Book. One in which orders re- 
ceived are entered. 

Ordinance. A law or regulation 
enacted by a public, especially by a 
local, authority. 

Organic Law. The legal principles 
or system forming the basis of a 
state. A written constitution. 

Orphans 9 Court. In Delaware, Penn- 
sylvania, New Jersey and Maryland 
the title of the courts of probate. 

Outlawed Debt. One which has run 
beyond the time when the law will 
enforce its payment. 

Outstanding. Of accounts, not yet 
collected. 

Overdraw. To draw more money 
than is on deposit to one's credit. 

Overdue. More than due, and unpaid. 

Overt Act. An open act manifesting 
intention. 

Oyer and Terminer. [Old Fr.] Hear 
and determine. The title of criminal 
courts in several states. 


Oath. An affirmation appealing to 
God for the truth of the statement 
or promise. 

Obligation. A binding engagement. 
A bond with condition annexed. 
Acknowledgment of a liability. 

Offer. Putting forward for sale. 

O. K. All correct. 

On Sale. On the market ; to be sold. 

Open Account. An unsettled run- 
ning account on a merchant's books. 

Opening. The display of a new stock 
of goods for sale. 

Open Policy. A policy in which the 
value of the object is not fixed and 
must be proved by the insurer in 
case of loss. In marine insurance, a 


Package (Pkg.). A bundle, parcel, 
bale, box, crate, cask, etc., of goods. 

Panel. The list of persons summoned 
for jury duty. The persons so sum- 
moned. 

Panic. A financial crisis caused by ap- 
prehension and producing monetary 
pressure. 

Paper. A document. A writing show- 
ing authorization or identity. Nego- 
tiable evidence of indebtedness. 

Paper Money. Bills of banks or a 
government passing current as 
money. 

Par. Equality of Value. The nominal 


COMMERCIAL AND LEGAL TERMS 


or face value, without premium or 
discount. The fixed value of the 
unit of one country's coinage ex- 
pressed in that of another's. 

Paramount. Superior; that will pre- 
vail in law. 

Parol. Oral. Executed by writing 
not under seal. 

Partner. An associate in business; 
member of a partnership. 

Partnership. The joining of two or 
more persons into one firm for the 
purpose of carrying on any business 
or enterprise. 

Part Owner. One of several owners 
in common. 

Party. One sharing or interested in a 
matter. The plaintiff and the de- 
fendant in a law suit. 

Party Wall. A dividing wall common 
to two adjoining properties. 

Pass Book. A customer's book in 
which entries of purchases are made. 
A bank book showing deposits and 
withdrawals. 

Passport. A formal permission from 
a government to travel, with identi- 
fication and certificate of nationality. 

Patent. A government license, _ se- 
curing to an inventor the sole right 
to manufacture an article for a term 
of years. The invention so pro- 
tected. 

Pawn. A pledge of chattels or money 
delivered as security for the payment 
of money. 

Pawnbroker. One who as a business 
lends money at interest on security 
of personal property deposited with 
him. 

Payable. To be paid. That may be 
paid. Due. 

Payee. The person in whose favor a 
note, bill, or draft is drawn. 

Penalty. Punishment for a legal of- 
fence. The sum to be forfeited for 
non-performance of an agreement. 

Per. [Lat.] By. 

Per Annum. [Lat.] By the year. 

Per Cent. (%). [Lat.] By the hun- 
dred; especially of rate of interest, 
discount, etc. 

Per Centage. [Lat.] A rate per cent. 
A part. A commission. 

Per Contra. [Lat.] To the opposite 
side of an account. 

Peremptory Challenge. One made 
without the assignment of reasons. 

Perils of the Sea. In insurance, risks 
arising from navigation. 


Perjury. A wilfully false statement 
made under oath, especially in a 
judicial proceeding and in relation 
to a matter material to the point in 
question. 

Permit. A written license or per- 
mission given by a proper authority 
to perform a certain act. 

Personal Property. All property ex- 
cept real estate. 

Petit Jury. A jury of twelve for the 
decision of questions of fact in a 
cause before the court. 

Petition. A written application to a 
court for an order. 

Petty Cash. Money received or ex- 
pended in small amounts. 

Piracy. An act of depredation or rob- 
bery committed on the high seas. 
The unlawful reproduction of the 
production of another. 

Plaintiff. One who brings a personal 
action against another. 

Plea. A lawsuit. The statement of a 
cause. A defendant's answer to a 
charge. 

Pleadings. The statements by which 
the parties to a suit present their 
claims and defense. 

Pledge. A bailment of personal prop- 
erty to secure the performance of an 
agreement. 

Police Court. A court for the trial of 
minor offences against order. 

Policy. The instrument by which the 
contract of insurance is made. 

Poor Debtor. One who may obtain 
exemption from imprisonment by 
taking the Poor Debtor's oath of 
poverty. 

Port. A harbor for vessels. A com- 
mercial city. 

Port of Call. A customary stopping 
place of vessels for repairs, to take 
on coal, transship cargo, etc. 

Port of Discharge. In insurance, a 
port where a vessel without necessity 
discharges her cargo or a portion of 
it. 

Port of Entry. A place designated for 
the entry of imports. A port of entry 
may be an inland locality. 

Post. [Lat.] To transfer from day- 
book or journal to ledger. To com- 
plete the record. 

Post-date. To date after the actual 
time. 

Post Mortem. [Lat.] An examina- 
tion of a body made after death. 

Post Obit. A promise to pay effective 


COMMERCIAL AND LEGAL TERMS 


after the death of some person, espe- 
cially to repay a loan out of a rever- 
sion. 

Power of Attorney. A written in- 
strument giving one person authority 
to act for another. 

Practice. The form and manner of 
conducting legal proceedings. 

Preferred Creditor. One who has 
prior claim to payment. 

Prefect's Court. In New Mexico the 
title of the probate court. 

Preferred Stock. Stock on which a 
dividend is declared before any is 
declared on common stock, or which 
has priority over common stock in a 
distribution of assets. 

Premise. In law, the portion of a 
deed reciting the names of the par- 
ties, the consideration and the sub- 
ject matter. Plur., The property 
conveyed. In general, land and 
buildings. 

Premium. A sum in addition to par 
value. The excess in value of one 
form of money over another. The 
consideration given for an insurance 
contract. 

Prepense. Aforethought. 

Prescription. A right derived from 
immemorial usage, or acquired by 
the required period of possession. 

Presentment. _ Action or statement 
by a grand jury from their own 
knowledge in regard to an offence. 

Present Worth. The amount which 
with the true discount equals the 
face value. 

Presumption. In law, an inference 
as to the truth of a fact, based on 
knowledge of another fact or on ex- 
perience. 

Presumptive Evidence. Evidence 
which is sufficient if not contradicted. 

Price Current. A statement showing 
the prevailing prices of merchandise, 
stock, or securities. 

Price List. A list of articles with 
prices attached. 

Prima Facie. [Lat.] At first view. 
Prima facie evidence is evidence suf- 
ficient to prove a fact unless re- 
butted. 

Prime. Of high quality; superior. 

Principal. One with controlling au- 
thority. A head. One who employs 
another person to act for him. The 
sum on which interest is paid. 

Probate. Proof of the genuineness of 
a will before a competent officer. 


Probate Courts. Civil courts with 
jurisdiction over probate; surrogate's 
court, orphans' court, etc. 

Probation Officer. A court officer 
appointed by a municipal magistrate 
to have supervision over an offender 
under suspended sentence. 

Proceeds. The amount realized by a 
transaction. 

Procuration. Agency. Power of 
attorney. 

Produce. Farm products. 

Profit. The excess of returns over 
cost or investment. 

Profit and Loss. An account in which 
gains and losses are balanced. 

Promissory Note. A written promise 
to pay a certain sum of money at a 
specified time or on demand to the 
order of a specified person or to 
bearer. 

Property. The legal right of owner- 
ship. An estate in any valuable 
thing. 

Pro Rata. [Lat.] In proportion, ac- 
cording to share. 

Prosecute. To proceed against legally. 

Protect. To see that commercial 
paper is paid at maturity. 

I Protection. The system of encourag- 
ing home industries by discouraging 
foreign competition through the im- 
position of restrictive or prohibitive 
taxes on imported products. 

Protective Tariff. A tariff designed 
to encourage domestic manufactures 
as contrasted with a tariff for rev- 
enue. 

Protest. A formal notice made by a 
notary of the non-payment of a note 
or the non-acceptance or non-pay- 
ment of a draft. 

Proximo (prox.). [Lat.] Of next 
month. 

Proxy. Authorization to act, par- 
ticularly to vote, for another. A 
writing conveying such authority. 
A person so authorized. 


Q 

Quantum Meruit. [Lat.] As much 
as he deserves. In legal procedure, 
a count founded on a promise to pay 
the full value of a service rendered. 

Quarantine. Restraint of intercourse 
to which a ship, dwelling, or town is 
subjected on suspicion of infection. 
The place of such restraint. 


COMMERCIAL AND LEGAL TERMS 


Quash. To annul, set aside, as an in- 
dictment. 

Quasi. [Lat.] As if, similar to, re- 
sembling. 

Qui Tarn. [Lat.] Who as much. An 
action under a penal statute in which 
the penalty goes in part to the person 
bringing the action, in part to the 
state. 

Quit Claim. A form of deed in the 
nature of a release, generally con- 
taining a provision covenanting 
against others who may claim under 
the grantor. 

Quitrent. A fixed rent paid by tenant 
of a freehold, discharging him from 
other rent. 

Quotation. The _ published current 
prices of commodities or stocks, rates 
of exchange, etc. 

Quo Warranto. [Lat.] A writ re- 
quiring a person to show by what 
authority he acts. 


R 


Ratify. To sanction, confirm (an act, 
treaty, or contract). 

Real Covenant. One which runs 
with the land. 

Real Estate, Real Property, Realty. 
Land, houses, and fixtures; all im- 
movable property. 

Rebate. A deduction, abatement, or 
discount made for prompt payment 
or other reasons. The returning of 
part of a sum already paid. 

Receipt, Receiving. A written ack- 
nowledgment of tne delivery of goods 
or money. To make such written 
acknowledgment. 

Receivable. The opposite of payable. 

Receiver. A person appointed by a 
court to hold in trust and administer 
property in litigation, of an in- 
solvent,' or of a corporation on its 
dissolution. 

Reciprocity. The exchange of special 
trade privileges between two coun- 
tries, established by treaty. 

Record. To register officially as evi- 
dence, as a mortgage or deed. 

Record. A memorandum of court 
proceedings. A copy of the official 
papers of a case. 

Recorder. Especially in New York, 
the chief judge having jurisdiction 
in a municipality. 

Recoupment. A form of counter 


claim reducing the amount of a claim 
on account of defects in performance, 
etc. 

Rectification. Repeated distillation 
of alcoholic liquors. 

Redelivery. The return of a chattel 
to the bailor on completion of the 
service required by the bailment. 

Redemption. The recovery of mort- 
gaged property upon fulfillment of 
the terms of the mortgage. 

Referee. A person, generally an at- 
torney, appointed by the court to 
determine a matter in dispute. 

Reference. Referring a matter to a 
referee. The consent of the parties 
is not necessary. 

Register. A public officer authorized 
to record deeds, etc. A ship's paper, 
issued by the Custom House, stating 
description, name,_ tonnage, nation- 
ality, and ownership. 

Re-insurance. Transfer of part of 
the contract of insurance from one 
insurer to another. 

Release. A discharge from an obliga- 
tion. Surrender of claim. 

Remainder. In law, an estate arising 
only after the termination of a prior 
estate. 

Remedy. The legal means for secur- 
ing compensation, redress, or a right. 

Remittance. The act of transferring 
funds from one place to another. 
The values so transferred. 

Renew. To continue in force, as a 
lease. To extend time for payment 
of a note. 

Rent. Compensation given for the use 
of real estate or other property. 

Replevin. The action or writ by 
which a person whose goods are 
wrongfully detained may obtain 
possession of them, under security 
to try the case and to restore the 
goods if the case is decided against 
him. 

Reply. The answer made by the 
plaintiff to the plea of the defendant. 

Repository. A place for safekeeping; 
a warehouse or storehouse. 

Reprisal. Retaliation. Resort to 
force to obtain redress. The seizure 
of ships or property to indemnify for 
unlawful seizure or detention. 

Residence. In law, a place of estab- 
lished and actual abode. 

Residuary Legatee. One to whom 
the residue of an estate is be- 
queathed. 


COMMERCIAL AND LEGAL TERMS 


Residue. That portion of an estate 
which remains after particular leg- 
acies and debts have Been paid. 

Resources. Available money, prop- 
erty, or claims that can be converted 
into property. 

Respondentia. A loan secured by the 
cargo of a ship, payable only on safe 
arrival. 

Restraint of Trade. Contracts in 
restraint of trade are those held to 
interfere unjustly with competition 
and therefore illegal. 

Retail. To sell in small quantities. 

Retainer. The engaging by a client 
of an attorney to maintain his in- 
terests in legal proceedings. The 
fee paid to secure the services of 
counsel. 

Return. In law, the giving back of a 
writ to the court after service. 

Returns. The profit derived from an 
undertaking or investment. 

Revenue. Income, particularly the 
income of a state from taxes re- 
ceived. 

Revenue Cutter. A small govern- 
ment vessel used in enforcing the 
revenue laws and preventing smug- 
gling. 

Revert. To return into the possession 
of the former owner or of his heirs. 

Revoke. To recall, take back, annul 
(authority, a will, etc.). 

Right of Action. A right entitling 
the holder to institute legal proceed- 
ings for infringement. 

Right of Survivorship. The right 
of the survivor or survivors to take 
the interest of their deceased joint 
tenant, which otherwise would go to 
his heirs. 

Right of Way. The legal right pos- 
sessed by one person to pass over the 
land of another. 

Royalty. An agreed compensation 
paid to an author or inventor for 
each article or work sold, or for each 
article manufactured, or for the use 
of a patent. 

Ruling. A decision made by a court 
on a point of law. 


Sale. The transfer of property for a 
consideration. 

Salvage. The act of saving a ship or 
cargo from loss. The property 
saved. The compensation allowed 


by law for such saving. In fire in- 
surance, the goods saved; their value; 
their proceeds if sold. 

Sample. A small portion of merchan- 
dise taken as a specimen of quality. 

Sans Recours. [Fr.] Without re- 
dress. 

Satisfaction. Discharge, settlement 
of a claim or judgment. 

Scrip. Certificate issued to a sub- 
scriber after allotment of stock. 

Seal. A device impressed in wax or 
other material or any mark made 
for the purpose of authenticating 
a signature or ratifying an instru- 
ment. 

Sealer. A United States officer 
charged with the certification of 
weights and measures. 

Sea Letter. A document given to a 
vessel certifying her nationality and 
describing the character and destina- 
tion of her cargo, and other par- 
ticulars. 

Seaworthy. Fit and properly e- 
quipped for a voyage. 

Security. A pledge. A surety. A 
document evidencing a right to 
property. 

Seize. To take legal possession of. 

Seized and Possessed of. In pos- 
session of. 

Seizin or Seisin. Ownership, pos- 
session. 

Sell. To make a sale; to transfer for 
a consideration. 

Serve. To deliver in legal form, as a 
writ. 

Sessions, Courts of. Various state 
criminal courts, as General Sessions, 
Special Sessions. 

Set- Off. A counter claim made by a 
debtor, arising from a distinct 
claim. 

Several. Independent of others. In- 
dividual. 

Severalty. Exclusive or individual 
ownership or right. 

Severance. Destroying unity, divi- 
sion of rights, etc. 

Share. The interest owned by one of " 
a number. One of several equal 
parts. The unit of the division of 
stock. 

Ship. To give to a carrier for trans- 
portation. To agree to serve on a 
vessel. 

Shipment. Delivery to a carrier for 
transportation. The goods dis- 
patched. 


COMMERCIAL AND LEGAL TERMS 


Shipper. One who dispatches goods 
by vessel or other conveyance. 

Shipping. A collective term for a 
number of vessels. 

Shipping Articles. An agreement 
between captain and seamen fixing 
wages, period of service, etc. 

Shipping Clerk. One who oversees 
the forwarding of merchandise. 

Ship's Husband. A representative 
of a ship-owner who manages re- 
ceipts and expenses and attends to 
the requisite repairs of a ship while 
in port. 

Ship's Papers. Papers which a vessel 
is required to carry; sea-letter, log- 
book, bill of health, shipping articles, 
etc. 

Ship's Stores. Provisions, fuel, ca- 
bles, extra spars, etc. 

Short Exchange. Bills of exchange 
payable at sight or in a few days. 

Short Of. Not in possession of secur- 
ities or produce that one has sold. 
To "sell short" is to sell for future 
delivery what one has not, with the 
expectation that prices will fall. 

Shorts. Dealers who have sold short. 

Short Ton. 2000 pounds. 

Shrinkage. Reduction in bulk, meas- 
urement, weight, or value. 

Sight Draft. One payable when pre- 
sented. 

Signature. The name of a person 
written by himself. 

Silent, Sleeping, or Dormant Part- 
ner. One who furnishes capital but 
has no voice in a business. 

Simple Interest. Interest paid only 
on principal. 

Sinking Fund. A fund set apart from 
revenue to pay a public or corpora- 
tion debt. 

Slander. Malicious oral utterance of 
false statements to the detriment of 
reputation. 

Sleeping Partner. See Silent Part- 
ner. 

Smart Money. Exemplary damages; 
punitive in their character. 

Smuggle. To take goods into or out 
of a country without paying duties. 

Solvent. Able to meet all liabilities. 

Special Partner. One whose liability 
is limited. 

Specialty. A contract under seal. 

Specie. Coin. 

Specification. A written description 
and enumeration of particulars. In 
patent law, a detailed description of 


the invention and a statement of the 
inventor's claim. 

Specific Duty. One imposed on a 
given class of articles without regard 
to value. 

Specific Performance. Actual per- 
formance of the conditions of a 
contract in distinction from the 
payment of damages in lieu of per- 
formance. 

Speculate. To engage in a business 
venture the returns from which are 
conjectural. 

Stamp Duty. A tax.. Stamps affixed 
to checks and proprietary articles. 

Staple. The principal commodity of 
a country or district. 

Statement. A list of resources and 
liabilities. A report of an agent's 
transactions. An itemized list of the 
debits and credits of a personal ac- 
count. 

Stationers' Hall. The building of 
the Stationers' Guild in London 
where registration of English copy- 
right is made. 

Statute. A law enacted by a legis- 
lative body. An act of legislature 

Statute Law. The body of laws es- 
tablished by legislative enactments 
as opposed to unwritten or common 
law. 

Statute of Frauds. A statute requir- 
ing written memoranda to validate 
a contract. 

Statute of Limitations. A statute 
prescribing the period after which a 
legal action can not be brought. 

Sterling. .The standard money of 
Great Britain. The legal standard 
of fineness of silver is 725 parts 
of silver to 75 of copper. 

Stock. Transferable shares in the 
capital of corporations. Supply of 
goods on hand. 

Stock Broker. One who deals in 
stocks on commission. 

Stock Exchange. A place where 
shares of stock are bought and sold 
under established regulations 

Stockholder. One who owns shares 
of the stock of a corporation. 

Stock Jobber. A speculator in 
stocks. 

Stoppage in Transitu. The right of 
a seller to stop goods on their passage 
if the purchaser has become insol- 
vent. 

Storage. The safe keeping of goods. 
The amount paid for storing goods. 


COMMERCIAL AND LEGAL TERMS 


Subagent. An agent employed by 
an agent. 

Subcontract. One made under an 
existing contract. 

Sublet. To let by a lessee. 

Subpoena. [Lat.] Under penalty, a 
writ commanding a witness to appear 
in court. 

Subpoena duces tecum. [Lat.] A 
subpoena requiring a witness to pro- 
duce certain papers. 

Subrogation. Putting one thing or 
person in the place of another. Sub- 
stituting one creditor for another. 

Sue. To prosecute, bring an action 
against. 

Summary Proceedings. Statutory 
legal remedies without the bringing 
of an action. 

Summons. In law, a notice to appear 
in court as defendant or witness. 

Sundries. Unclassified articles. 

Supercargo. An agent who accom- 
panies and manages cargo. 

Supplementary Proceedings. Legal 
proceedings to discover the assets of 
a judgment debtor. 

Surety. One who makes himself re- 
sponsible for the contract or act of 
another. 

Surrogate. In certain States the title 
of the judicial officer charged with 
the probate of wills, appointment 
of guardians, etc. 

Surveyor. A customs officer ap- 
pointed to determine the value, 
quantity, etc., of imports. An agent 
of an insurance company to report 
on applications for insurance. 

Suspend. To cease operations. To 
stop payment. 

Suspense Account. An account 
made of doubtful balances to ascer- 
tain probable profit or loss. 

Sutler. A dealer who accompanies an 
army to sell goods. 

Suttle Weight. The weight of mer- 
chandise after deduction of tare. 

Syndicate. A combination of capital- 
ists or other persons for the purpose 
of conducting a large financial or in- 
dustrial enterprise. 


Tacit. Implied, not expressed. 

Tale Quale [Lat.] or Tel Quel. [Fr.]. 
Such as; used to denote that cargo 
is presumed to correspond with 


sample, and that buyer takes the 
risk of deterioration. 

Tally. An account kept by checking 
off. A score. A label. To count. 
To correspond. 

Tare. An allowance made for the 
weight of barrels, boxes, or coverings 
of merchandise. Actual tare is 
determined by weighing each con- 
tainer; average tare by weighing one 
or more containers as samples: esti- 
mated tare by allowing a fixed per- 
centage. 

Tariff. A schedule of prices or charges. 
A schedule of duties. 

Teller. An officer appointed to count 
votes. A bank officer who receives 
or pays out money. 

Tenant. One who holds real estate 
by any form of legal right; especially, 
one who occupies another's property 
under lease. 

Tenant in Common. One holding 
a property in common with another. 

Tender. An offer. An offer of money 
or service in satisfaction of an ob- 
ligation. 

Ten-Forties. The popular name lor 
certain United States Government 
bonds in 1864, which could be re- 
deemed in ten years or allowed to run 
forty. 

Tenor. Intent, nature. In law, an 
exact copy. 

Term. 

Testator, fern. Testatrix. One who 
has made a will. 

Testimony. 

Textile. Woven. 

Ticker. An instrument telegraph- 
ically recording stock quotations. 

Tickler. A reminder. A book or set 
of sheets containing a memorandum 
of notes due, debts, etc. 

Time. The hour fixed (2.15 P.M.) on 
the New York Stock Exchange when 
securities on the day's contracts 
must be delivered. On time = on 
credit. 

Time Bargain. A contract for de- 
livery or for an option for a specified 
period. 

Time Draft. A draft or bill payable 
at a fixed date. 

Title. The legal right of ownership. 

Tonnage. The capacity or weight of 
a ship in tons. The displacement of 
a vessel. A canal tax on vessel or 
cargo. 

Tort. A private or civil injury, except 


COMMERCIAL AND LEGAL TERMS 


one arising from breach of contract, 
for which damages may be had. 

Trade. Business or occupation; buy- 
ing and selling; commerce; traffic; 
barter. 

Trade Discount. A discount from 
list prices made to dealers. 

Trade Mark. A distinguishing mark, 
protected by law, used to mark the 
product of a manufacturer. 

Trade Price. That allowed by whole- 
salers to retailers. 

Trade Sale. An auction by and for 
the trade; especially of book- 
sellers. 

Trades Union. A combination formed 
by working men or women for the 
protection of their rights and im- 
provement of their condition. 

Traffic. Trade. Commerce. The 
amount of business done by a rail- 
road or other carrier. 

Transit Duty. Tax imposed on goods 
for passing through a country. 

Transportation. Conveying goods 
from one place to another. 

Transshipment. The transfer of 
goods from one conveyance to an- 
other. 

Traveler. A commercial agent; a 
drummer. 

Treason. The waging of war against 
the United States or giving aid or 
comfort to their enemies. 

Treasury Note. A note or bill issued 
by the government and passing cur- 
rent as money. 

Treaty. An agreement or compact be- 
tween two or more nations. 

Tret. Allowance for waste of 4 lbs. in 
104 lbs., after deduction tare. 

Triplicate. To make three identical 
copies of a paper. The third copy. 

Trustee Process. The same as Gar- 
nishment. 


Ullage. What a cask lacks of being 
full. 

Ultimo (ult.). [Lat.] Of the last 
month. 

Ultra Vires. [Lat.] Beyond power. 
Applied to acts done in excess of the 
legal powers possessed. 

Unclaimed Goods. Goods in govern- 
ment storehouses unclaimed three 
years after importation, subject to 
sale at auction. 

Undersell. To sell below the trade 
price or the price of a competitor. 


Underwrite. To assume an insurance 
risk. 

Usury. Interest in excess of the high- 
est legal rate. 


Valid. Binding ; legally executed ; hav- 
ing legal force. 

Valuable Consideration. One in- 
volving money, services, or any- 
thing of value. 

Value. To estimate. Worth. Pur- 
chasing power. 

Value Received. A phrase used in 
notes to show the receipt of a con- 
sideration. 

Vendee. One to whom something is 
sold. 

Vendor. A seller. 

Vendue. A public or auction sale. 

Venture. A mercantile speculation or 
investment. 

Void. Without legal effect or force; 
not binding. 

Voidable. That may become of no 
legal effect if proper steps are taken. 

Voucher. Any paper or other docu- 
ment establishing the occurrence of 
some transaction or the truth of 
accounts. 

W 

Waive. To relinquish (a right). 

Waiver. Relinquishment of a legal 
right or privilege. 

Warehouse. To place in a bonded 
warehouse. 

Warranty. Guaranty that a fact is 
as represented, or that some con- 
dition of a contract is or will be ful- 
filled. 

Wastage. Loss in handling or by de- 
cay; shrinkage. 

Waste. Damage to property per- 
mitted or done by a tenant. 

Way Bill. A list and description of 
goods transported by common car- 
rier. 

Wharfage. Fees paid for the use of a 
wharf. 

Wholesale. The sale of goods in 
quantity, in unbroken or whole 
packages. 

Without Recourse. A formula by 
which the endorser of commercial 
paper transfers it with assuming re- 
sponsibility. 

Wreckage. Merchandise saved from a 
wreck. 


Glossary of Aviation Terms 


By ALFRED V. LARSON, 

EDITOR OF "AIRCRAFT" 


aeroboat (a-e'ro-boat), a combination 
boat and aeroplane. 

aerocar (a-e'ro-car), an enclosed pas- 
senger-carrying flying machine. 

aerodonetics (a-e-ro-do-net'iks), the 
science of gliding or soaring flight. 

aerodrome (a-e'ro-drom), (1) a flying 
race-course; (2) a structure for 
housing aerial vehicles; (3) a name 
proposed for flying machines and 
used by Prof. S. P. Langley for his 
tandem-planed machine (1896), now 
entirely superseded in this sense by 
the word aeroplane 1 

aerodynamics (a-e-ro-di-nam'ics), the 
science of the air, of gaseous fluids 
and their forces. 

aerofoil (a-e'ro-foil), a thin plane or 
curved structure suited to motion in 
the air; the sustaining member of 
the aeroplane; an experimental plane 
surface of varying shape, used on 
the whirling table for ascertaining 
the most efficient outlines and forms 
for use in_ aeroplanes and propellers. 

aeronaut (a-e'ro-nawt) , a navigator of 
the air, particularly a balloonist or 
pilot of a lighter-than-air flying 
machine. 

aeronautics (a-e-ro-nawt'iks) , the en- 
tire science of aerial navigation. See 
aviation. 

aeroplane (a-e'ro-plan), a self -propelled 
heavier-than-air flying vehicle hav- 
ing fixed sustaining planes or sur- 
faces, supported dynamically by its 
movement through the air, also 
known by the names aerodyne, aero- 
drome, flying machine, aeromobile, 
etc. 

aerostatics (a-e-ro-stat'iks), the sci- 
ence of buoyancy in the air by means 
of displacement. 

aerostation (a-e'ro-sta-shun), that 
part of aerial navigation dealing with 
gas-borne or lighter-than-air ma- 
chines. 

aileron (a'le-ron), an auxiliary plane, 


flap or wing tip, placed near the 
extremity of the main wing of the 
aeroplane, on either side, and operat- 
ed so as to prevent overturning 
sideways, and to assist in steering. 

aircraft (ar'kraft), (1) any human de- 
vice that flies or floats in the air or 
pertaining to the construction there- 
of ; (2) the aeronautical industry. 

airship (ar'ship), a self-propelled 
lighter-than-air vessel for navigating 
the air; a dirigible, distinguished 
from an aeroplane or other heavier- 
than-air flying machine. 

alighting- gear (a-lit'ing-ger), the por- 
tion of an aeroplane used in landing, 
including wheels, skids, underbody, 
shock-absorbers, _etc. 

anemometer (a-ne-nom'e-ter), an in- 
strument for measuring the forces 
of the wind, velocity, pressure, etc. 

angle (ang'gl), (1) "of entry," the angle 
which the tangent to the leading 
convex edge of the surface of a plane 
makes with the chord; as, "an angle 
of entry of 45 degrees;" (2) "of in- 
cidence," the upward inclination of 
the planes of an aeroplane entering 
the air, when flying horizontally, 
usually from five to twelve degrees; 
also angle of the chord of the rib 
with the horizontal. 

ascension (as-sen'shun), the act of 
ascending in a lighter-than-air de- 
vice. 

ascent (as-senf), to ascend in a lighter- 
than-air vehicle. See flight. 

aspect-ratio (as'pekt-ra'sni-o), pro- 
portion of fore and aft dimension to 
transverse span; as, "1:6," the pro- 
portion of five feet of depth to thirty 
feet of width of the plan of the plane 
of an aeroplane. 

aviation (a-vi-a'shun) or (av-i-a/- 
shun), the art, act, practice or science 
of mechanical flight in heavier-than- 
air machines; distinguished from 
aeronautics, which refers more to the 


GLOSSARY OF AVIATION TERMS 


science of ascension in lighter-than- 
air machines and balloons. Aero- 
nautics includes, in a certain sense, 
aviation, but is becoming more 
definitely differentiated and re- 
stricted to the latter meaning, avia- 
tion being the dominant word in 
reference to aeroplanes and aero- 
planing. 
aviator (a'vi-a-tor) or (av'i-a-ter), a 
navigator of the air, in heavier-than- 
air machines, an aeroplane driver, 
also called airman, aeroman, bird- 
man, flyer, pilot. 
Avion _ (av'i-on) ? name of the first 
heavier-than-air flying machine, in- 
vented by Ader and flown in France 
1897, with two steam engines. 
balancing- plane (bal'ans-ing-plan) , 
a surface, flap, web or other member 
for maintaining equilibrium. 
balloonet (ba-loon-nef), a cell or sub- 
sidiary small balloon making up with 
others the interior of a larger balloon 
or dirigible, some of which usually 
contain air, so that in rising temper- 
atures, the opening of the air bal- 
loonets gives room for the expansion 
of gas in the gas balloonets. 
banking (bank'ing), making a turn 
with the inner side of the aeroplane 
downward. 
barograph (bar'o-graf), a form of 
barometer which automatically reg- 
isters the altitude reached by an 
aeroplane and makes a record on a 
continuous^ strip of paper of the 
variations in altitude. 
beam (bem), the principal transverse 
member of the plane or wing to 
which the ribs are attached; front 
beam — rear beam, 
biplane (bl'plan), an aeroplane having 
two main planes usually of equal 
size, one above the other. Stag- 
gered biplane (stag'erd), one with 
S lanes offset, fore-and-aft manner. 
'andem biplane (tan Mem), one 
with two main planes on the same 
level, one some distance behind the 
other. 
camber (kam'ber), the concavity or 
arch of an aeroplane wing as seen 
from the side of the machine when 
looking at the end of the wing; the 
fore and after curvature: the Phil- 
lip's curve, imitative of the con- 
cavity of the underside of a bird's 
wing, the application of which to 
aeroplanes proved one of the great- 


est elements of progress ever intro- 
duced; in biplanes, usually of a 
depth of one-twentieth of the span. 
cavitation (ka-vi-ta'shun), the for- 
mation of a partial vacuum in the 
zone of a rapidly revolving propeller 
due to its velocity. 
center (sen'ter), center of flying 
gravity; center of gravity of air- 
craft when in flight. Center of 
pressure or resistance, the point 
at which the resistance balances; or 
at which, if concentrated, it would 
have the same effect as when dis- 
tributed. 
center of thrust or pull, the point at 
which the driving force may be 
assumed to act. In an aeroplane 
flying in a normal state the centers 
of gravity, resistance and thrust form 
an equilibrated couple. 
chassis (shas'si), the main framework 
of an aeroplane to which the essen- 
tial members are attached; the 
understructure. 
control (kon-trol), front control 
(frunt), the elevator or auxiliary plane 
forward and its attachments for ver- 
tical direction of an aeroplane. Later- 
al control (lat'er-al), apparatus for 
regulating the list of the aeroplane. 
control- lever (kon-tr5l 'le v-er) , a lever 
for steering an aeroplane either up 
or down or from side to side, or for 
maintaining lateral balance. 
cross-country flight (kros-kun'tri 
flit), a flight over open or unpre- 
pared fields. 
cruising radius (kruz'ing ra'di-us), 
the distance frcm a given point 
which marks the radius of a circle 
over which an aerial vehicle may 
conduct cruising operations. 
curtain (ker'tin), a fixed vertical sur- 
face located on the ends between the 
main-planes. See vertical plane. 
deflector (de-flek'ter), a plane or other 
surface for changing course of an 
aerial vehicle. 
demountable (de-mount'a-bl), capa- 
ble of being readily taken apart to 
the extent necessary for transporta- 
tion; as, a "demountable military 
aeroplane." 
dihedral (di-he'dral) ; dihedral an- 
gle, the inclination of the wings of 
an aeroplane to each other, usually 
in the form of a flat V, the outer 
ends high, when viewed From the 
front, a form giving stability but 


GLOSSARY OF AVIATION TERMS 


dangerous in side winds if the ma- 
chine banks. Mostly used on mono- 
planes. 

dirigible (dir'ij-i-bl), steerable; also 
a self-propelled balloon, an airship, 
as Zeppelin's dirigible, usually cigar- 
shaped and of great size. 

distance-piece (dis'tans-pes), a piece 
holding other parts at required in- 
tervals: as, "distance-pieces between 
ribs." 

double-decker (dub-1-dek/er), an aero- 
plane with two sustaining surfaces 
superposed; a biplane, as a "Farman 
double-decker." 

double- surfaced (dub-1-ser'fast), a 
plane covered on both the upper and 
under side of the ribs. 

©dge (ej), entering edge (en 'ter-ing), 
the front edge of the planes of an 
aeroplane; trailing (tral) edge, the 
rear or leaving edge of the plane. 

elevator (el'e-va-ter), a horizontal 

Elane, either fore or aft of any 
ying device, used to steer it in an 
upward or downward direction. m 

equalizer (e'kwal-iz-er) , an auxiliary 
plane or device for lateral stability. 

fln (fin), a small plane, flipper or blade 
for purposes of ensuring greater 
equilibrium'; mostly on dirigibles. 

flight (flit), rise and passage of an 
aeroplane through the air, distin- 
guished from ascent, the rising of a 
balloon. 

flying- machine (fli'ing-ma-shen'), an 
apparatus or vehicle for navigating 
the air, including all kinds of heavier- 
than-air machines; any flying vehicle 
or device. 

fuselage (fu-si-laj'), (1) the frame- 
work of an aeroplane or dirigible; 
(2) that portion of a monoplane ex- 
tending from the main body to the 
tail. 

glider (gll'der), an apparatus without 
power for aerial gliding, constructed 
of planes, designed to carry an 
operator, his balance being main- 
tained by shifting his position; as 
Lilianthal's glider. Biplane- glider, 
the type perfected Dy Chanute, 
which, when improved and fitted 
with an engine by the Wrights, be- 
came the biplane. 

gliding-angle (glld'ing-ang'gl), the 
angle at which an aeroplane travels 
when the power is cut off. 

gyroscope (ji'ro-skop), a device in 
which the axis of a heavy rotating 


body is also free to rotate in any 
direction and may be acted on by 
couples of forces. Numerous efforts 
have been made to utilize the resist- 
ance of a gyroscope to deflection 
from its plane as a means of main- 
taining lateral balance in aero- 
planes. 

hangar or hanger (hang'gar), (hang'- 
ger), a structure for housing aerial 
vehicles ; aeroplane shed . (The term 
is derived, through the French, from 
an old Persian word for a post- 
station.) 

headless (hed'les), without a head; a 
biplane having no front elevator, 
such as the Wright headless. 

head resistance (hed re-zist'ens), that 

gortion of the resistance encountered 
y an aerial vehicle in flight which 
cannot be utilized to assist in its sup- 
port; dead resistance. 

helicopter (heri-kop-ter), or (heli- 
kop-ter), an aerial vehicle sustained 
and propelled by the action of the 
Bcrews, propeller or rotating planes 

( and without supporting planes; a 
form advocated by many scientists 
but not yet perfected mechanically. 

hydroaeroplane (hi-dro-a-e'ro-plan) , 
an aeropiane capable of alighting on 
and rising from the water (such as 
Curtis' hydroaeroplane), distin- 
guished from an aerohydroplane. a 
hydroplane with wings, not capable 
of rising entirely free of the water. 

ignition (ig-nish'un), the means of 
exploding the mixture in an internal 
combustion motor, usually an elec- 
tric spark from a magneto. 

knock-down (nok'doun), a # flying 
machine as dismantled for shipment, 
or its collected parts prior to erec- 
tion. 

lacing (las'ing), cord or string used in 
fastening the cloth covering of planes 
together, and to the ribs and beams. 

landing- chassis (land-ing - shas'si), 
the landing framework or under body 
of an aerial vehicle. 

launching (launching) ; launching 
derrick (der'ik), a catapult for 
starting a flying machine; launch- 
ing rail (ral), a track or bar for 
launching into the air. 

lifting propeller (lift'ing pro-pel'er), 
a propeller for raising flying machines 
without forward movement. : 

list (list), careen or incline sideways 
of an aerial vehicle; banking. 


GLOSSARY OF AVIATION TERMS 


lubrication (lu-bri-ka'shun), splash 
lubrication, oiling of internal parts 
of motor by working parts splashing 
in a sump of oil. 

mast (mast), upright part, usually 
extending upward from the center 
of a monoplane for support of guy 
and truss wires and controls. A 
vertical upright in either the main or 
supplementary planes. 

monoplane (mon'o-plan), an aero- 
plane with a single main sustaining 
surface, or with a single wing on 
either side of the body. Tandem 
monoplane (tan 'd em), a mono- 

f)lane with two main planes, one in 
ront of the other, not superposed. 
A biplane (bi'plan) has two planes, 
a triplane (trl'plan), three planes, 
and a multiplane (mul'tr-plan), a 
greater number. _ 

ornithopter (6r-ni-thop'ter), a heav- 
ier-than-air aerial vehicle with flap- 
ping wings, imitative of bird flight. 

outrigger (out'rig-er), framework ex- 
tending to the front or the rear to 
support the elevator or tail. 

Phillips' m curve (fiTips kerv), the 
curve similar to the underside of a 
bird's wing applied by Phillips to 
the aeroplane. See camber. 

phugoid (m'goid), phugoid curve, a 
curve showing the flight-path of an 
aerofoil. 

pitch (pitch), the distance through 
which a given point of a propeller 
advances during one revolution, 
parallel to the axis, in a solid nut. 

plane (plan), a supporting surface of 
an aeroplane. 

pocket (pok'et), a loop formed either 
in the end of the cloth surface or by 
sewing on an additional strip; pro- 
vided for the ribs and beams of a 
single-surfaced plane to lessen skin 
friction. 

power-plant (pow'er-plant), the en- 
tire apparatus for generating power 
on an aeroplane, including motor, 
propeller, radiator, gasolene tank, 
etc. 

propeller (pro-pel 'er), a device with 
two or more olades set at a pitch 
which translates rotary force into 
straight line motion; a screw; 
tractor propeller (trak'tor) , a pro- 
peller on the front of an aeroplane, 
drawing the machine forward, as on 
the Bleriot monoplane. 

pterygoid (ter'i-goid), having the 


shape of a wing, as, "pterygoid 
aspect." 

pylon (pe-long), a mark in the course 
of an aerodrome. 

rib (rib), a longitudinal horizontal 
member of an aeroplane wir.g, to 
which the covering is attached, and 
whose shape determines the curve 
of the wing. Laminated rib, a 
rib built up of laminations of wood, 
glued together to enable it to hold 
its shape. 

rudder (rud'er), an auxiliary plane or 
surface either at front or rear of an 
aerial vehicle for steering; also 
called vertical rudder (ver'ti-kl). 
The horizontal rudder (hor-i-zon'- 
tal) is for steering up or down, and 
the stabilizing rudder or aileron for 
maintaining equilibrium. 

running-gear (run'ing-ger), that part 
of a flying machine which enables it 
to travel on the earth. 

shock-absorber (shok'ab-sorb-er), an 
apparatus for deadening the impact 
of an aeroplane upon alighting. 

single- surfaced (sing'gl-ser'fast), a 
plane covered on only one side. 

skid (skid), a sled-like runner, part of 
the running gear of an aeroplane. 

skin-friction (skin'frik-shun), the 
friction between the surface of the 
planes and other parts of the flying 
machine, and the passing air; dis- 
tinguished from the head resistance 
due to displacement of the air; much 
less for smooth surfaces than for 
rough ones; skin resistance. 

slip (slip), the loss of efficiency of a 
propeller, the difference between its 
theoretical advance and the real 
advance in practice. See pitch. 

soaring (sor'ing) , flight without power, 
effected by taking advantage of 
rising, or unequal currents of air. 

spread (spred), distance from tip to 
tip of wings of an aeroplane, as the 
spread of a Curtis is 28 feet/' 

stability (sta-bil'i-ti), steadiness in 
flight ; automatic stability (aw-to- 
mat'ik), maintenance of equilibrium 
in automatic manner. Longitu- 
dinal stability (lon-gi-tu'di-nal), 
steadiness in a fore-and-aft direction ; 
horizontal or lateral stability 
(lat'er-al), steadiness from side to 
side. 

stabilizer (sta'bl-Iz-er), a plane or 
other device for securing steadiness. 

staggered (stag'erd), arranged in steps 


GLOSSARY OF AVIATION TERMS 


or offset; zig-zag, said of planes of 
aeroplane. 

stanchion (stan'shun), an upright 
between the planes of a biplane, a 
post, a strut. < 

steering (ster'ing), guidance of an 
air-craft in flight, vertical steer- 
ing, up and down as distinguished 
from lateral or right and left 
steering. 

stream- line- form (strem'lin-form), 
that form of a body which enables it 
to pass through liquid or gas with 
the best possible resistance; ichthy- 
oid, or fish-like form. 

strut (strut), a brace or support under 
compression stress; an upright be- 
tween planes. 

tail(tal), rear portion of an aerial vehi- 
cle used for steering and balancing. 

tetrahedral cell (tet-ra-he'dral sel), 
a tetrahedron whose sides are four 
equilateral triangles, open front and 
rear, the sides oeing surfaces. A 
large number of such cells when 
built up acting as a sustaining sur- 
face, as in the tetrahedral aeroplane 
of Prof. Alexander Graham Bell. 

thrust (thrust), the push or traction 
exerted by the propeller; as, "the 
propeller developed 350 pounds 
thrust," i. e. showed on a scale 350 
pounds pull to hold the aeroplane 
motionless. 

torque (tork), moment of twisting 
force; the force tending to overturn 
an aeroplane sideways, due to the 
reaction of the propeller in turning 
in the opposite direction, overcome 
by having two propellers operating 
in opposite directions or making the 
wing on one side slightly larger than 
the other. 

turnbuckle (ternTDuk-l) , a connection 
for tightening wires, rods, etc., con- 
sisting of right and left hand 
threaded eyelets or swivels in < a 
sleeve, the turning of which varies 
its length. 

velocity (ve-los'i-ti) ; natural veloc- 


ity (nat'u-ral), the speed at which 
an aeroplane will continue to glide 
indefinitely without power. 

volplane (vol'plan), to glide or coast 
without power in an aeroplane. 

wake (wak), track or stream of dis- 
turbed air following the course of an 
aeroplane. 

war plane (wawr' plane), an aeroplane 
designed for use in warfare. 

wash (wash), the disturbed air im- 
mediately behind an aerial vehicle; 
dead air. 

web (web), wooden or other material 
used" as distance pieces between the 
ribs of a sustaining plane. 

whirling- table (hwherl'ing-ta-bl), an 
apparatus comprising a vertical axis 
and a horizontal arm for revolving 
planes or aerofoils and determining 
their effects and efficiency. The use 
of the whirling-table led to the ex- 
perimental determination of numer- 
ous aerial laws and directly to the 
perfection of the aeroplane. 

wind- pressure (wind'presh-ur) ; co- 
efficient of wind pressure (ko-ef- 
fish'ent), the numerical constant of 
the pressure of the wind against a 
stationary object, or of the resist- 
ance of the air to a moving object. 

wing (wing), one of the pair of sus- 
taining planes of a monoplane; a 
sustaining surface. 

wing-spread (wing'spred), area of 
surface of wings; distance from tip 
to tip. 

wing-surface (wing'ser-fas), wing 
area, surface measurement of wing. 

wing- tip (wing'tip), the outer ex- 
tremity of the wings of a mono- 
plane; an aileron or other movable 
surface at end of wing. 

wing- warping (wing'wawrp-ing), de- 
flection of a portion of an aeroplane 
wing; as the Wrights' warping wings; 
the bending of the rear outer corners 
of the wing on one end in an opposite 
direction from those of the other 
end, attaining lateral equilibrium. 


Glossary of Automobile Terms 


By JULIAN CHASE, Ph&. 

EDITOR OF " MOTOR " 


accelerator pedal (ak-sel'er-a-ter 
ped'l), a pedal for increasing motor 
speed. 

acetylene generator (a-set'e-len jen'- 
er-a-ter), apparatus for generating 
acetylene gas from water and cal- 
cium carbide, for lighting purposes. 

after- firing (arter-flr'ing), a violent 
explosion in the muffler caused by 
failure of motor to fire gases in cyl- 
inders, their accumulation in the 
muffler and ignition therein from 
heated walls or firing cylinders. Thia 
is the terrific report so often mistaken 
for a bursting tire; barking. See 
back firing. 

apron (a'prun), a covering for the 
underside of the motor mechanism; 
a dust apron or pan. 

armature (ar'ma-tur), the part of a 
magneto which transforms rotary 
motion into electrical energy, or the 
part of a motor which transforms 
electrical energy into rotary motion. 

automobile (au to-mo-bel), any self- 
propelled road vehicle. 

axle (ak'sl), a transverse beam, to 
carry a wheel on either end; dead- 
axle (ded'ak-sl), one which does not 
rotate; live-axle (liv'ak-sl), one 
which rotates with the_ wheels, or 
is fitted with shafts which revolve 
within a housing and drive the 
wheels. 

back-fire (bak'fir), premature explo- 
sion of charge in motor cylinder, 
causing motor to stop or reverse. 
When motor is run on advanced 
spark, the explosion occurs before 
the crank has passed the dead center 
on the compression stroke, but the 
momentum carries it over. In 
starting, unless the spark is retarded 
before cranking, a back-fire will re- 
sult, often breaking the arm of the 
one cranking the motor. Back-fire 
is also produced by glowing bits of 


carbon or other heated condition of 
the interior of the cylinder. 

back-lash (back'lash), lost motion 
between working parts; as the 
amount that a pinion may be turned 
back without moving the driven 
wheel. 

battery (bat'er-i), electrical cells sup- 
plying energy for sparking; storage- 
battery (stor'aj-bat'er-i), electrical 
cells adapted to receive a charge of 
electric current and subsequently 

five off the energy as required, the 
asis of the electric automobile. 

bearing (bar'ing), the support in 
which a rotating part turns; ball- 
bearing (bawl'Dar-ing), a bearing 
containing a race of balls, to reduce 
friction; roller-bearing (rol'er-bar- 
ing), a, bearing in which rollers are 
used instead of balls. 

boiler (boil'er), apparatus for generat- 
ing steam by heating water; flash- 
boiler (flash 'boil-er), a boiler in 
which the tubes are so arranged that 
the water is instantly converted into 
steam upon being pumped in. 

bonnet (bon'et), a case or covering, 
usually sheet metal, placed over the 
motor; a hood. 

bore (bor), internal diameter of motor 
cylinder, the "stroke" being length 
of piston travel. The power of the 
motor is figured for comparative 
ratings on the bore, stroke and rev- 
olutions per minute. 

brake (brak), a mechanism for reduc- 
ing speed; operated by hand or foot, 
and generally consisting of a fixed 
member adapted to be pressed into 
close contact with a revolving mem- 
ber. 

cable (ka^bl), a heavily insulated wire 
or set of wires, for transmitting elec- 
trical energy to the spark plug. 

cam (kam), a disc with a nose or shade 
or a depression on the periphery 


AUTOMOBILE TERMS 


which, when revolved, drives the 
push-rod up for a certain interval 
each revolution; exhaust cam (egz- 
awsfkam), a cam shaped to lift the 
exhaust valve push-rod; inlet cam 
(in 'let kam), a cam shaped to lift the 
inlet valve push-rod. 

cam- roller (kam'rol-er), a small steel 
wheel fitted to the lower end of the 
push-rod to diminish wear and fric- 
tion with the cam head. 

cam-shaft (kam'shaft), the shaft 
upon which the cams are mounted, 
the rotation of which causes the 
cams in their proper order to open 
and close through the push-rods and 
rocker arms, the valves of the cyl- 
inders. 

carbide (karlDid), calcium carbide, 
which, with water, produces acet- 
ylene gas. 

carburetter (kar / bu-ret-er), a device 
for vaporizing gasolene or other 
liquid fuel: usually a spray of gaso- 
lene is sucked through a needle hole 
mingling with t an incoming current 
of air, producing vapor in the pro- 
portion of one of gasolene to 12or 14 of 
air which is exploded in the cylinder 
under pressure, by the spark, im- 
parting motion to the piston; float 
carburetter (not karlm-ret-er), one 
in which a float automatically cuts 
off supply of gasolene to prevent 
flooding. 

case (kas), metallic box or form; crank 
case, the case in which the crank 
shaft revolves. 

cell (sel), apparatus for producing 
electric energy from decomposition 
of a metal, usually zinc; dry cell, 
one in which the liquid is held by 
absorption in blotting paper or 
other medium. 

chain (chan), a series of metal links 
adapted to transmit power from one 
sprocket wheel to another; chain 
drive, the transmission of power 
from jack shaft, motor or engine to 
the road wheels. 

change- speed- lever (chan j-sped-le v'- 
er), lever for changing from one gear 
reduction to another in a motor 
vehicle. 

charge (charj), (1) the mixture of gas 
and air in a motor cylinder; (2) the 
amount of electricity in a storage 
battery. 

chassis (shas'si), the entire automobile 
exclusive of the body. 


chauffeur (sho'fer), a professional 
automobile driver, originally the 
word meant a stoker or fireman. 

circuit (ser'ket), the wires and appa- 
ratus forming a complete path for a 
current of electricity to and from its 
source; short circuit, a path other 
than the intended one, taken by the 
current; circuit breaker, a device 
for automatically breaking a circuit. 

clincher (klinch'er), incurved part of 
a wheel rim into which the tire beads 
expand when the tire is inflated. 

clutch (klutch), a device for connect- 
ing moving parts ; coneclutch (kon), 
in which two nesting conical sur- 
faces are brought into contact; ex- 
panding or contracting clutch 
(eks-pand'ing or kon-trakt'ing), in 
which one member is expanded or 
contracted; disc clutch, in which re- 
volving discs are pressed together; 
clutch pedal (ped'l), a pedal for 
operating the clutch. 

coil (koil), an electrical device for 
raising voltage by induction, trans- 
forming a low pressure current into 
a high pressure one which will pro- 
duce a spark; induction coil, trans- 
former. 

combustion - chamber (kom-bust'- 
yun-cham-ber), the space in the 
cylinder in which the gas compressed 
by the piston is exploded. 

commutator (kom'mu-ta-ter) , the 
part of an armature which rotates 
in contact with the brushes. 

compression (kom-presh'un), the 
pressure within an explosive engine 
just before the explosion takes place. 
As a compression of 60 pounds to 
the sq. inch; compression stroke 
(strok) , the stroke of the piston dur- 
ing which fresh gas is compressed 
prior to its explosion. 

condenser (kon-dens'er), a device of 
layers of tin foil, alternately con- 
nected, with layers of > insulation be- 
tween to reduce sparking at vibrator 
and increase it at spark plug6. 

connecting rod (kon-nekt ing rod), a 
rod or arm connecting the piston 
and crank, having a reciprocal mo- 
tion and transmitting the explosion 
energy from the piston to the crank 
shaft. 

contact-breaker (kon'takt-brak-er), 
a device for interrupting an electric 
current at selected intervals to pro- 
duce sparks; a timer. 


AUTOMOBILE TERMS 


controller (kon-trol'er), a device for 
regulating the speed of an electric 
motor vehicle, by absorbing varying 
amounts of the currents in a rheostat 
and by connecting the cells in 
"series and "series-multiple." 

crank arm (krank' arm), the portion 
of a crank shaft extending from the 
shaft pin to the crank pin. 

cranking (krank'ing), rotating the 
crank shaft to produce compression 
in starting, as gasolene motors are 
hot self starting. 

cranking handle (krank'ing hand-1), 
a crank for manually cranking the 
motor; starting handle. 

crank- pin (krank'pin), a circular 
portion of the crank shaft which 
rests in the bearing; bearing pin. 

crank-shaft (kranlr shaft), a shaft 
with arms at right angles to its axis 
carrying crank pins parallel to its 
axis for the reception of connecting 
rods, and adapted to be rotated for 
the purpose of translating reciprocal 
into rotative motion* single throw 
crank-shaft (sing'gl thro), a shaft 
to receive only one connecting rod; 
four throw crank-shaft (for thro), 
a shaft to receive four connecting rods. 

cup priming (kup prim'ing), a cup 
with a cock for admitting a small 
quantity of gasolene to the explosion 
chamber to supplement the car- 
buretter in startmg. 

cycle (si'kl), see motor. 

cylinder (sil'in-der), a tube or cylin- 
drical member closed at one end, in 
which the piston travels and the 
explosions of the mixture, admitted 
by valves, occur. 

dead center (ded sen'ter), the point 
at which the crank passes the me- 
dian, when it is in the same straight 
line with the connecting rod and the 
latter is motionless, being between 
a forward and a backward movement 
and therefore incapable of imparting 
motion to the crank. 

distributor (dis-trib'u-ter), a device 
for distributing electric current to 
the spark plugs of the different cyl- 
inders in the proper sequence. 

dynamometer (dl-na-mom'e-ter), ap- 
paratus for ascertaining the horse- 
power of a motor. 

electric automobile (e-lek'trik au'- 
to-mo-bel), a self-propelled road 
vehicle the motive power of which is 
electricity. 
AS 


exhaust (egz-awsf), (1) the period 
during which the burnt gases are 
escaping; (2) the burnt gases them- 
selves. 

exhaust stroke (strok) ,the stroke of the 
piston which expells the burnt gases. 

exhaust valve (valv), the valve which 
allows the exhaust to escape. The 
exhaust is a series of reports, silenced 
by the muffler into a purring or 
chugging sound. 

fan (fan), a rotary bladed helix, driven 
by the motor for cooling itself 
directly or indirectly through cool- 
ing the water in the radiator. 

fender (fend'er), a mud guard. 

flange (flanj), any flat projecting rim, 
as on motor cylinders to assist cool- 
ing by radiation, or on pipes for 
coupling. 

frame (fram), the part of an auto- 
mobile carried by the wheels, to 
which the motor, body, etc., are 
attached. 

friction drive (frik'shun driv) ? a sys- 
tem of transmission in which the 
driving is done and the necessary- 
reductions obtained through wheels 
with friction surfaces pressed to- 
gether rather than through gears. 

garage (ga-razh'), an automobile 
stable, storage or repair place. 

gas (gas), mixture of air and gasolene 
vapor. 

gauge (gaj), a device for indicating 
pressure or volume of contents in a 
container. 

gear (ger), speed changing (sped 
chang'ing), a series of gears which 
may be shifted to change the rates 
of speed between the motor and 
the road wheels; differential gears 
(dif-er-en'shal), an arrangement to 
permit the wheels to turn at differ- 
ent speeds as in rounding a corner; 
planetary gears (plan'e-ta-ri), small 
gears inside a large internal gear for 
effecting forward and reverse speeds; 
reversing gear (re-vers'ing), for 
changing direction of roadwheels. 

generator (jen'e-ra-ter), (1) a device 
for producing acetylene gas; (2) an 
electrical dynamo. 

goggles (goe'lz), spectacles set in 
cloth or other collars, to keep dust 
out of the eyes. 

governor (gov'er-ner) , an apparatus 
for regulating the motor speed, by 
cutting off the gas supply. 

hood (hood). See bonnet. 


AUTOMOBILE. TERMS 


hydrocarbons (hi-dro-car'bonz), or- 
ganic compounds of hydrogen and 
carbon, as petroleum, gasolene, 
acetylene, benzene, turpentine, india 
rubber, gutta percha, etc. 

ignition (ig-ni'shun), the means or 
apparatus for igniting the explosive 
mixture, either name, hot tube, both 
now disused; coil and battery, make- 
and-break or magneto; the last 
named being the method now most 
generally used. 

interchangeable (in-ter-chan j 'a-bl) , 
capable of being interchanged, said 
of the parts of a mechanism when a, 
given part, on one machine, is 
exactly similar to the like part on 
another machine, and can be sub- 
stituted therefor without refitting. 

interrupter (in-ter-up'ter), a device 
for rapidly making-and-breaking an 
electrical circuit; trembler. 

lamp (lamp), illuminating device, aa 
head, side, and tail lamps. 

link (link), drag link (drag), a trans- 
verse rod connecting the two steering 
arms of a motor vehicle. 

little end (lit'l end), the piston end of 
a connecting rod, the crank end 
being called the "big end." 

load (lod), the work which a motor haa 
to do, or the resistance encountered 
aside from its ownjriction. 

magneto (mag-ne'to), a mechanism 
for producing a high tension or a low 
tension current for sparking by 
means of an armature revolved 
within the field of a pair of perma- 
nent magnets. 

manifold (man'i-fold), a tube to dis- 
tribute gas, air, steam or water, 
having flanges or connections; in- 
take manifold (in'tak), for distrib- 
uting gas from carburetter to cylin- 
ders; exhaust manifold (egs-awsf), 
for conveying burnt gases to the 
exhaust outlet or muffler. 

mixture (miks'tur), vapor of a hydro- 
carbon and air, suitable for explo- 
sion; rich mixture, one with defi- 
ciency of air; poor mixture, one 
with an excess of air. 

motor (mo'ter), electric (e-lek'trik), 
a machine for transforming electric 
energy into motion; internal com- 
bustion (in-ter'nal kom-bust'yun), 
a machine for utilizing the explosive 
force of hydrocarbon vapors. In this 
form of motion, the one most used in 
motor vehicles, the mixture is ex- 


ploded under compression, imparting 
energy to the piston which causes the 
crank to rotate and perform its work; 
four cycle motor (for sl'kl) , one in 
which the piston makes four sweeps 
for each explosion, two in each direc- 
tion, as exhaust, intake, compression 
and explosion strokes, the exhaust 
and compression strokes being to- 
wards the cylinder head; two cycle 
motor (too sl'kl), one in which the 
piston makes two sweeps for each 
explosion, the compression and ex- 
plosion strokes, the exhaust escap- 
ing and the intake being forced in at 
the bottom of the explosion stroke; 
four cylinder motor (for sil'in- 
der), one with four cylinders and 
pistons, the most commonly used; 
rotary motor (ro'ta-ri), one in 
which the cylinders revolve; double 
opposed motor (dub'l op-pozd'), 
one in which the cylinders are op- 
posite each other, used largely on 
trucks; V-type motor (ve'tlp), one 
in which the cylinders are inclined 
in either direction, off the vertical. 

muffler (muf'ler), a device for silenc- 
ing the exhaust gases by passing 
them through a labyrinth of pass- 
ages, reducing their velocity; a 
silencer, an exhaust box; muffler 
cut-out, means for discharging 
from the motor, exhaust directly 
into the air instead of first into the 
muffler ; often used in starting, or to 
learn from its sound the condition 
of the motor. 

non-skids (non'skids), any means of 
preventing side slipping of auto- 
mobile wheels, including indenta- 
tions and projections in the tires, 
chains, ancf separate coverings over 
the tires. 

packing (pak'ing), any compressible 
material used as a filler in joints to 
make them tight. 

pedal (ped'l), a lever worked by the 
foot; Drake pedal, for disconnecting 
clutch and applying brakes; regu- 
lator pedal (reg'u-la-ter), for regu- 
lating power and velocity of motor. 

piston (pis'tun), a cup-shaped mem- 
ber adapted to work reciprocally in 
the cylinder, receiving successively 
the shock of the explosions and 
transmitting them through the con- 
necting rod to the crank-shaft; 
piston pin (pin), a pin extending 
across the piston to carry the small 


AUTOMOBILE TERMS 


end of the connecting rod; wrist pin, 
gudgeon pin; piston rings, expan- 
sible rings set in grooves in the piston 
and pressing against the cylinder 
walls, to make a close fit, the oil 
film between the rings and the cyl- 
inder and the rings and the piston 
grooves acting as a packing to pre- 
vent escape of gases. 

pitting (pit'ing), minute cavities in 
valves and valve seats due to action 
of gases. 

port (port), an opening for the passage 
of gas or steam. 

power (pow'er), horse- power, the 
power required to do 33,000 foot 
pounds of work per minute. A horse 
for a slight interval can do six times 
as much work, while a man can also 
temporarily exert a horse power, 
though the horse ordinarily exerts 
the power of six men. 

power plant (plant), the motor, 
transmission and accessories^ 

power transmission (tranz-mish'un), 
see transmission. 

pump (pump), water pump (waw'- 
ter), for circulating w r ater in cooling 
system; oil pump (oil), for lubrica- 
tion; gear pump (ger), rotary 
pump (ro'ta-ri), centrifugal pump 
(sen-trif'u-gal), eccentric pump 
(ek-sen'trik), are so called, from their 
mechanical construction. 

push-rod (push 'rod), one of a series 
of rods lifted by the cams which 
actuate the rocker arms, opening 
the valves in sequence. 

radiator (ra'di-a-ter) , a system of fine 
tubing through w T hich water is forced 
for cooling. 

reversing lever (re-vers'inglev'er), a 
lever to reverse the direction of the 
automobile. 

rheostat (re-o-staf), an t electrical 
device for increasing or diminishing an 
electric current by varying resistance. 

rocker arm (rok'er arm), a lever at 
the top of the cylinder which de- 
presses the valve. 

roller (rol'er), a small steel wheel on 
the end of the push-rod to reduce 
friction with the cam. 

scale (skal), an incrustation deposited 
in the interior of water jackets, and 
other water containers, which carry 
heated water. 

seizing (sez'ing), the* binding of opera- 
ting parts through failure of lubrica- 
tion, or overheating. 


shock-absorber (shok'ab-sorb-er), a 
device for dampening the rebound 
of springs and reducing vibration 
due to rough roads, as friction 
check (frik'shun chek), pneumatic 
(noo-mat'ik), hydraulic (hi-draw'- 
lik), and auxiliary spring (awg-zil'- 
i-a-ri), shock absorber. 

sight feed (sit'fed), a system of 
lubrication in w T hich the oil may 
be seen in circulation at the sight 
point. 

skidding (skid'ing), see non-skid. 

spark plug (spark' plug), a device 
having two fixed electrodes between 
w r hich an electric "jump spark" is 
produced by the magneto or battery 
adapted to be screwed into the cyl- 
inder; or such a plug adapted to 
separate its electrodes mechanically, 
as a "make-and-break" spark. The 
spark ignites the compressed gas in 
the cylinder at the proper moment, 
the resulting explosion generating 
the motor's power; spark advance 
(ad -vans'), when the spark occurs 
near or before the upward dead 
center, thus increasing speed and 
power, if not carried too far to the 
point of preignition, or back-fire; 
spark retard (re-tard'), delay of 
spark after dead center. 

sprocket (sprock'et), a smaH toothed 
wheel, driven by a link chain. 

starter (start'er), self- or automatic 
(self- or aw-to-mat'ik), a device for 
automatically cranking the motor. 

steam-car (stem'kar), an automobile 
driven by a steam engine, now almost 
superseded by gasolene and electric 
motor cars. 

steel (stel),iron through which, when 
molten, air has been forcea, the 
Bessemer process. Modern steels 
are of great variety due to mixture 
of other metals, as chrome nickel 
steel (krom nik'l), manganese 
steel (man'ga-nez), vanadium 
steel (va-na'di-um) . 

steering knuckle (ster'ing nuk'l), a 
joint in the steering gear at the 
front axle. 

steering post (ster'ing post), a post 
for steering, usually obliquely placed, 
on which is mounted the steering 
wheel, and the small levers working 
on semicircular ratchets for control- 
ling the spark and the carburetter 
throttle. 

suction stroke (suk'shun strok), the 


AUTOMOBILE TERMS 


outward sweep of the piston during 
which a fresh change is drawn in; the 
intake. 

suspension (sus-pen'shun),. three- 
point suspension (thre-poinf), at- 
tachment of the power plant to the 
frame at three points to avoid road 
strains. 

tank (tank), a reservoir for carrying 
fuel, gasolene, oil, etc. 

tappet rod (tap'et rod), see push-rod. 

taxicab (taks'i-kab), an automobile 
hack provided with an automatic 
time and distance measuring device, 
called a taximeter, which may also 
show fare due. 

terminal (ter'mi-nal), an attachment 
at the end of a wire for enabling it 
to be readily connected to a binding 
post. 

thermo- syphon (ther'mo-sl'fon), cir- 
culation of water in water-jackets 
and radiator through its own heat, 
the warm water at the top of the 
radiator working its way down as 
cooled and rising through the heat 
it absorbs from the cylinders. 

throttle (throt'l), a valve for regu- 
lating the supply of air to a car- 
buretter. 

tinier (tim'er), see distributor. 

tire (tir), a band or rim around a 
wheel; pneumatic tire, a rubber 
tire containing air under pressure. 

tonneau (tun'o), an open automobile 
with seats for two in front and a 
large rear seat for three or more. 

track (trak), distance between centrea 
of tires on the same axle, usually 
56^ inches, the railroad standard; 
the gauge (gag), the tread (tred). 

transmission (tranz-mish'un) , the 
apparatus for transmitting the high 
speed motor power to low speed 


road wheels, including clutch, re- 
ducing and planetary gears, or chain 
drive. 

under slung (under-slung'), a form of 
construction in which the frame 
hangs below the springs and axles 
instead of being above them. 

valve (valv), mechanism for closing an 
opening to regulate or stop the 
passage of a fluid or gas; poppet 
valve (pop'et), in which a mushroom- 
shaped valve fills the opening and is 
lifted in and out; rotary valve (ro'ta- 
ri), which rotates in the opening; 
slide valve (slid), which slides across 
the opening; inlet valve (in 'let), 
through which the gas is admitted; 
exhaust valve (egz-awsf), through 
which the burnt gases are emitted; 
needle valve (ne dl), a small car- 
buretter valve closed by a needle 
point; hutterfly valve (but'er-fli), 
in which a leaf turns in a tube. 

water-jacket (waw'ter-jak-et), a cas- 
ing around the cylinder through 
which water is circulated to keep 
the cylinder walls cool, often a part 
of the cylinder casting itself. In 
air-cooled motors, the cylinder has 
a series of flanges to assist in radia- 
tion of the heat. 

wheel (hwhel), artillery wheel, auto- 
mobile wheel of wood with heavy 
spokes wedging together at center 
and with a hub of steel plates. 

wheel-base (hwhel-bas), the distance 
between the front and rear wheels, 
on the same side where they touch 
the road. 

wiring (wir'ing), wires leading to 
spark plugs from magneto, or bat- 
teries, etc. 

wrist pin (risf pin), see piston pin; 
also called gudgeon pin. 


THE WEALTH OF THE WORLD 

(According to the Bureau of Statistics, Department of Commerce and Labor.) 

WEALTH OF NATIONS. 

These are the latest estimates. The European War has changed some of these estimates. 


United States $187,739,000,000 


Great Britain and Ireland . 

Germany 

France 

Russia 

Austria-Hungary . 
Italy 


85.000.000.000 
80,000,000.000 
50,000.000.000 
40.000.000.000 
25.000,000,000 
20.000.000.000 


India. 
Belgium .... 

Canada 

Spain 

Netherlands. 
Switzerland . 
Portugal 


$15,000,000,000 
9,000.000,000 
7,000,000,000 
5,400,000,000 
5.000.000.000 
4.000.000.000 
2.500,000.000 


MONEY IN CIRCULATION IN THE UNITED STATES 

STATEMENT SHOWING THE AMOUNTS OF GOLD AND SILVER COINS AND CERTIFI- 
CATES, UNITED STATES NOTES, AND NATIONAL BANK NOTES IN 
CIRCULATION OCTOBER 1, 1915. 


Classification. 

General 

Stock of 

Money in the 

United 

States. 

Held in 
Treasury as 

Assets of 
the Govern- 
ment. 

Comparison, Actual 
Money in Circulation 

IN THE U. S. 


Oct. 1. 1915. 

Oct. 1. 1915. 

Oct. 1, 1915. 

Oct. 1, 1914. 

Gold coin (Including bullion in Treas- 

$2,141,782,259 

$199,505,255 

26,018,270 

9,451,123 

9,847,473 

24,730,213 

3.840 

8,966,535 

7,594.725 

$615,977,722 

1,172,277,599 

65,092,532 

481,666.527 

162,097,370 

2.210,160 

337,714,481 

132,765,275 

$657,944,193 

Gold certificates 

931,390,259 


568.271,655 

70,724,311 


482,892,121 


186,827,583 

161,565,114 


2,388.789 


346,681,016 
140,360,000 

336.974,240 






786.736,460 

26,233,368 

760,503.092 

1.050,869,169 



Total 

$4,170,658,973 

$312,350,802 

$3,730,304,758 

$3,694,748,196 




ELECTORAL VOTE 


The following is the electoral vote of the States as based upon the Reapportionment Act of 1911 . 


States. 

Elect'l 
Votes 

States. 

Elect'l 
Votes 

States. 

Elect'l 
Votes 

States. 

Elect'l 
Votes 

Alabama. . . . 

12 

3 

9 

13 

6 

7 

3 

6 

14 

4 

29 

IS 

13 

Kansas 

Kentucky 

Louisiana 

10 

13 

10 

6 

8 

18 

IS 

12 

10 

18 

4 

8 

3 

New Hampshire 
New Jersey .... 
New Mexico. . . 

New York 

North Carolina. 
North Dakota.. 
Ohio 

4 
14 

3 
45 
12 

s 

24 

10 
s 

38 

s 

9 

s 

Tennessee 

12 


Utah 

4 


Vermont 

Virginia 

Washington. . . . 
West Virginia . . 

Wisconsin 

Wyoming 

Total 

Colorado.. . . 
Connecticut . 

Maryland 

Massachusetts . 

Michigan 

Minnesota 

Mississippi. . . . 

Missouri 

Montana 

Nebraska 

Nevada 

12 

7 
8 

Florida 

Georgia 

Idaho 

Illinois 

Indiana 

Iowa. 

Oklahoma 

Oregon 

Pennsylvania . . 
Rhode Island. . . 
South Carolina . 
South Dakota. . 

13 
3 

531 


Electoral votes necessary to a choice of President and Vice-President, 266. 


TIME DIFFERENCE 

BETWEEN THE CITY OF NEW YORK AND THE PRINCIPAL FOREIGN CITIES, 


Antwerp 5 13.5 

Berlin 5 49.5 

Bremen. 5 31.0 

Brussels 5 13.4 

Buenos Ayres ... 1 2.4 

Calcutta 10 49.2 

Constantinople . . 6 51.9 


LATER THAN NEW YORK 
H. M. 

Dublin 4 30.5 

Edinburgh 4 43.2 

Geneva 5 20.5 

Hamburg 5 35.8 

Liverpool 4 43.6 

London 4 55.9 

Madrid 4 41.1 


H. M. 

Paris 5 5.2 

Rio de Janeiro. . 2 3.2 

Rome 5 45.8 

St Petersburg . . 6 57.1 

Valparaiso 9.3 

Vienna 6 1.2 

Halifax 41.5 


EARLIER THAN 
NEW YORK 

H. M. 

Havana 33.5 

Hong Kong 1127.6 

Melbourne 9 24.2 

Mexico, City of. . 140.5 

Panama 22.2 

Yokohama 9 45.5 


THE ARMIES OF THE WORLD 


COUNTRIES 

PEACE 
STRENGTH 

RESERVES 

TOTAL 

WAR 

STRENGTH 

AVAILABLE 

FOR DUTY 

UNORG. 


620,000 

600,000 

1,200,000 

387,000 

225,000 

257,000 

450,000 

80,000 

40,000 

34,000 

13,000 

28,000 

18,000 

30,000 

52,500 

35,000 

70,000 

200,000 

375,000 

25,000 

90,000 

26,600 

28,000 

17,000 

15,000 

4,000 

5,600 

3,000 

5,000 

7,000 

4,300 

3,000 

3,000 

4,000 

6,000 

3,380,000 

1,500,000 

3,300,000 

1,413,000 

300,000 

543,000 

1,050,000 

420,000 

125,000 

68,000 

57,000 

300,000 

95,000 

90,000 

297,500 

140,000 

250,000 

54,000 

350,000 

25,000 

100,000 

58,000 

25,000 

223,000 

132,000 

46,000 

75,000 

50,000 

45,000 

50,000 

40,000 

18,000 

27,000 

36,000 

4,000,000 

2,100,000 

4,500,000 

1,800,000 

525,000 

800,000 

1,000,000 

500,000 

165,000 

102,000 

70,000 

328,000 

113,000 

120,000 

350,000 

175,000 

320,000 

254,000 

725,000 

50,000 

190,000 

84,600 

53,000 

240,000 

147,000 

50,000 

80,600 

53,000 

50,000 

57,000 

44,300 

21,000 

30,000 

40,000 

6,000 

2,000,000 


1,000,000 

Russia 

5,200,000 


1,600,000 

Italy 

1,200,000 


1,700,000 


1,300,000 


780,000 


350,000 


200,000 


125,000 


200,000 


100,000 


200,000 


100,000 


90,000 


175,000 


50,000 

Turkey 

2,000,000 


200,000 




1,000,000 


1,000,000 


500,000 

Chile 

250,000 

Peru 

75,000 


300,000 


125,000 


200,000 


50,000 


50,000 


40,000 


20,000 


40,000 

Haiti 

60,000 



IJNote. — The above figures represent the situation preceding the European War. Changes 
brought about by this war have been so swift and are likely to continue to occur so 
constantly until the war ends, as new forces are being mobilized and great losses sus- 
tained, that it seemed inadvisable to change the figures while conditions are in this 
state of flux. 


THE ARMY OF THE UNITED STATES 

The army as organized under three acts of Congress (1901, 1907 and 1908), comprises 15 
regiments of cavalry, 765 officers and 14,148 enlisted men; 6 regiments of field artillery, 252 
officers and 5,541 enlisted men; a coast artillery corps, 170 companies, 715 officers and 19,019 
enlisted men; 30 regiments of infantry, 1,530 officers and 35,339 enlisted men; 3 battalions of 
engineers, 1,942 enlisted men, commanded by officers detailed from the corps of engineers; the 
Porto Rico Regiment of Infantry, 32 officers and 599 enlisted men; staff corps, Service School 
detachments, Military Academj', Indian scouts, recruits, etc., 7 officers and 10,039 enlisted men, 
and a provisional force of 52 companies of native scouts in the Philippines, 182 officers and 
5,733 enlisted men. The total number of commissioned officers, staff and line, on the active 
list, is 4,827 (including 91 first lieutenants Medical Reserve Corps on active duty, 60 dental 
surgeons, and 229 additional and detached line officers), and the total enlisted strength, staff and 
line, is 87,248, exclusive of the provisional force and the Hospital Corps, and Quartermaster 
Corps. The law provides that the total enlisted strength of the Army shall not exceed at any 
one time 100,000. 


THE NAVIES OF THE WORLD 


POWERS 









03 



O 


M 

PQ 

0> 

a 

>> 



'rj 

O 


03 

03 

A 

h 



s 

153 

116 

84 

40 

33 

35 

116 

70 

14 

58 

48 

14 

83 

150 

88 

33 

75 

19 

9 

18 


87 

74 

37 

6 

51 
29 
13 

10 


50 

1 

5 

6 


2 

4 
12 

2 

4 

8 


4 

8 


'"6 

ii 


"2 


:: l 


a 

_ a 

5 <n 

a m 

o o 

PhO 


Great Britain 

United States 

Germany 

Japan 

Prance 

Italy 

Austria-Hungary . 

Russia 

Sweden 

Norway 

Denmark 

Netherlands 

Spain 

Portugal 

Greece 

Turkey 

Argentina 

Brazil 

Chile 

China 

Siam 

Mexico 


23 


10 


126,272 

51,296 

35,500 

40,000 

30,599 

29,941 

12,899 

60,000 

4,000 

1,130 

4,000 

8,572 

5,000 

6,000 

4,000 

30,800 

5,000 

8,000 

8,000 

' 5,ii6 
1,160 


[Note. — This table shows the naval situation as it existed before the European War. This war 
has not only made continual changes in the navies of the belligerent countries but has 
made the naval programmes of neutral states subject to rapid modification. Accord- 
ingly it did not seem advisable to attempt to give here figures for the period of the wax 
subject as they are to such important and swift changes. 


"NATIONAL INSURANCE" 

COST OF MAINTAINING LEADING NAVIES COMPARED 

The cost of maintenance of the U. S. navy as compared to the naval 
expenditures of foreign powers is presented in the table below prepared 
by the U. S. Navy Department at the end of the year 1915. 

RATIO OF NAVAL EXPENDITURES TO WEALTH. 

Naval Fiscal Per- 

Wealth. Year. Expenditures. Year. centage 

Continental U. S $107,104,192,410 (a) 1904 $116,655,826 1905 .001089 

Continental U. S 187,739,071,090 (a) 1912 133,559,071 1912 .000711 

United Kingdom 72,997,500,000 (b) 1903 173,548,058 1903 .00238 

British Empire 108,279,625,000 (b) 1903 173,548,058 1903 .001602 

France 46,798,500,000 (b) 1910 74,102,439 1910 .00158 

Germany 77,864,000,000 (b) 1908 69,133,500 1908 .00088 

NAVAL EXPENDITURES PER CAPITA. 

Naval Fiscal Per Capita 

Population. Year. Expenditures. Year. Cost 

Continental U. S 100,399,318 (c) 1915 $142,959,092 1915 $1 .423 

Continental U. S., Alaska, 

and outlying territory... 110,745,334 (c) 1915 142,959,092 1915 1.29 

United Kingdom 45,370,530 (d) 1911 211,596,296 1911 4.663 

British Empire 417,268,000 (d) 1911 211,596,296 1911 .50709 

France 39,601,509 (d) 1911 80,371,109 1911 2.029 

Germany 64,925,993 (d) 1910 103,302,773 1910 1 . 591 

In commenting on this table Secretary of the Navy Daniels, in a 
prepared statement, said: 

"The angle from which the subject is approached is, of course, that 
of national insurance, and the figures show that the premium paid by 
the United States is .00071, or $1.42 per capita, and in the case of Ger- 
many .00088, or $1.59 per capita. It should be noted that the compari- 
sons could not be made for precisely identical periods of time." 


WARSHIP TONNAGE VARIOUS NATIONS 


These figures are those of July 1, 1914- 
From the last official Statement of the United States Office of Naval Intelligence. 

Tonnage Completed and Building. 

Great Britain 2,714,106 

Germany 1,306,577 

France 899,915 

United States 894,889 

Japan 699,916 

Russia 678,818 

Italy 497,815 

Austria 347,508 


Tonnage Completed. 

Great Britain 2,157,850 

Germany 951,713 

United States 765,133 

France 688,840 

Japan 519,640 

Italy 285,460 

Russia 270,861 

Austria-Hungary 221,526 


AIRCRAFT LEADING NATIONS 

While the strength in air-craft of the nations engaged in the Euro- 
pean War must necessarily remain during the continuance of the conflict 
more or less a matter of speculation for purposes of comparison, an offi- 
cial estimate submitted by the United States Navy Department to the 
Naval Committee of Congress is significant. This shows the following 
comparative strengths: France 1,400 aeroplanes, 30 dirigibles; Ger- 
many 1,400 aeroplanes, 60 dirigibles; Great Britain 900 aeroplanes, 12 
dirigibles; Russia 1,000 aeroplanes, 2 dirigibles; Austria-Hungary, 600 
aeroplanes, 8 dirigibles; Italy 300 aeroplanes, 4 dirigibles; Belgium 60 
aeroplanes; Japan 20 aeroplanes, 2 dirigibles. For the United States 
the figures made public in 1915 were: 23 aeroplanes, no dirigibles. 


THE AMERICAN (VOLUNTARY) SYSTEM 
OF MILITARY SERVICE 

AS IT PREVAILED AT THE BEGINNING OF 1916 

From the first the regular American army has been a volunteer 
force. In war-time the regular army has formed the nucleus of large 
armies raised "for the war." In 1861, at the beginning of the Civil War, 
the whole regular force amounted to 15,300 men; 1,117,000 volunteers 
were called out in the first year and then resort had to be had to 
conscription. A levy of 300,000 was ordered in October 1863, one of 
500,000 in February 1864, and two amounting to 500,000 men in 1865 
which were not fully carried out owing to the war coming to a close. 
The total number called under arms between April 1861 and April 1865 
was 2,759,049, of whom 2,656,053 were actually embodied in the Northern 
armies. 

The United States military forces consist of the federal Regular 
Army, obtained by voluntary enlistment; of the National Guard, belong- 
ing to the different states and also made up of volunteers, this con- 
stituting "the organized militia;" and of the "reserve militia," which is 
unorganized. The Militia law reads, as amended in May 1908: "The 
militia shall consist of every able-bodied male citizen of the respective 
States . . . and every able-bodied male of foreign birth who has declared 
his intention to become a citizen, who is more than 18 and less than 
45 years of age, and shall be divided into two classes — the organized 
militia, to be known as the National Guard ... or by such other desig- 
nations as may be given them by the laws of the respective States or 
Territories, the remainder to be known as the reserve militia." 

Enlistment in the Regular Army is for seven years, the first four 
in active service with the colors, and the remaining three "on furlough," 
without pay, attached to the "Army Reserve." Men may enlist for a 
second term of seven years, under certain prescribed conditions. First 
enlistments are limited to men between 18 and 35 years of age and the 
minimum height is nominally 5 feet, 4 inches, and the chest measure- 
ment 32 inches, but a certain degree of relaxation of standards is per- 
mitted. 

The monthly pay during the first enlistment is from $15 to $18 for 
privates. Additional pay of from $1.00 to $4.00 is allowed reenlisted 
men and there are special rates of pay for men selected as qualified for 
expert or technical duties, such as electricians, gun-pointers, sharpshoot- 
ers, etc. All soldiers receive in addition to their pay, rations, clothing,, 
bedding, and medical attendance while in active service. 


BUSINESS MEN'S CAMPS 

In 1915 the idea of such instruction camps was applied on an ex- 
tended scale in the form of "business men's camps," one of which was 
located at Plattsburgh, N. Y., and was received with great enthusiasm 
and acted upon by many men in all lines of civil life, including business 
men of nation wide prominence. 


STUDENTS' CAMPS 


As a step in national preparedness for defense "Students' Military- 
Instruction Camps" have been established under the auspices of the 
United States Government — the first two having been organized in 1913 
— in which young men between the ages of 18 and 30 in universities, 
colleges, and the graduating classes at high-schools received some in- 
struction, both theoretical and practical in the elements of the military 
profession. The War Department, in a bulletin describing these camps, 
says: "The object of the camps is to give the young men of the country 
opportunity for a short course in military training, the better to fit 
them to discharge their military duty should their country ever stand 
in need of their services. The summer vacation period is selected to 
enable the students to attend with the least inconvenience and greatest 
instructional advantage." 

The subjects taught include: (a) the theoretical principles of tac- 
tics, including advance and rear guards, patrols, outposts, and combat; 
(b) military map making and road sketching; (c) the proper handling 
and use of the rifle; (d) physical drill, marching, camping, tent-pitching, 
etc. (by practice) ; (e) use and duties of the different arms and branches 
of the service (infantry, field artillery, cavalry, engineers, signal troops, 
and the medical corps). 


THE BOY SCOUTS MOVEMENT IN THE U. S. 

In the United States the Boy Scout movement is chiefly identified 
with the organization incorporated under the title, "The Boy Scouts 
of America." Any boy over 12 years of age is eligible to membership. 
Upon joining he takes the scout oath and learns the scout salute, sign, 
and laws, and as he grows in proficiency in the Scout duties, advances 
from Tenderfoot to Second-Class and then to First-Class Scout. Scout- 
craft covers practical knowledge of first aid, life saving, tracking, sig- 
nalling, cycling, nature study, seamanship, campcraft, woodcraft and 
various useful handicrafts. The movement aims at the development, 
in out-door life and by systematic training, of character and the ability 
to act effectively in emergencies that gives self-reliance. As fostered by 
this organization it does not make for militaristic accomplishments so 
much as for capacity for humanitarian service and efficient citizenship. 

The Scouts are organized in patrols and troops. A patrol, under a 
patrol-leader, consists of eight boys and a troop is made up of three 
patrols. The troop is under the leadership of an adult Scout Master. 
Local councils drawn from men interested in boys' work are chartered 
by the national body and regulate Boy Scout activities in their districts, 
with authority to pass on Scout Masters' applications. A Scout Execu- 
tive may be engaged by the local council to assist in and supervise the 
work of the Scout Masters in instruction, etc., and to coordinate the 
work in the community, as in arranging for inter-troop meets, games 
and camps. More than 6,000 Scout Masters are registered with the na- 
tional organization of "The Boy Scouts of America," representing about 
300,000 boys. Work has been started in nearly all cities of the country 
having a population of 4,000 or over, and in Porto Rico, the Philippines 
and Guam. 


THE UNITED STATES NAVAL ADVISORY 

BOARD 

To develop inventions and give the United States Navy the benefit 
of the best scientific and technical suggestions for its improvement the 
Naval Advisory Board was organized in 1915 by the Secretary of the 
Navy. Thomas A. Edison, at the request of the Secretary, became chair- 
man of the Board and upon recommendation by eleven of the leading 
engineering and scientific societies of the country two members of each 
of these societies were appointed to constitute its personnel. 

The following were made chairmen of the committees named to take 
up problems in special fields relating to the navy: 


W. R. Whitney — Chemistry 
and Physics. 

Henry A. Wise Wood — Aero- 
nautics (including aero mo- 
tors) 

Andrew L. Riker — Internal 
Combustion Motors. 

Frank J. Sprague — Electricity. 

Elmer A. Sperry — Alines and 
Torpedoes. 

William Le Roy Emmet — Sub- 
marines. 


Hudson Maxim — Ordnance 
and Explosives. 

P. C. Hewitt — Wireless and 
Communications 

Benjamin B. Thayer — Trans- 
portation. 

Howard E. Coffin — Produc- 
tion, Organization, Man- 
ufacture, and Standardiza- 
tion. 

Frank J. Sprague — Ship Con- 
struction. 


Andrew M. Hunt — Steam En- 
gineering and Ship Propul- 
sion 

Spencer Miller — Life-Saving 
Apparatus. 

Elmer A. Sperry — Aids to Nav- 
igation. 

L. H. Baekeland — Food and 
Sanitation. 

Alfred Craven — Public Works, 
Yards, and Docks. 


THE SWISS SYSTEM OF MILITARY 
SERVICE 

The Swiss Army is essentially a national militia. Service is uni- 
versal and compulsory. Exemptions are practically limited to physical 
disability. Actual service commences at the age of 20 and liability to 
military duty extends from the 17th to the end of the 48th year. Sol- 
diers in the first 12 years of service obligation comprise the first line, 
or "Auszug," those in the next 8 years the Landwehr, or first reserve; 
and those in the next 12 years the Landsturm, or second reserve. 

Training is begun in so-called "recruits' schools" in periods of 65 
days for infantry, engineers, and foot artillery; 75 days for field artil- 
lery, and 90 days for cavalry. After this initial period of actual service 
there follow "repetition courses" of 11 days annually, seven annual 
courses (8 in the case of cavalry) being required, further attendance 
being excused for all under the rank of sergeant. The Landwehr men 
are called out but once for training, for a period of 11 days. 

The citizen soldier keeps his rifle, uniform and full equipment in 
his own home when not on actual service and is responsible for keeping, 
it in good order, replacing it when necessary. 


GERMAN SYSTEM OF MILITARY SERVICE 

The German system of military service since 1870-71 has been the 
model for practically all countries which maintain large standing armies, 
such as France and Russia. Liability to service is universal, drawing 
into the army all, or nearly all, the men of military age for a continuous 
period of short service. It begins at the age of seventeen and ends at 
forty-five, but actual service begins at twenty. The term of service in 
the first-line or active army is seven years, two in the ranks and five in 
the reserves, except in the cavalry and horse-artillery, where the periods 
are three and four years; during reserve service the soldier is regarded 
as belonging to his corps and joins it twice in the five (or four) years 
for six weeks' training. 

After completion of service in the first-line army, the soldier serves 
five years (cavalry and horse artillery three years) in the first "ban" 
of the Landwehr, or second-line army; in this period he is called twice 
for training, each time for eight to fourteen days; Landwehr cavalry are 
not called for training in peace times. Next the soldier goes with the 
second "ban" until the completion of his thirty-ninth year. There is 
no training in this period. 

Finally the soldier passes into the reserve body, the Landsturm, and 
remains liable to call under it until he reaches forty-five. This .force 
is intended exclusively as a home defense force, though in the European 
War in 1914-1916 it apparently saw service in the field in foreign coun- 
tries. 

Young men of good education are admitted into the German army 
as "one-year volunteers," serving for one year only and paying all their 
own expenses. These supply almost all the Reserve and Landwehr 
officers. 

THE AUSTRALIAN MILITARY SYSTEM 

The defense scheme adopted by the Australian government was 
based on recommendations of Lord Kitchener. Under it the country is 
divided up into 93 recruiting districts, each providing 1 battalion, besides 
other troops. The scheme imposes a system of compulsory training, be- 
ginning with cadets of 12 to 18 years of age (junior and senior), fol- 
lowed by 1 year in the Citizen Forces as recruits. After this the men 
remain as soldiers for 7 years. Liability ceases with the completion of 
the 26th year, but the men are expected to join rifle clubs and keep up 
their shooting. The period of actual training is short. The young citi- 
zen soldier of 18 to 26 undergoes a training of only 16 days, or their 
equivalent, of it in each year. Eight of these days must be of con- 
tinuous training in camps. 

BOY SCOUTS IN FOREIGN COUNTRIES 

About one million Boy Scouts, it is estimated, are enrolled through- 
out the world under various organizations. In Great Britain, where the 
work was chiefly promoted by Sir Robert S. S. Baden-Powell, the enroll- 
ment rapidly grew to hundreds of thousands. In certain Boy Scout 
organizations greater emphasis is laid on training of a military char- 
acter, — and Boy Scouts in England were utilized to some extent in the 
European War for semi-military purposes, such as the hunting down 
of spies, acting as guides, assisting in ambulance work, etc. The move- 
ment has made considerable headway in Germany, France, Italy and 
even in Turkey. 


PANAMA CANAL STATISTICS 

Cost — Total estimated cost approximately, $375,000,000. Total cred- 
its by United States Treasury to March 31, 1915, $374,070,100, including: 
Congressional appropriations to August 1, 1914, .$362,019,275; fortifica- 
tions, $12,050,825. Paid to the French Canal Company and to the Re- 
public of Panama for property and franchises, $50,000,000. Expended 
for sanitation, $20,053,000. 

Dimensions — Length, from deep water in the Caribbean Sea to deep 
water in the Pacific Ocean, about 50 miles, from shore line to shore 
line about 4iy 2 miles; minimum depth, 41 feet; average bottom width of 
the channel, 649 feet; minimum width, 300 feet, maximum, about 1,000 
feet; summit elevation, 85 feet above sea level. 

Gattjn Dam — Length along crest, including the spillway, 8,000 feet; 
maximum width, 2,100 feet; elevation of crest, 115 feet above sea-level, 
30 feet above normal level of Gatun Lake; width of crest 100 feet, width 
85 feet above sea-level (the normal water level of the lake) is about 
388 feet. 

HOW THE CANAL HAS SHORTENED OCEAN VOYAGES 

Distances 

By Former 
By Panama All-water 

Canal Route 

New York to San Francisco 5,262 miles 13,135 miles 

New York to Hawaii 7,000 " 12,800 « 

New York to Manila 12,000 « 17,800 " 

Liverpool to Callao 5,910* ■ 10,230 ■ 

Liverpool ^Valparaiso 7,187** « 8,998 u 

New York to Callao 3,779 ■ 9,769 « 

* Saving about 14 days' time. ** Saving about 6 days. 

Traffic — In the period from August 14, 1914, to July 1, 1915, % of a 
year, 530 vessels, 2,125,735 cargo tons, passed through the canal east- 
bound, and 558 vessels, 2,844,057 cargo tons, westbound, a total for the 
10% months of 1,088 vessels, 4,969,792 cargo tons. These included 471 
American vessels; 464 British; 41 Norwegian; 35 Chilean; 24 Danish; 
18 Swedish; 7 Dutch; 6 Japanese; 6 Russian; 4 Peruvian; 3 French; 
3 Honduran; 2 Italian; 2 Nicaraguan; 2 Panamaian. 

Earnings — For the fiscal year ending June 30, 1915, tolls levied 
were $4,343,383.69, exclusive of $80,872.79 levied on vessels of the 
United States Government; expenses for operation and maintenance 
$4,112,550.48; excess of toll earnings over expenses, $230,833.21. 

Toll Rates — 1. On merchant vessels carrying passengers or cargo, 
one dollar and twenty cents ($1.20) per net vessel ton — each one hun- 
dred (100) cubic feet — of actual earning capacity. 

2. On vessels in ballast without passengers or cargo, forty (40) 
per cent, less than the rate of tolls for vessels with passengers or cargo. 

3. Upon naval vessels, other than transports, colliers, hospital ships 
and supply ships, fifty (50) cents per displacement ton. 

4. Upon Army and Navy transports, colliers, hospital ships and 
supply ships, one dollar and twenty cents ($1.20) per net ton, the vessels 
to be measured by the same rules as are employed in determining the 
net tonnage of merchant vessels. 


PRESIDENTS OF THE UNITED STATES 


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THE NAMES OF THE STATES AND 
THEIR MEANING 


Alabama — Indian; "Here we rest." 

Alaska — Eskimo; Alakshak or Ala- 
yeksa; "The main land." 

Arizona — Indian; Arizonac: "Small 
Springs" or "Few Springs. 

Arkansas — Indian; Kansas; "Smoky 
Water;" and French prefix "arc;" 
"bow" or "bend"; hence, "The 
Bow in the Smoky Water." 

California — Spanish ; Caliente For- 
nalla; "Hot Furnace." 

Colorado — Spanish; Colorado; "col- 
ored;" from the red color of the 
Colorado river. 

Connecticut — Indian; Quonektakut, 
the present Connecticut river; "Long 
River." 

Delaware — After Lord De la Warr, 
one of the early proprietors. Dela- 
ware, however, remained^ a part of 
Pennsylvania until the time of the 
Revolution. 

Florida — Spanish Pascua de Flores; 
"Feast of Flowers;" because dis- 
covered on Easter Day. 

Georgia — After George II of Eng- 
land, who chartered it as a colony 
in 1732. 

Hawaii— Native name; called by 
Captain Cook the "Sandwich Isl- 
ands" after Lord Sandwich. 

Idaho — Indian; "Gem of the Moun- 
tains." 

Illinois — Indian iUini and French 
suffix ois; "Tribe of Men." 

Indiana — Latin; "Indians' Land." 

Iowa — Indian; "Beautiful Land." 

Kansas — Indian; "Smoky Water." 

Kentucky — Indian; "At Head of the 
River," or "The Dark and Bloody 
Ground." 

Louisiana — After Louis XIV of 
France. 

Maine — After the province of Maine, 
France. 

Maryland — After Queen Henrietta 
Maria, wife of King Charles I, of 
England. 

Massachusetts — Indian; "Place of 
Blue Hills." 


Michigan — Indian; "Fish Weir." 

Minnesota — Indian; "Sky - tinted 
Water." 

Mississippi — Indian; "Great Father 
of Waters." 

Missouri — Indian; "Muddy (river)." 

Montana — Latin; fern, of montanus; 
"Mountainous." 

Nebraska — Indian; "Water Valley," 
or "Black Water." 

Nevada — Spanish ; "Snow-Covered." 

New Hampshire — After Hampshire, 
a county in England. In its terri- 
torial days, a part of it was called 
Laconia. 

New Jersey — After Sir George Car- 
teret, governor of the island of 
Jersey. Jersey was originally Coe- 
serea, or Caesar's Land. 

New Mexico — So named because it 
formerlv belonging to old Mexico. 

New York— After the Duke of York, 
to whom his brother, Charles II, 01 
England, ceded it as a province. 

North and South Carolina — Origi- 
nally Carolina; after Charles IX 
(Carolus) of France. 

North and South Dakota — Indian 
Dakota; /'Allies." 

Ohio — Indian; "Beautiful River." 

Oklahoma — Indian; "Home of the 
Red Men." 

Oregon — Spanish oregano — the wild 
marjoram, abundant on the coast. 

Pennsylvania — Latin; "Penn's Wood- 
land." 

Philippine Islands — Spanish Islas 
Filipinos; after King rhilip. [Fi- 
lippo.] 

Porto Rico — Spanish Puerto Rico; 
"Rich Harbor." 

Rhode Island — After the island of 
Rhodes. 

Tennessee — Indian; "River with the 
Great Bend." 

Texas — Very old Indian, in different 
forms; "Friends." 

Utah — After the Utah or Ute Indian 
tribe. 


THE NICKNAMES OF THE STATES 


Vermont — French; "Green Moun- 
tain." 

Virginia— After Elizabeth, the "Virgin 
Queen" of England. 

Washington — After George Wash- 
ington. 
West Virginia — So named because 


formerly the western part of Vir- 
ginia. It became an independent 
State in December 31, 1862, it having 
seceded from Virginia and shown 
its loyalty to the Union. 

Wisconsin — Indian; "Gathering of 
the Waters." 

Wyoming — Indian; "Great Plains." 


THE NICKNAMES OF THE STATES 
AND THE REASON 


Alabama— "The Cotton State," from 
its chief production. 

Alaska— "The Eldorado of the North." 

Arizona — No nickname. 

Arkansas — "The Bear State." be- 
cause bears swarmed in its bayous 
during its early history. 

California— "El Dorado," or "Golden 
Land." 

Colorado— "The Centennial State/' 
as being admitted into the Union in 
1876, the Centennial Year. 

Connecticut — "The Nutmeg State," 
because its people were humorously 
said to have been so enterprising 
as to have made nutmegs out of 
wood, and. then palming them off on 
unsuspecting purchasers. 

Delaware— "The Blue Hen State." 
During the Revolution the com- 
mander of a brigade in Delaware 
was a veteran cock-fighter, who al- 
ways bet on "The blue hen's chick- 
ens." Thence, the name came to 
be applied to the members of his 
brigade, and finally to the State 
itself. Also, "The Diamond State," 
as small and precious. 

Florida— "The Gulf State;" but of- 
tener "The Flowery State," from 
its name. 

Georgia— "The Cracker State," from 
the "crackers" or poor whites who 
inhabited it before its present pros- 
perity. 

Hawaii — (Territory) . 

Idaho— "The Gem of the Mountains." 

Illinois— "The Sucker State," so 
called in derision by the Missouri- 
ans. 

Indiana— "The Hoosier State," from 
the word "hoosher," a word applied 


by the merchants of New Orleans 
to Indiana boatmen because of their 
boisterous manners and perpetual 
bragging. [Creole-French.J 

Iowa — "The Hawkeye State," so 
named from an Indian Chief, Black 
Hawk, who figured in its early his- 
tory. 

Kansas — Known as "The Central 
State" from its geographical posi- 
tion, and also because in the history 
of the Union the Kansas struggle 
hastened the climax in politics; also 
"The Prairie State," and "The Sun- 
flower State." 

Kentucky— "The Blue Grass State," 
because of its magnificent pastures. 

Louisiana — "The Creole State," be- 
cause of the large number of Creoles 
among its population. 

Maine — Is generically known as 
"Down East," and is also called 
"The Lumber State" from its ex- 
tensive forests; or, more poetically, 
"The Pine Tree State." 

Maryland — Because in Colonial Days 
it refused to alter its boundaries to 
please Lord Baltimore and William 
Penn, it received the nickname of 
"The Old Line State." 

Massachusetts — Was called "The 
Old Bay Colony" in very early 
times. Hence after it became a 
State it was styled "The Old Bay 
State." 

Michigan— "The Lake State," be- 
cause of its geographical position. 

Minnesota — "The Gopher State " as 
containing so many of these little 
animals. 

Mississippi — "The Bayou State," 
from the numerous bayous or chan- 


THE NICKNAMES OF THE STATES 


nels which enter it from the Gulf of 
Mexico. 

Missouri— "The Bullion State," § a 
name which it received when ita 
most eminent Senator, Thomaa H. 
Benton, himself known as "Old 
Bullion," contended vigorously for 
the adoption of gold and silver cur- 
rency. 

Montana — "The Mountain State." 

Nebraska— "The Black Water State," 
from its Indian name. 

Nevada — Is variously known as "The 
Battle State," because it was ad- 
mitted into the Union during the 
Civil War; "The Silver State, 7 ' be- 
cause of its immense yield of silver 
at one time, and finally "The Sage- 
Brush State." 

New Hampshire — "The Granite 
State" from its great mountains of 
granite, which are supposed to 
typify the strength, ana nardiness 
of its people. 

New Jersey— "The Red Mud State" 
because of the color of much of its 
soil. In 1817 its legislature allowed 
Joseph Bonaparte, the ex-king of 
Spain and an alien, to hold real 
estate. This led to a gibe in other 
States, to the effect that New Jersey 
had left the Union to be under the 
rule of a king; hence, for a while it 
was called "The Dominion." 

New Mexico— "The Adobe State." 

New York — Long known as "The 
Empire State," because of its com- 
mercial supremacy and political 
importance. It is also known as 
"The Excelsior State" from the 
motto on its coat-of-arms. 

North Carolina— Called "The Old 
North State" as distinguishing it 
from South Carolina. 

North Dakota— "The Cyclone State." 

(Ohio — "The Buckeye State," because 
it abounds in horse-chestnut trees, 
locally known as "buckeves." 

Oklahoma — "The Boomer State," 
from its rapid growth and energy. 

Oregon— "The Beaver State," from 
the early fur-trade first carried on 
by John Jacob Astor. 

Pennsylvania- "The Keystone 
State," because in early days, when 


there were only thirteen States, a 
popular wood-cut represented the 
States in the form of an arch, in 
which Pennsylvania occupied the 
position of the keystone. 

Philippine Islands — (Dependency) . 

Puerto Rico — (Territory). 

Rhode Island — Somewhat fondly 
called "Little Rhody," because it 
is the smallest State in the Union. 

Tennessee — "Big ijend State"; name 
of Cherokee Indian origin, applied 
to several early settlements of that 
tribe; meaning long lost. 

South Carolina — "The Palmetto 
State," because its coat-of-arms 
bears a palmetto tree. 

South Dakota — "The Blizzard 
State," because of its terrific storms. 

Texas — "The Lone-Star State," from 
the single star on its coat-of-arms. 

Utah — "The Mormon State," because 
it was so long controlled by the 
Mormon Church and its leaders. 

Vermont — "The Green_ Mountain 
State," from its mountain ranges. 

Virginia — This State has many nick- 
names. Its first was _ "Old Vir- 
ginia," to distinguish it from the 
New England Colonies which were 
in colonial times often styled "New 
Virginia." The State documents 
sent by the King of England to the 
Governor were headed: "To the 
Colony and Dominion of Virginia," 
so that "Old Dominion" became a 
frequent term for this colony and is 
still often used. As Virginia was 
the first of the original States to be 
settled, it was also styled "The 
Mother of States;" and later, after 
it had given seven Presidents to the 
nation, it was called "The Mother 
of Presidents." 

Washington — No nickname. 

West Virginia — "The Panhandle 
State," because of its peculiar con- 
figuration between the Ohio River 
and Pennsylvania. 

Wisconsin — "The Badger State," 
from the number of badgers which 
swarmed within its limits before it 
was inhabited; also "The Wolverine 
State." 

Wyoming. — No nickname. 


NICKNAMES OF FAMOUS PERSONAGES 


Abdul II. of Turkey: "Abdul the 
Damned." 

Adams, John: "The Duke of Brain- 
tree," because of his overbearing 
and rather haughty manners. 

Adams. Samuel: "The American 
Cato." 

Alexander the Great: "The Madman 
of Macedonia." 

Alexander II. of Russia: "The 
Liberator." 

Allen, Senator William: "The Ohio 
Gong" ; "Earthquake Allen" ; "Green- 
back Bill." 

Angelico, Fra. See Giovanni da 
Fiesole. 

Anne I. of England: "Good Queen 
Anne"; "Brandy Nose." 

Aquinas, Thomas: "The Angelic 
Doctor" ; "The Angel of the Schools". 

Arthur, Chester A.: While he was 
Vice-President he was called, "The 
Prince of Wales"; by his intimates 
he was known as "Chet." 

Attila: "The Scourge of God." 


Balfour, A. J.: "Miss Alice." 
Banks, Gen. N. P.: "The Bobbin 

Boy." 
Barnum, P. T.: "The Greatest Show- 
man on Earth." 
Barnum, William H.: "Seven Mule 

Barnum." 
Bayard, Pierre du Terrail: "The 

Chevalier without Fear and without 

Reproach." 
Beaconsfield, Lord. See Disraeli. 

Benjamin. 
Benton, Thomas H.: "Old Bullion." 
Bismarck, Otto von: "The Iron 

Chancellor"; "The Man of Blood 

and Iron." 
Blaine, James G.: "Nosey Blaine"; 

"Blaine of Maine"; "The Tattooed 

Man"; "The Plumed Knight"; 

"The Rupert of Debate," and "Jim 

the Penman," alluding to the 

Mulligan Letters. 


Bland, Richard P.: "The Father of 
Free Silver"; "Silver Dick." 

Bliicher, Gebhard von: "0)& For- 
ward," (V or warts) from his indomi- 
table courage, which made him always 
urge his soldiers on to battle, even 
though he himself was wounded. 
Another name for him was "Old 
Raw-Head and Bloody Bones." 

Bonaparte, Napoleon: "The Heir 
of the Republic"; "The Man of 
Destiny." 

Boone, Daniel: "Long Knife" (from 
the terror which he inspired in the 
Indians). 

Borde, Andrew: (Physician to Henry 
VIII.) "Merry Andrew." 

Boswell, James: "Bozzy." 

Bradley, Justice Joseph: "Aliunde 
Joe," because in the Electoral 
Commission of 1877 he decided that 
certain points of issue were aliunde 
or irrelevant. 

Brown, John: "Ossawatomie Brown." 

Browne, C. F.: "Artemus Ward." 

Brownlow, William G. : An ignorant 
and coarse fanatic during the Civil 
War on the side of the North. He 
afterwards became Governor and 
Senator from Tennessee. Because 
he had once been a Methodist min- 
ister, he was widely known as 
"Parson Brownlow." 

Brummell, George: "Beau Brum- 
mell." 

Bryan, William Jennings: "The 
Boy Orator of the Platte"; "The 
Rabbit's Foot Statesman." 

Buchanan, James: Mr. Buchanan 
was a candidate for the Presidency 
with Senator Breckenridge as his 
"running mate." The two were 
popularly called "Buck and Breck." 
After the election. President Bu- 
chanan was styled ^Old Buck"; also 
"The Old Public Functionary." 

Bunyan, John: "The Bedford 
Tinker." 

Burns, Robert: "Oor Rab"; "The 
Excise Poet"; "The Laureate of 
Scotland"; "The Ploughman Poet." 

Butler, Gen. B. F.: "Old Spoons"; 


NICKNAMES OF FAMOUS PERSONAGES 


"Beast Butler"; "Cock-eyed But- 
ler"; "Bottled-up Butler." 


Carlyle, Thomas: "The Sage of 
Chelsea." 

Carnegie, Andrew: "The Laird of 
Skibo." 

Catherine II. of Russia: "The 
Semiramis of the North." (A name 
also given to Queen Christina of 
Sweden.) 

Cenci, Beatrice: "The Beautiful 
Parricide." 

Chamberlain, Joseph: "Brummagem 
Joe"; "Shifty Joe"; "Pushful Joe." 

Charles (Crowned Emperor 800 A.D., 
and first head of the Holy Roman 
Empire): "Carolus Magnus," "Char- 
lemagne." 

Charles, last Duke of Burgundy: 
"The Bold" (Le Temeraire). 

Charles I. of England: His enemies 
called him "The Man of Blood"; 
to his devoted followers, the Cava- 
liers, he was "The Martyr King." 

Charles II. of England: called, from 
his gaiety and lively manners, "The 
Merry Monarch"; and also "Old 
Rowley." This last nickname came 
from a fancied resemblance of Charles 
to one of his hunting horses named 
Rowley. 

Charles I. of France: "The Bald" 
(Le Chauve). 

Charles II. of France: "The Fat" 
(Le Gros). 

Charles III. of France: "The Simple" 
(LeSot). 

Charles IV. of France: "The Hand- 
some" (Le Bel). 

Charles V. of France: "The Wise" 
(Le Sage). 

Charles II. of Navarre: "The Bad" 
(Le Mechant). 

Charles XII. of Sweden: "The Mad- 
man of the North." 

Chatterton, Thomas: "The Mar- 
vellous Boy." 

Chaucer, Geoffrey: "The Father of 
English Poetry." 

Churchill, Lord Randolph: "Our 
Randy." 

Clay, Henry: "The Great Com- 
promiser" — this in the latter part 
of his life. As a high-spirited, 
youthful politician, he was known as 
"Harrv of the West"; and "The 
Mill-boy of the Slashes." 


Cleveland, Grover: called by his 

enemies "The Perpetual Candidate"; 

and "The Stuffed Prophet." 
Cobden, Richard: "The Apostle 

of Free Trade." 
Cockran, W. Bourke: "The Mulligan 

Guard Demosthenes." 
Cody, William F.: "Buffalo Bill." 
Crichton, James: "The Admirable 

Crichton." 
Croker, Richard: "Shifty Dick." 
Cromwell, Oliver: "Old Noll"; and 

"The Protector." 


Dana, Chas.-A.: "The Nestor of the 
Press." 

Dare, Jeanne: "The Maid of Or- 
leans." 

Democritus: "The Laughing Philos- 
opher." 

Devil, The: "Old Nick"; "Old 
Scratch"; "The Old Harry." 

Dickens, Charles: "Boz." The il- 
lustrator of his early novels, H. K. 
Browne, was styled "Phiz." 

Disraeli, Benjamin: (Lord Beacons- 
field) "Dizzv." 

Douglas, Stephen A.: "The Little 
Giant." 

E 

Edison, Thos. A.: "The Wizard of 

Menlo Park." 
Edward, Prince of Wales, son of 

Edward in.: "The Black Prince." 
Edward VII. of England: "Tummy." 
Elizabeth of England: "Good Queen 

Bess"; and "The Virgin Queen." 
Elliott, Ebenezer: "The Corn-Law 

Rhymer." 
Emerson, R. W.: "The Sage of Con- 
cord." 
Ethelred (Saxon King of England): 

"The Unready." 
Eugenie, Empress of the French: 

"The Spaniard." 
Evans, Robley D.: "Fighting Bob." 


Fairbanks, Charles W.: "Icebanks." 
Ferdinand, King of Naples: "King 

Bomba" (from his cruelty in shelling 

some of his cities and towns). 
Foraker, Joseph B.: "Fire-alarm 

Foraker." 
Forrest, Edwin: "The Roscius of the 

Bowery." 


NICKNAMES OF FAMOUS PERSONAGES 


Foster, Secretary Charles: "Calico 
Charley." 

Franklin, Benjamin: "Poor Rich- 
ard." In France, he was styled 
"Le Bonhomme Richard." 

Frederick the Great of Prussia: 
"Old Fritz" (Alter Fritz). 

Frederick II., Emperor of Ger- 
many: "Our Fritz" ( Unser Fritz). 

Fremont, John C: "The Path- 
finder." 


Garfield, James A.: "The Canal 
Boy." 

Garibaldi, Giuseppe: "The Red 
Shirt Hero." 

Garrick, David: "The British Ros- 
cius." 

George I. of England: "The Han- 
overian Rat." 

George II. of England: "Dutch 
George." 

George III. of England: "Farmer 
George." 

George IV. of England: "The First 
Gentleman in Europe"; "Gentle- 
man George." 

Giovanni da Fiesole: "Fra Angelico." 

Gladstone, W. E.: "The Grand Old 
Man"; also "The People's William." 
By his opponents he was styled, 
"The Grand Old Woman." 

Goldsmith, Oliver: "Poor Noll." 

Grant, U. S.: "Unconditional Sur- 
render Grant"; "United States 
Grant"; "The Butcher." 

"Great": A title of honor given to 
many monarchs by their subjects. 
Time has eliminated the title in a 
great number of instances; but his- 
tory still applies it to Alexander 
the Great of Macedon; to Pope Greg- 
ory the Great; to Charles the Great 
(Charlemagne) of the Holy Roman 
Empire; to Alfred the Great of 
Saxon England; to Peter the Great 
of Russia; to Frederick the Great of 
Prussia; and to Napoleon the Great 
of France. (See Louis XIV.) 

Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden: 
"The Lion of the North." 


in Parliament but made in all his 
career only one speech. This, how- 
ever, was remarkably eloquent, full 
of close reasoning and persuasive- 
Hancock, Winfleld S. : "The Superb." 
Hanna, Marcus A.: "The Business 

Man in Politics"; "Uncle Mark." 
Harris, Joel Chandler: "Uncle 

Remus." 
Harrison, Benj.: "Little Ben." 
Hayes, Rutherford B.: "His Fraud- 
ulency"; "The Bread - Poultice 
President." 
Heenan, John C: "The Benicia 

Boy." 
Henry I. of England: "Fine Scholar" 

(Beauclerc). 
Henry V. of England: "Prince Hal." 
Eenry Vffl. of England: "Bluff 
King Hal"; "Defender of the Faith." 
Heraclitus: "The Weeping Philoso- 
pher." 
Herodotus: "The Father of History." 
Hippocrates: "The Father of Medi- 
cine." 
Hogg, James: "The Ettrick Shep- 

he?d." 
Holman, W. H.: "The Watch-dog of 

the Treasury." 
Hooker, Gen. Joseph E.: "Fighting 
Joe." 

I 
Isabel of Castillo and Aragon; 

"Isabel the Catholic." 
Ivan II. of Russia: "The Terrible." 


Hamilton, Alexander: "Alexander 

the Coppersmith" (1793). 
Hamilton, W. G.: "Single-Speech 
Hamilton." An English statesman 
of the eighteenth century sat long 


Jackson, Andrew: "Old Hickory." 
Jackson, Gen. T. J.: "Stonewall 

Jackson." 
Johnson, Andrew: "Our Andy." 
Johnson, Samuel: "The Great Cham 

of Literature." 


Kelly, John: "Honest John." 
Kelly, William H.: "Pig-iron Kelly." 
Kemble, Fanny: "Pretty Fanny." 
Kipling, Rudyard: "The Man from 

Nowhere." 
Knox, Philander C: "Sleepy Phil." 
Kruger, Paul: "Oom Paul" (Uncle 

Paul). 


Landon, Letitia E.: "L. E. L." 
Laynez, Don Roderigo: "The Cid." 
Lee, Nathaniel: "The Mad Poet." 


NICKNAMES OF FAMOUS PERSONAGES 

Lee, Robert E.: "Uncle Robert" (by N 

his soldiers); "Massa Bob" (by the 

negroes). Napoleon I.: "The Little Corporal"; 

Lincoln, Abraham: "Honest Abe"; <r N T ap" (in England); "Boney" (in 

"Old Abe"; "Father Abraham"; England); "The Nightmare of 

"The Great Emancipator"; "The Europe." 

Railsplitter"; "The Martyred Presi- Napoleon II.: "The Eaglet." 

dent/' Napoleon III.: "Badingue." (The 

Lincoln, Robert T.: "The Prince of name of the workman in whose 

Rails." garments Napoleon escaped from 

Lind, Jenny: "The Swedish Nightin- the Castle of Ham.) 

gale." Napoleon IV. (The Prince Imperial): 

Logan, John A.: "Black Jack." "Loulou." 

Louis Philippe of France: "The Napoleon, Prince (J. C. Bonaparte): 

Citizen King" (Le Roi Citoyen). "Plon-Plon." The Prince was said 

Louis I. of France: "The Debon- to have shown the white feather in 

nair" (gallant), or "The Pious." the Crimean War- and the French. 

Louis IV. of France: "The Foreign- therefore, named him "Plon-Plon, 

er," (Le d'Outremer) because he was supposed to represent the sound of 

educated in England. cannon. 

Louis V. of France: "The Sluggard" Nelson, Admiral Horatio: "The 

(Le Faineant). Hero of Trafalgar." 

Louis VI. of France: "The Fat" (Le Neville, Richard (Earl of Warwick): 

Gras). "The King-Maker." (See War- 
Louis VIII. of France: "The Lion" wick.) 

(Le Lion). Ney, Marshal Michel: "The Bravest 

Louis XI. of France: "The Fox" . of the Brave" (Le plus brave des 

(Le Renar d). braves). 

Louis XIV. of France: "The Great Nightingale, Florence: "The Angel 

Kin g" (L e Grand Monarque). of the Crimea." 
Louis XVI. of France: "The Joiner" 

(Le Charpentier), because of hia O 

fondness for carpentry and mechan- 
ics; also "The Baker," being held O'Connell, Daniel: "The Liberator." 

responsible for the food supply. 

P 

M Palmerston, Lord: "Old Pam." 

Peel, Sir Robert: "Corn Law Bobby"; 

McClellan, Gen. G. B.: "The Young and "Orange Peel" (from his anti- 
Napoleon"; "Little Mac." Catholic policy). 

McKinley, William: "The Advance Pitt, William, Duke of Chatham: 

Agent of Prosperity." "The Great Duke." 

Marie Antoinette, Queen of Piatt, Thomas C: "Me Too"; "The 

France: "The Austrian." Easy Boss." 

Mary I. of England: "Bloody Mary." Pope, Alexander: "The Wasp of 

Meissonier, Jean Louis: "The Great Twickenham." 
Painter of Little Pictures." 

Melanchthon, Philip: "The Pre- R 
ceptor of Germany. 

Meyer, Gen. H. J.: "Old Probs," Reed, Thomas B.: "Czar Reed.". 

because he established the Weather Richard I. of England: "The Lion 

Bureau at Washington. Heart" (Caeur deLion). 

Miller, Joaquin: "The Poet of the Riley, James Whitcomb: "The 

Sierras." Hoosier Poet." 

Moltke, Helmuth von: "Father Robert, the First Duke of Nor- 

Moltke." mandy: "Robert the Devil." 

Monmouth, Duke of (the natural Roosevelt, Theodore: "Teddy"; 

son of King Charles II. of England): "Terrible Teddy"; "The Bronco- 

"The Protestant Duke." Buster"; "Teddy the First"; "T. 


NICKNAMES OF FAMOUS PERSONAGES 

R."; "Our Teddy"; "The Hero of Tilman, Benjamin R.: "Pitchfork 

San Juan"; "The Trust Slayer"; Tilman." 

"Toothful Teddy"; "Teddy the Tyler, John: "The Renegade." 

Smiler"; "The Man Who Would Be 

King." v 

g Van Buren, Martin: "Little Matty"; 
"The Fox of Kinderhook." 

St. John: "The Beloved Disciple." Victoria, ^ Queen of England: "The 

St. Stephen: "The Proto-Martyr." _ Widow. 

Salisbury, Lord: "A Lath Painted Voorhees, Darnel W.: "The Tall 
to Look Like Iron." Sycamore of the Wabash." 

Scott, Sir Walter: "The Wizard of 

the North" ; "The Border Minstrel" ; W 

"The Great Unknown." __ . _ _ , „ . 

Scott, Gen. Winfield: "Old Fuss and W £^ ck ,V Earl of ( see Neville, 
Feathers," from his fondness for ^H. c V arci )- „ „™ ^ , 

military display. It is he who is in- Waf^g^on, George: "The Father 

voked in the exclamation, "Great „ T ot Hls S^ ountl T- ^ «*, ■, . 

Scott " Wayne, Gen. Anthony: "Mad An- 

Sewall, Arthur: "The Lone Fisher- ^hony." 

man of Bath " Webster, Daniel: "Black Dan"; 

Shakespeare, William: "The Bard '' T H Ex P° under of th e Constitu- 
of Avon"; "The Swan of Avon"; tion. .-«-■- (t ™ T 

"The Divine William." Wellington, the Duke of: "The Iron 

Sheridan, Gen. Philip: "Little Phil"; ^uke. 

"Piegan Phil," from the Piegan In- Wheeler. Gen. Joseph: "Fighting 

dians whom he annihilated. miP-l heele £ . . COT - ~ - , ~ 

Sheridan, Richard Brinsley: Whitman, Walt: "The Good Grey 
"Sherry " Poet." 

Sherman, Gen. William Te- Whittier, John G.: "The Quaker 

cumseh: "Uncle Billy"; "Old _ P°. et - T , . , , -_ ., , , , 

Tecump " William I. (of the Netherlands): 

Simpson,Jerry: "Sockless Simpson"; -J^^ 1 ^^ fi ent f « (( n 7 . 1 , 

"Uncle Jerry " William (King of Scotland) : "W llham 

Smith, Gen. J.': "Hell-Roaring Jake." tjj? Lion." 

Stevens, Thaddeus: "The Great William I. of England: "The Con- 
Commoner " queror. 

Stone, Gov. William L.: "Gum-shoe William H. of England: "The Red " 

gill h William III. of England: "The 

Stratton, Charles H.: "Tom tir J?^ tchma £f" , ,, , A „™ 

Thumb William IV. of England: "The 

Stuart, 'Prince Charles Edward: bailor King"; "Silly Billy." 

"The Young Chevalier"; "The W i ha ^ L » of German y : "William 

Young Pretender" (1720-88). _g}5 Wls £ , „ c<wnr 

v ' William II. of Germany: "William 

the Bagman"; "William the Pre- 

T vious"; "William the War-Lord. " 

Williams, Eleazar: "Louis XVII." 

Taylor, Zachary: "Old Rough and (Williams claimed that he was the 

Ready." son of Louis XVI., and had not died 

Thurman, Allen G.: "The Old in prison.) 

Roman"; "Old Bandanna." Willis, N. P.: "Natty Nat." 

Tilden, Samuel J.: "Co-parcener Wilson, Henry (Vice-President): 

Tilden," from his alleged relations "The Natick Cobbler." 

with unscrupulous financiers. Woodruff, Timothy L.: "Tiny Tim." 


THE DECISIVE BATTLES OF THE 
WORLD AND THEIR RESULTS 

By DONALD L. CLARK, A.B., DE PAUW UNIVERSITY. 


Marathon (mar'a-thon), 490 B.C. 
The Greeks (11,000) under Miltiades 
defeated the Persians (100,000) un- 
der Datis and Artaphernes. The 
victory ended Darius s invasion of 
Greece. 

Thermopylae (ther-mop'i-li) , 480 B.C. 
The Greeks (300 Spartans and 700 
Thespians) under Leonidas were 
annihilated by the huge < army of 
Xerxes. Showed the patriotic tem- 
per of the Greeks. 

Salamis (sal'a-mis), 480 B.C. The 
Greek fleet under Themistocles and 
Eurybiades defeated the Persian 
fleet under Xerxes. Saved Greece 
from the second and last Persian 
invasion. 

Syracuse (sy'ra-kus), 413 B.C. Un- 
successfully besieged by the Athe- 
nians under Nicias and Demosthenes. 
This defeat marked the decline of 
Athenian imperialism and protected 
Rome from Greek conquest. 

Cunaxa, 401 B.C. A battle fought at 
Cunaxa, 60 miles from Babylon, 
between the armies of King Arta- 
xerxes Mnemon (250,000) and that 
of Cyrus the Younger (100,000) . In 
the army of Cyrus were 10,000 Greek 
mercenaries whose valor and dis- 
cipline routed the vast army of 
Artaxerxes. This battle taught the 
Greeks the inherent weakness of the 
Persians, and led to the later con- 
quest of Persia by Alexander. 

Arbela (ar-be'la), 331 B.C. The 
Macedonians (47,000) under Alex- 
ander the Great defeated the Per- 
sians (1,000,000) under Darius III. 
Led to the final overthrow of the 
Persian Empire. 

Metaurus (me-taw'rus), 207 B.C. 
The Romans (7,000) under Livius 
and Nero defeated the Carthaginians 
under Hasdrubal, almost annihilat- 
ing them. Resulted in the over- 
throw of Hannibal and the aggrand- 
izement of Rome. 


Actium (ak'shi-um), 31 B.C. Octa- 
vius Augustus (200 light ships) de- 
feated the combined fleets of Antony 
and Cleopatra (200 heavier ships). 
Resulted m the establishment of the 
imperial power of the Caesars. 

Teutoburgerwald (toi-to-bo5r'ger- 
valt), 9 A.D. The Germans under 
Hermann (Arminius) annihilated a 
Roman army under Varus. Checked 
Roman expansion in the North, and 
marked the beginning of the influ- 
ence of the Germanic tribes. 

Chalons (cha'long), 451. The Romans 
and Visigoths under Aetius and 
Theodoric routed the Huns under 
Attila, with a reputed loss to the 
Huns of 162,000 dead. Saved West- 
ern Europe from Mongolian savag- 
ery. 

Soissons (swa-song'), 486. The Mero- 
vingian Franks, under Clovis, de- 
feated the Romans under Syagrius. 
Gaul lost to Rome, and Frankish 
power established. 

Testri (tes'tre), 687.. The Austrasian 
Franks under Pepin of Heristal de- 
feated the Mero wings of Neustria. 
United the kingdoms of the Franks 
and marked the beginnings of 
Carolingian power. 

Tours (toor), 732. The Franks under 
Charles Martel defeated the Sara- 
cens under Abd-el-Rahman. Saved 
Christian Europe from Moham- 
medan conquest. 

Ethandun (eth-an-doon'), 878. The 
West Saxons under Alfred the Great 
defeated the invading Danes. Re- 
sulted in the preservation of a uni- 
fied English state. 

Senlac (Hastings), Oct. 14, 1066. 
The Normans, under William the 
Conqueror, defeated the Saxons 
under their king, Harold, who was 
killed. Effected the Norman con- 
quest of England. 

Legnano (len-yan'o), May 29, 1176. 
The Lombard League defeated Fred- 


DECISIVE BATTLES OF THE WORLD 


erick Barbarossa, the German Em- 
peror. Crippled German influence 
in Italy and preserved the integrity 
of the democratic Free Cities. 

Bouvines (bod-ven'), July 27, 1214. 
The French (37,000) under Philip 
Augustus defeated the German, 
Flemish and English forces (46,000) 
under Otto IV. Marked the begin- 
nings of France as a nation. Sig- 
nificant in rise of democracy, be- 
cause the militia of the Free Cities 
showed their superiority to the 
German feudal levies. 

Sempach (zem-pakh), July 9, 1386. 
The Swiss defeated the Austrians 
(20,000) under Duke Leopold III. 
Secured the independence of the 
Swiss Confederation. 

Orleans (or-la'ang), May 7, 1429. 
The siege raised by an assault of the 
French under Jeanne Dare on the 
besieging English army under the 
Duke of Bedford. Marked the end 
of English Plantagenet rule in 
France. 

Bosworth Field, Aug. 22, 1485. The 
Earl of Richmond (who became 
Henry VII.) defeated Richard III. 
Ended the English Wars of the 
Roses and instituted the Tudor 
dynasty. 

Lepanto (la-pan'to), Oct. 7, 1571. 
Italian and Spanish fleet (200 gal- 
leys) under Don John of Austria 
defeated the Turks (273 lighter gal- 
leys) under Ali. Turks lost 20,000; 
the Christians, 8000. Shattered the 
naval power of the Turks and put 
an end to their aggression in the 
Eastern Mediterranean. 

Spanish Armada, 1588. The Eng- 
lish fleet (197 small ships) under 
Lord Howard of Effingham defeated 
the Armada (132 huge ships) under 
the Duke of Medina Sidonia at 
Calais and Gravelines. Over half 
the Spanish fleet was destroyed by 
storm while attempting to escape 
through the North Sea. Marked trie 
failure of Philip II. to make the 
House of Hapsburg supreme in 
Europe. 

Luetzen (lutz'en). Nov. 16, 1632. The 
Swedes (18,000) under Gustavus 
Adolphus defeated the Imperialists 
(20,000) under Wallenstein. Pre- 
served the integrityof the Protestant 
States of Central Europe. 

Naseby (naz'by), June 14, 1645. The 


forces of Parliament (11,000) under 
Fairfax and Cromwell defeated the 
Royalists (11,000) under Charles I. 
ana Prince Rupert. The deciding 
battle of the English Civil War, re- 
sulting in the Protectorate under 
Cromwell. 

Blenheim (blen'him), Aug. 13, 1704. 
The English and Austrians (52,000) 
under the Duke of Marlborough 
and Prince Eugene defeated the 
French and Bavarians (60,000) under 
Tallard and Marsin. Allies lost 
11,000 and the French, 40,000. 
Humbled Louis XIV. and made pos- 
sible the colonial greatness of Eng- 
land through the Treaty of Utrecht. 

Pultowa (pool-to'va), June 27, 1709. 
The Russians (70,000) under Peter 
the Great defeated the Swedes 
(25,000) under Charles XII. Marked 
the rise of Russia as a European 
power. 

Rossbach (ros^bakh), Nov. 5, 1757. 
The Prussians (22,000) under Fred- 
erick the Great defeated the French 
under Soubise, and the Imperialists 
under Prince of Saxe-Hildburg- 
hausen (43;000). Result is seen at 
Leuthen. 

Leuthen (loi'ten), Dec. 5, 1757. The 
Prussians (30,000) under Frederick 
the Great defeated the Austrians 
(80,000) under Prince Charles. These 
two actions mark the rise of Prussia 
as the leader of the German States. 

Saratoga, Oct. 6, 1777. The Ameri- 
cans (14,000) under Gates defeated 
the British (7000) under Burgoyne, 
and took 6000 prisoners ten days 
later. The decisive battle of the 
American Revolution. 

Yorktown, Oct. 19, 1781. The Amer- 
icans and French under Washington 
and Rochambeau and the French 
fleet under De Grasse forced the sur- 
render of the British (8,000) under 
Cornwallis. Virtually ended the 
American Revolution. 

Valmy (val'me), Sept. 20, 1792. The 
French (36,000) under Kellermann 
defeated the Prussians (34,000) un- 
der the Duke of Brunswick. Loss 
of 180 and 700 respectively. Pre- 
served the integrity of the newly 
formed French Republic. 

Trafalgar (traf-al'gar; Spanish traf- 
al-gar'), Oct. 31, 1805. The British 
fleet (31 ships) under Nelson de- 
feated the French-Spanish fleet (38 


DECISIVE BATTLES OF THE WORLD 


ships) under Villeneuve, Gravina 
ana Alva. Nelson was killed. 
Ended the sea-power of Napoleon. 

Austerlitz (ow'ster-litz), Dec. 2, 1805. 
The French (65,000) under Napo- 
leon defeated the Austrians and 
Russians (82,000) under Kutusoff. 
Resulted in peace of Presburg. 

Leipzig (lip'tsij), Oct. 16-19, 1813. 
The Prussians, Russians, Austrians 
and Swedes (300,000) under Schwar- 
zenherd defeated the French (180,- 
000) under Napoleon. Killed and 
wounded for Allies 54,000, for French 
40,000. Secured liberation of Ger- 
many and the first abdication of 
Napoleon. Called the "Battle of 
the Nations." 

Waterloo, June 18, 1815. The British, 
Dutch and Germans (67,000) under 
Wellington and later the Prussians 
(50,000) under Blucher defeated the 
French (72,000) under Napoleon. 
The end of the Napoleonic Wars and 
a reversion to feudalism in Europe. 

Sebastopol (se-bas'to-pol ; Russian 
pron. se-bas-top'ol), Sept. 8, 1854. 
The French and English under 
Pelisser took the Russian fort de- 
signed by Totleben and commanded 
by Gortchakoff. In the siege the 
Russians lost 102,670 and the Allies 
a larger number. Ended the Cri- 
mean W T ar and temporarily destroyed 
Russia's Mediterranean power. 

Monitor and Merrimac, March 9, 
1862. The Federal "Monitor" un- 
der Lieut. Worden defeated the Con- 
federate "Merrimac" under Captain 
Franklin Buchanan in a battle in 
Hampton Roads. Revolutionized 
naval construction by introducing 
armored vessels. Prevented the 
"Merrimac" from destroying the 
Federal fleet. 

Gettysburg, July 1-3, 1863. Federal 
forces (75,000) under Meade de- 
feated the Confederates (75,000) 
under Lee. Losses 23,186 and 31,621 
respectively. Decisive battle of the 
American Civil war by ending Con- 
federate invasions. 

Sedan (sa-dang'), Sept. 1, 1870. The 
Germans (250,000) under William I. 
defeated the French (84,000) under 
Napoleon III. and Marshal Mac- 
Manon. Decided Franco-Prussian 
War. Led to the overthrow of the 
French Empire and the establish- 
ment of the third Republic. 


Falu (ya-loo') River, Sept. 17, 1894. 
The Japanese fleet under Ito de- 
feated the Chinese fleet under Ting. 
Four Chinese ships sunk. First 
battle fought with modern ar- 
mored ships. Reorganization of 
Japan. 

Santiago (san-ti-a'go), July 3, 1898. 
The American fleet (11 ships) under 
Sampson and Schley destroyed the 
Spanish fleet (6 ships) under Cervera. 
.Resulted in Spanish loss of Cuba, 
Porto Rico and Philippines. 

Paardeberg (pawr 'de-berg) , Feb. 27, 
1899. Large English forces under 
Lord Roberts defeated a smaller 
force of Boers under Cronje. Re- 
sulted in English annexation of 
Orange Free State in May and of 
the Transvaal in October, 1900. 

Port Arthur, Jan. 1, 1905. The 
Japanese land forces under Nogi and 
fleet under Togo captured the fort 
commanded by Stoessel <after a 148- 
days' siege. Russian losses, 28,200; 
Japanese, 57,780. Resulted in the 
elevation of Japan to the position of 
a world-power and the establishment 
of parliamentary forms in the Rus- 
sian Duma. 

Adrianople, 1913. The Balkan States 
against Turkey, resulting in a read- 
justment of boundary lines. 

Marne (marn), Sept. 6-10, 1914. 
French and English under Joffre and 
French threw back the German army 
of invasion from the Marne river 
to the fortified line of the Aisne. 
Believed to have saved Paris from 
capture. 

Falkland Islands, Dec. 8, 1915. Brit- 
ish squadron under Sturdee of greatly 
superior strength destroyed practic- 
ally entire German squadron under 
von Spee. Ended danger of German 
commerce raiders to allied vessels. 

Dardanelles, Jan. 10, 1916. Turks 
with German cooperation forced final 
abandonment of attempt to capture 
forts on Gallipoli Peninsula by Eng- 
lish and French after campaign be- 
ginning with bombardment on Feb. 
28, 1915. Allies lost six battleships 
and 200,000 men (estimated; casual- 
ties officially announced by British, 
to Dec. 24, 114,555) . Assured Turks 
and Central Powers control of the 
Straits. 


THE METRIC SYSTEM 
OF 

WEIGHTS AND MEASURES' 


LENGTH. 


METRIC DENOMINATIONS AND VALUES. 


Myriameter 10,000 meters 

Kilometer 1,000 meters 

Hectometer 100 meters 

Dekameter 10 meters' 

Meter 1 meter 

Decimeter . tS of a meter 

Centimeter T oo of a meter 

Millimeter TD l oo of a meter 


EQUIVALENTS IN CUSTOMARY UNITS. 


..6.2137 miles. 

. .0.62137 mile, or 3280 feet and 10 inches. 

328 feet and 1 inch. 

393.7 inches. 

.39.37 inches. 

. .3.937 inches. 

. .0.3937 inch. 

. .0.0394 inch. 


AREA. 


METRIC DENOMINATIONS AND VALUES. 


Hectare 10,000 square meters 

Are ^ 100 square meters 

Deciare 10 square meters 

Centare 1 square meter 

Milliare 1 square centimeter 


EQUIVALENTS IN CUSTOMARY UNITS. 


. . . .2.471 acres. 

. .119.6 square yards. 

.. .11.96 square yards. 

. 1,550 square inches. 

. . . .0.1550 square inches. 


CAPACITY AND VOLUME. 


METRIC DENOMINATIONS AND VALUES. 

EQUIVALENTS IN CUSTOM ARY^ UNITS. 

Names. 

No. of 

liters. 

Cubic Measure. 

Dry Measure. 

Liquid or Wine 
Measure. 

Kiloliter, or Stere 
Hectoliter 

1,000 

100 

10 

1 

rV 

1 
TUC 

TOOC 

1 cubic meter ....... 

X0 of a cubic meter . . . 
10 cubic decimeters. . . 

1 cubic decimeter. . . . 
i 1 ;, of a cubic decimeter 
10 cubic centimeters. . 

1 cubic centimeter. . . 

1.3079 cubic yards 

2 bushels and 3.35 pecks. . 
9.081 quarts 

264.17 gallons. 
26.417 gallons. 
2.6417 gallons. 


0.9081 quart 

1.05668 quarts. 

Deciliter 

Centiliter 

Milliliter 

6.1022 cubic inches 

0.6102 cubic inch 

0.845 gill. 
0.3381 fluid oz. 
0.2705 fluid dram. 





METRIC DENOMINATIONS AND VALUES. 

EQUIVALENTS IN 

CUSTOMARY UNITS. 

Names. 

Number 
of grams. 

Weight of what quan- 
tity of water at 
maximum density. 

Avoirdupois 
Weight. 

Troy Weight. 

Millier or Tonneau. 

1,000,000 

100,000 

10,000 

1,000 

100 

10 

1 

f° 

TOD 

Tnnn 

1 cubic meter 

2,204.62 pounds 

220.462 pounds . . . 
22.0462 pounds . . 

2.20462 pounds.. 

3.5274 ounces. . . 

0.3527 ounce . . . 
15.4327 grains . . . 

1.5432 grains. . . 

0.1543 grains. . . 

0.0154 grains . . . 

2,679.23 pounds. 
267.923 pounds. 

Myriagram 

Kilogram or Kilo . . 

10 liters 

1 liter 

26.7923 pounds. 
2.67923 pounds. 

Hectogram 


3.215 ounces. 

Dekagram 

Gram 

10 cubic centimeters . . 

1 cubic centimeter . . . 
tb of a cubic centimeter 
10 cubic millimeters. . 

1 cubic millimeter . . . 

0.3215 ounces. 
0.03215 ounces. 
1.54324 grains. 

Centigram 

Milligram 

0.15432 grains. 
0.01543 grains. 


"The International Metric System of Weights and Measures." Bureau of Standards, 1906. 


VALUE OF FOREIGN COINS IN UNITED 
STATES MONEY. 

(These figures are those which prevailed before the European War.) 


CouNTEr 

Standard 

Monetary Unit 

Value in 

U. S. Gold 

Dollar 

Coins 


Gold.... 
Gold.... 

Gold.... 

Silver. . . 
Gold.... 

Gold.... 
Silver. . . 
Gold.... 

Silver. . . 
Silver. . . 
Gold.... 
Gold.... 

Gold.... 

Silver.. . 

Gold.... 

Gold.... 
Gold.... 
Gold.... 
Gold.... 

Gold.... 

Gold.... 
Gold.... 
Gold.... 

Silver. . . 

Gold.... 

Gold.... 
Gold.... 
Gold.... 
Gold.... 
Gold.... 

Gold.... 
Gold.... 
Gold.... 
Gold.... 
Gold.... 
Gold.... 

Peso 

$0.96.5 
.20.3 

.19.3 
.40.8 
.54.6 

1.00 
.40.8 
.40 

.60.2 
.63.9 
.65.7 
.40.8 

.46.5 

.92.6 

.26.8 

.48.7 

4.94.3 

.19.3 

.23.8 

4.86.6H 

.19.3 

.96.5 

4.85.6H 
.19.3 
.49.8 

.45 

.40.2 
1.01.4 

.26.8 

.40 
1.08 

.51.5 

.19.3 

.26.8 
.19.3 
.04.4 
1.03.4 
.19.3 

Gold; argentine ($4.82.4) and Yi argentine. 

Silver: peso and divisions. 
Gold: former system — 4 florins (SI. 92.9) 8 florins 



Belgium . 

Franc 

($3.85.8) ducat ($2.28.7) and 4 ducats ($9.14.9). 
Silver: 1 and 2 florins. Gold: present system — 
20 crowns ($4.05.2) and 10 crowns ($2.02.6). 
Gold: 10 and 20 francs. Silver: 5 francs. 






Gold: 5 10, anH 20 milreis. Silver; U 1 ; and 2 


Dollar 

milreis. 


Pesof 


Chile 

Peso 

Gold: escudo ($1.82.5) doubloon ($3.65) and 

China 

( Shanghai . . 
Taelt ^Tientsin... 

{ Canton 

Peso 

condor ($7.30). Silver: peso and divisions. 

Costa Rica.. 


Silver: peso. 
Gold: 2, 5, 10, and 20 colons ($9.30.7). Silver: 

Cuba 

Peso 

5, 10, 25, and 50 centimos. 
Gold: doubloon ($5.01.7); Alfonso ($4.82.3). 

Ttenmark 


Silver: peso. 
Gold: 10 and 20 crowns. 



Gold: 10 sucres ($4.86.65). Silver: sucre and 

Egypt 

Pound (100 piasters) 

divisions. 
Gold: pound (100 piasters) 5, 10, 20, and 50 

piasters. Silver: 1, 2, 5, 10, and 20 piasters. 
Gold: 6, 10, 20, 50, and 100 frs. Silver: 5 frs. 


Mark 

Gold: 6, 10, and 20 marks. 

Gt. Britain.. 

Pound sterling 

Gold: sovereign (pound sterling) and Y 2 sovereign. 
Gold: 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 drachmas. Silver: 

Hayti 


5 drachmas. 
Gold: 1, 2, 5, and 10 gourdes. Silver: gourde 

India. 

Italy 

Pound sterling§ 

L ira 

and divisions. 
Gold: sov. ($4.86.65). Silver: rupee and divisions. 
Gold: 6, 10. and 20 lire. Silver: 5 lire. 
Gold: 1, 2, 5, 10, and 20 yen. Silver: 10, 20, and 


Dollar 

50 sen. 
Gold: dollar ($0.98.3), 2H, 5, 10. and 20 dollars. 



Silver: dollar (or peso) and divisions. 
Gold: 10 florins. Silver: Y 2 , 1, and V/i florins. 


Dollar 

Gold: 2 dollars ($2.02.7). 



Gold: 10 and 20 crowns. 

Peru 

Sol 

Gold: libra ($4.86.65). Silver: sol and divisions. 

Portugal 

Milreis 

Ruble 

Gold: 1, 2, 5, and 10 milreis. 

Gold: imperial ($7.71.8) and Yz imperial, 7J4 



rubles ($3.86). Silver: Y, Y. and 1 ruble. 
Gold: 25 pesetas. Silver: 5 pesetas. 

Sweden 

Crown 

Gold: 10 and 20 crowns. 

Gold: 6, 10, and 20 frs. Silver: 5 frs. 

Turkey 

Piaster 

Gold: 25, 50, 100, 250, and 500 piasters. 
Gold: peso. Silver: peso and divisions. 



Gold: 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 bolivars. Silver: 



5 bolivars. 


* The coins of silver-standard countries are valued by their pure silver contents at the average market 
price of silver for the three months preeeding the date of this circular, t Not including Costa Rica, t The 
British dollar has the same value as the Mexican at Hong Kong and the Straits Settlement. § The sovereign 
is the standard coin of India but the rupee ($0.32.4) is the money of account, current at 15 to the sovereign. 


VALUE OF FOREIGN COINS— Continued 


TABLE SHOWING THE VALUE OF FOREIGN COINS AND PAPER NOTES 

IN AMERICAN MONEY BASED UPON THE VALUES EXPRESSED 

IN THE ABOVE TABLE 


Number 

British £ 

German 

French 

Franc, 

Italian Lira 

Chinese 

Tael, 

(Shanghai) 

Dutch 

Indian 

Russian 

Austrian 

Sterling 

Mark 

Florin 

Rupee 

Gold Ruble 

Crown 

1 

S4.86.6J 

$0.23.8 

$0.19.3 

$0.60.2 

$0.42.0 

$0.32.4 

$0.51.5 

$0.20.3 

2 

9.73.3 

0.47.6 

0.38.6 

1.20.4 

0.80.4 

0.64.8 

1.03 

0.40.6 

3 

14.59.9J 

0.71.4 

0.57.9 

1.80.6 

1.20.6 

0.97.2 

1.54.5 

9.60.9 

4 

19.46.6 

0.95.2 

0.77.2 

2.40.8 

1.60.8 

1.29.6 

2.06 

0.81.2 

5 

24.33.21 

1.19 

0.96.5 

3.01 

2.01 

1.62 

2.57.5 

1.01.5 

6 

29.19.9 

1.42.8 

1.15.8 

3.61.2 

2.41.2 

2.04.4 

3.09 

1.21.8 

7 

34.06.5J 

1.66.6 

1.35.1 

4.21.4 

2.81.4 

2.36.8 

3.60.5 

1.42.1 

8 

38.93.2 

1.90.4 

1.54.4 

4.81.6 

3.21.6 

2.59.2 

4.12 

1.62.4 

9 

43.79.8J 

2.14.2 

1.73.7 

5.41.8 

3.61.8 

2.91.6 

4.63.5 

1.82.7 

10 

48.66.5 

2.38 

1.93 

6.02.2 

4.02 

3.24 

5.15 

2.03 

20 

97.33 

4.76 

3.86 

12.04 

8.04 

6.48 

10.30 

4.06 

30 

145.99.5 

7.14 

5.79 

18.06 

12.06 

9.72 

15.45 

6.09 

40 

194.66 

9.52 

7.72 

24.08 

16.08 

12.96 

20.60 

8.12 

50 

243.32.5 

11.90 

19.65 

30.10 

20.10 

16.20 

25.75 

10.15 

100 

486.65 

23.80 

9.30 

60.20 

40.20 

32.40 

51.50 

20.30 


FACTS ABOUT THE EARTH. 


Shape and Size op the Earth: The earth 
is very nearly an oblate spheroid, whose 
shorter axis coincides with its axis of rotation 
passing through the two poles. 

According to Colonel Clarke's calculations, 
its major axis measures 41,852,124 feet, or 
7,926.5 statute miles; its minor axis 41,710,242 
feet, or 7,899.5 statute miles; its circumference 
along the Equator measures 24,902 statute 
miles, or 21,600 geographical miles; its total, 
area 196,940,400 statute square miles; and its 
volume 259,880 million cubic miles. 

Of this total area, 8.4 percent. (16,464,700 sq. 
m.) are within the Arctic and Antarctic regions ; 
51.6 per cent. (102,244,654 sq. m.) within the 
two temperate regions; 40 per cent. (78,231,046 
sq. m.) within the Tropics. 

The Land: The land covers 54,807,420 sq.m., 
on the assumption that 250,000 sq. m. of land 
remain to be discovered within the Arctic 
Regions, and that the supposed Antarctic 
continent, or " Antarctis," has an extent of 
2,500,000 sq. m. within the Antarctic Circle. 


The Oceans: The oceans, including the 
inland seas connected with them, cover 
142,132,980 sq. m., or 72 percent, of the total 
surface of the earth. There are 2.59 sq. m. 
of ocean to every sq. m. of land. This area 
is distributed over the different areas as follows: 
Arctic Ocean, including Hudson Bay, 5,785,000 
sq.m.; Atlantic Ocean, 34,301,400 sq. m.; 
Indian Ocean, 28,615,600 sq.m.; Pacific Ocean, 
67,699,630 sq.m.; Antarctic Ocean, 5,731,350 
sq. m. 

Heights and Depths: The mean height 
of the land has been estimated at 2,440 feet; 
the mean depth of the sea 1 1 ,470 feet (Karstans). 
The highest mountain (Mt. Everest) rises to 
a height of 29,000 feet; the greatest depth of 
the ocean as yet discovered (in the Pacific, 
between Guam and Midway) is 31,614 feet. 
If the whole of the solid crust of the earth 
were to be levelled, so as to form a spheroid, 
it would still be covered bv an ocean of a 
uniform depth of 8,000 feet (Prof. Penck). 


WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES. 


First — Cotton. 

Second — Paper. 

Third — Leather. 

Fourth — Fruit and Flowers. 

Fifth— Wooden. 

Sixth — Sugar. 

Seventh — Woollen. 


Eighth — India Rubber. 
Ninth— Willow. 
Tenth— Tin. 
Eleventh — Steel. 


Fifteenth — Crystal. 
Twentieth — China. 
Twenty-fifth— Silver. 
Thirtieth— Pearl. 


Twelfth — Silk and Fine Linen. Fortieth— Ruby. 


Thirteenth — Lace. 
Fourteenth — Ivory. 


Fiftieth — Golden. 
Seventy-fifth — Diamond. 


LEGAL HOLIDAYS IN THE VARIOUS STATES 


January 1. New Year's Day: In all 

States (including D. C. and Alaska), 
except Kans. and Mass. (In Me. a 
bank holiday only legally.) 

January 8. Anniversary of the 
Battle of New Orleans: In La. 

January 19. Lee's Birthday: In Fla., 
Ga., N. C, S. C, Va., Ala., and Ark. 

February. Mardi-Gras (Shrove Tues- 
day) : In the parish of Orleans, La. 

February 12. Georgia Day: In Ga. 

February 12. Lincoln's Birthday: 
In Cal y Colo v Conn., Del., 111., la., 
Ind., Kans., Mich., Minn., Mont., 
Nev., N. J., N. Y., N. D., Penn., S. 
D., Ut., Wash., W. Va., and Wyo. 

February 22. Washington's Birth- 
day: In all the States, District of 
Columbia and Alaska. 

March (Third Tuesday). Primary 
Election Day: (every Presidential 
year) in North Dakota. 

March 2. Anniversary of Texan 
Independence: In Texas. 

March 4. Inauguration Day: In 
D. C. in years when a President of 
the U. S. is inaugurated. 

April (First Monday). Annual Spring 
Election: In Michigan. 

April 12. Halifax Independence 
Resolutions: In North Carolina. 

April 13. Thomas Jefferson's Birth- 
day: In Alabama. 

April 5, 1912. Good Friday: In 
Ala., Conn., Del., Fla., La., Md., 
Minn., N. J., Penn., Tenn. 

April 19. Patriots' Day: In Maine 
and Massachusetts. 

April 21. Anniversary of the Battle 
of San Jacinto: In Texas. 

April 26. Confederate Memorial 
Day: In Ala., Fla., Ga., and Miss. 

May 10. Confederate Memorial 
Day: In N. C. and S. C. 

May (Second Friday). Confederate 
Day: In Tennessee. 

May 20. Anniversary of the Sign- 
ing of the Mecklenburg Declara- 
tion of Independence: In N. C. 

May 30. Decoration Day: In all the 
States (and D. C. and Alas.), except 
Fla., Ga., La., Miss., N. C, S. C, 
Tenn., and Tex. 

June 3. Jefferson Davis's Birthday: 
In Fla., Ga., Ala., Miss., Tenn., Tex. 
and S. C. In La., known as "Con- 
federate Memorial Day." In Va., 
in public schools. 

Sundays and Fast Days are legal holidays in 
There ia no national holiday, 


June (Last Wednesday). Primary 

Election Day: In North Dakota. 
July 4. Independence Day: In all 

the States, and D. C. and Alas. 

July 10. Admission Day: In Wyo. 

July 24. Pioneers' Day: In Utah. 

July (Fourth Saturday) Primary 
Election Day: In Texas. 

August. Primary Election Day: In 
Mo. In Mich, (last Tuesday pre- 
ceding every general Nov. election). 

August 1. Colorado Day: In Colo. 

August 16. Bennington Battle 
Day: In Vermont. 

September. Labor Day (First Mon- 
day) : In all the States (and D. C. 
and Alas.). In La., observed in Or- 
leans Parish. In Wyo. by procla- 
mation of the Governor. 

September Primary Election Dayt 
In Wis., First Tuesday. In Ore., 
even years. 

September 9. Admission Dayt In 
California. 

September 12. Old Defenders' 
Day: In Baltimore, Md. 

October 12. Columbus Dayt In 
Ark., Cal., Colo., Conn., Del., Ida., 
111., Ind., Kans., Ky., Md., Mass., 
Mich., Mo., Mont., N. J., N. Y., 
Okla., Penn., R. I., Tex., Vt., Wash. 

October 31. Admission Day: In 
Nevada. 

November 1. All Saints' Day: In La. 

November (first Friday). Pioneer 
Day: In Mont., observed in public 
schools. 

November — General Election Dayt 
In Ariz., Cal., Colo., Del., Fla., Ida., 
111. (in Cairo, Chicago, Danville. 
East St. Louis, Galesburg, Rockford 
and Springfield), Ind., Ia., Ky., La., 
Me., Md., Mich., Minn., Mo., Mont., 
Nev., N. H., N. J., N. Mex., N. Y., 
N. C, N. D., O. (from 5.30 A.M. to 9 
A.M. only), Okla., Ore., Penn., R. I., 
S. C, S. D., Tenn., Tex., Va., W. Va., 
Wash., Wis., and Wyo., in the years 
when elections are held therein. 

November — Thanksgiving Day 
(usually the last Thursday in No- 
vember) : Is observed in all the States, 
and in the D. C. and Alas., though in 
some States it is not a statutory holi- 
day. 

December 25. Christmas Day: In 
all the States (except Kans.), and 
D. C. and Alas. 

all the States which designate them as suoh. 
not even the Fourth of July. 


Principal Cities of the United States 

1910 CENSUS 

The following list names approximately all cities in the United States having 
ten thousand or more inhabitants and the capitals of States and Territories 
(indicated with an asterisk [*]). The numerals at extreme right of column are 
the 1910 census figures. 


Aberdeen, S. Dak 10,753 

Aberdeen, Wash 13,660 

Adams, Mass 11,900 

Adrian, Mich 10,763 

Akron, Ohio 69,067 

Alameda, Cal 23,383 

Albany, N. Y.* 100,253 

Albuquerque, N. M 11,020 

Alexandria, La 11,213 

Alexandria, Va 15,329 

Allentown, Pa 51,913 

Alliance, Ohio 15,083 

Alpena, Mich 12,706 

Alton, 111 17,528 

Altoona, Pa 52,127 

Amsterdam, N. Y 31,267 

Anaconda, Mont 10,134 

Anderson, Ind 22,476 

Annapolis, Md.* 8,609 

Ann Arbor, Mich 14,817 

Anniston, Ala 12,794 

Ansonia, Conn 15,152 

Appleton, Wis 16,773 

Argenta, Ark 11,138 

Asbury Park, N. J 10,150 

Asheville, N. C 18,762 

Ashland, Wis 11,594 

Ashtabula, Ohio 18,266 

Atchison, Kan 16,429 

Athens, Ga 14,913 

Atlanta, Ga.* 154,839 

Atlantic City, N. J 46,150 

Attleboro, Mass 12,400 

Auburn, Me 15,064 

Auburn, N. Y 34,668 

Augusta, Ga 41,040 

Augusta, Me.* 13,211 

Aurora, 111 29,807 

Austin, Tex.* 29,860 

Bakersfield, Cal 12,727 

Baltimore, Md 558,485 

Bangor, Me 24,803 

Barre, Vt 10,734 

Batavia, N. Y 11,613 

Baton Rouge, La.* 14,897 

Battle Creek, Mich 25,267 

Bay City, Mich 45,166 

Bayonne, N. J 55,545 

Beaumont, Tex 20,640 

Beaver Falls, Pa 12,191 

Bellaire, Ohio 12,946 

Belleville, 111 21 ,122 

Bellingham, Wash 24 ,298 

Beloit, Wis 15,125 

Berkeley, Cal 40,434 

Berlin, N. H 11,780 


Bessemer. Ala 10,864 

Bethlehem, Pa 12,837 

Beverly, Mass 18,650 

Biddef ord, Me 17,079 

Billings, Mont 10,031 

Binghamton, N. Y 48,443 

Birmingham, Ala 132,685 

Bismarck, N. Dak.* 5,443 

Bloomfield, N. J 15,070 

Bloomington, 111 25,768 

Bluefield, W. Va 11,188 

Boise, Idaho* "....17,358 

Boone, Iowa 10,347 

Boston, Mass.* 670,585 

Braddock, Pa 19,357 

Bradford, Pa 14,544 

Bridgeport. Conn 102,054 

Bridgeton, N. J 14,209 

Brockton, Mass 56,878 

Brookline, Mass 27,792 

Brownsville, Tex 10,517 

Brunswick, Ga 10,182 

Buffalo, N. Y 423,715 

Burlington, Iowa 24,324 

Burlington, Vt 20,468 

Butler, Pa 20,728 

Butte, Mont 39,165 

Cairo, 111 14,548 

Calumet, Mich 30,000 

Cambridge, Mass 104,839 

Camden, N. J 94,538 

Canton, 111 10,453 

Canton, Ohio 50,217 

Carbondale, Pa 17,040 

Carlisle, Pa 10,303 

Carnegie, Pa 10,009 

Carson City, Nev.* 2,466 

Cedar Rapids, Iowa 32,811 

Central Falls, R. 1 22,754 

Chambersburg, Pa 11 ,800 

Champaign, 111 12,421 

Charleston, S. C 58,833 

Charleston, W. Va.* 22,996 

Charlotte, N. C 34,014 

Chattanooga, Tenn 44,604 

Chelsea, Mass 32,452 

Chester, Pa 38,537 

Cheyenne, Wyo.* 11,320 

Chicago, 111 2,185,283 

Chicago Heights, 111. .. .14,525 

Chickasha, Okla 10,32D 

Chicopee, Mass 25,401 

Chillicothe, Ohio 14,508 

Cicero, 111 1 4,557 

Cincinnati, Ohio 363,591 

Cleburne. Tex 10,364 


Cleveland. Ohio 560 ,663 

Clinton, Iowa 25,577 

Clinton, Mass 13,000 

Coatesville, Pa 11,084 

Coffey ville, Kan 12,687 

Cohoes. N. Y 24,709 

Colorado Springs, Colo.. 29 ,078 

Columbia, Pa 11,454 

Columbia, S. C* 26,319* 

Columbus, Ga 20,554 

Columbus, Ohio* 181,511 

Concord, N. H.* 21,497 

Connellsville, Pa 12,845 

Corning, N. Y 13,730 

Cortland, N. Y 11,504 

Council Bluffs, Iowa... .29,292 

Covington, Ky 53,270 

Cranston. R. 1 21,171 

Cumberland, Md 21,839 

Dallas, Tex 92,104 

Danburv, Conn 20,234 

Danville, 111 27,871 

Danville, Va 19,020 

Davenport. Iowa 43,028 

Dayton, Ohio 116,577 

Decatur, 111 31,140 

Denison, Tex 13,632 

Denver, Colo. * 213,381 

Des Moines, Iowa* 86,368 

Detroit, Mich 465,766 

Dover, Del.*.: 3,720 

Dover, N. H 13,247 

Dubois, Pa 12,623 

Dubuque, Iowa 38,494 

Duluth, Minn 78,466 

Dunkirk, N. Y 17,221 

Dunmore, Pa 17,615 

Duquesne, Pa 15,727 

Durham, N. C 18,241 

East Chicago, Ind 19,098 

East Liverpool, Ohio... .20,387 

Easton, Pa 28,523 

East Orange, N. J 34,371 

East Providence, R. I... 13,500 

East Saint Louis. Ill 58,547 

Eau Claire, Wis 18,310 

Elgin, 111 25,976 

Elizabeth, N. J 73,409 

Elkhart, Ind 19,282 

Elmira, N. Y 37,176 

El Paso, Tex 39,279 

Elwood, Ind 11,028 

Elvria, Ohio 14,825 

Enid, Okla 13,799 

Erie, Pa 66,525 

Escanaba, Mich 13,194 







PRINCIPAL CITIES OF THE U. S.— Continued. 


Eureka, Cal 11,845 

Evanston, 111 24,978 

Evansville, Ind 69,64* 

Everett. Mass 33,484 

Everett, Wash 24,814 

Fall River, Mass 119,295 

Fargo, N. Dak 14,331 

Findlay, Ohio 14,858 

Fitchburg. Mass 37,826 

Flint, Mich 38,550 

Fond du Lac, Wis 18,797 

Fort Dodge, Iowa 15,543 

Fort Scott, Kan 10,463 

Fort Smith, Ark 23,975 

Fort Wavne, Ind 63,933 

Fort Worth, Tex 73,312 

Frankfort, Ky.* 10,465 

Frederick, Md 10,411 

Freeport, 111 17,567 

Fresno, Cal 24,892 

Fulton, N. Y 10,480 

Gadsden, Ala 10,557 

Galesburg, 111 22,089 

Galveston, Tex 36,981 

Gardner, Mass 13,910 

Garfield, N. J 10,213 

Garv, Ind 16,802 

Geneva, >\ Y 12,446 

Glens Falls, N. Y 15,243 

Gloucester, Mass 24,398 

Gloversville, N. Y 20,642 

Grand Forks, N. Dak. .. .12,478 

Grand "Island, Neb 10,326 

Grand Rapids, Mich 112,571 

Great Falls, Mont 13,948 

Green Bay, Wis 25,236 

Greensboro, N. C 15,895 

Greensburg, Pa 13 ,01 2 

Greenville, S. C 15,741 

Guthrie, Okla.* 11,654 

Hackensack, N. J 14,050 

Hagerstown, Md 16,507 

Hamilton, Ohio 35,279 

Hammond, Ind 20,925 

Hannibal, Mo 18,341 

Harrisburg, Pa.* 64,186 

Harrison, N. J 14,498 

Hartford, Conn.* 98,915 

Hattiesburg, Miss 11,733 

Haverhill, Mass 44,115 

Hazleton, Pa 25,452 

Helena, Mont.* 12,515 

Henderson, Ky 11,452 

Hoboken, N. J 70,324 

Holland, Mich 10,490 

Holvoke, Mass 57,730 

Homestead, Pa 18,713 

Hornell, N. Y 13,617 

Hot Springs, Ark 14,434 

Houston, Tex 78,800 

Hudson, N. Y 11,417 

Huntington, Ind 10,272 

Huntington, W. Va 31,161 

Hutchinson, Kan 16,364 

Hyde Park, Mass 14,507 

Independence, Kan 10.4SO 

Indianapolis, Ind.* 233,650 

Iowa Citv, Iowa 10,091 

Ironton, Ohio 13,147 

Ironwood, Mich 12,821 

Irvington, N. J 11,877 

Ishpeming, Mich 12,448 


Ithaca, N. Y 14,802 

Jackson, Mich 31,433 

Jackson, Miss.* 21,262 

Jackson, Tenn 15,7 1 9 

Jacksonville, Fla 57,699 

Jacksonville, 111 15,326 

Jamestown, N. 1" 31,297 

Janesville, Wis 13,894 

Jefferson City, Mo.* 11,850 

Jeff ersonville, Ind 10,412 

Jersey Citv, N. J 267,779 

Johnstown, N. Y 10,447 

Johnstown, Pa 55,482 

Joliet, 111 34,670 

Joplin, Mo 32,073 

Kalamazoo, Mich 39,437 

Kankakee, 111 13,986 

Kansas Citv, Kan 82,331 

Kansas Citv, Mo 248,381 

Kearnv, X. J 18,659 

Keene", N. H 10,068 

Kenosha, Wis 21,371 

Keokuk, Iowa 14,008 

Key West, Fla 19,945 

Kingston, N. Y 25,908 

Knoxville, Tenn 36,346 

Kokomo, Ind 17,010 

Lackawanna, N. Y 14,549 

Laconia, N. H 10,183 

La Crosse, Wis 30,417 

Laf avette, Ind 20,081 

Lake Charles, La 11,449 

Lakewood, Ohio 15,181 

Lancaster, Ohio 13,093 

Lancaster, Pa 47,227 

Lansing, Mich.* 31,229 

Laporte, Ind 10,525 

Laredo, Tex 14,855 

La Salle, 111 11,537 

Lawrence, Kan 12,374 

Lawrence, Mass 85,892 

Leavenworth, Kan 19,363 

Lebanon, Pa 19,240 

Leominster, Mass 14,910 

Lewiston, Me 26,247 

Lexington, Ky 35,099 

Lima, Ohio 30,508 

Lincoln, 111 10,892 

Lincoln, Neb.* 43,973 

Little Falls, N. Y 12,273 

Little Rock, Ark.* 45,941 

Lockport, N. Y 17,970 

Logansport, Ind 19,050 

Longbeach, Cal 17,809 

Long Branch, N. J 13,298 

Lorain, Ohio 28,883 

Los Angeles, Cal 319,198 

Louisville, Ky 223,928 

Lowell, Mass 106,294 

Lvnchburg, Va 29,494 

Lvnn, Mass 89,336 

McAlester, Okla 12,054 

McKeesport, Pa 42,694 

McKees Rocks, Pa 14,702 

Macon, Ga 40,665 

Madison, Wis.* 25,531 

Mahanov Citv, Pa 15,936 

Maiden, Mass 44,404 

Manchester, N. H 70,063 

Manchester, Va 12,200 

Manistee, Mich 12,381 

Manitowoc, Wis 13,027 


Mankato, Minn 10,365 

Mansfield, Ohio 20,768 

Marietta, Ohio 12,923 

Marinette, Wis 14,610 

Marion, Ind 19,359 

Marion, Ohio 18,232 

Marlboro, Mass 14,579 

Marquette, Mich 11,503 

Marshall, Tex 11,452 

Marshalltown, Iowa 13,374 

Martinsburg, W. Va 10,698 

Mason City, Iowa 11,250 

Massillon, Ohio 13,879 

Mattoon, 111 11,456 

Meadville, Pa 12,780 

Medf ord, Mass 23,150 

Melrose, Mass 15,715 

Memphis, Tenn 131,105 

Menominee, Mich 10,507 

Meriden, Conn 27,265 

Meridian, Miss 23,285 

Michigan City, Ind 19,027 

Middletown, Conn 11,851 

Middletown, N. Y 15,313 

Middletown, Ohio 13,152 

Milford, Mass 12,910 

Millville, N. J 12,451 

Milwaukee, Wis 373,857 

Minneapolis, Minn 301,408 

Mishawaka, Ind 11,886 

Missoula, Mont 12,869 

Moberly, Mo 10,923 

Mobile, Ala 51,521 

Moline, 111 24,199 

Monessen, Pa 11,775 

Monroe, La 10,209 

Montclair, N. J 21,550 

Montgomery, Ala.* 38,136 

Montpelier, Vt.* 7,856 

Morristown, N. J 12,507 

Mt. Carmel, Pa 17,532 

Mt. Vernon, N. Y 30,919 

Muncie, Ind 24,005 

Muscatine, Iowa 16,178 

Muskegon, Mich 24,062 

Muskogee, Okla 25,278 

Nanticoke, Pa 18,877 

Nashua, N. H 26,005 

Nashville, Tenn.* 110,364 

Natchez, Miss 11,791 

Naugatuck, Conn 12,722 

New Albany, Ind 20,629 

Newark, N. J 347,469 

Newark, Ohio 25,404 

New Bedford, Mass 96,652 

New Britain, Conn 43,916 

New Brunswick, N. J... 23,388 

Newburgh, N. Y 27,805 

Newburvport, Mass 14,949 

New Castle, Pa 36,280 

New Haven, Conn 133,605 

New London, Conn 19,659 

New Orleans, La 339,075 

Newport, Ky 30,309 

Newport, R. 1 27,149 

Newport News, Va 20,205 

New Rochelle, N. Y.... 28,867 

Newton, Mass 39,806 

New York, N. Y 4,776,883 

Niasrara Falls, N. Y 30,445 

Norfolk, Va 67,452 

Norristown, Pa .27,875 


PRINCIPAL CITIES OF THE U. S.— Continued. 


North Adams, Mass 22,019 

Northampton, Mass 19,431 

North Braddock, Pa 11,824 

North Tonawanda, N. Y.. 11,955 
North Yakima, Wash. ...14,082 

Norwich, Conn 20,367 

Norwood, Ohio 16,185 

Oakland, Cal 150,174 

Oak Park, 111 19,444 

Ogden, Utah 25,580 

Ogdensburg, N. Y 15,933 

Oil City, Pa 15,657 

Oklahoma, Okla 64,205, 

Oldforge, Pa 11,324 

Olean, N. Y 14,743 

Olympia, Wash.* 6,996 

Omaha, Neb 124,096 

Orange, N. J 29,630 

Oshkosh, Wis 33,062 

Ossining. N. Y 11,480 

Oswego, N. Y 23,368 

Ottumwa, Iowa 22,012 

Owensboro, Ky 16,011 

Paducah, Ky 22,760 

Palestine, Tex 10,482 

Paris, Tex 11,269 

Parkersburg, W. Va.... 17,842 

Parsons, Kan 12,463 

Pasadena, Cal 30,291 

Passaic, N. J 54,773 

Paterson, N. J 125,600 

Pawtucket, R. 1 51,622 

Peabody, Mass 14,910 

Peekskill, N. Y 15,245 

Pensacola, Fla 22,982 

Peoria, 111 66,950 

Perth Amboy, N. J 32,121 

Peru, Ind 10,910 

Petersburg, Va 24,127 

Philadelphia, Pa 1,549,008 

Phillipsburg, N. J 13,903 

Phoenix, Ariz.* 11,134 

Phoenixville, Pa 10,743 

Pierre, S. Dak.* 3,656 

Pineblufl, Ark 15,102 

Piqua, Ohio 13,388 

Pittsburg, Kan 14,755 

Pittsburgh, Pa 533,905 

Pittsfield, Mass 32,121 

Pittston, Pa 16,267 

Plainfield, N. J 20,550 

Plattsburg, N. Y 11,138 

Plymouth, Mass 11,200 

Plymouth, Pa 16,! 

Pomona, Cal 10,207 

Pontiac, Mich 14,532 

Port Chester, N. Y 12,809 

Port Huron, Mich 18,863 

Portland, Me 58,571 

Portland, Ore 207,214 

Portsmouth, N. H 11,269 

Portsmouth, Ohio 23,481 

Portsmouth, Va 33,190 

Pottstown. Pa 15,599 

Pottsville, Pa 20,236 

Poughkeepsie, N. Y 27, 

Providence, R. I.* 224,326 

Pueblo, Colo 44,395 

Quincv, 111 36,587 

Quincv, Mass 32,642 

Racine, Wis 38,002 

Raleigh, N. C*. 19,218 


Reading, Pa 96,071 

Redlands, Cal 10,449 

Reno, Nev 10,867 

Rensselaer, N. Y 10,711 

Revere, Mass 18,219 

Richmond, Ind 22,324 

Richmond, Va.* 127,628 

Riverside, Cal 15,212 

Roanoke, Va 34,874 

Rochester, N. Y 218,149 

Rockford, 111 45,401 

Rock Island, 111 24,335 

Rome, Ga 12,099 

Rome, N. Y 20,497 

Rutland, Vt 13,546 

Sacramento, Cal.* 44,696 

Saginaw, Mich 50,510 

St. Cloud, Minn 10,600 

St. Joseph, Mo 77,403 

St. Louis, Mo 687,029 

St. Paul, Minn.* 214,744 

Salem, Mass 43,697 

Salem, Ore.* 14,094 

Salt Lake City, Utah*. . .92,777 

San Angelo, Tex 10,321 

San Antonio, Tex 96,614 

San Bernardino, Cal 12,779 

San Diego, Cal 39,578 

Sandusky, Ohio 19,989 

San Francisco, Cal 416,912 

San Jose, Cal 28,946 

Santa Barbara, Cal 11,659 

Santa Cruz, Cal 11,146 

Santa Fe, N. M.* 5,072 

Saratoga Springs, N. Y.. 12,693 
Sault Ste. Marie, Mich.. 12,615 

Savannah, Ga 65,064 

Schenectady, N. Y 72,826 

Scranton, Pa 129,867 

Seattle, Wash 237,194 

Sedalia, Mo 17,822 

Selma, Ala 13,649 

Shamokin, Pa 19,588 

Sharon, Pa 15,270 

Shawnee, Okla 12,4>4 

Sheboygan, Wis 26,398 

Shenandoah, Pa 25,774 

Sherman, Tex 12,412 

Shreveport, La 28,015 

Sioux City, Iowa 47; 

Sioux Falls, S. Dak 14,094 

Somerville, Mass 77,236 

South Bend, Ind 53,684 

South Bethlehem, Pa.... 19,973 

Southbridge, Mass 10,210 

South Omaha, Neb 26,259 

South Sharon, Pa 10,190 

Spartanburg, S. C. ...... .17,517 

Spokane, Wash 104,402 

Springfield, 111.* 51,678 

Springfield, Mass 88,926 

Springfield, Mo 35,201 

Springfield, Ohio 46,921 

Stamford, Conn 25,138 

Staunton, Va 10,604 

Steelton, Pa 14,246 

Steubenville, Ohio 22,391 

Stillwater, Minn 10,198 

Stockton, Cal 23,253 

Streator, 111 14,253 

Sunbury, Pa 13,770 

Superior, Wis... 40,384 


Syracuse, N. Y 137,249 

Tacoma, Wash 83,743 

Tallahassee, Fla.* 5,018 

Tamaqua, Pa 9,462 

Tampa, Fla 37,782 

Taunton, Mass 34,259 

Temple, Tex 10,993 

Terre Haute, Ind 58,157 

Tiffin, Ohio 11,S94 

Toledo, Ohio 168,497 

Topeka, Kan.* 43,684 

Torrington, Conn 15, t&J 

Traverse City, Mich 12,115 

Trenton, N. J.* 96,815 

Trinidad, Colo 10,204 

Troy, N. Y 76,813 

Tucson, Ariz 13,193 

Tulsa, Okla 18,182 

Tyler, Tex 10,400 

Union, N. J 21,023 

Uniontown, Pa 13,344 

Utica, N. Y 74,419 

Vallejo, Cal 11,340 

Vicksburg, Miss 20,814 

Vincennes, Ind 14,895 

Virginia, Minn 10,473 

Waco, Tex 26,425 

Wakefield, Mass 11,310 

Walla Walla, Wash 19,364 

Waltham, Mass 27,834 

Warren, Ohio 11,081 

Warren, Pa 11,080 

Washington, D. C 331,069 

Washington, Pa 18,778 

Waterbury, Conn 73,141 

Waterloo, Iowa 26,693 

Watertown, Mass 12,800 

Watertown, N. Y 26,730 

Waterville, Me 11,458 

Watervliet, N. Y 15,074 

Waukegan, 111 16,069 

Wausau, Wis 16,560 

Waycross, Ga 14,485 

Webb City, Mo 11,817 

Webster, Mass 10,210 

Weehawken, N. J 11,228 

West Chester, Pa 11,767 

Westfield, Mass 15,000 

West Hoboken, N. J 35,403 

West New York, N. J.... 13,560 

West Orange. N. J 10,980 

Wheeling, W. Va 41,641 

White Plains, N. Y 15,949 

Wichita, Kan 52.450 

Wilkes Barre, Pa 67,105 

Wilkinsburg, Pa 18,924 

Williamsport, Pa 31,860 

Willimantic, Conn 11,230 

Wilmington, Del 87,411 

Wilmington, N. C 25,748 

Winona, Minn 18,583 

Winston Salem, N. C 22,700 

Winthrop, Mass 10,132 

Woburn, Mass 15,308 

Woonsocket, R. 1 38,125 

Worcester, Mass 145,986 

Yonkers, N. Y 79.803 

York, Pa 44,750 

Youngstown, Ohio 79,066 

Zanesville, Ohio 28,026 


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